United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has instructed the Special Security Force (SSF) to avoid public suffering as much as possible while working with professionalism staying above political ideologies. "I think SSF will successfully fulfill all the responsibilities entrusted to it, not by isolating the public, but through a combination of public relations and security," he said on Wednesday during their 39th founding anniversary celebration at the Chief Adviser’s Office. In addition to acquiring professional skills in providing security to state-declared VIPs, Prof Yunus said the issues of characteristic strength, good discipline, honesty, responsibility and human qualities must be seriously considered. "And we must work with professionalism above all political ideologies," he said. Thanking the Director General of SSF and all members, Prof Yunus said he believes that with capable leadership, proper guidance and the professionalism and sincerity of every member of this force, SSF will continue to improve. In the past, Prof Yunus said all flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport used to be closed for about one hour for VIP flights. "This used to create many complications. I have lifted this restriction. I am hopeful that this will reduce the suffering of ordinary passengers," said the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus’ London visit very successful: Acting Foreign Secretary He said he is reassured to know that the process of modernization of SSF's training, weapons and equipment is ongoing. In particular, on the 5th August 2024, some vehicles and equipment of this force were damaged, which were made operational within a short time. In addition, the process of increasing the capacity of each member through the use of state-of-the-art weapons and equipment and receiving advanced training at home and abroad is continuing in order to make the operational activities of the force more rapid and effective. In today's world, Prof Yunus said, due to the ease of modern technology and information exchange, the type and nature of security threats are changing rapidly. Therefore, he said, providing 100% security is a very challenging issue. "Despite various limitations, SSF is ensuring security smoothly." Prof Yunus hoped that SSF would regularly review various types of security threats and take all necessary preparations to deal with them. Recently, SSF has consolidated the cyber security system of Jamuna. "I hope that SSF will improve the cyber security system of this office in the same way. I also hope that SSF, as a professional force, will improve day by day with the integration of advanced training, advanced technology and improved morale," said the Chief Adviser. About the functions of the SSF, the Chief Adviser said the force ensures the security of Bangabhaban, his residence, office and during his movements. It also plays a significant role in guaranteeing security during various events inside and outside Dhaka, he said. He also said the SSF has successfully ensured security in Cox's Bazar and Rohingya camps and in Chittagong Port and the convocation ceremony of Chittagong University he attended. EU wants successful political transition in Bangladesh, not early or late polls: Envoy "Not only within the country but also outside the country, during my state visits, the SSF has worked in coordination with various embassies and the protocol and security forces of the concerned countries and made the visits successful," he added. In addition, Prof Yunus said this force very successfully completed the overall security during the state visits of the Malaysian prime minister, the president of East Timor and the secretary-general of the United Nations, who visited Bangladesh. Prof Yunus expressed his gratitude to the chiefs of all the services for selecting and sending smart officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Ansar to turn the SSF into a modern and professional force. "I especially express my gratitude to the Bangladesh Army for providing various types of training support to the SSF," he said. SSF Director General Major General Mahbubus Samad Chowdhury, among others, spoke on the occasion. Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the chiefs of the three services, CA's principal secretary, principal coordinator on SDG affairs, CA's press secretary, inspector general of police and senior government officials were present.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday described Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus' recent visit to the United Kingdom as "very successful" but noted that for some reasons meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer could not be held at the last moment. "In our consideration, the visit was very successful," acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique told a media briefing at the ministry. Secretary (East) Dr Md Nazrul Islam and Director General (Public Diplomacy) Shah Asif Rahman were also present. Responding to a query, he said the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, during a breakfast meeting with him before the visit, conveyed that the visit was upgraded to an official visit. Later, she met the Chief Adviser and conveyed the same message to the Bangladesh side. Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Abida Islam was also conveyed by the UK side that it is an official visit. Prof Yunus thanks Australia for resuming visa operations in Dhaka In an official visit, the acting Foreign Secretary said they think certain things will take place, including a meeting at the Prime Minister-level between the two countries. He said the meeting was on agenda until the Chief Adviser reached London but the specific time was not marked. “We had an expectation even at the last moment that the meeting would take place. At the last moment, for any reason, the meeting did not take place,” Siddique said. Except for the meeting with the Prime Minister, he said, the Chief Adviser had more meetings than planned and he was provided with full protocol. The acting Foreign Secretary, however, said some responsibilities come onto their shoulders as they (MoFA) were part of the preparation of the visit. Explaining why the visit is seen as very successful, he mentioned tangible progress achieved in terms of stolen asset recovery, receiving the King Charles III Harmony Award by the Chief Adviser and one-on-meeting with the King. Siddique said he does not see any logical ground for making things complicated on historic and friendly relations between the two countries after a successful visit for a single issue,” said the acting Foreign Secretary. On Thursday, the Chief Adviser received the King Charles III Harmony Award at the St James Palace in London. The award recognises Prof Yunus' "unique contribution to ensuring harmonious coexistence between people, nature and the environment, bringing about positive changes in the lives of the marginalised communities and building a peaceful, harmonious and sustainable world". Ahead of the award ceremony, King Charles welcomed the Chief Adviser for a private audience at Buckingham Palace. They discussed issues of mutual interests during the half an hour-long one-on-one meeting. During his visit to the UK, Prof Yunus told BBC that he had not been able to arrange a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Dhaka, UAE to strengthen ties, address visa issue: Lutfey Siddiqi "I don't know whether I should be disappointed or he should be disappointed. It's a missed opportunity. "That's why I'm saying coming to Bangladesh would be a good opportunity to relax and see and feel the moment,” the Chief Adviser told BBC in an interview. When asked if Downing Street had given a reason for not scheduling a meeting with Starmer, he said, "I don't think we have received an explanation from that kind of thing. Probably he is busy with other important things."

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who received the "King Charles III Harmony Award" at the  St James Palace, has said it is a fantastic way to project what they stand for and it will inspire young people in Bangladesh "to create a country they dream of". The award recognises Prof Yunus' "unique contribution to ensuring harmonious coexistence among people, nature and the environment, bringing about positive changes in the lives of the marginalised  communities and building a peaceful, harmonious and sustainable world". "It is a wonderful prize," the Chief Adviser said, thanking His Majesty for standing by Bangladesh during this pivotal period in the country's history. "This is a recognition of the work we have done to uplift vulnerable communities and reflect the values His Majesty The King also champions," the Chief Adviser said while receiving the award. The King Charles III Harmony Award is awarded to an individual to recognise long-term outstanding commitment to and support for His Majesty’s Harmony philosophy – which looks to prioritise sustainability and nature across all sectors. Prof Yunus has spent his life promoting social business principles and encouraging sustainable, socially responsible projects, having a significant impact on poverty alleviation in Bangladesh and beyond, according to the King's Foundation.  Ahead of the Award Ceremony, King Charles welcomed the Chief Adviser for a private audience at the Buckingham Palace. Prof Yunus honoured with prestigious Harmony Award by King Charles III

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus held a private one-to-one meeting with King Charles III on Thursday. Upon arrival, King Charles III welcomed the Chief Adviser at Buckingham Palace for a private one-to-one meeting, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. By meeting people privately, or 'granting an Audience', the King acknowledges the importance of certain individuals and their work, and creates an opportunity to learn more about them and give them a memorable Royal experience. An ‘Audience’ is simply a one-to-one meeting with The King. Prof Yunus is set to attend the ‘King Charles III Awards Ceremony’ (13.30–15.00 London time), Azad told UNB. Prof Yunus to receive Harmony Award from King Charles Thursday The King will formally confer the prestigious ‘Harmony Award 2025’ on Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, recognising his lifelong efforts to promote peace, sustainability and harmony between people and the environment. In June 2024, King Charles launched a new set of awards celebrating living in harmony with nature. The inaugural winner of the King Charles III Harmony Award was former UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon. The awards from the King's Foundation are a cause close to the King's heart. He's spoken about the almost spiritual concept of humanity living in harmony with the natural world. It is based on the King's principle: "We should work with nature, not against it." British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke has already extended her congratulations to Prof Yunus on his forthcoming receipt of the prestigious King Charles Harmony Award. "It is a great honour," the Chief Adviser said, referring to the award when the High Commissioner met him in Dhaka recently.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus began the second day of his official visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday with a meeting with UK’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell. UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell called on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his hotel, said CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were, among others, present at the meeting. Later in the day, the Chief Adviser is scheduled to meet Ben Bland, Director of the Asia-Pacific Programme and Dr Chietigj Bajpaee, Senior Research Fellow for South Asia at Chatham House. He will also deliver an address at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), Azad told UNB. In the afternoon, Prof Yunus will attend a reception to be hosted by Chatham House in his honour. UK PM-CA meeting being scheduled as Prof Yunus begins UK visit He is also expected to join a dinner hosted by His Majesty King Charles III on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of The King’s Foundation. Prof Yunus arrived in London on Tuesday, beginning a four-day official visit aimed at renewing bilateral ties with the UK, with a particular focus on strengthening economic cooperation, trade, and investment. Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Abida Islam received the Chief Adviser upon his arrival. “This is a very important visit,” said acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, noting that Professor Yunus will meet His Majesty King Charles III and hold bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside other high-level engagements.

European aircraft- manufacturing company Airbus and British aviation giant Menzies Aviation on Tuesday expressed their eagerness to build a long-term partnership with Bangladesh. The two companies placed their offers as Airbus Executive Vice President Wouter van Wersch and Menzies Aviation Executive Vice President Charles Wyley called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus successively at his hotel in London, CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. “We have identified Bangladesh as a key priority country,” van Wersch told the Chief Adviser, adding that the company was keen to build a partnership with Bangladesh’s national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and make it profitable. Van Wersch said Airbus, which supplies 800 aircraft annually, also has expertise in manufacturing helicopters and fighter jets. Airbus, Menzies Aviation executives meet Prof Yunus in London The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh was willing to listen to all offers to modernise the Biman fleet but could not rush a decision. “I am very eager to understand what can be done, what should be done. So, we will listen to you. But don’t expect any decision soon. We have to look at everything in a very fresh way,” said the Chief Adviser. Van Wersch said if Bangladesh decides to add Airbus to the Biman fleet, 85 per cent of the funding could be arranged through Export Credit Agency (ECA) financing. London-based Menzies Aviation said it was willing to join the competition with others to provide ground handling and air cargo services to the third terminal of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, using its experience of providing similar services to more than 300 airports in at least 65 countries. “We would like to support Bangladeshi airports besides your national carrier,” Menzies Executive Vice President Wyley told the Chief Adviser. Considering Airbus’s offer of passenger planes seriously, Biman’s outgoing MD says  

Executive Vice President of Airbus Wouter van Wersch and Executive Vice President of Menzies Aviation Charles Wyley met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus separately on Tuesday and discussed issues of mutual interests. The meetings were held at his (Prof Yunus) place of residence (hotel) in London, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. All Party Parliamentary Group and Commonwealth Secretary General are also scheduled to meet Prof Yunus separately later in the day. Prof Yunus congratulates new South Korean President The Chief Adviser arrived here on Tuesday, beginning his four-day official visit to renew their bilateral ties with the United Kingdom, with an increased focus on economic cooperation, trade and investment. A flight of Emirates Airlines carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage arrived at Heathrow Airport, London at 7:05am (London time), Azad told UNB. High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom Abida Islam received the Chief Adviser. “This is a very important visit,” said acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, noting that Prof Yunus will meet His Majesty King Charles III and hold bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside other high-level engagements. “The relationship between Bangladesh and the UK is very deep and diverse,” he added, emphasising that the visit will play a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations. Prof Yunus seeks global backing to tackle Rohingya aid crisis During the visit, King Charles III will formally confer the prestigious ‘Harmony Award 2025’ on Professor Yunus, recognising his lifelong efforts to promote peace, sustainability and harmony between people and the environment. The award ceremony will take place at St James’s Palace in London on June 12. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was the recipient in 2024.    

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived here on Tuesday, beginning his four-day official visit to renew their bilateral ties with the United Kingdom, with an increased focus on economic cooperation, trade and investment. A flight of Emirates Airlines carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage arrived at Heathrow Airport, London at 7:05am (London time), Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. They left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for London at about 7.30 pm on Monday. Abida Islam, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom, received the Chief Adviser. “This is a very important visit,” said acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, noting that Professor Yunus will meet His Majesty King Charles III and hold bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside other high-level engagements. “The relationship between Bangladesh and the UK is very deep and diverse,” he added, emphasising that the visit will play a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations. During the visit, King Charles III will formally confer the prestigious ‘Harmony Award 2025’ on Professor Yunus, recognising his lifelong efforts to promote peace, sustainability and harmony between people and the environment. The award ceremony will take place at St James’s Palace in London on June 12. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was the recipient in 2024. Prof Yunus leaves for UK on four-day official visit Prof Yunus is also expected to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, along with other senior ministers, political leaders and influential figures from the UK’s policy and business communities. The Acting Foreign Secretary said the visit carries particular importance, as the UK, being a leading democratic nation, values the promotion of democratic principles and good governance in developing countries. He said the visit will provide an opportunity to showcase Bangladesh’s ongoing reform initiatives, its democratic trajectory and the interim government's commitment to good governance. “And above all,” he noted, “as a Nobel laureate and a globally respected figure, the Chief Adviser has a unique and positive image around the world. A visit to the UK by a personality like him will further enhance and consolidate Bangladesh’s position in the global arena.” Discussions during the visit will also cover global and regional issues, with particular focus on climate change, sustainable development, the Rohingya crisis, and migration. An important component of the agenda will be leveraging British expertise and resources to support Bangladesh’s national development goals. Prof Yunus is also scheduled to hold courtesy meetings with the Secretaries-General of the Commonwealth and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reinforcing Bangladesh’s wider international engagements. As part of his public diplomacy initiatives, the Chief Adviser will deliver a keynote address at Chatham House -- the Royal Institute of International Affairs -- on June 11. He will share insights into Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress, democratic transition, and future vision. The recovery of laundered money and overseas assets is also expected to be high on the agenda. Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur recently told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy that the Chief Adviser will raise the issue during the London visit, as part of ongoing efforts to recover stolen funds and assets. According to the government, an estimated US$16 billion was illicitly transferred abroad annually under the previous administration. Prof Yunus to visit UK June 10–13; King Charles to present ‘Harmony Award 2025’ The Chief Adviser has already sought cooperation from the British government through its High Commissioner in Dhaka to trace and recover funds allegedly laundered to the UK by individuals associated with the former Sheikh Hasina-led regime.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus left here for London on Monday evening, embarking on a four-day official visit to the United Kingdom from June 10 to 13. The two countries are working to renew their bilateral ties, with an increased focus on economic cooperation, trade and investment. A flight of Emirates Airlines carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for London at about 7.30 pm, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. “This is a very important visit,” said acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, noting that Professor Yunus will meet His Majesty King Charles III and hold bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside other high-level engagements. “The relationship between Bangladesh and the UK is very deep and diverse,” he added, emphasising that the visit will play a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations. During the visit, King Charles III will formally confer the prestigious ‘Harmony Award 2025’ on Professor Yunus, recognising his lifelong efforts to promote peace, sustainability and harmony between people and the environment. Prof Yunus leaves for home wrapping up Japan tour The award ceremony will take place at St James’s Palace in London on June 12. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was the recipient in 2024. Prof Yunus is also expected to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, along with other senior ministers, political leaders, and influential figures from the UK’s policy and business communities. The Acting Foreign Secretary said the visit carries particular importance, as the UK, being a leading democratic nation, values the promotion of democratic principles and good governance in developing countries. He said the visit will provide an opportunity to showcase Bangladesh’s ongoing reform initiatives, its democratic trajectory and the interim government's commitment to good governance. “And above all,” he noted, “as a Nobel laureate and a globally respected figure, the Chief Adviser has a unique and positive image around the world. A visit to the UK by a personality like him will further enhance and consolidate Bangladesh’s position in the global arena.” Discussions during the visit will also cover global and regional issues, with particular focus on climate change, sustainable development, the Rohingya crisis, and migration. An important component of the agenda will be leveraging British expertise and resources to support Bangladesh’s national development goals. Prof Yunus is also scheduled to hold courtesy meetings with the Secretaries-General of the Commonwealth and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reinforcing Bangladesh’s wider international engagements. As part of his public diplomacy initiatives, the Chief Adviser will deliver a keynote address at Chatham House – the Royal Institute of International Affairs – on June 11. He will share insights into Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress, democratic transition, and future vision. Prof Yunus leaves Qatar for Vatican to pay last tribute to Pope Francis The recovery of laundered money and overseas assets is also expected to be high on the agenda. Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur recently told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy that the Chief Adviser will raise the issue during the London visit, as part of ongoing efforts to recover stolen funds and assets. According to the government, an estimated US$16 billion was illicitly transferred abroad annually under the previous administration. The Chief Adviser has already sought cooperation from the British government through its High Commissioner in Dhaka to trace and recover funds allegedly laundered to the UK by individuals associated with the former Sheikh Hasina-led regime.

Government employees on Sunday continued their protests at the Secretariat, demanding the withdrawal of the ‘Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025’. The protesters said they would submit memorandums to three advisers following today’s (Sunday’s) demonstrations. The protest rally began around 11 am in front of Building No. 6 at the Secretariat’s Badamtoli point. Md Nurul Islam, Co-Chairman of the Bangladesh Secretariat Employees Unity Forum, told reporters that memorandums would be handed over to advisers Ali Imam Majumder, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, and Syeda Rizwana Hasan. Earlier, on Thursday, employees had announced plans to submit memorandums to five advisers on Sunday and Monday as part of their ongoing movement. The ordinance, issued on May 25, allows for the dismissal of employees for four types of misconduct through show-cause notices, without any departmental proceedings. Following its draft approval on May 22, all employee associations at the Secretariat have been staging protests since May 24. Last week, employees met with several secretaries, including the Senior Secretary of the Land Ministry. Officials said the demand for withdrawal would be conveyed to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus upon his return. Prof Yunus returned home from Japan on Saturday night after wrapping up a four-day visit. Meanwhile, a one-hour nationwide work stoppage was observed on Thursday.