Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to take necessary steps and preparations for holding peaceful elections in the country. Dr Yunus made the directives during a meeting with Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and other officials concerned. Earlier, on March 17, the Chief Adviser had a special meeting with the field-level police officers where the police officers discussed the challenges and advantages they face in their duties. Wednesday's meeting focused on finding solutions to the issues raised by the field-level police. Dr Yunus outlined several immediate measures to improve conditions for police officers, particularly those at the grassroots level. CA Yunus invites Qatari businesses to invest in Bangladesh The key directives included reviewing the risk allowance to consider lifting the current ceiling; procurement of new vehicles, including 364 pickups and 140 prisoner vans for police use: disbursing funds for the completion of ongoing police infrastructure projects that are less than 70% complete; providing funds for acquiring land to replace rented buildings for 65 police stations and exploring interest-free loans to help Sub-Inspectors (SI) and Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI) purchase motorcycles. Election to be free and festive, Dr Yunus tells US Senator The Chief Adviser also emphasised the need for classifying district police based on performance, with efforts directed toward improving the performance of lower-performing units.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on March 28, as Dhaka and Beijing are eyeing stronger ties marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations, officials said Thursday. In separate briefings at Foreign Service Academy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and MoFA Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said Dr Yunus will leave Dhaka for China on March 26 on a four-day visit. “We expect that there will be a bilateral meeting with the Chinese President,” Press Secretary Alam said, adding that the MoFA will share the details in due course of time. Delhi's comments tantamount to interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs: Dhaka   Rafiqul Alam said the bilateral meeting between the two leaders is likely to be held on March 28. He said the Chief Adviser will attend a programme on March 29 at the Peking University and will return to Dhaka at night (same day). As per the plans, the Chief Adviser will first attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 which will be held from March 25 to 28 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. On March 27, Dr Yunus will participate in the inaugural plenary session of the BFA and Executive Vice President of the State Council will meet the Chief Adviser the same day. The Chief Adviser will attend the Independence Day programme before his departure from Dhaka on March 26 (afternoon). UN chief Guterres arrives Thursday with packed schedule On August 25 last year, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen conveyed the Chinese leadership's invitation to Dr Yunus to visit China at his convenience. Dr Yunus will travel to Beijing from China's Hainan Province for bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on March 28. “China and Bangladesh are best friends and trustworthy partners. So, whatever change is taking place internationally or domestically in Bangladesh, our policy remains steadfast,” Ambassador Yao said recently, adding that no matter who forms the government China wants to be their partner and their policy is not related to any particular government. He said they believe their cooperation is for the benefit of all the Bangladeshi people and the people of China as well. BFA Secretary General Zhang Jun said with the theme "Asia in the changing World: Towards a shared Future," this year's event will focus on development, foster dialogue, explore innovative formats and value tangible outcomes, all aimed at promoting international development and cooperation. France reaffirms support to Bangladesh for necessary reforms He said the theme is intended to reinvigorate multilateralism, promote openness and development, jointly respond to global challenges, and carry out the commitments of the UN Summit of the Future while focusing on the development of Asia. Many heads of international and regional organizations, ministerial-level officials, entrepreneurs of Fortune Global 500, and renowned experts and scholars have already confirmed their participation in the annual conference, Zhang said. Global focus on Rohingya crisis to return through UN chief’s visit: Govt He said the event will focus on four subject areas: building trust and promoting cooperation in a fast-changing world; rebalancing globalisation for inclusive development; accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals for more effective responses to global challenges; and strengthening AI application and governance for innovation-driven development.  

Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus on Saturday honoured outstanding women with "Indomitable Women’s Award-2025" for their significant contributions to various fields as part of government initiative to pay due respect and inspire them through recognising their contributions. The award giving ceremony was held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city, marking the International Women’s Day. Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid chaired the event attended by members of the Council of Advisers, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, women leaders and senior government officials. Sharifa Sultana, Halima Begum, Marina Besra, Lipi Begum, Muhin Mohona, players of Bangladesh National Women Cricket team members are among the recipients of the awards. UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis and Prof of Mass Communication and Journalism Prof Gitiara Nasreen spoke as special guests while Senior Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Mamtaj Ahmed, delivered welcome remarks. Dr Yunus stresses women empowerment for a developed Bangladesh A documentary was screened at the event. A powerful and emotional cultural event was also held highlighting July uprising. Earlier, Dr Yunus emphasised that the current interim government is diligently working towards the goal of building a developed Bangladesh by harnessing the potential and skills of women in productive work. "The women of Bangladesh will advance alongside the developed world to realize the vision of a prosperous Bangladesh. This should be our commitment to their development and empowerment," he said in a message marking International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8. This year’s theme is “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment.” Dr Yunus highlighted the achievements of Bangladeshi women, noting that many girls from the country are making their mark on the international stage, gaining recognition beyond national borders. He also pointed out the numerous initiatives undertaken to honor women’s contributions, such as the Indomitable Women’s Award and the Begum Rokeya Padak. CA Dr Yunus Invited to attend World Meeting on Human Fraternity in Vatican City Dr Yunus noted the significant role women played in the mass uprising of July-August last year, where students, workers, and the public rallied for democratic transformation. "Women were at the forefront of this movement," he said. "Many have sacrificed their lives, and I respectfully remember those martyrs and offer my condolences to the July fighters." Dr. Yunus acknowledged that women represent half of the country's population and are making strides across various sectors. The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, he mentioned, is carrying out numerous initiatives to increase women’s participation in all fields, including economic development. These include shelter homes for distressed women, Women’s Support Centers providing legal aid, housing for working women, and microcredit programs designed to foster self-employment and financial independence. These efforts contribute significantly to women’s social security and economic empowerment, he said. International Women's Day, celebrated worldwide, is a day to recognize women’s achievements irrespective of divisions such as national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or political backgrounds. Since its inception, International Women’s Day has evolved into a global event, embraced by women in both developed and developing countries. The movement, reinforced by four United Nations women’s conferences, has helped shape the day into a platform for advocating women’s rights and encouraging their participation in political and economic arenas. Officially recognised by the United Nations in 1977, International Women’s Day traces its roots to the labor movements in North America and Europe at the turn of the twentieth century.  

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has said a fugitive party is making every effort to unsettle Bangladesh. “This risk always exists. A fugitive party has left the country, or its leadership is no longer here. They are making every effort to destabilise the situation. So, this threat is constant—it exists at every moment, in every place. It is always there,” he told BBC Bangla in an interview published on Monday. Dr Yunus said this when the interviewer asked him whether there is any possibility of independence and sovereignty being at risk citing the Army Chief’s recent statement  that Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty could be threatened if everyone cannot work together. Dr Yunus calls for documentation of "atrocities" committed by past regime Replying to another question whether he is referring to the ousted Awami League as the threat, Dr Yunus said, “Absolutely! That is obvious! They are frequently making announcements, giving speeches, addressing the public. We all hear it. People are getting agitated.” “They are making public addresses, calling on people to rise, to take action. They are announcing programs—hartals, protests and so on.” Dr Yunus calls for making int'l conference on Rohingya crisis a big success “How do you think people will interpret this? Do you think everything will settle down peacefully just like that?” asked the Chief Adviser.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will discuss the issues of mutual interest, visa opening, enhancing manpower export; and trade and investment with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as he left for Dubai on Wednesday evening to attend the "World Govern-ments Summit 2025." The Chief Adviser left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Dubai at 7:45pm, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Briefing the media at the Foreign Service Academy, Azad earlier said this will be a brief visit as the Chief Adviser will return home on Friday. Earlier, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mo-hammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum sent an invitation to the Chief Adviser, inviting him to participate in the Summit. Dr Yunus reaffirms commitment to upholding rule of law, welcomes OHCHR report The three-day World Governments Summit convened under the theme 'Shaping Future Governments.' It began on February 11 and brought together governments, international organisations, thought lead-ers and private sector leaders from around the globe to foster international cooperation and identify innovative solutions for future challenges, ultimately inspiring and empowering the next generation of governments. The Summit is seen as a significant platform for Dr Yunus to share his insights on tackling global challeng-es and highlight Bangladesh's stance on key international issues. Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign (MoFA) Mohammad Rafiqul Alam earlier said there is a possibil-ity of bilateral meetings between the Chief Adviser and the heads of state/government of different countries during the visit. Engage with “new Bangladesh”: Dr Yunus to global community He said the two friendly countries, Bangladesh and the UAE, have historically enjoyed good relations. This relationship has gradually consolidated based on economic cooperation and common political in-terests, he said. A large number of Bangladeshi expatriates living in the country are making an important contribution to the economy of Bangladesh by sending remittances, said the Spokesperson. He said bilateral trade in textiles, agricultural products and energy is also growing. Both countries are working together in international platforms such as the UN and the OIC and the UAE government is regularly investing in various important sectors including Bangladesh's infrastructure and health sector.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called upon the international community to engage with the “new Bangladesh” that emanated from the uprising led by the students and youth against an oppressive regime and discrimination. His prerecorded video keynote speech was broadcast at the 48th session of IFAD’s Governing Council (International Fund for Agricultural Development) at IFAD’s headquarters in Rome on Wednesday. While congratulating IFAD for its contribution towards reducing global poverty and inequality, the Chief Adviser recalled IFAD’s four decades of association with Bangladesh, especially in the agriculture and climate sector. Dr Yunus set to leave for Dubai to attend World Governments Summit He appreciated IFAD-supported projects that particularly empower the rural women in Bangladesh. Dr Yunus referred to his concept of ‘Social Business’ as a new dimension to rural development which creates a virtuous cycle where businesses thrive by addressing the needs of the community, thereby fostering long-term development. He drew a parallel between IFAD’s effort and the vision of a “3 Zero” world - zero poverty through non-wealth concentration, zero unemployment and zero net carbon emissions. Dr Yunus called upon the Governing Council of IFAD to invest more in climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable agricultural practices, and renewable energy solutions so that rural communities can thrive in harmony with the environment. He urged the Member States of IFAD to seize opportunities for the most vulnerable and build a better world where no one is left behind. Dr Yunus reaffirms commitment to upholding rule of law, welcomes OHCHR report The Chief Adviser also called on leaders to engage the youth and students who are the future leaders and change-makers. He mentioned that they have the creativity, innovation and passion to make a better world for them all. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed attended the council meeting as governor of the IFAD governing board and represented Bangladesh in the event, according to Economic Relations Division. Dhaka calls for renewed global commitment to financing, technology transfer for inclusive dev

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday conveyed to the US envoy in Dhaka that he has called for “reconciliation” in Bangladeshi society, urging people to “break the cycle of retribution” and to create the grounds for peace and harmony in the country. "We are all children of this country. There should be no place for retribution," he said, adding that he has instructed law enforcement agencies to uphold human rights at any cost during their operations. US Chargé d'affaires to Bangladesh Tracey Ann Jacobson called on the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna and discussed issues of mutual interest and the fallout of the US decision to freeze the work of USAID across the globe. Book Fair: Dr Yunus strongly condemns attack on book stall Prof Yunus and Jacobson also discussed the reform agenda of the interim government, the Rohingya crisis, migration, and the country's law and order situation. He highlighted his recent moves to form a consensus commission and, under its auspices, to inaugurate dialogue with the political parties of the country. "Once we have reached consensus over the reforms, the political parties will sign a July Charter to implement them," Dr Yunus said. Irish Ambassador meets Dr Yunus, Foreign, Info Advisers Envoy Jacobson stressed that elections for a new government should be free, fair, and inclusive. She also enquired about “Operation Devil Hunt”, recently launched by the country's security forces, according to chief adviser’s press wing. Yunus thanked the US administration for continuing humanitarian aid to over one million Rohingya refugees now living in Bangladesh. "The US assistance is the most crucial aid to the Rohingya refugees," he said. He also raised concerns over the US decision to freeze aid to other key projects in Bangladesh, including the life-saving efforts of the ICDDR'B, one of the world's renowned health research institutes. He highlighted the role the ICDDR'B played in reducing deaths from diarrhoea and cholera to almost zero in Bangladesh and in countries like Haiti in the Caribbean. Prof Yunus said that whatever happens with USAID, Bangladesh needs US support during this crucial period of rebuilding, reforms, and reconstruction. "This isn't the time to stop it," he said.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Monday that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus informed them that his government is working to organise the next general election by December this year. “The Chief Adviser and those who were with him assured us that they will arrange the election very soon. He (Prof Yunus) has also said they are working to arrange the election by December this year,” Fakhrul said while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Chief Adviser. Mirza Fakhrul led a three-member BNP delegation during the 90-minute meeting with the Chief Adviser at state guest house Jamuna here in the evening. Bangladesh’s general election scheduled for Dec 2025 The BNP leader said his party hopes that the government will come up with a roadmap to arrange the election by December next as per their and the people’s expectation. Replying to a question when the government would announce the roadmap, he said the government will determine it. “Probably, they will say something about it by February 15,” said Fakhrul. The BNP secretary said his party has been telling this government repeatedly that they are an interim government. “We’ve again asked to hold the election soon (during the meeting),” he said. He said they talked about holding the election soon after completing minimum reforms on the basis of consensus to be reached through discussions. "What we believe is that the transition towards a democratic government and a democratic system will be much easier if there is an election," said the BNP leader. BNP delegation sits with Chief Adviser Replying to a question, Fakhrul said they would not accept any election other than the national one. "We do not agree in any way with holding local government elections first. We have said this before, and we continue to assert that there will be no elections before the national election." Regarding the recent incidents of violence, vandalism, and arson attacks, the BNP leader said the government cannot escape responsibility for these incidents. “This is because these incidents occurred in front of various government institutions and forces. We believe these incidents have significantly undermined the overall law and order situation, as well as the stability of the country,” he said. Fakhrul also said these incidents have emboldened the fascists to raise their voices. “We have called for bringing all the fascist elements within the administration to justice and, at the same time, removing them from their positions,” he said. The BNP leader said their party has demanded steps be taken to recover the laundered money of those who have damaged the economy and looted public funds, and to bring them to justice. BNP to hold rallies in 64 districts in 8 days “At the same time, we have also called for the withdrawal of false cases filed against political leaders and activists over the past 15 years,” he said. Fakhrul strongly criticised the recent price hikes in commodities. “We have said that one of the failures of this government is its inability to control the prices of goods,” Fakhrul said. He said the government had informed them that they are working to control commodity prices. Regarding the joint forces' “Operation Devil Hunt,” the BNP leader cautioned the government to be careful to ensure that no untoward incidents are repeated, as during similar operations in the past. “This means innocent people should not be harmed, and no problems should arise as a result,” he said. Future Bangladesh to ensure justice, equal rights: Jamaat Ameer Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, and Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman were present at the meeting with the Chief Advisor. Two other members of the BNP delegation were Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday asked the SCB global CEO to speak on behalf of Bangladesh, highlighting the reform measures being taken by the interim government since August. Dr Yunus said Bangladesh has been a victim of a massive disinformation campaign in recent months, and sought the SCB's help to fight this menace. "Your voice will be very helpful," he said. The Chief Adviser made the call when the global Chief Executive Officer of the SCB, Bill Winters, met him at his Tejgaon office in Dhaka. Trial should be fair, there shouldn’t be any injustice: Dr Yunus Winters, who came to Dhaka to celebrate SCB's 120 years in Bangladesh, lauded Prof Yunus' leadership and the progress the interim government made in ensuring stability in the country. The Chief Adviser sought support from the Standard Chartered Bank to help trace and recover tens of billions of dollars siphoned off by people close to disposed autocrat Sheikh Hasina. The Chief Adviser also highlighted the measures the interim government had taken to recover the stolen billions. CA Dr Yunus calls for reconciliation, finding a way forward together "We need your help. Send some experts here," he said. Winters assured that Standard Chartered will support Bangladesh reach its potential through its international network and global expertise.’

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will attend the "World Governments Summit 2025," scheduled to be held in Dubai from February 11 to 13, which seen as a significant platform for him to share his insights on tackling global challenges and highlight Bangladesh's stance on key international issues. Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign (MoFA) Mohammad Rafiqul Alam on Sunday confirmed the Chief Adviser’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Earlier, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum sent an invitation to the Chief Adviser, inviting him to participate in the Summit. Dhaka reacts to Delhi’s remarks on Dhanmondi-32 demolition as 'unexpected' The MoFA Spokesperson said there is a possibility of bilateral meetings between the Chief Adviser and the heads of state/government of different countries during the visit. Rafiqul Alam said that the two friendly countries, Bangladesh and the UAE, have historically enjoyed good relations. This relationship has gradually consolidated based on economic cooperation and common political interests, he said. A large number of Bangladeshi expatriates living in the country are making an important contribution to the economy of Bangladesh by sending remittances, said the Spokesperson. He said bilateral trade in textiles, agricultural products and energy is also growing. Both countries are working together in international platforms such as the UN and the OIC, and the UAE government is regularly investing in various important sectors including Bangladesh's infrastructure and health sector. Interim govt claims macroeconomic stability as inflation drops, exports grow The World Governments Summit will convene under the theme 'Shaping Future Governments.' This Summit will bring together governments, international organizations, thought leaders and private sector leaders from around the globe to foster international cooperation and identify innovative solutions for future challenges, ultimately inspiring and empowering the next generation of governments.