United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay have reaffirmed their commitment and cooperation at the international, regional and sub-regional platforms, like SAARC and BIMSTEC based on the principles of shared values, mutual respect, understanding, cooperation and a common aspiration for peace and prosperity. They also reaffirmed their commitment to enduring bilateral engagements and cooperation. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the Joint Working Group (JWG) to facilitate the development of the Bhutanese Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kurigram and welcomed the ongoing collaborative efforts. The leaders, according to a joint statement issued on Sunday, expressed satisfaction with the status of implementation of the agreement on the movement of ‘traffic-in-transit’, noting that the trial run of goods transport from Chattogram Port to Burimari Land Port is being completed. Bangladesh proposed supplying pharmaceutical products to Bhutan on a government-to-government basis. Bhutan key part of Dhaka’s vision for regional trade, says Prof Yunus Both sides acknowledged that such cooperation would enhance Bhutan’s access to affordable and quality healthcare supplies. At the invitation of the Chief Adviser, the Prime Minister of Bhutan is on a state visit to Bangladesh from November 22 to 24. He is scheduled to leave Dhaka for Thimphu on Monday morning, a senior official told UNB, noting that Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain will see him off at the airport. The Bhutanese PM was accompanied by Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade; Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Employment; and senior officials of the Bhutanese government. Bangladesh, Bhutan sign 2 MoUs on internet connectivity, health cooperation The visit of Prime Minister Tobgay to Bangladesh is a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship and goodwill that have long defined the relations between the two countries, according to the joint statement. The Chief Adviser hosted a banquet in honour of the Prime Minister of Bhutan on Saturday evening. Both the heads of government held official talks on Saturday in an atmosphere of heartfelt warmth and cordiality reflecting the time-tested friendship between the two countries. The two leaders recognised with deep satisfaction the excellent state of bilateral relations and discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including trade, connectivity, and people-to-people connections. Recalling Bhutan as the first country to recognise Bangladesh as an independent country on 6 December 1971, Prof Yunus expressed gratitude for Bhutan's invaluable support during Bangladesh’s fight for independence. Both sides underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and strengthening private sector cooperation. Prime Minister Tobgay also met business leaders from Bangladesh to explore new avenues for economic and commercial collaboration. Bangladesh appreciated the King of Bhutan’s global vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) and conveyed her readiness to extend cooperation in the development of GMC in Bhutan. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the state of ongoing cooperation in various fields such as human resource development, connectivity, tourism and culture. In the presence of the two leaders, two MoUs - MoU on Trade of International Internet Bandwidth and other Telecommunication Services; and MoU on Appointment of Health Workforce were signed. The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the cordial welcome and warm hospitality extended to him and the members of his delegation. He extended an invitation to the Chief Adviser to visit Bhutan at a mutually convenient time. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enduring engagements and cooperation between the two countries and their people. BIDA executive chairman Ashik Chowdhury and National Citizen Party leaders separately called on visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay at a city hotel on Sunday.  

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to the BIMSTEC process and emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation in key areas. He mentioned trade and investment, connectivity, energy, climate change, and people-to-people contacts as areas of cooperation. The issues were discussed when Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Indra Mani Pandey paid a courtesy call on the foreign secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently. At the meeting, the secretary general briefed the foreign secretary on the latest progress and current efforts within the BIMSTEC framework, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Recognising Bangladesh's key contribution to promoting BIMSTEC initiatives, Pandey highlighted the need for enhanced regional collaboration. BIMSTEC for addressing security challenges that hinder dev aspirations As current chair, the foreign secretary reiterated Bangladesh's readiness to host BIMSTEC sectoral meetings as per convenience. They also discussed possible initiatives during Bangladesh's BIMSTEC chairmanship to further advance regional cooperation towards realizing the vision of prosperous, resilient and open BIMSTEC. The foreign secretary welcomed the secretary general’s assurance of full support during Bangladesh’s chairmanship of BIMSTEC.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), in partnership with the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), on Tuesday officially launched a pioneering report titled “Harmonising Humanitarian Assistance (HA)/Disaster Relief (DR) in the Bay of Bengal” that underscored the urgent need to harmonise regional efforts in HA/DR in the face of intensifying natural disasters. The report launched at the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday is seen as a “significant step toward” regional cooperation in disaster response and climate resilience. The report builds on insights from the IPCS-BIMSTEC-HD policy implementation workshop held in October 2024 in Bangkok, which convened experts, policymakers, and practitioners from across the region to address growing climate challenges. Secretary General of BIMSTEC Indra Mani Pandey and Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Abdul Motaleb Sarker were present. The Secretary General emphasised that the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters in the Bay of Bengal region demand a collective response. “As BIMSTEC continues to grow in relevance, we must focus on building disaster-resilient infrastructure and strengthening regional preparedness. The report makes a timely and important case for harmonising disaster response efforts—and rightly recognises BIMSTEC as the platform to lead that charge.” The Additional Secretary said that the report comes at a crucial moment. “As climate-induced disasters intensify across the Bay of Bengal, our collective response must be swift, more coordinated, and grounded in shared systems.” Harmonisation, as emphasised in the report, is the key to unlocking more effective action, he said, adding that Bangladesh, as the current Chair of BIMSTEC, fully supports the call for greater alignment and stands committed to strengthening regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and response. Bimstec’s evolution into unique platform lauded The report presents a compelling case for institutional and policy harmonisation in HA/DR and recommends the following areas for action by the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre: establish a research database through collaboration with specialist/technical organisations; establish a unified Regional Climate Disaster Mapping and Response Centre for the Bay of Bengal within the BDMC; enhance Bay of Bengal crisis communications through a platform housed in the BDMC; and institute a cost-sharing and prepositioning programme for HA/DR equipment and supplies coordinated by the BDMC. The launch concluded with interactive and insightful discussions among the participants, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a resilient and responsive regional HA/DR ecosystem. Disaster Management is one of the sectors of BIMSTEC cooperation. The expert group on Disaster Management is currently engaged in finalising a Plan of Action to improve preparedness and coordination for responding to natural disaster in the member States. A BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate has been set-up in Noida, India, that makes tailored weather and climate forecasts for the member States. Three rounds of BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercises have been held. A BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre is being proposed in India to anchor cooperation among the member states in disaster management. BIMSTEC comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex and uncertain global political and economic landscape, the just-held 6th BIMSTEC Summit has reaffirmed BIMSTEC’s critical role in forging regional cooperation to enable the member states to deal with their shared security and sustainable development challenges, says its Secretariat. With institutional reforms already underway, BIMSTEC is poised to evolve into a vibrant and dynamic regional organisation, advancing peace, prosperity and resilience in the Bay of Bengal region, said the Secretariat of the regional grouping on Saturday. Leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), in their statements at the 6th Summit in Bangkok, underlined the need to make progress in enhancing intra-regional trade and investment; connectivity and security. The Summit, the Secretariat of the regional grouping said, provided a new impetus to the regional organisation to realise the goal of a “prosperous, resilient and open BIMSTEC”. The leaders also sought enhanced cooperation in the areas of tourism, culture exchanges, climate action, green and renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, food security and disaster management. The BIMSTEC leaders reiterated their commitment to it, identified the areas of priority for regional cooperation, and presented specific proposals and initiatives, said the BIMSTEC Secretariat on Saturday. Dr Yunus suggests BIMSTEC youth festival for increased engagement The 6th Summit of the Heads of State/Government of the Member States of BIMSTEC was held on Friday. It was preceded by 25th BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting on April 2 and 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on April 3. The 6th Summit was attended by Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Prof Muhammad Yunus, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Republic of India Narendra Modi, Chairman of State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Republic of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Dr Harini Amarasuriya and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The 6th Summit, themed “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC”, focused on fostering collaboration among the member States to address their shared security and developmental challenges. Bangladesh, Thailand sign MoU to fight corruption jointly Key Outcomes of 6th BIMSTEC Summit ● Adoption of Declaration of 6th BIMSTEC Summit, which reflects the vision of the Leaders as well as their decisions and directives for future cooperation; ● Adoption of BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, the first ever Vision Document of BIMSTEC, which provides a comprehensive and practical roadmap for future cooperation amongst the member States to achieve the vision of Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC; ● Signing of Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation. It’s a significant step towards strengthening regional partnerships to enhance maritime connectivity, enabling more trade and travel amongst the member States; ● Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between BIMSTEC and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which institutionalises future partnership between IORA and BIMSTEC in key areas of shared interest. ● Signing of Memoranda of Understanding between BIMSTEC and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which formalises partnership between UNODC and BIMSTEC in areas of shared priorities. ● Adoption of Rules of Procedure for the BIMSTEC Mechanisms. The Rules of Procedure, together with the BIMSTEC Charter, lay a strong foundation of institutional framework for regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, ensuring greater efficiency and consistency; ● Adoption of the Report of Eminent Persons Group on the Future Direction of BIMSTEC, which contains a number of recommendations to reform and revitalize BIMSTEC; and ● Endorsement of BIMSTEC Leaders’ Joint Statement on the Impact of Earthquake which struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025. The BIMSTEC leaders expressed condolences, solidarity and commitment to supporting the affected countries and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in regional disaster management and to strengthen response mechanisms for natural disasters. Dr Yunus enquires about Hasina’s extradition request status, seeks measures to restrain her BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, in his report to the leaders, outlined progress made since the 5th BIMSTEC Summit, which was held in Colombo in March 2022. He sought their guidance to further advance the BIMSTEC agenda for the greater benefit of the region and reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to working closely with the member States to strengthen regional cooperation under BIMSTEC. At the conclusion of the Summit, Bangladesh, a founding member of BIMSTEC, assumed its Chairmanship. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to working collaboratively with other member States to take BIMSTEC cooperation forward. BIMSTEC comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday night returned home from Bangkok, wrapping up his two-day official visit that saw extensive engagement on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, carrying the Chief Adviser and his delegation members, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 10:05pm (BD time), Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Earlier, he departed from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 8:45pm (Bangkok time). Thai Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Jiraporn Sindhuprai, saw him off at the airport. During his visit, the chief adviser attended multiple events, including bilateral meetings with several heads of government, including a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hugely inflated, bulk of them were fake news: Yunus tells Modi over attacks on minorities At the summit Bangladesh assumed the chairmanship of the regional grouping - Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) - for the next two years, reaffirming its commitment to advancing regional cooperation and development. Upon receiving the chairmanship from Prime Minister of Thailand, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus made a statement of acceptance, underscoring an inclusive and action-oriented BIMSTEC. The BIMSTEC comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday conveyed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the reports of attacks on the minorities were "hugely inflated" and bulk of them were "fake" news as Modi shared his "serious concerns" for the safety and well-being of Hindus and other minorities. Responding to Prime Minister Modi's concern over the condition of minorities in Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser also asked the Indian leader to send reporters to Bangladesh to investigate the alleged attacks themselves. During their meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit, Dr Yunus said he has instituted an effective system for monitoring every incident of religious and gender violence in the country and his government was taking serious actions to stop any occurrence of such incidents, according to Chief Adviser's press wing. Through his social media handle, Modi said India remains committed to a "constructive and people-centric" relationship with Bangladesh. "I reiterated India’s support for peace, stability, inclusivity and democracy in Bangladesh," he said, adding that they discussed measures to prevent illegal border crossings and expressed India's "serious concerns" for the safety and well-being of Hindus and other minorities. Dr Yunus urges Bhutan to make investment in Bangladesh In a separate media briefing in Bangkok, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of the condition of minorities in Bangladesh candidly during his conversation with Prof Yunus. PM Modi conveyed India’s "deep concerns" on the matter and highlighted the broader societal implications of these developments. The Prime Minister also made it clear that the responsibility for addressing these issues lies with the government of Bangladesh, Misri said. Modi expressed his hope that the government would fulfill its responsibilities with seriousness and ensure that these matters are properly investigated and addressed. Responding to a question, the Indian Foreign Secretary said as far as the issue of election is concerned, it is well understood that in any democracy, regular and "inclusive elections" are a vital component. Prime Minister Modi shared his views on this matter with Prof Yunus and expressed his hope that, moving forward, they will see a "democratic, inclusive, and stable" Bangladesh, Misri said. It is universally acknowledged that elections play a crucial role in achieving that vision, said the Indian Foreign Secretary. Bangladesh urges Thailand to ease visa procedures Responding to a question on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, Misri said as far as Sheikh Hasina is concerned and the reference that was made in that context from the Bangladesh side - yes, this matter was raised during discussions. "As our spokesperson has already informed you earlier, we have indeed received a communication on this issue. At this point, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the subject," said the Indian Foreign Secretary. Both leaders - Dr Yunus and Modi - concluded their "fruitful and honest dialogue" by wishing each other good health and personal well-being and extended their best wishes for continued peace, progress and prosperity for the people of both countries.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus left Bangkok for Dhaka on Friday night after attending the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in the Thai capital. He departed from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 8:45pm local time on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Dr Yunus suggests BIMSTEC youth festival for increased engagement Thai Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Jiraporn Sindhuprai, saw him off at the airport. The chief adviser arrived in Bangkok on Thursday and attended multiple events, including bilateral meetings with several heads of government from neighbouring countries.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday asked the BIMSTEC secretariat to take the initiative for a BIMSTEC youth festival to increase engagement among the young boys and girls of member states. Dr Yunus gave the directive to BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey soon after he assumed the role of new BIMSTEC chairman at the end of its sixth summit. Mani, a former Indian diplomat, called on the Chief Adviser at the end of the summit to discuss the future initiatives of the organisation. The Chief Adviser also asked Mani to ensure a separate youth gathering when BIMSTEC held its next summit in Dhaka two years later, CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Hasina’s extradition, border, water issues featured in Dr Yunus-Modi first-ever talks “We should have a separate meeting for youth when BIMSTEC leaders meet. This will bring young people of member countries together,” said Professor Yunus. “Also, BIMSTEC should hold a youth festival where each country will do their part and one country will take the lead. Youth festival will again bring young boys and girls together,” he said. Mani welcomed the ideas and pledged to work on those. “These are fantastic ideas. We will work on these ideas with our full attention,” he said. The Chief Adviser also inquired from BIMSTEC secretary general about Free Trade Agreement negotiations status among the member states. The BIMSTEC secretary general informed the Chief Adviser that they were working to hold a meeting of commerce and trade ministers of member countries, which had not been held in 21 years, with the last such meeting taking place in 2004. The Chief Adviser also asked the BIMSTEC secretary general to prepare an annual calendar of meetings planned for a better outcome. Yunus-Modi Talks: India reiterates support for democratic, inclusive Bangladesh The sixth BIMSTEC Summit was held in Bangkok on Friday, with leaders from seven member countries attending. Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra handed over the chairmanship of BIMSTEC to Prof Yunus at the end of the Summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reiterated India's support for a "democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive" Bangladesh during his first- ever bilateral meeting with Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. "Prime Minister Modi urged that rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided," Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters while briefing after the meeting. Hasina’s extradition, border, water issues featured in Dr Yunus-Modi first-ever talks Modi expressed his conviction that all issues of mutual interest between the two countries would continue to be addressed and resolved bilaterally through constructive discussions, in the interest of their long-standing and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship. The Indian Prime Minister underlined that India believes in people-centric approach in a relationship and highlighted the cooperation between the two countries for a long period of time that delivered tangible benefits to people on both sides, He underlined India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism. On the border, strict enforcement of the law and prevention of illegal border crossings, especially at night, are necessary for maintaining border security and stability, according to the readout issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. "Bilateral mechanism could meet as appropriate to review and take forward our ties," Modi said. Prime Minister Modi underlined India’s concerns related to the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, and expressed his expectation that the government of Bangladesh would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating the cases of atrocities committed against them. He congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the Chair of BIMSTEC and looked forward to the forum further advancing regional cooperation under its leadership. The leaders agreed to enhance consultations and cooperation to advance regional integration, including under the BIMSTEC framework. We'll hold free, fair, participatory election: Dr Yunus tells BIMSTEC leaders Chief Adviser Dr Yunus presented a photograph to Prime Minister Modi during their bilateral meeting. The photo is about Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting a gold medal to Dr Yunus at the 102nd Indian Science Congress that took place in Mumbai on January 3, 2015. The bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit is viewed as the most significant development in Dhaka-Delhi relations since the July Uprising in Bangladesh. This was the first-ever in-person meeting between the two South Asian leaders since the formation of Bangladesh's interim government last August 8, following the fall of the previous government three days earlier. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs Lamiya Morshed, CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim, among others, were present at the meeting, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. This is the biggest India-Bangladesh diplomatic development since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, and subsequent flight to Delhi (where she remains), observers say. Earlier, Bangladesh approached India through the diplomatic channel to arrange a meeting between Dr Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the Summit. In his pre-departure statement from India, Modi said he will meet the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries to discuss ways for strengthening collaboration, keeping the interests of people in mind. Dr Yunus seeks collective efforts rising above differences to strengthen BIMSTEC "I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with the interests of our people in mind," Modi said as he began his visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Thursday hosted an official dinner for BIMSTEC leaders where Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met each other, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad told UNB. The Thai prime minister welcomed the BIMSTEC leaders and exchanged pleasantries at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel. She made a brief remark at the dinner which was followed by a toast. Dr Yunus posed for a photograph with Thai PM Shinawatra at the official dinner.