United News of Bangladesh

The European Union (EU) has said Bangladesh is a ‘key partner’ for the European Union in the Bay of Bengal and wider Indo-Pacific. The Council of the European Union (EU) underlined that the EU and the Indo-Pacific face increasingly complex security challenges. The Council of the EU considers that the EU should continue and further intensify its strategic focus, presence, visibility and actions in the Indo-Pacific with the aim of contributing to their joint stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development, underpinned by the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and international law. The EU will reinforce its role as a reliable actor bringing added value to long-standing relations with all partners in the region. This is especially relevant as the EU has a geographic presence in the Indo-Pacific through its outermost regions and overseas countries and territories. The Council underlined its commitment to a closely coordinated political presence of the EU and Member States in the region. Bangladesh delegation visits Algeria to strengthen cooperation Building on three successful EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Fora (Paris 2022, Stockholm 2023 and Brussels 2024), the Council said it looks forward to the Fourth EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Forum, to be convened by the High Representative in Brussels on November 20-21 November, a senior official told UNB. Those EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Fora constitute a unique platform for strategically interacting with audiences in both regions. They reflect the strong and shared interest of the EU and the Indo-Pacific partners in fostering concrete cooperation, including on a region-to-region basis, enhancing mutual security, prosperity and resilience and laying the foundations for an ever-more ambitious partnership. The EU Embassy in Dhaka has shared their latest policy document – newly issued by 27 Member states at the EU Foreign Affairs Council – which underlines how the European Union and Indo-Pacific are inter-linked and working in partnership on green and digital transition, trade and economic security, and security and defence. Bangladesh on track for ‘peaceful, inclusive’ polls: Prof Yunus tells IRI On October 20, the Council of the EU approved conclusions on the implementation of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific stressing that the EU should further intensify its strategic focus, presence, visibility and actions in the Indo-Pacific with the aim of contributing to our joint stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development, underpinned by the promotion of democracy, rule of law, human rights and international law. The EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which was launched in September 2021, continues to provide a sound framework for EU engagement in a region spanning from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific islands. Important steps have been taken to implement the strategy in the seven key priority areas, both at the EU and member state level, with a particular focus on three core areas of engagement: security and defence challenges, the green and digital transition, and trade and economic security. The Council also reiterated its serious concerns about the current situation in both Afghanistan and Myanmar, and its unwavering commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of the two-State solution. EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Fora constitutes a unique platform for strategically interacting with audiences in both regions, according to the EU. They reflect the strong and shared interest of the EU and the Indo-Pacific partners in fostering concrete cooperation, including on a region-to-region basis, enhancing mutual security, prosperity and resilience and laying the foundations for an ever more ambitious partnership.  

The 'Mother Ilish Conservation Campaign 2025' began across the country on October 4th and will run for 22 days until October 25th. During this period, the harvesting, transport, storage, buying, selling, and exchange of Ilish (Hilsa fish) are completely banned. The Bangladesh Coast Guard has made extensive preparations to protect the mother Ilish. Under the ‘In Aid to Civil Power’ initiative, Bangladesh Navy ships are conducting the 'Mother Ilish Conservation Campaign 2025' in the sea, coastal areas, and internal rivers of the country. They are already patrolling vast seas, coastal regions, and rivers from end to end. Beyond just patrolling, they are raising awareness among fishers through public announcements (mike-ing) and leaflet distribution to protect the mother Ilish. The Problem of Poaching and Unmet Goals Although Bangladeshi fishers adhere to the fishing ban to boost production by anchoring their boats at the ghats (docks), Indian fishers freely fish in the Bay of Bengal. While Bangladesh observes the ban, neighboring India’s territorial waters see unrestricted fishing during that time. Furthermore, Indian fishers often enter Bangladeshi waters and take away Ilish and all other types of fish. Consequently, the government’s ban aimed at increasing marine fish reproduction is not working and is failing to yield the desired results, a loss that is being complained about by the coastal fishers. The Debt Trap (Dadon) Tightens its Grip Coastal fishers are already trapped in the chains of poverty, which forces them to turn to Mahajons (money lenders/wholesalers). Though their profession starts with an advance known as Dadon (loan), the fishers get caught in a vicious cycle. Until the debt is fully repaid, they must supply the Ilish they catch, often risking their lives, to that specific Mahajon at a low price. While this changes the fortune of the wholesaler or Mahajon, the fisher's life remains stuck in the complex web of Dadon. This Dadon system, which harks back to the advance payment scheme British East India Company once used to trap indigo farmers, is now perpetuated by the fish wholesalers and Mahajons. Millions of people on the coast are involved in fishing, and most are caught in this Dadon maze. This system benefits the wholesalers, giving them an opportunity to form new Ilish syndicates. On the other hand, it has brought extreme despair to the fishers. The lives of those who supply the silver Ilish become colorless due to the Dadon trap.

The Depression over Westcentral Bay and adjoining area   moved northwestwards, intensified into a Deep Depression over Westcentral Bay and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal (near lat. 16.9°N and long. 86.0°E), according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Thursday. It was centered at 6am on Thursday about 875 km southwest of Chattogram port, 830 km southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 735 km southwest of Mongla port and 740 km southwest of Payra port, according to third special weather bulletin of the met office. It is likely to move north­ northwestwards direction further. Under its influence, steep pressure gradient persists over North Bay. Gusty or squally weather may affect the maritime ports, the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh, reads the bulletin. Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 km of the depression centre is about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain rough near the Deep Depression centre. Depression weakens into well-marked low: BMD Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal No-3. All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice, so that they can take shelter within a short notice.

A low pressure area is likely to form over northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining area around on august 13, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) updates on Monday morning. Monsoon is less active over Bangladesh and moderate over the North Bay. The axis of monsoon troughs runs through Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal to Assam across northern part of Bangladesh. One of its associated troughs extends up to North Bay. Moreover, the BMD has forecast light to moderate rain at many places in Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions in next 24 hours commencing 9am on Monday. Fresh low pressure area likely over Bay of Bengal on July 24: BMD ”Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions; at a few places over Rajshahi and Chattogram divisions and at one or two places over Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions,” according to the BMD. Day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country.

A low pressure area is likely to form over the North Bay on July 24, according the Bangladesh Meteorological Department(BMD). Monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and moderate over the North Bay, said a Met office bulletin. The axis of monsoon troughs runs through Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal to Assam across Northern part of Bangladesh. One of its associated troughs extends up to the North Bay. Typhoon Wipha disrupts flights, uproots trees across Hong Kong and Southern China Light to moderate rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely at a few places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Barishal, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rajshahi & Khulna divisions with moderately heavy falls at places over Mymensingh, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions.

The low-pressure area over North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh intensified into a well-marked low first, then into a land depression, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) update on Tuesday morning. Currently it lies over Central part of Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining area. The axis of monsoon troughs runs through Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, center of Depression to Assam across central part of Bangladesh. One of its associated troughs extends up to North Bay. Monsoon is active over western part and fairly active elsewhere over Bangladesh and Strong over North Bay, reads it. Meanwhile, a light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at most places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Khulna and Sylhet divisions and at many places over Dhaka, Barishal and Chattogram divisions with moderately heavy to very heavy falls at places over the country in 24 hours commencing 9am on Tuesday, according to the BMD. Low pressure over North Bay: Signal No. 3 hoisted at seaports Day temperature may fall slightly over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions and it may rise slightly elsewhere over the country. Night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. Jashore experienced the highest 143 millimeters of rainfall in the last 24 hours till 6am. The country’s highest temperature 34.5 degree Celsius was recorded in Sylhet over the past 24 hours till 6pm on Monday while the lowest temperature 24 degree Celsius was recorded in Tangail till 6am on Tuesday.

A low-pressure area has formed over the North Bay and adjoining coastal regions of Bangladesh, prompting authorities to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3 at four seaports, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said on Monday. In a special bulletin issued in the morning, the Met Office said the low pressure has resulted in a steep pressure gradient over the North Bay and its adjacent areas. As a result, squally weather is likely to affect the maritime ports, coastal areas and offshore islands of Bangladesh. The BMD has advised the ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra to keep local cautionary signal No. 3 hoisted until further notice. Low pressure area formed over Bay,  heavy rains likely Fishermen and operators of fishing boats and trawlers currently in the North Bay have been advised to proceed with caution and remain close to the coast until further instructions are issued. Meanwhile, the Met Office forecast said light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds may occur at many places over Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, and at several places over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions. Moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur at places across the country, while both day and night temperatures are likely to drop slightly.

Fishermen are set to resume fishing as the 58-day ban on catching, selling and transporting of fish in the Bay of Bengal will end at midnight Wednesday   The fishermen are now busy preparing nets and boats to go to the sea to catch Hilsa fish in different parts of the country.   The government had imposed ban on all types of fishing in the country's marine waters for 58 days from April 15, which will end at midnight on Wednesday.   This year the restriction on fishing in the Bay of Bengal was set for 58 days instead of the previous 65 days, said Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter while speaking at a press briefing, held at the Secretariat in February. Bangladesh imposes seasonal fishing ban to protect marine stocks   She said that the ban on fishing all types of fish, shrimp, crab, lobster and other crustaceans was initially imposed to increase the production of Hilsa and other fish species in the Bay of Bengal.   The 65-day ban which had been in place for many years resulted in a record increase of 12.78% in marine fishery resources, she said.   Due to a lack of coordination with neighboring countries during the ban period fishermen from those countries have been taking advantage of Bangladesh’s fish harvest, said the adviser.   Fishing organisations and fishermen demanded a more coordinated approach to the ban period, she added.   “Following their demand, a technical committee was formed, consisting of experts from the Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, and other stakeholders.   The committee decided to impose a 58-day fishing ban from April 15 to June 11, as this is the breeding period for most commercially important fish in the Bay of Bengal.”  

At least 51 fishermen were injured in an attack by pirates in the Bay of Bengal while fishing on Wednesday night. The injured fishermen managed to return to shore at Patharghata around 8pm on Thursday; 25 hours after the attack as the pirates incapacited the trawlers to delay their return, said Golam Mostafa Chowdhy, president of trawlers Owners’ Association of Patharghata in the district. He said the armed attacks by the pirates left at least 51 fishermen injured with one of them with gun shot. The victims said five fishing trawlers namely FB Tufan-2, FB Madina-1, FB Ma-1, and FB Tarek-1 were fishing near the area between Dhal Char and Hatiya in the Bay when a group of 25-30 masked and armed pirates attacked them. The pirates held the fishermen at gunpoint and looted fish, money in cash and mobile phones worth Tk 2 crore, they alleged. 6 women among 33 fishers rescued from pirates’ den in Sundarbans When the fishermen tried to resist, the pirates beat them and one of them, identified as Belal, was shot with a shotgun, the fishers said. Despite damages, the injured trawlers reached Patharghata on Thursday night. They were taken to Patharghata Upazila Health Complex. The bullet-hit Belal was shifted to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for better treatment. The identities of the pirates remain unknown. 50 pirates surrender with firearms in Ctg Mohammad Roknuzzaman Khan, UNO) of Patharghata, said they were aware of the robbery in the Bay. He said arrangements were made for the treatment of the injured fishermen and efforts were on to identify the pirates.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter on Monday said the restriction on fishing in the Bay of Bengal will now be for 58 days instead of the previous 65 days. “This year the ban will be shortened to 58 days from April 15 to June 11, the adviser said while speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Monday. Govt to export 11,000 tonnes of hilsa to KSA, UAE She said that the ban on fishing all types of fish, shrimp, crab, lobster and other crustaceans was initially imposed to increase the production of Hilsa and other fish species in the Bay of Bengal. The 65-day ban which had been in place for many years resulted in a record increase of 12.78% in marine fishery resources, she said. Due to a lack of coordination with neighboring countries during the ban period fishermen from those countries have been taking advantage of Bangladesh’s fish harvest, said the adviser. Fishing organisations and fishermen demanded a more coordinated approach to the ban period, she added. “Following their demand, a technical committee was formed, consisting of experts from the Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, and other stakeholders. Meat, eggs and milk to be sold at affordable prices at 25 spots The committee decided to impose a 58-day fishing ban from April 15 to June 11, as this is the breeding period for most commercially important fish in the Bay of Bengal.” Besides, discussions are underway regarding a proposal to impose a fishing ban for 20 days, or up to a month in the Haor region from May 15 to June 14, in order to preserve local fish stocks, added the adviser.