United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Thursday (November 13) urged all political parties that supported the July Uprising to remain united to ensure a fair election in February, warning that any discord could push the nation into grave danger. “The unity the people built in the face of death must not be diminished by minor disagreements or conflict,” he said in an address to the nation in the afternoon. He said the country’s people had been deprived of their rights to vote for nearly one and a half decades and are now eager to exercise that in the upcoming election. “We must honour the sacrifices of 133 children, hundreds of young men and women and thousands who were injured or lost limbs,” he said. Referendum, national election together in Feb: Prof Yunus “The people of this country only wish that in respect for the countless victims, we show tolerance toward different opinions, rise above partisan interests and uphold our collective aspirations and national goals,” Prof Yunus added. He expressed the hope that political parties would accept the decision on July Charter implementation in the broader national interest, paving the way for a festive and inclusive national election. “Through this, we will step into a new Bangladesh. We are now at the threshold of building that new nation,” Yunus said. Read more: Chief Adviser breached signed July Charter, says Salahuddin

In Fatullah of Narayanganj Sadar, a truck lost control on Monday and part of it fell from an overpass on the Narayanganj-Dhaka Link Road. A rickshaw driver, who was not involved in the accident, was killed. The rickshaw driver was identified as Mohar Uddin, 35. The accident occurred around noon at Bhui Ghar area in Sadar upazila. The truck driver and his assistant managed to flee the scene. Several others who were under the bridge at the time sustained injuries and were rushed to different hospitals for treatment. Eyewitnesses said that the empty truck was traveling from Chashara towards Signboard around 1:30pm during heavy rain. Moving at high speed, the truck lost control near Bhui Ghar bus stand, hit the western side of the overbridge, and fell onto the road below. Mohar Uddin, a rickshaw driver passing nearby, was struck by the broken railing falling off the overpass and seriously injured. Narayanganj blast: 14-year-old girl dies, third victim in family Locals took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, but doctors declared him dead around 3:30pm. Faruk Ahmed, officer-in-charge of the DMC police post, confirmed Mohar Uddin’s death. Md Hasinuzzaman , Additional Superintendent of Police of Narayanganj, said, “No other injuries have been reported so far. The truck has been removed from the road. Police are searching for the truck driver and his assistant, and an investigation is underway.”

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to deliver his speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday night (Bangladesh time), outlining Bangladesh’s positions and priorities in the context of complex and interconnected global challenges, Bangladesh’s democratic transition and the crucial February election. The chief adviser will address at the General Debate of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly between 9pm to 1am (Bangladesh time), Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. His address will be broacast live on BTV, BTV News and Bangladesh Betar. The chief adviser's turn is expected to come at around 11:30am (NY time Friday), a senior official told UNB. Prof Yunus will convey Bangladesh’s commitment to holding a 'free, fair, peaceful and credible' election in the first half of February next during his upcoming speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “This will be a foundational election for Bangladesh. People will be able to exercise their voting rights peacefully. This message will be conveyed to the international community,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. The global attention is turning to the iconic green marble podium in the General Assembly Hall, where presidents, prime ministers, and monarchs are delivering national statements, setting out visions for peace, development, human rights and collective action amid mounting global challenges. Under the theme Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights, this milestone session is taking place amid rising global challenges and urgent calls for renewed multilateral action. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Prof Yunus, in his speech, is expected to highlight the activities of the last year and the interim government’s commitment to true democracy through reforms and elections scheduled for February next year. He is expected to address a wide range of pressing global issues, including peacekeeping, climate change and climate justice, the Sustainable Development Goals, illicit financial flows, safe migration and migrant rights, sustainable technology transfer in the age of artificial intelligence, as well as a call for ceasefire and permanent peace in Palestine. Prof Yunus seeks Dutch cooperation in water management, ocean research Prof Yunus began the UNGA tour on September 22. The foreign adviser said this year’s UN General Assembly (UNGA) holds special significance for Bangladesh. On September 30, the UN will, for the first time, host a high-level conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar. The decision stems from a proposal made last year by Prof Yunus, which received unanimous support from UN member states. In preparation for the conference, Bangladesh organised the first-ever “Partners’ Dialogue” in Cox’s Bazar last month, bringing together international partners and Rohingya representatives. “This unprecedented high-level meeting, combined with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ visit to Bangladesh earlier this year, demonstrates that despite multiple global crises, the Rohingya issue remains firmly on the international agenda,” Foreign Adviser Hossain said. “This UNGA session offers Bangladesh a vital opportunity to present its reform process, democratic transition, and national priorities to the international community,” Hossain said. In his speech, the chief adviser is expected to focus on three key areas—reform, justice, and elections—highlighting initiatives taken over the past 14 months and the challenges faced in advancing the democratic process. “Prof Yunus also has some personal messages for global leaders, which he will share, addressing broader geopolitical and global issues,” the press secretary said. The Rohingya crisis will also feature prominently in his address, as he seeks stronger global support for a sustainable solution.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said Bangladesh’s interim government is committed to holding elections on schedule, refusing to delay the vote for any demands. Speaking with a delegation from the International Crisis Group led by Dr. Comfort Ero, Professor Yunus confirmed that the government has set two possible timelines for the elections. He assured the group the dates would not change. Yunus explained that if political parties seek a limited number of reforms prior to elections, then the elections will be held in December. If a larger reform package is desired, then elections will take place by June next year. “We have no reason to change the election dates,” he added, emphasising that the upcoming elections will be free and fair. Regarding the Awami League,  Yunus stated that the interim Government has no plan to ban the party, but individuals within its leadership accused of crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, will be tried in Bangladesh's courts.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is set to depart Davos for Dhaka on Friday night (Switzerland time) via Zurich International Airport, concluding his busy four-day schedule at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting, which included 47 formal engagements. Dr Yunus had four meetings with Heads of Government/State, four meetings with Minister-level dignitaries and ten meetings with heads/top executives of UN or similar organizations, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB on Friday evening. The Chief Adviser had ten meetings with CEOs/high-level business persons, attended nine WEF-hosted programs and four formal dinner and lunch events. Dr Yunus also had eight media engagements on the sidelines of the WEF annual meeting in addition to joining two other events. Saudi firm interested to transform Matarbari into regional mega port Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam will see him off at the Zurich International Airport on Friday night (Switzerland time). Dr Yunus will reach Dhaka Saturday evening (January 25 Dhaka time). Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs (Senior Secretary) Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Secretary (West) M Riaz Hamidullah, among others, accompanied Dr Yunus. Dr Yunus arrived in Zurich, Switzerland on Tuesday afternoon to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. The annual meeting brought together world leaders to address key global and regional challenges. These included responding to geopolitical shocks, stimulating growth to improve living standards, and stewarding just and inclusive energy transition. WTO to support Bangladesh's LDC graduation, its DG tells Dr Yunus  This year's meeting convened under the theme 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age' and the programme will be oriented around five distinct but highly interconnected thematic priorities: Some 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, and 350 governmental leaders, including 60 heads of states and governments, from all key regions attended the event.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday urged Meta to step up efforts to tackle misinformation and fake news being spread through Facebook in Bangladesh. Dr Yunus said "oligarchs and politicians" linked to the "toppled dictatorship of Sheikh Hasina" siphoned off tens of billions of dollars from Bangladesh during her 15 years of rule. "These people are now spending their fortune to spread lies and misinformation about Bangladesh," the Chief Adviser told Sir Nick Clegg, the head of global affairs at Meta, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in the Swiss city. DP World, Maersk eye major investments in Bangladesh ports Clegg is also a former deputy prime minister of the United Kingdom. Probir Mehta, Director of Policy Planning of Meta; Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator; and Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Bangladesh's Permanent Representative in Geneva, also joined the meeting. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented, virtual and mixed reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. Clegg said Facebook would continue to do fact-checking and digital verification in Bangladesh as it is an important country, with its population the world's eighth largest, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Meta's decision to stop fact-checking in the United States would not be applicable for Bangladesh and countries in Europe, he said. Switzerland reaffirms support to Bangladesh during important phase of transition He said Facebook would likely scale up its digital verification service in Bangladesh and would explore ways to do fact checking by users -- similar to the operation of Wikipedia. During the half-an-hour-long meeting, Clegg also offered Meta's expertise in drafting a new cybersecurity laws. "We have a lot of experience here," he said. The Meta global affairs chief said Llama, the company's recently launched open-sourced large language model AI, could help revolutionise health care, farming and education. He hoped it would be popular among the users in Bangladesh. Prof Yunus asked Meta to organise month-long training programs on Llama in Bangladesh. "It will open up new opportunities for Bangladesh's young people," he said.

Munich Security Conference Chairman Ambassador Christoph Heusgen on Tuesday invited Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to join the key annual security conclave to be held in the German city of Munich in February this year. Heusgen extended the invitation to Dr Yunus when he met Bangladesh Chief Adviser on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in the Swiss city. Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser and Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator, also joined the meeting. The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) will take place from February 14 to 16, 2025, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich. The MSC 2025 will once again offer an unparalleled platform for high-level debates on the key foreign and security policy challenges of time. Will support you, German Chancellor tells Dr Yunus on Bangladesh's transition to democracy The MSC 2025 comes at a pivotal moment of change: a new US administration takes office in January, a new cycle of European legislature in Brussels and German parliamentary elections follow just one week after the conference, said the organisers. During the meeting, the two dignitaries -- Dr Yunus and Heusgen -- discussed the July uprising, Bangladesh's relationship with its neighbours, the Rohingya crisis and the online misinformation campaign. Ambassador Heusgen said that online platforms such as Facebook are used to spread fake news and misinformation about Bangladesh. He suggested that Bangladesh can emulate European nations' example to enact a law requiring online platforms to fact-check contents. After an opening by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on February 14, hundreds of decision-makers and opinion leaders from different regions of the world will discuss the world's security policy challenges under the chairmanship of Christoph Heusgen. Dhaka, Beijing discuss economic partnership expansion The conference’s main program will start with a focus on global security challenges, including global governance, democratic resilience, climate security, and many more topics. Debates will take place on the state of the international order as well as regional conflicts and crises. The future of the transatlantic partnership will also be a focus of the second day of the conference. On Sunday, the conference will wrap up with discussions on Europe’s role in the world. The MSC 2025 will once again serve as a marketplace for ideas and create space for as many relevant and consequential debates as possible. As in previous years, the conference’s program consists of three parts: the main program curated by the MSC, around 200 official side events, and dozens of public outreach events. Home Adviser urges US to rehabilitate more Rohingyas The day before the conference, the Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Germany, Jörg Kukies, will bring together ministers and high representatives from international institutions for the 4th No Money for Terror Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing. At the end of the third and last conference day, Jens Stoltenberg will succeed Christoph Heusgen as the new Chair of the MSC.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday announced the formation of a "Charter of New Bangladesh" based on national unity through dialogues. "We want to prepare a charter of the mass uprising, which will be the charter of new Bangladesh. It will be based on unity. There will be elections; there will be all but we should not move from the charter," he said at an event at his office in the capital. Four commissions -- Constitutional Reform Commission, Electoral System Reform Commission, Police Administration Reform Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reform Commission-- submitted their reports to Chief Adviser at the event. Prof Yunus said the charter will be a national commitment, not any partisan commitment, while all parties will sign up on it. "It will be a charter of Bengali nation and we will move forward bearing it in our hearts," he added. Interim Govt to hold all-party conference over July Proclamation tomorrow Noting that the charter will be an important document, the chief adviser said the elections would be a part of the charter. The polls will be held based on unity, otherwise the charter will get lost. Describing the report submission ceremony as a historical moment, he said today's event will remain as a part of history. Mentioning that the nation reincarnated of ruins, the chief adviser said today's programme is an integral part of that history. "This is not isolated reports. The reports that we have taken up today are certainly a big exercise for our country. None will deny that," he added. "The vision of a new Bangladesh that we aspired to build rested on your shoulders (members of the commission). You have drafted the framework for those dreams, marking the beginning of a new chapter," Prof Yunus said pointing at the members of the reform commissions. In his concluding speech, the chief adviser stressed removing overlapping and repetitions in the reports of the reform commissions so that clear reports could be presented before the nation. Bangladesh's ties with major powers not govt-specific: Foreign Adviser Urging all to maintain the spirit of the July revolution, he said: "Our emergence was from it (mass uprising)...justification is that we are the part of it. We should not forget it." Prof Yunus underscored for the need for building the national unity to fulfill the aspirations and dreams of the country's people. The chiefs of the four reform commissions handed over their reports to the chief adviser.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday asked the authorities to resolve the land rights issue of the Korean Export Processing Zone by early next month and bring all the investment promotion agencies under one umbrella to attract more foreign investment to the country. The Chief Adviser gave the instruction when Kihak Sung, the chairman of the Youngone Corporation, and several other top foreign investors met him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. Kihak Sung, whose South Korean company is the largest exporter from Bangladesh, raised several issues that he believed were discouraging FDI in Bangladesh and urged the Chief Adviser to improve the conditions for large-scale investment in the country. The Chief Adviser told Sung that the land issue of the Korean EPZ, which acted as a key deterrent to FDI in the industrial park, would be solved by February 6. "We want the Korean EPZ to be the model for everyone in Bangladesh. We hope it will attract big investments and create a lot of jobs," the Chief Adviser said. Govt demands clarification from UN on Rohingya exodus report Kihak Sung appreciated the Interim Government's fast-tracked move to resolve the long-standing issues involving the KEPZ. He said more Korean investors would now be keen to invest in Bangladesh. "It will open the doors for other investors. The KEPZ surely will be a model for the investors," he said. The Youngone Corporation chairman also urged the government for expedited shipments through the Chittagong Port, saying slow turnaround time in the country's largest port was largely to blame for the lack of high-end and fashion clothing orders from top global brands. Fashion clothing needs very quick exports, possibly in 10-15 days, he said, adding that Bangladesh does not have high-end fashion orders because sometimes it takes months to ship the orders. He cited the example of Vietnam, as to how the Southeast Asian nation, where he invested hugely in recent years, took moves to expedite exports. Prof Yunus said he has asked the authorities to make port operations efficient. He said Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi is working on a series of plans to make Chittagong a top port in the region. Kihak Sung and British investor Mohammed A Matin spoke for the need to bring all the investment promotion agencies under one umbrella, saying it will offer efficient one-stop services to foreign investors. The Chief Adviser said he has asked the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority chief, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, to bring all five investment agencies under one office. Ashik said the five different agencies for investment promotion were a legacy of the inept and corrupt governments in recent decades. He said the BIDA has undertaken a move to bring the agencies under one umbrella. Bangladesh seeks balanced trade with Malaysia: Commerce Adviser Sung said Youngone was building one of the world's largest textile institutes in the country, which will train thousands of young Bangladeshis every year. He invited Professor Yunus to join the opening ceremony to be held within three months. Matin has called for streamlining labour laws and introducing a net metering system for solar panels set up in the export processing zones. He also said due to discriminatory policy, investors in EPZ pay at least 26 percent taxes on the import of solar panels. The Chief Adviser said the Interim Government has moved to carry out vital labour reforms and said his special envoy, Lutfey Siddiqi, was working on the issue. He also said the government would likely introduce green channels in the Chittagong Port to fast-track exports from the country. "We need clarity. We need it simple," Kihak Sung said, referring to the labour laws. Javier Carlos Santonja Olcina, the country head of clothing giant Inditex, praised the efforts of the Interim Government to conduct vital business reforms and ease the conditions for doing business in Bangladesh. "I am really impressed. This is the new Bangladesh we need," he said, adding he hoped the country's exports would increase substantially this year. Paul Anthony Warren, Director of Dewhirst, which operates several garment factories in Bangladesh, also attended the meeting.

The UK-Bangladesh Catalysts of Commerce and Industry (UKBCCI), a prominent organisation representing British-Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, has expressed its intention to expand business operations and investments in Bangladesh. A 22-member UKBCCI business delegation met the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) on Saturday, urging the creation of an investment-friendly environment to attract more British investors and boost economic growth. The delegation, led by UKBCCI Chairman Iqbal Ahmed OBE, is visiting Bangladesh to enhance bilateral relations and explore business opportunities. The delegation includes key figures such as British MP Dr Rupa Huq, UKBCCI President MG Moula Miah MBE, founder President Bajloor Rashid MBE, and other prominent business leaders and professionals. CA Dr Yunus assures UK MP of free, fair polls in Bangladesh Chairman of BIDA, Ashiq Mahmud bin Haroon, presided over the event. BIDA Managing Director Gazi AKM Fazlul Haque and Secretary Dr Dewan Chowdhury were also present. British MP Dr Rupa Huq emphasized the immense investment potential in Bangladesh, particularly in sectors like energy, railways, telecommunications, IT, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, education and ready-made garments (RMG). She highlighted that the country is now one of the most profitable destinations for foreign investment and urged Bangladeshi authorities to streamline investment procedures and provide comprehensive facilities to attract foreign investors. “The special economic zones and hi-tech parks in Bangladesh offer tremendous opportunities for both local and foreign investors,” said Dr Huq. She also mentioned the UK’s strong trade and economic ties with Bangladesh and noted the active participation of British companies in sectors such as agriculture, garments, and pharmaceuticals. UKBCCI Chair Iqbal Ahmed expressed the organization’s interest in exploring opportunities in ICT, garments, infrastructure, engineering, logistics, tourism, financial services, and other sectors. He stressed the importance of collaboration to foster prosperity for both nations. CA's special envoy urges British entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh Founder President Bajloor Rashid shared insights on the positive feedback received during the delegation’s discussions with leaders from public and private sectors, including BIDA officials and business bodies. The delegation praised the efforts of the Bangladeshi government in creating investment-friendly economic zones and reiterated their commitment to enhancing cooperation between the two nations to drive mutual growth and development.