United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called on the youth  around the world to be more visionary and courageous in transforming their dreams into reality, emphasising their power to create meaningful change in society. He made the call during a meeting with a delegation of young political activists from Sweden and Norway at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday. “People say youth is the future, I say youth is the present,” Prof Yunus told the visiting group.  “The world is changing fast, and today’s youth are not the same as previous generations. Your upbringing and access to technology make you a different kind of human being, almost a superhuman. All you need to do is ask yourself, ‘What kind of world do I want to create?’ Then commit to it, you have the tools to make it happen," the Chief Adviser said. Machado dared to imagine a better world, worked tirelessly: Prof Yunus Led by ambassador Nicolas Weeks of Sweden and Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen of Norway, the delegation featured young political leaders from diverse parties, including Alice Landerholm (Moderate Youth Party), Arian Twana (Social Democratic Youth Party), Anton Holmlund (Liberal Youth Party), Dexter Krokstedt (Sweden Democrats Youth), Hanna Lindqvist (Green Youth Party), and Max Pelin (Christian Democratic Youth Party) from Sweden, and Oda Røhme Sivertsen (Young Conservatives), Lars Mikael Barstad Løvold (Progress Party Youth), and Syver Kleve Kolstad (Red Youth) from Norway. They were accompanied by UNDP representatives Stefan Liller (Resident Representative, Bangladesh), Caroline Aberg (Deputy Director, Nordic Representation Office), Kirtijai Pahari (Strategic Communications and External Relations Specialist), and Emilie Andresen (Communications Analyst), said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Sunday. 

Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Siegfried Renggli on Saturday emphasised the need for an inclusive and participatory reform process to ensure sustainable progress in the country. He said Switzerland stands with Bangladesh in strengthening the social contract between the State and its citizens by supporting a credible and independent Human Rights Commission that protects rights, builds trust and promotes justice for all. The government of Bangladesh took a significant step towards strengthening human rights protection by presenting the Draft National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025 at the sixth consultation with Human Rights Defenders, victims, civil society and minority community leaders held in Dhaka. The event was convened by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) Project, generously made possible by the Embassy of Switzerland. The consultation aimed to ensure the new NHRC will respond to the needs of Bangladeshis and is aligned with the Paris Principles, ensuring the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) becomes more independent, credible, inclusive and trusted. This reform initiative reflects the government’s commitment to replacing the NHRC Act 2009 through a nationwide participatory process that has engaged civil society, legal experts, youth, marginalised communities and human rights defenders. The consultation was inaugurated by Dr. Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, and brought together senior government officials, members of the judiciary, legal professionals, academics, development partners, and human rights advocates to review and discuss the draft ordinance. In his remarks, Dr Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, emphasised, “Legal clarity and public trust are the pillars of a credible NHRC. This reform is an opportunity to establish a strong institution.” Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, applauded the draft, stating, “This is our opportunity to establish a Human Rights Commission that is truly committed, equipped to address complex challenges, and capable of ensuring that every citizen’s rights, including those of environmental defenders, are protected and respected.” Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, added, “Through this collective reform, it is imperative that we establish the Commission before the elections, so that every citizen is safeguarded and no one is left vulnerable to human rights violations.” Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, reaffirmed UNDP’s longstanding support for human rights and governance, noting, “We commend this Government–civil society collaboration, which has stood out as the most comprehensive consultation process ever undertaken on the National Human Rights Commission in Bangladesh, led by the Ministry, supported by UNDP and guided by openness and a strong spirit of partnership.” Anders B. Karlsen, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Denmark, emphasised the importance of institutional independence, “Ensuring the NHRC’s autonomy and strong human rights institutions are essential for it to function effectively. We encourage all stakeholders to continue working together to translate this draft into a stronger, more accountable institution.” The keynote presentation on the NHRC Draft Ordinance 2025 was delivered by Barrister Tanim Hussain Shawon, Special Consultant to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Among other distinguished guests, Md Asaduzzaman, Attorney General for Bangladesh, was present at the inauguration. Throughout the day, panel discussions explored key themes including mandate and independence, pluralism, accessibility, and institutional effectiveness. Renowned experts such as Barrister Sara Hossain, Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Dr. Iftekharuzzaman offered critical insights on ensuring the Commission’s long-term credibility and compliance with international standards. The consultation concluded with a summary of recommendations presented by S. M. Shafaet Hossen, Joint Secretary, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. This national consultation marks the end of the consultation series that followed the five regional consultations held in Sylhet, Khulna, Cox’s Bazar, Rajshahi and Rangpur, which engaged more than 500 participants, including human rights defenders, women’s rights groups, indigenous and disability rights organizations, victims and families of enforced disappearances, youth organizations, human rights advocates and journalists covering human rights issues. This reform process is part of a broader national effort to strengthen human rights governance and institutional accountability in Bangladesh, supported under UNDP’s SIPS project and co-funded by the Embassy of Switzerland.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled leave for Rome, the capital city of Italy, on Sunday morning to join the 2025 World Food Forum (WFF) that began on October 10 and runs through October 17, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization at its headquarters. In addition to attending the WFF, the Chief Adviser is expected to have a number of high-profile meetings, including a meeting with FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB on Sunday. The theme for the week-long event is ‘Hand in Hand for better foods and a better future’, and it focuses on three pillars: Global Youth Action, Science and Innovation, and Hand-In-Hand Investment. A commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourages will leave from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) around 11.30 am. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to return home on Wednesday morning. Prof Yunus will deliver a speech as an invited guest at the main session of the WFF. The World Food Forum (WFF) is an open and inclusive global platform established by the Youth Committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2021 to drive the transformation of agrifood systems through the power of youth, science and innovation, and investment. It brings together stakeholders of all ages and sectors to turn ideas into action, scale solutions and foster meaningful partnerships that accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Friday inaugurated ‘From Seeds to Foods’, the first global exhibition tracing the evolution of agrifood systems – from the origins of agriculture to today’s innovations. Led by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, the high-level opening ceremony took place within the Park of Porta Capena, directly opposite FAO headquarters, and officially marked the beginning of the Organization’s 80th Anniversary celebrations. “Every food journey begins with something small: a seed, a seedling, a fingerling, breeding stock, or genetic material,” the FAO Director-General said in his opening remarks. From these humble beginnings grow the amazing diversity of foods that nourish and connect us all," he added. Qu also emphasised that food is not only about science or biology – it is about people.  “Farmers, fishers, herders, scientists, youths and women – the millions of hands and minds that make food possible every single day," he said. The ceremony was attended by King Letsie III of Lesotho, Indonesia’s Minister for National Development Planning Rachmat Pambudy, Rome’s Councillor for Agriculture, Environment and Waste Management, Sabrina Alfonsi and Italy’s Permanent Representative to the UN Organizations in Rome, Ambassador Bruno Archi, who spoke on behalf of Italy’s Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, Francesco Lollobrigida.  Describing the exhibition as both timely and deeply relevant, King Letsie III said, “It offers a unique platform for nations to showcase their agricultural heritage, achievements and aspirations. It reminds us that the journey of food, from the tiniest seed planted by a farmer's hand to the diverse and nutritious meals served on family tables around the world, is the story of human survival, resilience and innovation.” Noting that the exhibition is ‘very close to our hearts’, Minister Pambudy said, “Behind every grain of rice or piece of fruit are the hands of farmers, both men and women, young and old, and they deserve not only praise but also respect, justice, and recognition for their hard work in growing our food.” Rome is hosting with “great pride” the exhibition which is part of the long standing collaboration between the city and FAO, Councillor Alfonsi said, adding, "If we want to fight the inequalities of the world, we can only do so by starting from the seeds — and the seeds of all." Ambassador Archi said, “Seeds are the beginning of everything — both literally and metaphorically. This exhibition is a true library of biodiversity that we must safeguard and protect,” he said. A ceremonial ribbon cutting marked the official opening of the exhibition, followed by a guided tour through the regional and innovation pavilions. The cultural segment featured a live performance by Guatemalan artist Sara Curruchich, main singer of the 2025 World Food Forum, and a culinary showcase by Italian Chef and FAO Food Hero Max Mariola. Transforming the Park of Porta Capena into a living open-air gallery, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey that begins at the ‘Introductory Pavilion – Where the Journey Begins’, continues through six regional pavilions curated by FAO’s Regional Offices, passing through a ‘Main Stage’ —for dialogue, exchange and performances and culminating with a culinary area including ‘Foods of the World’. Exhibits highlight both traditional practices and cutting-edge technologies — from a replica of the Svalbard Seed Vault to hydroponics greenhouses, agricultural drones, satellite systems, and even dogs trained to detect plant diseases. The exhibition’s ‘Monumental Tree Pathway’ — a wooden walkway built with reclaimed pinewood to protect the roots of centuries-old trees — will remain as a symbolic legacy, donated to the City of Rome. Throughout the four-day event, the ‘Main Stage’ will host workshops, talks and performances celebrating agricultural heritage, innovation and culture including — the Angklung Orchestra of Indonesia and a tribute to Ceres by the Cerealia Festival. Held within the framework of the fifth edition of the World Food Forum and leading up to World Food Day 2025 on 16 October, ‘From Seeds to Foods’ marks a milestone in FAO’s 80-year journey to end hunger and malnutrition, and to promote the Four Betters - Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better Life - leaving no one behind.

Indian business community has said Bangladesh is proving to be a ‘good manufacturing hub’ for many of the international players, including players from India and described the current situation in Bangladesh as a ‘temporary phase’ when the business is to some extent ‘not as great as it used to be earlier’. The business leaders said they have always treated Bangladesh as their ‘trusted and tested’ partner and from the India side, the sentiment is still positive. “So, regime change in Bangladesh initially was a wait and watch situation. We always respect the glorious tradition between the two countries,” said Durgesh Buxy, Associate Vice President and Head (International Business) at Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited, hoping for further momentum once the situation settles down in Bangladesh. Durgesh Buxy, who brings experience from previous roles at Bajaj Electricals Ltd, Orient Electric and Raymond Limited, made the remarks during an interaction with the delegation of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mumbai.

Secretary (Bilateral) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md Nazrul Islam has emphasised Bangladesh’s commitment to shaping a partnership with the European Union that supports its development aspirations, strengthens multilateral cooperation and recognises the country’s unique socioeconomic context. On the other hand, Paola Pampaloni, Managing Director (acting) at the European External Action Service, the European Union’s diplomatic wing, underlined the EU’s interest in deepening engagement with Bangladesh as a strategic partner in South Asia, commending the spirit of cooperation and progress demonstrated by both sides throughout the negotiation process. They led the delegations of Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) at the third round of negotiations on a proposed Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Bangladesh and the EU, held virtually on October 9-10. The PCA is aimed at establishing a “comprehensive framework” to strengthen bilateral relations and it will cover areas including trade, investment, governance, human rights, climate action, and sustainable development, a senior official told UNB. Once finalised, the PCA will serve as a comprehensive legal framework to guide future Bangladesh-EU relations, marking a significant milestone as Bangladesh moves toward becoming the first South Asian country to sign a PCA with the EU. During the discussion, both delegations reaffirmed their shared vision for a comprehensive, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement, which reflects the evolving priorities of the Bangladesh-EU relationship and addresses emerging global challenges. Relevant officials representing various Ministries, Divisions and Agencies of the Government of Bangladesh took part in the negotiations, joining both physically and virtually. The third round focused on advancing discussions across key thematic areas of mutual interest, including political cooperation, governance, human rights, trade and investment, climate change, connectivity, digital cooperation, education, migration, counter-terrorism, peace and security and sustainable development. The two sides engaged in constructive dialogue to narrow gaps and align positions on several provisions of the draft agreement. The two parties agreed to continue working intensively, with the objective of concluding the PCA negotiations at the earliest, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The fourth round is expected to be hosted by Dhaka at a mutually convenient date. In 2024, Bangladesh was the EU's 36th largest trading partner (accounting for 0.4% of the EU's total trade in goods), while the EU was Bangladesh's largest trading partner. Ambassador Miller reaffirms EU’s unequivocal opposition to death penalty Total trade in goods between the EU and Bangladesh amounted to €22.2 billion in 2024 (with a deficit for the EU of €17.5 billion). The EU's imports from Bangladesh are dominated by textiles, accounting for almost 94% of the EU's total imports from Bangladesh in 2024. The EU's exports mainly consist of machinery and appliances (35%) and chemical products (23%). Total trade in services between the EU and Bangladesh amounted to €2 billion in 2023 (a surplus for the EU of €0.8 billion). Total trade in goods and services between the EU and Bangladesh amounted to €23.9 billion in 2023. Bangladesh is the largest beneficiary under the EU's Everything But Arms (EBA) arrangements, with €17.1 billion in exports benefitting from these preferences in 2023 - amid a 91% utilisation rate. In 2023, the EU's foreign direct investment (FDI) stock amounted to €2.1 billion and Bangladesh's FDI in the EU was €95 million.    

A total of 309 irregular Bangladeshi migrants have returned home from Libya under a joint initiative by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Tripoli, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, with support from the Libyan government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). They were brought back to Bangladesh on Friday via a chartered flight, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most of the returnees had entered Libya after falling prey to human traffickers who lured them with promises of illegal migration to Europe through the Mediterranean route. Many of them were subjected to abduction and torture by traffickers at different times while in Libya. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other relevant government agencies, and IOM welcomed the returnees at the airport. The ministry urged them to share their experiences to raise public awareness about the dangers of illegal migration. Each returnee received food supplies and basic medical assistance from IOM. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and IOM are continuing coordinated efforts to ensure the safe repatriation of other Bangladeshis detained in various Libyan detention centers.  

Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, who was released by Israeli authorities on Friday after joining a Free Palestine campaign, is expected to arrive in Dhaka at 4:55 am on Saturday. Earlier in the day, Shahidul Alam reached Istanbul on a Turkish Airlines flight around 2:30 pm local time, where he was received by Bangladesh Consul General in Istanbul Mohammad Mizanur Rahman. Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkey Md Amanur Rahman said Shahidul Alam’s return flight to Dhaka was scheduled to depart Istanbul at 6:45 pm local time on Friday, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Shahidul Alam arrives in Turkey after release from Israel captivity Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his cooperation in facilitating Shahidul Alam’s release and safe repatriation from Israel, he said. Following Shahidul Alam’s detention by Israeli authorities, Bangladesh embassies in Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey were instructed to engage with the respective foreign ministries and take immediate diplomatic measures to secure his release.  

Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Friday reaffirmed the EU’s unequivocal opposition to the death penalty in all cases and under all circumstances. “More than two-thirds of countries worldwide have abolished the death penalty in law or in practice, showing that justice and human dignity can prevail," he said while speaking at a photo exhibition. Evidence shows that the application of the death penalty does not act as a deterrent to crime, said Ambassador Miller, observing that it can risk, however, the execution of innocent people, as this exhibition well illustrates. The Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Dhaka and Drik Picture Library, hosted the thought-provoking photo exhibition titled ‘Living on Death Row: How People and Families in Bangladesh Cope with Long-term Solitary Confinement’ to mark the European and World Day Against the Death Penalty.

Efforts are underway to free Bangladeshi journalist and writer Shahidul Alam, who has been in an ‘Israeli prison’, with the help of Turkey, according to a Facebook post shared on the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Friday. Turkish authorities have expressed hope that Shahidul Alam may be flown to Ankara on a special aircraft later today (Friday), although they have not provided full assurance, read the post quoting Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Turkey Amanul Haque. He informed the authorities concerned on Thursday night. Following Shahidul’ s illegal detention by Israeli authorities, Bangladesh embassies in Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey have been instructed to work with local foreign ministries for his immediate release and remain in constant contact with relevant authorities. Arundhati Roy among family, friends demanding release of Shahidul Alam, others In a video message circulating on social media on Wednesday, renowned photographer Shahidul claimed that he has been ‘kidnapped by the Occupation Forces of Israel’ while travelling by sea in their flotilla heading towards Gaza. Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), an international network of pro-Palestinian activist groups that organised civilian maritime missions, said that the Israeli forces attacked its convoy of aid boats and seized several vessels en route to Gaza. According to the FFC, Israeli forces first targeted The Conscience -- a vessel carrying 93 journalists, doctors, and activists before intercepting three smaller boats on Wednesday. Press Secretary demands release of Shahidul Alam, others Israel and Hamas on Thursday made a ceasefire deal through the intervention of US President Donald Trump, who credited Egypt, Qatar and Turkey for their initiatives to end the prolonged war between Israel and Hamas.

Germany has made its highest-ever contribution to tackling climate change and supporting vulnerable countries like Bangladesh, according to the latest figures reported to the European Commission for 2024. Germany’s total contributions last year reached EUR 11.8 billion (USD 13.86 billion), marking a new record in financing global climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Of the total amount, EUR 6.1 billion came directly from the federal budget, with nearly EUR 1.5 billion allocated for conserving natural ecosystems such as forests, peatlands, and oceans. Alongside renewable energy and other climate technologies, these conservation efforts form a vital part of global climate action. For the first time, Germany also mobilised more than EUR 1 billion in private sector funding for climate investment, a milestone in broadening financial participation in environmental initiatives. Bangladesh, identified as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, has already begun benefiting from this support and remains eligible for further assistance in the future. Germany’s Minister for the Environment and Climate Action Carsten Schneider reaffirmed his country’s commitment to international cooperation. More words than action, Salehuddin slams weak global support for climate funds “Germany maintains its spirit of solidarity and stands by its commitments to international cooperation. That is an essential basis for successful negotiations at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belém,” Schneider said. “Climate action can only succeed if countries can be trusted to keep their promises. We are seeing encouraging figures in the mobilisation of private investment. Electricity from wind and solar power is becoming cheaper and therefore needs less support from the public purse. This means that in future we can direct more of our limited public funds towards climate change adaptation. We will be discussing that issue in Belém as well,” he added.