United News of Bangladesh

The United States has appreciated Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus' vision of looking at the Rohingya issue not in isolation but in the context of Myanmar as a whole. The US also expressed deep appreciation for the generosity of Bangladesh by hosting 1.2 million Rohingyas and thanked the leadership of Dr Yunus for making progress on this issue. "We appreciate your vision of looking at the Rohingya issue not in isolation but in the context of Myanmar as a whole," US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Nicole Ann Chulick told Chief Adviser Dr Yunus on Thursday. The visiting US delegation called on the Chief Adviser at his official residence state guesthouse Jamuna and expressed support for the reform agenda of the Interim Government. Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Andrew R Herrup was also part of the US delegation. Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the head of US mission in Dhaka Tracey Ann Jacobson were present at the meeting. They also discussed regional issues of peace, security, and development, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. The Chief Adviser termed the recent identification by Myanmar government of 180,000 Rohingyas as fit for return to Rakhine as an important progress. The US officials also appreciated the Chief Adviser’s approach to enhance regional cooperation, connectivity, and people-to-people contacts. Dr Yunus underlined the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and reaffirmed the commitment of the interim government to work closely with the Trump administration on the entire range of bilateral relations. He thanked the US President Donald J. Trump for resuming aid for the Rohingyas and ninety-day pause in the application of reciprocal tariffs. "We are continuing our work to support his trade agenda," Dr Yunus said. Regional Peace, Security The visiting US delegation also met with National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman on Thursday. In an hour-long meeting, they discussed major regional issues of peace and security and key aspects of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and US. They also discussed the Rohingya issue and the situation in Myanmar at length. The US delegation expressed appreciation for the approach of Bangladesh to address the issue.

Three people were killed in separate lightning strike incidents across Rajshahi, Chandpur, and Bagerhat districts on Thursday. In Rajshahi’s Bagha upazila, a local farmer died after being struck by lightning while working in a field. The deceased was identified as Manik Hossain Mondol, 45. He sustained critical injuries and died on the way to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, said Abdul Awal, a former councillor of Arani municipality. In Chandpur, another farmer, Md Sahab Uddin, 26, died after being hit by lightning while harvesting paddy at Laukora village in Haziganj upazila around 2 pm. He was the son of the late Ershad Hossain and a resident of Ward-8 under the same upazila, said Md Mohiuddin Faruque, officer-in-charge of Haziganj Police Station. Myanmar frees around 4,900 prisoners to mark traditional new year Meanwhile, in Bagerhat’s Mongla upazila, a local BNP leader was killed in a similar incident. The victim, Md Nasir Uddin Sheikh, 55, was a resident of Sonakhali village and former organising secretary of Mithakhali union BNP. He was struck by lightning while catching fish in a pond near his house around 12:30 pm, said Manik Chandra Gain, officer-in-charge of Mongla Police Station. Nasir was rushed to the local health complex where doctors declared him dead, the OC added.

Dhaka Boat Club Limited (DBCL) on Thursday expelled its former president and ex-Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, along with club secretary Tahsin Amin. The decision was made at an executive committee meeting held at the club on Thursday. Situated on the pristine and lush shores of the Turag River in Dhaka, the club previously came into the spotlight after expelling member Nasir U Mahmood from its executive committee. The real estate businessman was arrested for allegedly attempting to rape and murder popular actress Pori Moni. That expulsion had been made at an executive committee meeting presided over by then-president Benazir Ahmed, attended by eight other members and the club’s adviser Rubel Aziz. In today’s meeting, the committee announced plans to take legal action to ensure appropriate punishment for the accused. They said the expulsion followed discussions on various financial irregularities and embezzlement involving the two, which came to light after over five months of investigation at multiple levels. Model Meghna shown arrested in fraud case The findings were later confirmed through an audit conducted by a reputable firm, according to a written statement. Separately, on February 20, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case against Benazir Ahmed, his wife and two daughters on charges of money laundering involving Tk 11.34 crore. The other accused are Benazir’s wife Jissan Mirza, eldest daughter Farheen Rishta Binte Benazir, and younger daughter Tahseen Raisa Binte Benazir. Benazir Ahmed served as the IGP from April 15, 2020, to September 30, 2022. He had earlier held the posts of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner and Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). He left the country with his family on May 4 last year. Meanwhile, the court has issued an arrest warrant against him through Interpol.

Bangladesh on Thursday sought greater political and humanitarian support from the United States to help address the Rohingya crisis in addition to raising the high tariff issues. "We broadly discussed the Rohingya issue," Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin said, adding that the upcoming election issue was also discussed. The US delegation comprising of US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Nicole Ann Chulick and Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Andrew R Herrup met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser and High Representative to Chief Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and the Foreign Secretary separately and discussed the issues of mutual interest. Both sides expressed "strong commitment" to further advancing the Bangladesh-US partnership to a "newer height" in the days to come. Briefing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Secretary Jashim said they also discussed the ongoing reform issues and steps taken by the interim government. The centrepiece of Bangladesh's actions is to significantly increase the imports of US agricultural products such as cotton, wheat, corn and soybean which will offer benefits to US farmers. Bangladesh has the lowest tariff on most US exports in the South Asian region. The Chief Adviser indicated further tariff cuts on US products are being fashioned, including top US export items such as gas turbines, semiconductors and medical equipment. Bangladesh will build dedicated duty free bonded warehouses for cotton to improve speed to market. Dhaka seeks Pakistan’s apology for 1971 genocide; demands 4.32bl, undivided wealth A separate letter detailing the actions by Bangladesh was sent by the Commerce Advisor to the US Trade Representative. Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi said, "I have further important discussions scheduled with the offices of USTR, Commerce and State department, in Washington DC next week."  The meeting with the Foreign Secretary discussed the key areas of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, development cooperation, and people-to-people connections as well as Rohingya crisis. Referring to the letter from the Chief Adviser and the Commerce Adviser, the Foreign Secretary indicated that government was considering a few measures to address the bilateral trade gap with the US. The US side flagged that 90-day is a very short time and concrete measures have to be taken and implemented before 09 July 2025 to resolve the issue. The Foreign Secretary said that Bangladesh does not consider 90 days pause as a stop and is actively utilising the time to find out ways in consultations with the stakeholders to deal with the new situation for the mutual benefits of both the countries. The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the country’s commitment to improving labor standards. Requested to Revisit USAID Funding Foreign Secretary Jashim requested to revisit the recent USAID funding cuts, particularly in the health and agriculture sectors, and sought support for Bangladesh’s inclusion at the US Development Finance Corporation. The US side noted the status, appreciated the progress and conveyed the authorisation of the Congress is needed in that regard.

A group of international journalists has  visited Beijing International Studies University (BISU) recently as part of a cultural and educational exchange initiative aimed at promoting global understanding and academic collaboration. The delegation, composed of media professionals from various countries, was warmly received by BISU officials and faculty members. 5 CU students, auto-driver still missing after abduction in Khagrachhari During the visit, the journalists toured the university’s state-of-the-art facilities, including China Comic Museum, cultural centres, libraries, and classrooms. They also had the opportunity to meet with students and professors, gaining first-hand insight into BISU’s diverse academic programmes and vibrant campus life. In several sessions held at the university, BISU representatives introduced the institution’s history, academic strengths, and international partnerships. Known for its focus on language studies, international relations, and cultural exchange, BISU has long played a pivotal role in training professionals to serve in global arenas. BISU is committed to fostering international understanding through education and exchange. This visit strengthens ties with the global media and promotes a more accurate, balanced view of contemporary China. Journalists expressed appreciation for the university’s academic environment and its efforts to bridge cultural gaps.   They said it is clear that BISU is preparing students to become global citizens. The visit concluded with a lively discussion between the journalists and BISU students, focusing on global journalism, intercultural dialogue, and the role of education in building a more connected world. The event was part of a wider initiative supported by Chinese authorities to enhance people-to-people exchanges and showcase the country's educational institutions. Beijing International Studies University continues to stand as a bridge between China and the world, nurturing mutual respect and shared knowledge.  

Five Chittagong University students and a battery-run auto-rickshaw driver, abducted in Khagrachhari on Wednesday, remain missing as a joint force led by the Bangladesh Army continues rescue operations. Khagrachhari Superintendent of Police Mohammad Arefin Jewel said a regional armed group operating in the hills might be involved in the abduction. "We are using mobile tracking technology to locate them and working on all possible leads to rescue the abducted individuals," he said. The six victims, including Rishan Chakma, a student of International Relations at Chittagong University and a leader of the CU unit of the Pahari Chhatra Parishad (PCP), were abducted at gunpoint from the Giriful area of Khagrachhari Sadar early Wednesday morning, according to Nipun Tripura, president of the PCP, a student wing of the Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) backed by Santu Larma. He said the students had travelled to Baghaichhari in Rangamati to attend the traditional Baisabi festival and were returning to Chittagong University via Khagrachhari. As they failed to secure bus tickets on Tuesday, they stayed overnight at the home of a relative in the Kukichhara area of Khagrachhari Sadar upazila. PCP accuses UPDF of abducting 5 CU students in Khagrachhari "On Wednesday morning, they were on their way back to Chittagong in a battery-run auto-rickshaw when they were forcibly picked up from the vehicle in the Giriful area. The driver was also abducted," he said. He alleged that members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) [Prasit group] were responsible for the abduction. However, Angya Marma, Khagrachhari district organiser of the UPDF (Prasit group), denied the allegation. “We have no involvement in the abduction. This kind of vindictive politics is not our way. We always advocate for an end to fratricidal conflicts. Some quarters are trying to implicate us through conspiracies,” he said.

Gas supply will remain suspended for 15 hours on Friday in some areas of the capital. According to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC, due to the relocation of existing gas pipelines under in alignment with the underground stations (Airport and Khilkhet) of MRT Line-1 under Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, the gas supply will remain off for 15 (fifteen) hours—from 7 am to 10 pm on Friday for all industrial, commercial, and captive consumers in the area from Balaka Bhaban in Kawla to Subastu Tower in Shahjadpur. The other areas include Grameenphone Head Office, North South University,  Unique Hotel, U.S. Embassy, Ananta Energy Resource, Pinnacle Power in the Bashundhara Residential Area The consumers in adjoining areas including Nikunja, Khilkhet, Baridhara, Bashundhara Residential Area, Kuril, Jagannathpur, Kalachandpur and Baridhara Residential Area may experience the gas supply, said Titas Gas regretting for the temporary inconvenience.  

Bangladesh on Thursday raised historical unsettled issues with Pakistan, including a formal apology for the genocide committed by the then Pakistani armed forces in 1971 and Bangladesh's fair share of undivided wealth and laid emphasis on resolving pending issues to put the relations on a “solid foundation. Bangladesh also flagged a figure of US$ 4.32 billion as part of its financial claim demanded from Pakistan as Dhaka and Islamabad held the Foreign Office Consultations after a long 15 years. The 5th FOC at the foreign-secretary level was held in Islamabad in 2010.   “We said that as a friendly neighbor of Bangladesh in South Asia, we seek Pakistan's cooperation in building a strong, welfare-oriented and forward-looking relationship with Pakistan by resolving the existing historical unresolved issues at the earliest and we emphasize on working together towards this end,” Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the FOC. Bangladesh also raised unsettled issues like repatriation of stranded Pakistanis and transfer of foreign aid funds sent to the victims of the 1970 cyclone. Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin and Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch led their respective delegation at the FOC at State guest house Padma as the two South Asian countries are keen to strengthen their ties. Ways needed to overcome hurdles for stronger ties with Pakistan: Chief Adviser Though the Bangladesh side briefed the media, the Pakistani Foreign Minister declined to make any comment when approached to know about the meeting outcome. "These issues need to be resolved for having a solid foundation of our relations," Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh sees willingness from the Pakistan side to remain engaged on those issues as the talks began between Dhaka and Islamabad after 15 years. Asked what the reply from the Pakistan side was, the Foreign Secretary said they assured them of remaining engaged with Bangladesh in the coming discussions. "They (Pakistan) would like to remain engaged. Our aim was to flag the issues," he said. The Foreign Secretary said Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also scheduled to pay an official visit to Bangladesh on April 27-28. Ishaq Dar’s upcoming trip to Dhaka will mark the first visit by a Pakistani Foreign Minister since 2012. Jashim said Pakistan is one of the important neighbors in South Asia and advancing relations with all the neighbors is one of the goals of Bangladesh’s foreign policy. In this context, he said, both sides agreed in the consultations to further advance the existing relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan in the coming days. The Foreign Secretary said they emphasized economic and trade relations with Pakistan. 

A legal notice has been served to the government urging cancellation of all facilities, including transit and transshipment, granted to India. Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Azizul Haque served the notice on Thursday. The notice was served to the secretaries to the foreign and finance ministries. Unsettled issues need to be resolved to put ties on solid foundation: Dhaka to Islamabad SC lawyer Azizul said that if the government does not take steps to cancel the transit and transshipment facilities, as well as discriminatory agreements signed with India, a writ petition will be filed in the higher court seeking necessary steps in this regard. He further stated that India has already revoked the transshipment facilities it had given to Bangladesh. Now, the people of Bangladesh also want all facilities granted to India to be withdrawn, he added.

River ports in some regions have been asked to hoist cautionary signal number 1 as a temporary west or north-westerly gusty or squally wind is likely to occur in many parts of the country, according to the special bulletin Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).The warning for Inland River ports to remain valid till 1:00 am on Friday, according to a bulletin on Thursday.“Rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary West or North-Westerly squalls speed 60-80 KPH is likely to occur over the regions of Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Cumilla and Noakhali wherein river ports shall hoist riverine warning signal no two,”Besides, rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary west or north-westerly gusty or squally wind speed 45-60 is likely to occur over the regions of Rajshahi, Kushita, Jashore, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar where in river ports shall hoist cautionary signal No one, it said.