United News of Bangladesh

Planning and Education Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has said the interim government is committed to making the groundwork for fostering an "inclusive and pluralistic democracy"; and creating an environment for "free, fair and participatory" elections in line with the aspirations of the country’s people. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a reception on Saturday evening hosted by the High Commission of India in Dhaka, celebrating the 76th Republic Day of India. The Adviser said over the years, the two countries collaborated in a wide range of areas, and Bangladesh is committed to strengthening the relationship based on mutual respect and understanding of each other’s perspectives, concerns and priorities Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma also spoke at the reception. Political leaders, including emeritus president of the Gono Forum Dr Kamal Hossain, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhory, Jatiya Party leaders including its Chairman GM Quader, Advisers including Dr Asif Nazrul, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, businesses leaders, editors, civil society members and celebrities were present. The Planning Adviser said they are committed to taking forward the relationship to a people-centric approach where the welfare of the people of both countries will be ensured. "I am confident that our relationship will continue to strengthen based on goodwill, mutual trust and respect," he said. Read: Rizvi compares call for reforms before elections to AL putting development before democracy Referring to the nation anthems of the two countries at the beginning of the two countries, Adviser Wahiduddin said this is unique in the world that both national anthems were written by the same poet Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore which defines the relations. The Adviser, who has been a teacher and researcher in his entire life, said 76 reminds him of his own age. "I am as old as Independent India." He said Bangladesh-India relationship is multifaceted and based on our shared history, geographical proximity, cultural affinity and people-to-people connections. Adviser Wahiduddin said the people of Bangladesh fondly remember the crucial role played by the people and government of India during Bangladesh's great War of Liberation in 1971. He mentioned that Bangladesh aims to foster strong relations with its neighbouring countries, including India, to promote shared prosperity and sustainable development. "Bangladesh expects this relations will be based on fairness and equity," he said, noting that India is the closest neighbour of Bangladesh. Read more: BNP leader Altaf calls for institutional restructuring to ensure fair elections On the issue of people-centric relations, Adviser Wahiduddin shared some of his personal remarks and said some of his closest friends are Indian academics - either living in India or abroad. He said they collaborate and exchange ideas through many research networks and platforms. "I can say with confidence that these close ties, many of us have in academia in India and Bangladesh, will continue to contribute to the mutual goodwill and understanding between our two countries," said the Adviser. Wahiduddin extended the warmest greetings to the government and people of India. "May Bangladesh-India relations live forever." Indian President Droupadi Murmu is leading the nation in celebrating the 76th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2025. With a special focus on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution and Jan Bhagidari, the celebrations this year are a unique blend of India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development and military prowess. President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto is the chief guest. Around 10,000 Special Guests have been invited to witness the parade, in line with the Indian Government’s objective to increase ‘Jan Bhagidari’ in events of national importance. Read more: National election likely by year end or early 2026: EC Masud These special guests from different walks of life are the architects of ‘Swarnim Bharat’. They include best performers in various fields and those who have made the best use of the schemes of the government.

Bangladesh and the United Kingdom have agreed on the importance of "free and fair elections" and vibrant civil society to promote accountable governance and institutions ensuring freedom of expression and religion. The UK raised concerns reflected in the FCDO Annual Human Rights Report, including the “impact” of the Digital Security Act, political space, and extrajudicial killings, said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Friday. The two countries held their fourth annual Strategic Dialogue on Thursday at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London and discussed the issues. The dialogue was led by FCDO Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton and Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, FCDO Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth, welcomed Ambassador Momen to the UK. Lord Ahmad said they spoke about the strong links between the UK and Bangladesh. "We’re both committed to tackling climate change and looking for future opportunities to strengthen trade between our countries," he said. The UK commended Bangladesh for hosting the Rohingyas who, in August 2017, fled atrocities by the Myanmar military. The UK and Bangladesh reiterated their commitment to the goal of enabling the Rohingya to return home in a safe, voluntary and dignified way as soon as the situation allows.  The UK stressed the need to focus on the Rohingyas’ wellbeing, and noted that access to education and livelihoods would help prepare the Rohingya for eventual return to Myanmar and to live dignified lives while in Bangladesh. Both countries committed to working with the international community, including Asean and the UN, to resolve the crisis. The two countries expressed their deepest condolences to those who had lost loved ones during the pandemic. The UK congratulated Bangladesh on its nationwide vaccination campaign including through COVAX vaccines.   Read: Indo-Pacific: UK sees Bangladesh as "critical stability provider"