Wednesday, 02 April, 2025
Wednesday, 02 April, 2025
UN urges aid to Myanmar quake survivors before monsoons hit, death toll climbs towards 3,000
United Nations officials who surveyed earthquake damage in Myanmar urged the global community on Tuesday to ramp up aid before the looming monsoon season worsens already catastrophic conditions, with the death toll at 2,719 and expected to surpass 3,000. Drinking water,
AHM Rahman Iqbal

Bangladesh sends second aid package to Myanmar quake victims

Bangladesh should increase economic engagement with East European countries

Myanmar quake: Hope fades for survivors as toll passes 2,000

Modi greets Yunus, Bangladeshis on Eid

Bangladesh urges BIMSTEC states to finalise key trade agreements
Bangladesh has called upon BIMSTEC member states to extend full cooperation in ensuring the timely finalisation of six key constituent agreements on trade in goods under the Framework Agreement. Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin made the appeal while leading a five-member Bangladesh delegation at the 25th session of the BIMSTEC Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM), which began today in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting is a precursor to the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled for April 4, 2025. In his statement, Jashim Uddin highlighted the progress made in the sector of "Trade, Investment, and Development, including Blue Economy", for which Bangladesh serves as the Lead Country. He urged regional partners to finalise agreements related to trade in goods, Rules of Origin, Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters, Dispute Settlement Procedures and Mechanism, Trade Facilitation, Investment, and Trade in Services. Stressing the significance of a BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA), he said its realisation is crucial for the collective economic progress of the region. The meeting also reviewed reports from previous sessions, including the Report of the Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) on the Future Direction. Discussions covered BIMSTEC's specialised centres, including the BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate and the proposed BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence on Tropical Medicine. Senior officials finalised the draft Provisional Agenda and draft Report of the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting, set to take place tomorrow. Additionally, they completed the drafts of provisional agenda and declaration for the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit. Bangladesh is set to host the 26th session of the BIMSTEC Senior Officials' Meeting in Dhaka. Seven member countries of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) are India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
AHM Rahman Iqbal
UN urges aid to Myanmar quake survivors before monsoons hit, death toll climbs towards 3,000
United Nations officials who surveyed earthquake damage in Myanmar urged the global community on Tuesday to ramp up aid before the looming monsoon season worsens already catastrophic conditions, with the death toll at 2,719 and expected to surpass 3,000. Drinking water,

Bangladesh sends second aid package to Myanmar quake victims

Bangladesh should increase economic engagement with East European countries

Myanmar quake: Hope fades for survivors as toll passes 2,000

Modi greets Yunus, Bangladeshis on Eid

Foreign ministry's maritime affairs secretary Khurshed Alam resigns
Offshore oil, gas exploration: 7 foreign firms bought tenders so far
Project cargo for Numaligarh refinery arrives via India Bangladesh protocol route
Tripura chapter of IBCC writes to Bangladesh minister for better connectivity
Martin Raiser, vice president of the World Bank (WB) for South Asia, arrived in Dhaka on a four-day visit today, which the global financial institution stated was aimed at reinforcing
Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus left here for Davos, Switzerland, at early hours of today, on a four-day official visit to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic
Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus is set to leave here for Davos, Switzerland, on a four-day official visit to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF)
Chief Adviser Prof Dr Mohammad Yunus will attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 21-24. Foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Rafiqul Alam today said in
Energy giant Chevron has planned to invest in new gas exploration activities in Bangladesh in an effort to boost the country's energy security, senior officials of the US-based company said
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has agreed to provide $1.15 billion to Bangladesh in the third instalment under its multi-billion-dollar loan programme. An IMF team reached a staff-level agreement with the government of
'No plan to ban Awami League'
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said that the interim government has no plans to ban the Awami League, but individuals within its leadership accused of crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, will be tried in Bangladeshi courts. He said the government has not ruled out referring AL leaders to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, following a UN fact-finding mission that reported potential crimes during the July uprising. "It is very much on the table." Speaking with a delegation from the International Crisis Group led by its President Comfort Ero at the state guest house Jamuna yesterday, the chief adviser said the interim government has vowed to hold elections on schedule, and not delay the vote for any demands. He also confirmed that the government has set two possible timelines for the elections. He assured the group the dates would not change, said a press release from the chief adviser's press wing. Yunus explained that if political parties seek a limited number of reforms prior to polls, then the elections will be held in December. If a larger reform package is desired, then elections will take place by June next year. "We have no reason to change the election dates," he added, emphasising that the upcoming elections will be free and fair. He also shared that the Consensus Building Commission began talks with political parties yesterday. He said there are plans to finalise and sign the July Charter, which will guide the government's policies. The International Crisis Group officials praised the arrest of Rohingya insurgent leader Ataullah this week, calling it a sign of the government's commitment to peace and stability in the refugee camps. They also stressed the need for increased engagement with the Arakan Army, which controls much of Rakhine state in Myanmar. Prof Yunus noted that Dhaka is working to mobilise aid for Rohingya refugees and hopes the upcoming special UN conference on the Rohingya crisis will draw global attention to the issue. Ero expressed her group's support for Bangladesh in countering misinformation targeting the country and its government. Prof Yunus concluded by expressing Bangladesh's desire for strong relations with India, though he lamented that much of the misinformation campaign against Bangladesh has originated from Indian media.
২১ মার্চ, ২০২৫
Toby Cadman urges govt to refer July massacre case to the ICC
Bangladesh to Investigate Appointment of WHO Regional Director for South East Asia
Chief Adviser returns home after joining D-8 summit in Egypt 

CA for impact-driven connects among varsities, cooperative learning to make youth skilled

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today proposed building impact-driven connects among universities and introducing cooperative learning to make the youth skilled by taking fuller advantages of digital revolution.   "... let us build and deepen functional, impact-driven connects between our universities and equivalent knowledge institutions, particularly focused on preparing boys and girls into entrepreneurial other than its sake. Applied Science disciplines," he said.   The chief adviser made the remarks while addressing the 11th D-8 summit in Egyptian city of Cairo, according to a message received here.   He observed that the D-8 member states must bring the entrepreneurs and higher learning much closer than what is today, while their aim should be to generate knowledge output that can produce global secure business and industry from leaders of D8 countries fiercely competitive global market place, with their niche.   "If this asks to re-look at the D-8 trade and investment frameworks afresh, we should do so. Transforming the business to impact on peoples' lives, not just an occupation to be our wealth. They will engage in social business to create a new civilization," he added.   The 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate, said for years, they tried to impart basic education and skills to millions in the D-8 countries through conventional in-person institutional architecture.   "In a 1.2 billion people, so often that is an increasingly daunting task. To reach 'scale', we tried through distance learning, for instance. We need to think deeper as to how to skill millions of young adults in workplace where right attitudes - values - ethics matter as much as hard skills."   "And, then we also confront the challenge to re-skill many millions at different vocational streams, on a continuous basis," he said.   Mentioning that basic AI-based tools and applications are accessible now, Prof Yunus urged the D-8 leaders to consider a cooperative learning agenda that can complement their national undertakings.   He said the ways the 'world of work' is evolving fast as the world of youth entrepreneurship, the D-8 countries have to re-invent 'learning' to make rooms for their boys and girls to become leaders of the economy.   "In our countries, we have great heritage, wisdom and accomplishments. We have to see how we can blend and build on those. We are yet to take fuller advantages of the digital revolution that has been with us for years," Prof Yunus said.   "Now that using AI is here, let us think if we can leapfrog and catch up with the disruptions, to the advantage of our entrepreneurial boys and girls. As way forward, I would like to propose (the) two specific actions, for our consideration," he added.   Highlighting the significance of the D-8 summit, the chief adviser said the D-8 leaders have met at a time when the world is witnessing unprecedented challenges, while so many opportunities beckon them as well.   He mentioned that the theme of the Summit, focusing on youth and the SMEs, aptly resonate with shared aspirations.   Each of the D-8 countries has sizable youth population while median age in Bangladesh, for instance, is just 27 years, he said. Around two and a half million young people enter the labour market every year, Prof Yunus added.   "In a private sector driven economy, as we endevour to get them fit for the market or, encourage them to emerge as agile entrepreneurs, we see how emergence of technologies is posing challenges and opportunities like never before," he added. The chief adviser said manufacturing landscape in the countries has millions of workers who generally have low skills but the manufacturing and service economy of tomorrow is fast transforming, largely riding on artificial intelligence, machine learning, data-driven tools and applications.   In Bangladesh, where agriculture is still a critical mainstay for the society and economy, it has been seen that children of the majority of small farmers are little interested to pursue back-breaking, risky and often uncertain farming-on-field the ways their parents took upon as a matter of tradition, he said.   Prof Yunus said travelling to rural Bangladesh, even across Asia, Africa and Arab world, he saw how millions of today's youth are fast embracing technology and innovation, in everything around - either to turn around long-persistent challenges or, eke out newer opportunities that many thought impossible even a few years before. Often, he said, the younger folk show uncanny imagination in tacking intractable climatic stress on-the-field.   "I particularly underline this as our agriculture and food are changing about securing our economies, and creating wealth, within our own societies, with little outside inputs," he added.   About the importance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), the chief adviser said this brings into their consideration the millions of SMEs and most of those thrive within informal economy.   "They aspire to grow and connect to global supply chain. Most often, they lack formal structure, access to institutional finance or support architecture and are unfamiliar with market norms-practices-standards. Yet, I see how amazingly capable and competitive the SMEs are," he said.   In the D-8 countries, he said, collectively they possess enough of wealth, even in private philanthropy, to stand by these scores of SMEs.   "With our modest support, we can shape a virtuous 'cycle of good', for them and for our people. We need to let money flow to them, through de-risking finance, for instance," the Noble Laureate said.   He urged the D-8 governments to convene candid, result-oriented conversation involving communities of youth - startups - business - finance, and see if they can curve out new platform amongst them.   Prof Yunus asserted that Bangladesh would be ready to take such an initiative forward; and convene a first multi-stakeholders meet in 2025.   "As we adopt the Cairo Declaration and the Summit outcome reflecting our collective aspiration and shared commitment to addressing pressing issues, I may call upon Excellencies to re-look at our collective agenda, afresh," he concluded.   Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the leaders of D-8 member states and the D-8 Secretary General were present on the occasion.  

Bangladesh endeavours to advance D-8 cooperation: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today said Bangladesh endeavoured to advance D-8 cooperation under quite challenging circumstances since assumption of D-8 Chairmanship in April 2021.   "We first battled the limitations and constraints in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic; and then the poly crisis that afflicted many of our countries, in so many ways," he said in his opening speech at D-8 summit held at Egypt capital of Cairo, according to a message received here.    As the outgoing Chairmanship of Bangladesh, Prof Yunus welcomed you the leaders of the member states at the 11th D-8 Summit.    He expressed his warmest felicitation to the Incoming Chair and the Host, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, indeed for making the meticulous arrangements and gracious hospitality in the historic city of Cairo.   "I must complement the Government of Egypt for its unwavering commitment to the principles of the organisation in advancing our shared vision, for progress and cooperation," the chief adviser said.   During the Bangladesh' chairmanship of D-8, he said, establishment of the D-8 Youth Council, and ratification of D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement, during this time were particularly noteworthy.    Prof Yunus said this could not be accomplished with the member states' unwavering support, and understanding, of their collective interest.   He said Bangladesh is thankful to all the D-8 governments for the support extended throughout Bangladesh's Chairmanship, and the level of commitment shown in advancing our collective interests.    "While we officially hand over the Chairmanship to Egypt, I complement President El-Sisi for the theme of this Summit, "Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs". It resonates aptly with our aspirations in D-8," he said.    The chief adviser said in times of changing world of work, the D-8 countries need to re-discover and re-position learning, regarding youth and work in the economy of tomorrow.    "Things often evolve too fast and gets difficult for governments to comprehend, and implement. But we must keep on recalibrating our efforts, to match the difficulties," he said.    Prof Yunus said, "As Bangladesh passes the baton to Egypt, let me affirm Bangladesh's unwavering support to the Egyptian Chairmanship in furtherance of our cooperative agenda."    He said Team Egypt, under wise leadership of President El-Sisi, can count on Bangladesh.    "May D-8 flourish, under Egypt's leadership, and help our countries accomplish greater freedom, stability, harmony and prosperity in an unpredictable world," Prof Yunus added.  
Touhid calls for collaboration for peace, security, stability in Asia
Sheikh Hasina needs to be PM again: FBCCI
Next year's HSC exam on revised syllabus: Minister
102nd founding anniversary: Dhaka University Day celebrated
UN seeks nearly $1 bn in aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh
UN chief departs Dhaka after 4-day visit
Army chief calls on Guterres
Necessary dialogue must take place with Arakan Army: Guterres
 United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today reiterated that the UN will continue to provide support to Bangladesh over Rohingya
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus along with UN Secretary-General António Guterres is scheduled to visit the Rohingya camp in Cox's
United Nations (UN) rights office has called upon the government for withdrawing the lawsuits lodged against journalists, lawyers, trade unionists,
Bangladesh urges BIMSTEC states to finalise key trade agreements
Bangladesh has called upon BIMSTEC member states to extend full cooperation in ensuring the timely finalisation of six key constituent
৬ ঘণ্টা আগে
Bangladesh imports over five times its exports to Saarc nations
CA congratulates Bangladesh women for winning SAFF title
Most USAID workers to be fired or placed on leave
World Bank reiterates support for Bangladesh's reforms
World Bank reiterates support for Bangladesh interim govt
ADB to Provide $1 Billion Annually for Bangladesh’s Inclusive Development.
London-based IGC to partner with BRAC in setting up a data hub in Bangladesh, says its chief

Williamson, Latham punish fumbling Pakistan

Japan coach Moriyasu staying on after WC

Hunger-striking Senegal journalist shifted to hospital

PM opens 1st phase of metro rail today

‘Otherwise, people will not forgive us’

Prof Yunus envisions a new nation in conversation with NPR

Bangladesh maintains close ties with all – China, US and India: PM tells CNN

Williamson, Latham punish fumbling Pakistan

Japan coach Moriyasu staying on after WC

Williamson, Latham punish fumbling Pakistan

Japan coach Moriyasu staying on after WC

Hunger-striking Senegal journalist shifted to hospital

PM opens 1st phase of metro rail today

10 killed, 30 injured in hotel-casino fire on Cambodian border