United News of Bangladesh

Appreciating the government efforts to support the remittance fighters abroad, expatriate Bangladeshis in Qatar sought a number of measures from the interim government, including reduction of cargo charges from Bangladesh. In a session with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Doha on Thursday, the Bangladesh community leaders sought initiatives to facilitate easy migration for Bangladeshi professional job seekers in collaboration with Qatari government. They also sought prompt legal assistance to expatriates from the embassy and new and bigger premises for Bangladesh Embassy in Doha. Modernisation of the existing school and building of a new English medium school, end to harassment for tax issues and charging remittance fee based on income.    The Chief Adviser listened to all these issues and assured them of full cooperation from the government. He asked the senior officials to note and  take necessary actions to address the issues and concerns of the expatriate community.  Prominent Bangladeshi business in Qatar Md Alamgir Hossain Ali said expatriates should no longer be harassed at the airport. He said the diasporas should be served with due respect and compassion while entering or exiting the country. Prof Yunus leaves Qatar for Vatican to pay last tribute to Pope Francis Ali, who is living in Qatar for over 34 years, also raised the demand for the introduction of a separate immigration service, especially for those traveling with their families, so that they can enter and exit the country easily, safely, and with dignity. "Prof Yunus listened to us very attentively and provided logical, humane and future-oriented answers to each point. His speech clearly reflected the brilliance of leadership, sweetness of heart and love for people," Ali told UNB after the meeting. All the expatriate leaders present were happy, inspired and confident after listening to his words, Ali said, adding that his (Prof Yunus) promise has lit a light of hope among our expatriates. "When an international personality like Prof Yunus Sir pays attention to the problems and possibilities of the expatriates, then the expatriates feel respected, not neglected," he said. Welcoming the expatriate community, the Chief Adviser expressed gratitude to them for their hard work and efforts in keeping the positive image of the country in Qatar and for managing time to attend the event  despite their busy schedules. He extended sincere thanks and appreciation for their contribution to the national economy and to the country's development activities by way of their valuable remittances. The Chief Adviser hoped that with their help and cooperation, the interim government would be able to meet the challenges facing the economy and carrying out the reform initiatives and rebuilding processes undertaken by his government. He called them the assets of the country and asked their counsels and suggestions to the building of the new Bangladesh where all can live in a free society with honour and dignity. Prof Yunus arrives in Rome to pay last tribute to Pope Francis The Chief Adviser also urged the businessmen to come to Bangladesh with their knowledge, expertise and money, and invest in booming sectors. In his brief comments, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain shared his observations regarding the existing and future state of manpower market in Qatar and outlined the prospect of sending skilled workers/professionals in Qatar. He highlighted several initiatives of the present government taken for the overall wellbeing of the expatriate community abroad. He also addressed the concerns of expatriates and assured them of efforts to resolve such issues. The Foreign Adviser instructed the embassy officials to extend legal assistance for the expatriates in getting their rights as well as proving all support services including  e-passport service, consular services etc. In his intervention, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan shared with the meeting as to how the interim government paid lending dues left by the last government, including the 254 million dollar LNG dues to the Qatari government. He urged the expatriate community to send more remittance to the country to keep alive the battered economy. The Bangladesh community members appreciated Prof Yunus' leadership in putting the country back on track with improved overall economic performance. During the programme, the Community leaders drew attention to the following issues: During the community meeting, the Chief Adviser was also accompanied by National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Senior Secretary and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Md. Nazrul Islam, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, senior officials from the Mission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Around 100 expatriates, including academics, doctors, businessmen, investors and professionals, attended the event.

Qatar Foundation will assist in establishing a dedicated foundation in Bangladesh to support the development of female athletes, its CEO Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani announced during a meeting with a visiting Bangladeshi sports delegation in Doha. The announcement came on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit on Tuesday, where Sheikha Hind — also the sister of the Emir of Qatar and a former top athlete — met four Bangladeshi women athletes who are currently visiting Qatar with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The visiting delegation includes Bangladesh women’s football team captain Afida Khandakar, footballer Shaheda Akter Ripa, and national cricketers Sumaiya Akter and Sharmin Sultana. During the meeting, the athletes shared their personal experiences, aspirations, and the challenges they face as female athletes in Bangladesh. Moved by their stories, Sheikha Hind pledged support for improving sports infrastructure, training, and opportunities for Bangladeshi women in sports. “We were briefed in detail by the Chief Adviser before coming to Qatar about what we should aim to achieve. Our mission was to present Bangladesh’s sports scenario and aspirations to the Qatari leadership, and I believe we did just that,” said football captain Afida Khandakar. Afida added that the athletes raised issues regarding accommodation, nutrition, and training facilities back home. “Sheikha Hind listened carefully and assured us of her support. I’m hopeful we’ll return with something meaningful,” she said. Bangladeshi female players spend busy day in Doha, share their experiences Footballer Shaheda Akter Ripa expressed her appreciation for being included in the delegation, saying, “We were delighted when the Federation informed us about joining the Chief Adviser on this trip. He is the first person in such a position who has seriously thought about women's sports and taken steps for our betterment.” Cricketer Sumaiya Akter highlighted the need for increased engagement in women’s cricket in Bangladesh. “We invited Sheikha Hind to attend a cricket match in Bangladesh, and to our surprise, she expressed a strong interest in visiting,” Sumaiya said. "Football is more popular in Qatar, people here are less interested in cricket. When we came here, we talked to the Qatar Foundation CEO about how Qatar's involvement in cricket could be further increased," she added. Sharmin Sultana said the QF CEO also inquired about the medical and training support required by athletes. “We requested better medical and rehab support. She encouraged us to consider training in physiotherapy and fitness, and assured cooperation from Qatar in these areas.” Sharmin also praised her visit to Doha’s Aspire Academy, noting its athlete-friendly environment, world-class indoor facilities, and scholarship opportunities. The athletes said they were deeply encouraged by the commitment from the Qatar Foundation and believed that such initiatives could play a significant role in advancing women’s sports in Bangladesh. They also expressed gratitude to the Chief Adviser for facilitating the visit and the opportunity to advocate for their cause.

Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Thursday conveyed to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that he would designate one of his close aides to take the relationship with Bangladesh to a new height. The Qatari Prime Minister, one of the most influential leaders in the Middle East, also urged the Bangladesh leader to send a technical team to Qatar to hold discussions on a wide range of cooperation. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Qatar at his office in Doha and discussed issues of mutual interest. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, also the foreign minister of Qatar, expressed his full support for the leadership of the Bangladesh Chief Adviser and he assured him all possible help to rebuild the country. "We count on your continued leadership," Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani told Professor Yunus, expressing his confidence that Bangladesh would come out of this reform and rebuilding process much stronger in the years to come. The Chief Adviser sought full diplomatic, financial and investment support for building a New Bangladesh, including creating new opportunities and a prosperous future for the country's nearly 180 million people, notably its young population. "We need your support to build the country of the dream of our youth,” Professor Yunus said. The discussion also centered on the Rohingya crisis, with the Chief Adviser calling for all possible support "to make sure Rohingya people can return home with dignity." Qatar Foundation pledges support for female athletes in Bangladesh The Chief Adviser also thanked the Qatari Prime Minister for helping organise a high-level dialogue on the Rohingya crisis on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit. The Qatari Prime Minister appreciated Bangladesh's role in hosting more than one million Rohingya refugees in the country. He called for mobilising more international support to resolve the crisis. He reiterated the continued support of Qatar to the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and to sustainable resolution of the issue. The two leaders also discussed the Gaza situation. Professor Yunus expressed his regret that much of the world is still silent over the plight of the Gazans. The Prime Minister of Qatar expressed his appreciation of the position of Bangladesh on this issue. The Bangladesh Chief Adviser also thanked Al Jazeera, which he visited yesterday, for covering the Gaza crisis despite enormous challenges. The Chief Adviser sought Qatari support for Bangladesh's female sports athletes, including providing training and building facilities for them. Don't do anything that might contribute to wealth concentration: Prof Yunus He invited the Qatari Prime Minister to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time—a request gladly accepted by Sheikh Mohammed. Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, SDGs Afffairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, among others, attended the meeting.

Describing the young people as the most powerful generation in human history, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday encouraged them to imagine and dream big and turn themselves as ‘three-zero persons’. "I feel very comfortable when I visit any university campuses. I feel rejuvenated. You are the most powerful generation in human history. I feel this honestly. You are the supermen and superwomen," said Prof Yunus, who created microcredit, invented social business and earned a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in alleviating poverty. The Chief Adviser visited Qatar University in the morning and delivered an inspirational speech on the topic titled ‘A World of Three Zeros’. He encouraged the students not to do anything that might contribute to wealth concentration but to dream and imagine creating a new world by getting out of a self-destructive approach. Want to be world’s top manufacturing country: Prof Yunus At the beginning, Prof Yunus was given an honorary award for his outstanding contributions to global humanity. Prof Yunus, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and bestselling author of Banker to the Poor, offered his vision of an emerging new economic system that can save humankind and the planet. "Keep trying to reach the destination. But you must have to dream and imagine. You have to have a dream," the Chief Adviser told the Qatar University students. "If you imagine, it will help. Don't ignore imagination," he added.

Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today (Thursday) to discuss the issues of mutual interest, as both countries eye stronger economic cooperation. "Qatar's Prime Minister is a hugely respected person globally. We expect that the meeting will be a successful one," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB ahead of the meeting. He was appointed Prime Minister on 7 March 2023 and Minister of Foreign Affairs in January 2016. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Prime Minister's Office on Thursday morning (10:50am, Doha time). Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to Chief Adviser and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed and Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Md Nazrul Islam will also attend the meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and the Qatari Prime Minister. The Chief Adviser visited Qatar University on Thursday morning and delivered an inspirational speech on the topic titled "A World of Three Zeros."

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held a closed-door meeting with several prominent foreign investors in the Qatari capital, aiming to attract investment in some of the country’s key sectors. Addressing the investors, the Chief Adviser said the interim government aims to transform Bangladesh into a manufacturing and economic hub, welcoming all forms of foreign investment. Want your partnership, says Prof Yunus urging Qatari investors to invest in Bangladesh "We want to be a top manufacturing country in the world," he said, emphasising that his government is offering one of the most attractive investment climates in the region. The gathering included notable figures such as a former Deputy Prime Minister of the Maldives, a member of the Malaysian royal family, a former Malaysian minister, a Qatari royal family member, top bankers and several wealthy non-resident Bangladeshis. The investors expressed interest in exploring opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, waste management, energy, banking and tourism—particularly in the resort district of Cox’s Bazar. The Chief Adviser encouraged the investors to visit Bangladesh and engage in discussions with the relevant agencies. Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were present during the meeting.

Seeking greater a investment and stronger economic cooperation, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday offered a dedicated exclusive economic zone for any kind of investment, including plants for defence equipment, as the South Asian country wants to emerge as an economic and manufacturing hub for mutual benefits. "You can set up your factories in Bangladesh," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted the Chief Adviser as conveying to the Qatari side during his meetings. Alam said it can be anything -- any factory -- labour intensive factory or defence equipment factory. Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the briefing. Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister Dr Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani met the Chief Adviser at the Ministry of Defence and discussed the issues of cooperation between the two countries. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus was given a ceremonial guard of honour by Qatari Armed Forces ahead of the meeting with Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs. Qatar's Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Al Thani also the Chief Adviser at the Ministry of Commerce was also present. Prof Yunus to leave for Rome Friday from Doha to attend Pope Francis' funeral The Chief Adviser called for deeper economic cooperation with Qatar, inviting Qatari investment across key sectors and offering an exclusive economic zone in Bangladesh dedicated to manufacturers from the kingdom. During a high-level meeting and luncheon hosted by Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Dr Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Chief Adviser emphasized  Bangladesh’s readiness to facilitate Qatari industrial ventures through streamlined investment opportunities and infrastructure support.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has sought support of Qatar Charity to introduce technology education for hundreds of thousands of madrasa students in Bangladesh. During a meeting with Qatar Charity’s Acting chief on Tuesday, Nawaf Abdullah Al Hammadi, on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit in Doha, Professor Yunus praised the organisation’s ongoing humanitarian efforts in Bangladesh, including its orphan sponsorship programs and LPG distribution for Rohingya refugees, said CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday. Prof emphasised the eagerness of madrasa students to learn emerging technologies such as computer programming, artificial intelligence, and other tech-based skills. “We will most welcome any support for the madrasa students,” the Chief Adviser said. Qatar Charity could engage directly with Bangladeshi madrasas and support efforts to integrate technology into their curricula, he said. “Madrasa students are very quick learners. They will grasp these skills rapidly,” he added. In response, the Qatar Charity chief noted that the organisation has already supported several madrasas with life-skill and livelihood programmes. Prof Yunus thanks Qatar for accepting Bangladesh’s offer to engage 725 troops He assured that the proposal would be taken into serious consideration. The conversation also focused on continued humanitarian support for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar. Prof Yunus urged Qatar Charity to sustain its LPG distribution efforts and extend assistance in the fields of education and healthcare for the refugee population. Highlighting the importance of female education, the Chief Adviser called for targeted support for girls, especially madrasa students, in Bangladesh. The two leaders also discussed Bangladesh’s microfinance initiatives and their impactful role in poverty alleviation. Prof Yunus encouraged Qatar Charity to explore partnerships with private microfinance institutions in Bangladesh to expand outreach and effectiveness in combating poverty.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday thanked Qatar's Defence Minister and Qatari leadership under Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for accepting Bangladesh’s offer to send 725 Armed Forces personnel of various services on deputation to the Qatari Armed Forces. He hoped that both nations would benefit professionally through this arrangement and further strengthen the ties between the two Armed Forces and nations. The issues were discussed when Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman bin Hassan Al-Thani called on the Chief Adviser on the sidelines of Earthna Summit in Doha on Wednesday. SpaceX VP meets Prof Yunus, confirms May as technical launch date Prof Yunus assured that the Bangladesh Armed Forces would bring their immense experiences from three decades of UN peacekeeping operations, discipline and professionalism for the benefit of the Qatari Armed Forces, CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB after the meeting. The Chief Adviser also believed this unique arrangement would not only open doors for new avenues of cooperation, but also creates a solid foundation for future people-to people contacts.

Gas-rich Qatar on Tuesday agreed to work on technical details for a proposed land-based LNG terminal in Bangladesh and renew a recently expired Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on LNG supply for Bangladesh. Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi made the promise when he  met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit in Doha. “We want to support Bangladesh as much as possible, and we will continue doing that,” Kaabi told the Chief Adviser. Qatar and Bangladesh signed a Sell Purchase Agreement (LNG SPA) in September 2017 for 1.5-2.5 MTPA LNG imports for 15 years in a G2G process with Qatar Gas. Forty cargoes are being imported under this agreement annually. Prof Yunus, Qatar’s Energy Minister explore energy sector collaboration A second LNG SPA was signed in June 2023 for an additional 1.5 MTs of LNG annually for 15 years, with effect from January 2026. An MoU signed regarding the LNG SPA expired in January, prompting Qatari authorities to come up with a renewed pledge. “We will sign the MoU right away,” said the Qatari state minister, who insisted on a long-term partnership between the two countries and said that they were expecting the price of LNG to come down as the country was planning to double their production. “Long-term contracts are always the best solution for supply security,” he said. Chief Adviser Professor Yunus told the Qatari state minister that Bangladesh wants to explore its energy potential with the help of Qatar. “We need your help to reorganize our energy sector,” he said. Energy Adviser Mohammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, who was present during the meeting, said that Bangladesh is planning to build a land-based LNG terminal with pipeline and supply of LNG and deliver R-LNG through construction of a pipeline under an umbrella in Matarbari Cox’s Bazar to upgrade energy infrastructure. He also informed that the country was planning to raise the number of LNG cargoes from Qatar, with the country’s LNG terminals currently able to handle 115 cargoes annually. Peace, stability key to meaningful, sustainable development: Prof Yunus During the meeting, the Qatari state minister said that they were also planning to increase urea fertiliser supply to Bangladesh. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, BIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam were, among others, present.