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.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday paid rich tributes to former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away last week. Prof Yunus visited the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, where he placed floral wreaths before a portrait of the late Indian leader. He also wrote a message of condolence in the book opened at the High Commission. Manmohan Singh will be remembered for his contributions to India's economic transformation: Chief Adviser Yunus  Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma welcomed the Chief Adviser at the High Commission in Baridhara at 11:30 am. During a brief conversation with the High Commissioner, Prof Yunus fondly remembered his long-time friend. "How simple he was! How wise he was!" he said. He also noted that Singh had played a pivotal role in transforming India into a global economic powerhouse.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the death of Adviser Hassan Ariff, who passed away on Friday. The Chief Adviser received the news of Hassan Ariff’s death upon his arrival in Dhaka from Dubai late Friday afternoon. In a condolence message, Prof Yunus said, “I am deeply shocked at his sudden demise. Adviser Hassan Ariff was a top lawyer who played a very significant role in the interim government.” He paid tribute to Hassan Ariff’s decades of public service, highlighting his contributions as a former adviser of a caretaker government and attorney general of the country. Adviser AF Hassan Ariff passes away “He will be remembered as a brilliant lawyer and for his legal activism and defending human rights of dissidents, dissenting voices, and the marginalised people of our society,” the Chief Adviser added. Prof Yunus conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Following his arrival, the Chief Adviser visited Labaid Hospital in Dhanmondi to pay his last respects to the late adviser.

Bangladesh celebrated its 54th Victory Day on Monday, marking the nation's birth through the sacrifices of three million martyrs and the resilience of countless mothers and sisters, with various commemorative programmes. President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar, located on the outskirts of the capital, with the sun rising. After placing the wreath, President Shahabuddin stood in solemn silence for a while to pay respects to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War in 1971. During the ceremony, a smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force saluted the president and presented a guard of honour. Besides, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady Dr Rebeka Sultana hosted a reception at Bangabhaban today, marking the Victory Day. The event was attended by a diverse gathering of distinguished guests, including Chief Justice Syed Rafaat Hassan, members of the council of advisers, ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries. In addition, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta placed wreaths at the Jatiya Smritisoudho to honour the country's Freedom Fighters to mark the Victory Day celebrations. Dr Yunus said Victory Day is not only a source of pride but also an “oath day.” President Shahabuddin hosts Victory Day reception at Bangabhaban "The oath is to remain united, protect the sovereignty of the country, and uphold the spirit of the Liberation War," he said in a message on the occasion of Victory Day. Dr Yunus remembered the brave martyrs of the freedom struggle with respect and honoured their sacrifices.

Japan will support Bangladesh's reform agenda, and its investors would continue to stay in Bangladesh to help boost the country's economic developments, outgoing Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori said on Wednesday. The Japanese envoy made the comments during a farewell call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. Ambassador Kiminori praised the leadership of Professor Yunus and added that his government would cement ties with Bangladesh in three pillars of Japanese engagements, which include peace and stability, economic cooperation, and human-to-human interactions. "We'll do our best to support the three pillars," Kiminori said, reiterating Tokyo's "strong support" for the reform initiatives undertaken by the Interim Government in areas including elections. Professor Yunus thanked the outgoing ambassador for their contribution to the Bangladesh-Japan relationship. He also lauded the ties between the two countries. "The relationship has always been very strong," the Chief Adviser said. He called for more Japanese investment in Bangladesh as his government was carrying out vital reforms to attract more foreign direct investment in the country. "The presence of Japanese investors in Bangladesh sends a good message for us," he said. The Japanese envoy said, "not a single Japanese company has withdrawn" from Bangladesh after the Jully-August mass uprising. "They are willing to stay in the country," he said. General amnesty if fake freedom fighters apologise: Farooq-e-Azam He extended an invitation from Nikkei to an annual conference in Japan where the Japanese Prime Minister is expected to speak. He said the Chief Adviser could meet chief executives of top Japanese companies during the conference and invite them to invest in Bangladesh. The Japanese ambassador also appreciated the Chief Adviser's move to hold an international conference on the Rohingya issues, saying Tokyo strongly supports the meeting. The Chief Adviser reiterated his call to create a UN-guaranteed safe zone in Myanmar's western Rakhine state where the displaced communities can temporarily be relocated before they return to their homes once the conflict is over. Lamiya Morshed, principal coordinator on SDG Affairs and a senior secretary of the government, was also present during the meeting.