United News of Bangladesh

‘Bangladesh and Singapore: A Tale of Two Nations’, authored by Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan, was unveiled in Dhaka on Wednesday, exploring historical parallels, cultural exchanges and the deepening economic ties between the two countries, with a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) charting a new course for bilateral relations. Fresh from its Singapore launch, the book was formally introduced at a programme titled ‘Book Launch: Bangladesh and Singapore: A Tale of Two Nations’ held in the city's Baridhara in the evening, where speakers discussed its key themes and future-oriented insights. In his opening remarks, author Enayetullah Khan, also Editor-in-Chief of UNB, said that following the book’s launch in Singapore on November 27, he felt Dhaka’s winter provided the right moment to present it to Bangladeshi readers. The book, he noted, captures nearly six decades of dynamic relations between Bangladesh and Singapore from multiple perspectives. “Bangladesh and Singapore do not merely stand on the conventional foundations of bilateral ties,” Khan said, adding, “Their relationship rests on a powerful narrative — trust, trade, investment and respect. These four principles form the strong pillars of Bangladesh–Singapore relations,” he said, adding that the book examines the economic outlook of both countries alongside their historical connections. Singapore’s independence from Malaysia came six years before Bangladesh achieved independence from Pakistan in 1971, and both nations were led by towering figures — Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Bangladesh and Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore. Despite differing trajectories and transformations after independence, bilateral relations between the two countries have remained resilient. Building on this foundation, the book outlines prospects for a new economic pathway. “Bangladesh is a South Asian country, while Singapore is in Southeast Asia. In today’s global power politics, the Bay of Bengal offers immense opportunities for Bangladesh. If shipping and trade potentials of the Bay are fully utilised, Bangladesh can witness a new wave of economic growth. In this context, a Bangladesh–Singapore FTA could open new doors and usher in a new horizon for both economies,” Khan added. Echoing similar optimism, Singapore’s Acting High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Mitchel Lee, who attended the event as a guest of honour, said the two countries share not only common waters of the Indian Ocean, but also intertwined historical journeys.

The Bangla version of a book titled "Operation X" written by Capt MNR Samant and Sandeep Unnithan has been launched. The book tells a tale of naval commando operations, jointly undertaken by the Indian Navy and Mukti Bahini during the Liberation War. The event to launch the Bangla edition of this remarkable book was graced by AKM Mozammel Haq, Liberation War Affairs Minister as the chief guest. Also read: FM's book 'The Foreign Policy of the Twenty-First Century: Development and Leadership' published Swapan Bhattacharjee, State Minister, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives attended as special guest besides Indian and Bangladeshi veterans who were part of these heroic operations and co-author Sandeep Unnithan. The operation was conceptualized by then Chief of Indian Navy, Admiral SM Nanda and Captain (later Vice Admiral) Mihir K Roy and executed by Capt MNR Samant, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Monday. Over 450 naval commandos were trained and infiltrated into erstwhile East Pakistan to disrupt the Pakistani military and logistics lines of supply by destroying watercraft, jetties and marine infrastructure so that Pakistani forces could not resupply themselves, which ultimately led to their swift capitulation in 13 days of War. Read Students to get new textbooks in time next year: Dipu Moni Along with Commando operations, the book also talks about the raid on Mongla port by gunboats Padma and Polash, the two gunboats provided by Indian Navy with a mixed Indian and Bangladeshi crew. The Naval Commando Operation X or NCO(X) was part of ‘Operation Jackpot’, which entailed covert training and equipping of the Mukti Bahini. Overall, between August and November 1971, the commandos sank or disabled 100,000 tons of enemy shipping and completely blocked the ports of East Pakistan. Also read: 'Beautifully Me': Nabela Noor's book will teach you self-love In sheer scale, this is the largest cover operation undertaken anywhere in the world after World War II. The story, which remained untold for 48 years, was first released in English in 2019. It has been compiled from personal notes of Capt MNR Samant and first hand accounts of Indian Naval Personnel and Muktijoddhas who participated in the operations. Read Book titled 'World Leaders on Bangabandhu and Bangladesh' unveiled It was co-written by noted author and journalist Sandeep Unnithan in a readable, excitingly paced language.