United News of Bangladesh

France and Bangladesh share a common commitment to peace, multilateralism and the rules-based international order, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet said on Monday, stressing the need for closer cooperation amid growing global instability and unilateralism. He made the remarks while delivering the keynote speech at at a lectures series titled “France and the World: Bangladesh in it” jointly organised by the Center for the Bay of Bengal Studies and Marana Foundation in partnership with the Department of Global Studies and Governance of Independent University, Bangladesh. Highlighting the long-standing historical ties between the two countries, the Ambassador said France has consistently supported Bangladesh on global platforms and considers the country a key partner in advancing peace and international cooperation. “The world is changing very fast and not necessarily for the better. What was true a year ago may not be true today,” he said, describing what he termed the ‘brutalisation’ of the global order marked by unilateralism, disregard for international law and growing conflict. The Ambassador praised Bangladesh’s significant contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, calling the country a vital actor in global peace and security. He said both nations remain firm supporters of the United Nations, multilateralism and international law, which he described as ‘the only viable framework for global stability.’ Referring to France’s foreign policy priorities, Séré-Charlet said Paris declared a feminist diplomacy a decade ago and places strong emphasis on gender equality. He commended the host university for maintaining near gender parity, calling it reflective of shared values. The Ambassador also expressed concern over violations of international law, citing Russia’s actions in Ukraine as a serious challenge to the rules-based order. He also warned about the growing use of hybrid warfare including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. “Disinformation has become a weapon. Democracies must work together to counter fake news and manipulation especially during elections,” he said. He said France is keen to deepen collaboration with Bangladesh in climate action, biodiversity conservation, maritime security and Indo-Pacific cooperation. He also reaffirmed France’s support for the rights of Palestinians and a peaceful solution in the Middle East based on international law.

French Ambassador-designate to Bangladesh, M. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, has encouraged Bangladeshi students seeking to study abroad to consider France as a destination offering top-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and a vibrant international environment. He made the remarks while speaking at the “Choose France Tour” at the Alliance Française de Dhaka on Monday.  The two-day event, now in its second edition, will conclude on Tuesday in Chattogram.  Highlighting the growing interest from French universities in Bangladeshi students, the ambassador noted that while ten universities participated in last year’s event, twelve are taking part this year. Addressing concerns about language barriers, the ambassador said, “Let me reassure you that you can live in France nowadays as most people in big cities speak English. Universities also offer courses entirely in English, so it is not an issue.” Bangladesh seeks regional cooperation, truth platforms to counter dis/misinformation According to Campus France Bangladesh , the French government agency hosting the event, students from Bangladesh can choose from nearly 1,700 English-taught programmes across a range of disciplines, including business, management, engineering, sciences, law, social sciences, and the arts. 

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy met BNP leaders at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office in the capital  on Wednesday to discuss bilateral issues and the current political situation of Bangladesh. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir led his party’s team in the meeting The party’s standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and organising secretary Shama Obaed were present. Tarique urges govt to pay heed to public desire for impartiality Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Amir Khosru said the meeting discussed how to strengthen the bilateral relations and economic relations between Bangladesh and France in future. He said the current scenario of Bangladesh particularly the political scenario, election and investment in Bangladesh were also discussed in the meeting. “We told (the French envoy) that the people are waiting for election and casting their votes as they want to elect their government through votes,” said the BNP leader. Unity must to protect Bangladesh, its people: Tarique  

Newly appointed Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy made a special visit to Cosmos Atelier 71 and Gallery Cosmos, the reputed printmaking studio and artistic space of Cosmos Foundation, on Thursday. She explored the ongoing exclusive intaglio process softground and stencil workshop by internationally acclaimed artist and art teacher, Professor Rokeya Sultana, titled “Impression of Rokeya's” at the Cosmos Centre. Read more: Printmaking workshop ‘Impression of Rokeya's’ underway at Cosmos Atelier 71 Tehmina Enayet, Director of Cosmos Atelier 71 and Gallery Cosmos, and Rokeya Sultana greeted Ambassador Masdupuy and exchanged their artistic visions, while Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury guided the studio and gallery tour while sharing the artistic initiatives and ongoing workshop to the ambassador. "We are overwhelmed to have the honorable French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy among us, here in our Cosmos Atelier 71 and Gallery Cosmos. France is the pioneering nation in the world of arts and also has been one of our great diplomatic allies, and the ambassador’s maiden visit in our art space will continue strengthening the remarkable bond and friendship between the two nations," Tehmina Enayet told UNB. Professor Rokeya Sultana said, "It is our great honor that Ambassador Masdupuy visited this exclusive printmaking workshop, and I along with all of our participating artists are enthralled with her presence and enthusiasm regarding our works." Read more: Impression of Rokeya's: Intaglio process workshop at Cosmos Atelier71 from Monday Inaugurated on January 23, the workshop is featuring young and prominent artists from home and beyond – Asmita Alam Shammy, Roosevelt Benjamin, Chhobi Zulfiqar, Rifat Jahan Kanta, Farzana Rahman Bobby, Mohammad Rezwanur Rahman, Bacchu Miah Arif, Kamruzzoha, SM Ehsan and Indian artist Sukla Poddar. The workshop also features four guest artists – renowned painter Afrozaa Jamil Konka, eminent photojournalist-artist Nasir Ali Mamun, veteran artist and freedom fighter Biren Shome and journalist-artist Zahangir Alom – alongside participating guest artists Sam Jamil Julian, Rumessa Mailloux and Sourav Chowdhury.

The Sammilito Islami Dal, an alliance of Islamist parties, has demanded sending back the French ambassador to Dhaka in protest against comments made by Emmanuel Macron on Islam.