United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (November 18) said a record number of young people would cast their first ballots in the upcoming national election, as they had been unable to vote in the three rigged general elections held under the previous autocratic regime. He said the Awami League would not be able to participate in the election because its activities have been banned and its registration has been suspended by the Election Commission. “It is a historic moment for all of us. The young people who filled the walls of Dhaka and other cities with graffiti and drawings during the uprising will now come to vote,” the Chief Adviser said when Dutch Vice-Minister for International Cooperation Pascalle Grotenhuis called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna. They discussed Bangladesh’s democratic transition. The Chief Adviser reaffirmed his government’s commitment to holding a ‘free, fair, credible and festive’ election in the first half of February. During the meeting, they discussed expanding cooperation in a range of areas, including agriculture, trade and investment, technology, youth development, and the potential of a social business fund for young and women entrepreneurs. Bangladesh Election: EC to launch mobile app for postal balloting Tuesday The visiting Dutch Vice Minister praised Bangladesh’s election preparations, noting that the interim government had only a few months to get ready for the vote. Pascalle Grotenhuis also commended Bangladesh’s newly enacted labour laws, saying they would help attract more Dutch and European investment. The sweeping reforms, approved by the cabinet earlier this month, were signed into law by the President on Monday. She said the Netherlands plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Public-Private Partnership with Bangladesh’s investment authorities, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. She expressed hope that the MoU would be signed soon, paving the way for increased Dutch investment in Bangladesh. It’s an election to save country, work with honesty, Prof Yunus asks DCs “For 50 years, Bangladesh and the Netherlands were development partners. Now we want to transform this into an equitable partnership in politics, trade, and investment,” she said. The minister added that Dutch companies that have long purchased goods from Dhaka are now looking to invest and become working partners in Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has instructed the authorities concerned to immediately procure adequate body-worn cameras for law enforcement agencies to ensure a transparent, peaceful and secure national election. He issued the directive during a meeting held at the state guesthouse Jamuna in the capital on Tuesday. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Special Assistant to Chief Adviser (Telecom and ICT) Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam and representatives from various concerned agencies, among others, attended the meeting. “We must complete all necessary preparations promptly to conduct a fair and peaceful election. It is important to build public confidence so that voters feel they have a safe and enabling environment to exercise their voting rights,” the CA said. Govt okays procurement of 40,000 body cameras for police use during polls Prof Yunus instructed that the procurement process and related training be completed by December to prevent election-period violence or any untoward incidents effectively. Alongside strengthening law enforcement capability, he stressed the need for establishing a robust framework to ensure no one can exploit the situation during the polls. Taiyeb informed the meeting that preliminary training of police personnel has already started with existing body-worn cameras in stock. EC declines responsibility for CCTV camera installation at polling stations Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam said police officers in every district will be given training once the new cameras arrive. With the support of body-worn cameras, he said, election-time situations at polling stations will be monitored centrally, as well as from each police station and district Superintendent of Police offices.

Chief Adviser, Prof Muhammad Yunus has urged the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to establish a social business fund aimed at supporting young agricultural entrepreneurs, women, farmers and food processors in Bangladesh. Prof Yunus made the proposal during a meeting with IFAD President Alvaro Lario on the sidelines of the World Food Forum on Sunday. "I encourage you to create a social business fund,” said Prof Yunus, adding, “Such a fund would address social issues including healthcare for poor and promote entrepreneurship among youth, farmers, women, and those involved in the fishing industry.” During their meeting, the two leaders discussed a range of strategic issues, including support for launching Bangladesh’s deep-sea fishing industry, expanding exports of mangoes and jackfruit, promoting climate-resilient agricultural entrepreneurship and assisting buffalo farmers in producing dairy products such as mozzarella cheese. Prof Yunus invited the IFAD President to visit Bangladesh and send a team to explore potential opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, social business, and technology, said Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. In response, President Lario expressed IFAD’s keen interest in supporting social business initiatives and expanding collaboration with the private sector in Bangladesh. Social business now a global movement: Prof Yunus He noted that IFAD is currently funding more than half a dozen agricultural projects in the country. The Chief Adviser also emphasised Bangladesh’s need for technological support and investment in fruit processing, cold storage, warehousing, and large-scale exports of tropical fruits like mangoes and jackfruit. “We’ve begun exporting mangoes, but the volume is still small. China has expressed interest in importing big quantities of both mangoes and jackfruit from Bangladesh,” he added. Farida Akhter, Adviser on Fisheries and Livestock, also attended the meeting and highlighted how Bangladeshi women dairy farmers are producing mozzarella cheese from buffalo milk. She requested IFAD’s support to scale up cheese and other dairy production in the country. Dr Yunus urges Sweden to invest in social businesses instead of providing grants

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the National Consensus Commission, which is expected to submit its final report soon. Prof Yunus, who also serves as the chief of the Commission, thanked all its members for their dedication and directed them to update him on the final stages of the Commission’s work as soon as possible. Vice-Chairman of the Commission Prof Ali Riaz said the National Consensus Commission will present its final report to the interim government soon. These issues were discussed during a meeting of the National Consensus Commission, chaired by Prof Yunus, at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday morning. Consensus Commission reviews final phase preparations for July Charter During the hour-long meeting, the Commission members reviewed the positions of various political parties on the contents of the July Charter, its proposed implementation methods and the Commission’s stance on related issues. Prof Ali Riaz said the Commission has received extensive cooperation from all political parties and unprecedented support from the media. Members of the Consensus Commission and advisers to the interim government were also present at the meeting.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus left New York on Tuesday night (US time) for Dhaka, concluding a nine-day visit marked by extensive engagements during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). An Emirates Airlines commercial flight carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage took off from John F. Kennedy International Airport at 11:10 pm (US time). Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam and Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury saw him off at the airport, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on the morning of October 2 (Bangladesh time), via Dubai. Prof Yunus began his UNGA tour on September 22 and concluded it by attending the high-level conference on the “Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities” held at the UN General Assembly Hall on Tuesday. He delivered his address at the 80th UNGA on September 26 and held a series of meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the session. UNGA: Prof Yunus leaves for New York early Monday BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Jamaat’s US spokesperson Mohammad Nakibur Rahman, National Citizen Party member secretary Akhter Hossen, and first senior joint member secretary Dr Tasnim Jara joined the delegation at Prof Yunus’s invitation. Speaking broadly at the UNGA, Prof Yunus warned, the “truth before us is frightening” and stressed that “extreme nationalism, geopolitics that thrive on the suffering of others, and indifference to human pain are destroying the progress humanity has built through decades of struggle”. This tragedy is most visible in Gaza, he said, adding that the two-State solution must be implemented now. Prof Yunus described three goals on which young people must be able to build the future: zero carbon, zero wealth concentration and zero unemployment. “Let the dream of a three-zero world be the dream of all nations.”

Albania has expressed a strong interest in recruiting skilled and semi-skilled workers from Bangladesh to meet its expanding labour market needs. The proposal was conveyed by Albanian President Bajram Begaj during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday. “We need workers for our country, and several Albanian companies have already submitted applications to hire from Bangladesh,” President Begaj said. He emphasised that bilateral cooperation could be broadened further, particularly in sectors like tourism, highlighting Albania’s southern coastline as a promising destination for Bangladeshi travellers, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. The Chief Adviser welcomed the initiative, noting that Bangladesh, with its dynamic and youthful workforce, is well-positioned to support Albania’s economic growth. Bangladeshi workers to enjoy similar social benefits, protection like Malaysians: Shafiqul Alam He also urged the Albanian government to ease visa procedures, pointing out that Bangladeshi citizens currently have to travel to New Delhi to apply for visas. In response, President Begaj suggested that Albania is considering the introduction of e-visas for Bangladeshi nationals. He also called for stronger institutional engagement, including high-level official visits, to advance cooperation. Adviser Asif Nazrul, who oversees the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare, affirmed Bangladesh’s capacity to provide a wide range of manpower—from doctors and nurses to factory and agricultural workers. Prof Yunus urges Malaysia to keep doors open for Bangladeshi workers He emphasised the importance of signing a memorandum of understanding to streamline the recruitment process. President Begaj also announced that Albanian universities are ready to welcome Bangladeshi students under existing international enrollment schemes. Senior Secretary for SDGs Affairs Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has invited Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to visit Pakistan before the conclusion of the interim government's tenure as the two leaders held a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly at the UN Headquarters on Wednesday. They discussed ways to deepen economic relations between the two countries by expanding the existing bilateral trade, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters after the meeting. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including Bangladesh's upcoming general elections, reforms introduced by the interim government, the recent devastating floods in Pakistan, trade and investment, and prospects for regional cooperation, Alam said. Prof Yunus shared that Bangladesh is on course to hold its general election in February and expressed hope that the major political reforms proposed by 11 national commissions would lead to meaningful political transformation. He noted that talks between the National Consensus Commission and political parties are in their final stages, and parties are expected to sign a ‘July Charter’ encompassing key constitutional and political reforms. "These reforms are aimed at preventing the rise of another autocrat in Bangladesh," Prof Yunus said. With SAARC largely inactive in recent years, the two leaders also discussed alternative avenues to enhance regional cooperation. The Chief Adviser Yunus expressed his profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences over the recent floods in Pakistan, which claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people. Prime Minister Sharif attributed the increasing frequency and intensity of such disasters to the worsening impacts of climate change. In August this year, Bangladesh and Pakistan reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of their peoples. Bangladesh emphasised the importance of deepening collaborative bilateral relations founded on mutual respect, understanding and shared interests. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Principal Secretary Siraj Uddin Miah, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed were present at the meeting.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will convey Bangladesh’s commitment to holding a 'free, fair, peaceful and credible' election in the first half of February next during his upcoming speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “This will be a foundational election for Bangladesh. People will be able to exercise their voting rights peacefully. This message will be conveyed to the international community,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters on Tuesday night. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad, and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were also present. Prof Yunus is scheduled to deliver his UNGA speech on September 26 (afternoon, New York time). Alam said the international community has expressed support for the government’s efforts to ensure a transparent national election in February. In his speech, the Chief Adviser is expected to focus on three key areas—reform, justice, and elections—highlighting initiatives taken over the past 14 months and the challenges faced in advancing the democratic process. Prof Yunus has already reaffirmed his government’s pledge to hold one of the most transparent and credible elections in Bangladesh’s history, expressing hope that international observers will monitor the polls to ensure integrity. He is also set to highlight measures taken toward economic recovery. “Prof Yunus also has some personal messages for global leaders, which he will share, addressing broader geopolitical and global issues,” the Press Secretary added. The Rohingya crisis will also feature prominently in his address, as he seeks stronger global support for a sustainable solution. Bangladesh set for most transparent election: Prof Yunus tells global leaders On political dialogue at home, Alam emphasized that the government is maintaining communication with political parties through the National Consensus Commission. “They are our key stakeholders. The July Charter is part of this process,” he said, expressing the hope for peaceful solutions through dialogue. Asked about the Awami League’s role, Alam said, “What they did over the last 15 years is clear. There was no misdeed they were not engaged in.” Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Tuesday that “impunity is the mother of chaos” as world leaders gathered to mark its 80th anniversary and open the General Debate. The UN chief said cooperation is “a practical strategy for survival, not an act of naiveté,” but cautioned that the principles of peace and progress are being eroded by war, inequality and climate chaos. Key Programmes on Wednesday Prof Yunus will attend the opening segment of first Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy: Implementing Commitments on Financing the Sustainable Development Goals on Wednesday. He will hold bilateral meeting with Alexander Stubb, President of Finland at 10:00am on Wednesday. Prof Yunus will attend the UNGA high-level working session on 'Transforming Primary Healthcare-Bangladesh’s Blueprint' at 11:00am He will hold a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Italy in the afternoon. He will attend the US-Bangladesh Executive Business Roundtable: Advancing Reform, Resilience and Growth_ Organized by US-Bangladesh Business Council (USBBC). Club de Madrid will meet the Chief Adviser while there will be bilateral meetings with the President of Kosovo at 4:00pm and with the Prime Minister of Pakistan at 5:00pm. A Conversation with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus _ An Asia Society Event; which will be moderated by Kyung wha Kang, President of Asia Society (former FM of South Korea) at 6:00pm. Prof Yunus honoured at Theirworld’s annual Global Education Dinner Prof Yunus will attend a private Dmdinner to mark the 3rd anniversary of the Ban ki-moon Foundation at 7:15pm. High-Level Meetings on UNGA Sidelines Alongside UNGA events, Prof Yunus held a series of high-level meetings with global leaders at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday and Tuesday. He met the Prime Minister of Australia, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, the former President of Chile, and the current Foreign Minister of Uruguay. Prof Yunus exchanged greetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the UNGA inaugural session. Their brief discussion covered Bangladesh’s reform initiatives, the upcoming general election, and the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia. Albanese warmly acknowledged the contributions of the Bangladeshi community, recalling his participation in a commemoration of Language Martyrs’ Day several years ago. Later, Prof Yunus met Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who also serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. Their discussion focused on expanding access to health insurance globally, particularly in the Global South. They explored innovations in financial services, including life and health insurance, long-term savings, and pension schemes, stressing the need for greater financial inclusion. Prof Yunus underscored the urgency of expanding credit access for maternal healthcare and suggested digital health check-ups to connect rural women with top doctors—an initiative he said could save countless lives. He also urged restructuring of the global pharmaceutical industry, calling for more drug manufacturers to operate as social business enterprises. “Vaccines produced by social business drug manufacturers will remain affordable,” Prof Yunus said. The Chief Adviser invited Queen Máxima to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. Her Royal Highness Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange, also joined the meeting. Security measures for Prof Yunus, his entourage reinforced in NY Prof Yunus later met Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, to discuss shared priorities and recent global health developments. The Chief Adviser also attended two key events: one on Fashion for Development and another focusing on public–private collaboration in social innovation.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to depart from Dubai International Airport for New York, the United States on Monday morning (Dubai time). A commercial flight of Emirates Airlines, carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage, is scheduled to leave for the John F Kennedy International Airport at 8:30am (Dubai time) from Dubai International Airport. Prof Yunus left Dhaka for New York early Monday to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). A commercial flight of the Emirates, carrying the Chief Adviser along with his small entourage, left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:40am, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. The Bangladesh delegation is scheduled to reach at John F Kennedy International Airport at 2:25pm (NY Time) on Monday. Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam and Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury will welcome the Chief Adviser in New York. BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, first senior joint member secretary of National Citizen Party Dr Tasnim Jara and NCP leader Akhter Hossen are accompanying the Chief Adviser as part of the Bangladesh delegation to the UNGA at the invitation of the Chief Adviser. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Nakibur Rahman will join the delegation from the USA, a political source told UNB. UNGA: Prof Yunus off to New York with Fakhrul, Jamaat, NCP leaders Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Energy Adviser M Fouzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Principal Secretary to Chief Adviser M Siraz Uddin Miah, Principal Coordinator (SDGs Affairs) Lamiya Morshed, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are among the members of Bangladesh delegation, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. Prof Yunus is set to hold a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA. Upon arrival, he is likely to meet family members of deceased police officer of NYPD Didarul Islam. On Monday evening (NY Time), Prof Yunus will attend a high-level event on "Social Business, Youth and Technology which will be organised by Global Committee on Social Business for Sustainable Development Goals. He will also attend annual SDG dinner and award ceremony. At the General Debate (Sept 23-27 & 29), the annual meeting of heads of state and government in the beginning of the General Assembly session, world leaders will make statements outlining their positions and priorities in the context of complex and interconnected global challenges, officials said. UNGA: More political leaders to join as Prof Yunus leaves for NY Monday

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has briefed newly appointed Ambassador of the Netherlands, Boris van Bommel on the interim government's preparations to hold a general election in the first half of February, emphasising steps taken to ensure the polls are free, fair and peaceful. The newly appointed Ambassador met Chief Adviser Prof Yunus at the Guest House Jamuna on Thursday, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder on Friday. During the meeting, they discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including strengthening bilateral relations, the upcoming general election, trade and agriculture and the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis. Ambassador van Bommel reaffirmed his country’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. He noted that a European Union pre-election observation team is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh this week, with the Netherlands actively supporting the mission. The discussion also touched on bilateral cooperation in water management. Professor Yunus recalled how Bangladesh has benefitted from Dutch expertise in managing floods and protecting low-lying coastal areas. Read: February polls to be peaceful, festive despite attempts to delay: Prof Yunus “We have a lot in common. There is much we can build together and learn from one another’s experiences,” the Chief Adviser said. Ambassador van Bommel expressed interest in Bangladesh’s recent development achievements, including its innovations in social business and microcredit. Prof Yunus appealed for increased Dutch aid to support more than one million Rohingya refugees currently residing in Cox’s Bazar, citing a significant funding shortfall that threatens ongoing humanitarian efforts. He informed the ambassador of an upcoming high-level international conference on the Rohingya crisis, scheduled for September 30 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Chief Adviser expressed the hope that the event would galvanise international support and help mobilise critical funding for the humanitarian response in the camps. Read more: Bangladesh ready to scale up imports from US: Prof Yunus Ambassador van Bommel acknowledged the urgency of the crisis, stating that the Rohingya issue deserves greater international attention. He, however, noted that global focus has been diverted by other ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator of the government, was also present at the meeting.