United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday renewed his emphasis on the economic opportunities in the region, underscoring the vast growth potential of a broader regional cooperation encompassing Nepal, Bhutan and northeastern India. In a televised address to the nation ahead of Tuesday’s handover of power, Prof Yunus outlined Bangladesh’s maritime access as a strategic asset. “Our open sea is not merely a geographical boundary; it is a gateway to the global economy,” he said, highlighting connectivity as central to the country’s next phase of development. Prof Yunus said through economic zones, trade agreements and access to duty-free markets, a strong foundation will be established for this region to become a global manufacturing hub. “We have come a long way in signing agreements with the best international port management companies to take the efficiency of our ports to the international level. If we cannot increase its efficiency, we will lag behind in economic achievements,” he said. The Chief Adviser said they have been able to firmly restore these three fundamental foundations of Bangladesh's sovereignty, national interests, and the country's dignity in foreign policy. “Bangladesh is no longer a country with submissive foreign policy or dependent on the instructions and advice of other countries, today's Bangladesh is confident, active and responsible in protecting its independent interests,” he said. Prof Yunus said they are committed to building relations with all countries of the world based on mutual respect and interests. At the same time, he said, Bangladesh has established itself today as a state capable of taking necessary strategic decisions for the future while maintaining balance. Prof Yunus said the Rohingya crisis has created a serious and long-term strain on the national security, regional stability and economy. CA Prof Yunus thanks NCP for signing July Charter Unfortunately, he said, for a long time, no effective and coordinated international initiative was visible to resolve this crisis. “Since assuming office, we have been able to bring this issue, which was moribund in the international arena, back to the center of global attention.” Realising the importance of this crisis, he said, the United Nations has stood by Bangladesh. The UN Secretary-General himself has visited Bangladesh and pledged to help find a sustainable solution to the problem, he said, adding that at his request, a special conference on the Rohingya issue was held at the UN.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will address the nation at 9:15pm on Monday. Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will broadcast his speech, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Earlier, he delivered a farewell address to officers and staff at the Chief Adviser’s Office, marking the end of the interim administration’s tenure. Following his speech, he joined officials and employees for a photo session at the office. The interim government, which assumed office on August 8, 2024 under Prof Yunus, is set to conclude its term with the swearing-in of a new government on Tuesday (February 17). The BNP-led alliance is poised to form the next government after securing a landslide victory in Thursday’s national election, winning 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami led alliance won 77 seats.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday delivered a farewell address to officers and staff at the Chief Adviser’s Office, marking the end of the interim administration’s tenure. Following his speech, he joined officials and employees for a photo session at the office. The interim government, which assumed office on August 8, 2024 under Prof Yunus, is set to conclude its term with the swearing-in of a new government on Tuesday (February 17). 37 houses ready for incoming ministers: Adviser Adilur The BNP-led alliance is poised to form the next government after securing a landslide victory in Thursday’s national election, winning 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami led alliance won 77 seats.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday expressed his sincere appreciation to the members of the Council of Advisers, describing the recently concluded national election as both historic and highly successful. “We are lucky people who got the opportunity to serve the nation,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted Prof Yunus as saying at the last meeting of the Council of Advisers. Describing the election a ‘massive success’, Prof Yunus extended his gratitude to all those involved in ensuring its smooth conduct, particularly the law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces for their active and professional roles. Prof Yunus calls upon all to work together to fulfill people’s expectations Press Secretary Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy following the meeting. Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were also present. Alam said the Council adopted a formal resolution expressing deep appreciation to all stakeholders for their outstanding contributions towards organising what it termed a successful, historic and festive national election. The Council conveyed special thanks to Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury for his ministry’s leadership, noting that Bangladesh may not have previously witnessed an election of such high standard. The Council extended gratitude to all agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs, including the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, Ansar, and the Armed Forces, for their commendable performance in ensuring a peaceful electoral process. The Council approved a vote of thanks to immediate past Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid for effectively coordinating the administration and contributing to the conduct of a free, fair, peaceful and festive election. It feels like Eid, creating a new Bangladesh: Prof Yunus Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan moved the motion of thanks, which was unanimously adopted. A key point highlighted during the meeting was the anticipated emergence of a strong opposition in Parliament, comprising individuals who had been victims of enforced disappearance and killings, as well as those who were at the forefront of the July Revolution, reflecting broader representation across Bangladesh society. The Council also underscored that individuals from similar backgrounds would be represented on the treasury bench, marking what it described as a new and inclusive chapter in the country’s parliamentary history.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will cast their votes at the Gulshan Model School and College centre in the capital on Thursday. The Chief Adviser will cast his vote at 10am, according to his press wing. Tarique Rahman is expected to cast his vote between 9:30am and 10am, said Shamsuddin Didar, a staff member of the BNP chairperson’s media wing. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed will also cast his vote at the same centre around 12pm, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. A total of 127,298,522 voters (in 299 constituencies) are eligible to cast their ballots in this election. Of them, 64,620,077 are male voters, 62,677,232 are female voters and 1,213 are third-gender voters. The country has a total of 127,711,899 voters (in 300 constituencies) –64,825,154 males, 62,885,525 females and 1,220 third-gender. Nearly 800,000 officials will be engaged in election duties in more than 42,600 polling stations in the 299 constituencies, while nearly another 800,000 security personnel will protect the polling stations. Meanwhile, some 50,000 observers from 80 registered domestic organisations will monitor the election, while nearly 500 foreign observers are expected to oversee the election.  

Expressing satisfaction over the peaceful election campaign across the country, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the presence of a large number of international observers coming from different countries reflects the renewed global confidence in Bangladesh’s democracy. He said it also demonstrates the international community’s serious approach towards the twin elections - the national election and referendum scheduled for February 12- in Bangladesh. “We expect that this election will be better than any other elections that the country witnessed in the past,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted Prof Yunus as saying during a get-together event with the senior secretaries and secretaries of the government. Prof Yunus happy over polls preparations, says next ‘week very crucial’ Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid presided over the function. The Chief Adviser said huge numbers of observers are coming from various countries which reflect that they got back the confidence in Bangladesh democracy. Press Secretary Alam, while briefing the reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, said the elections, held during the regime of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, did not have any legitimacy and no prominent election observers came to observe the elections at that time. Prof Yunus observed that so far there has been no significant tension surrounding the election and political parties carrying out campaigns peacefully across the country. "Election campaigns are taking place peacefully across the country. Political parties are playing a responsible role, and large public gatherings at campaign events are being conducted without violence or disorder," he said. The Chief Adviser if the ‘Yes’ vote wins in the referendum, the country will change fundamentally and mis-governance will not return. "If the ‘Yes’ vote wins in the referendum, Bangladesh’s future will be built in a more positive way," he said. Prof Yunus expressed optimism that the upcoming national election would be a free, fair, peaceful and festive one. Speaking about past elections, he said previous polls in Bangladesh could hardly be called elections, describing them instead as ‘mockery’ in the name of elections. Prof Yunus calls for ethical use of technology, rejects fraud for prosperity "In contrast, the forthcoming election will be held in a free, fair and peaceful manner. With only two days remaining, we have almost reached the destination (peaceful, credible election)," the Chief Adviser said. This election, he said, together with the referendum, would bring an unprecedented change to Bangladesh politics and structure. Prof Yunus said Bangladesh will continue to move forward and attract investors from around the world who will come to establish factories in the country and described Bangladesh’s young population as a vast and powerful resource. Referring to the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), he said this will encourage many foreign companies to set up production facilities in the country. The Chief Adviser reiterated that the Japan-Bangladesh EPA is the first of its kind and should be seen as a model, adding that Bangladesh will pursue more free trade and preferential trade agreements. Such agreements, Prof Yunus said, will open many new doors for the economy and for Bangladeshi products. The Chief Adviser highlighted that, for the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis have been formally included in the political process. He said their role in Bangladesh’s political movements and uprisings in the past is now being fully recognized, and going forward they will be able to play a stronger and more meaningful role in national affairs. The Chief Adviser highlighted the extensive use of technology in this election, saying it has made the process easier and more accessible for everyone. He said that a mobile app has been developed to guide voters on how to cast their votes, while election-related apps will be used to monitor security across nearly 43,000 polling centres across the country. The ‘Election Bondhu’ initiative has been introduced, body-worn cameras have been provided to around 25,700 law enforcement personnel, and CCTV cameras are being installed at polling centres, Prof Yunus said, expressing hope that this election would be better than any previous election held in the country. He thanked the secretaries for their performance over the past 18 months, particularly for their cooperation in expediting work related to around 130 ordinances issued during this period. The Chief Adviser said their support and efficiency have been critical to the government’s work. Later, the Chief Adviser posed for photographs with the senior secretaries and secretaries of the government. If employers lose trust, all skills development initiatives would fail: Prof Yunus

Highlighting the significant demand for Bangladeshi workers abroad, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said all forms of fraud, related to skills training certificates, must be stopped to unlock the country’s untapped employment potential overseas. “All these frauds must be stopped. The reputation of the country’s workforce is being undermined due to fraud and forgery related to skills training certificates,” he said, stressing that if employers lose trust, all skill development initiatives would fail. The Chief Adviser made the remarks while presiding over a meeting of the Governing Body of the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) at his office. Prof Yunus instructed the concerned authorities to take effective measures to prevent the forgery of skill development training certificates and the use of fake credentials in order to safeguard Bangladesh’s reputation in the international labour market. Stressing the importance of building the country’s brand image, he said, “Employers should say that workers who come from Bangladesh will definitely do well.” Established in 2018, this was the second meeting of the NSDA Governing Body. The first meeting was held in 2022. Prof Yunus said the NSDA has provided a strong framework for developing skilled human resources in line with the needs of both national and international labour markets. With the growing demand for Bangladeshi workers abroad, he added, the role of the authority will become even more important. Expressing optimism, the Chief Adviser said the NSDA’s initiative to introduce a unified standard certification system across all training institutions would play a crucial role in preventing such fraud. “Our young generation is highly creative and full of potential. Our responsibility is to open doors of opportunity for them,” he said. Prof Yunus happy over polls preparations, says next ‘week very crucial’ Prof Yunus also emphasised the need for necessary initiatives and coordination to enable private entrepreneurs to operate in a more transparent and effective manner. The meeting reviewed the implementation progress of decisions taken at the previous Governing Body meeting and decided to establish an integrated skills ecosystem. Under this ecosystem, uniform curricula and standards will be ensured for training programmes conducted by different ministries. Once fully implemented, the system is expected to enhance the quality and credibility of certificates in the international market, reduce the wastage of public funds, and facilitate centralised and effective planning and implementation for assessing industrial labour demand and workforce development. The Governing Body approved the long-term goals of the NSDA to address global challenges following Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Key components of these long-term plans include conducting skills gap analyses in emerging sectors, bringing all development projects under NSDA curricula and competency standards, aligning the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF) with international benchmarks, and bringing the large informal-sector workforce under national skills certification through recognition of prior learning. Among other issues, the meeting discussed the provision of Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDC) to students trained at the Institutes of Marine Technology (IMTs) under the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. Dhaka, Beijing cooperation must continue with new govt: Prof Yunus Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary M Siraz Uddin Miah, NSDA Executive Chairman Dr Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury, secretaries of different ministries, and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said the cooperation between Bangladesh and China must continue, although a new government will soon take office.  “In a few weeks, I will be out of this office and a new government will be formed, but the work between our two countries must go on,” he said during a meeting with a delegation from the China-Bangladesh Partnership Forum at the State Guest House Jamuna recently. The delegation included senior Chinese academics, investors and industry leaders from the biomedical, infrastructure, digital, and legal sectors, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Friday. Xin-yuan Fu, a leading Chinese biomedical scientist and Director of the West China School of Medicine at Sichuan University, commended Prof Yunus’ vision and said he was very much looking forward to working with Bangladeshi academics and contributing to improving people’s lives. Bangladesh elected Vice Chair of UN Peacebuilding Commission for 2026 Andrew Zilong Wong, Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors of Walvax Biotechnology, and Yuqing Yao, Managing Director of Walvax Biotech (Singapore), shared their experiences and interest in working with Bangladesh. Walvax has exported its vaccines to at least 22 countries. The company has established local subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and Indonesia and is exploring the localisation of PCV and HPV vaccines.  In Indonesia, it has signed an agreement with a business partner, indicating a move toward building local capacity. The delegation also included Jinsong Wang, Vice President of the Robotics Society of Singapore; Yuan Feng, Chair of the Management Committee of Fordall Law Firm; Li Ran, Managing Director of Beijing Wutong Asset Management; Gao Zhipeng, Vice President for International Investment and Projects at China State Construction Engineering Corporation; Xu Tianzhao, Investment Director of China Hunan Construction Investment Group; Hua Jie, Vice President of China CCC Engineering Group; Chen Shujian, General Manager for Overseas Markets at PowerChina Overseas Investment Group; Professor Ma Xiaoyuan of Yunnan University; and Alex Wang Zekai, Secretary-General of the China-Bangladesh Partnership Forum. They informed the Chief Adviser that they had engaged with several university students in Bangladesh on artificial intelligence and digitalisation and expressed admiration for the talent and potential of young Bangladeshi minds. During the meeting, Prof Yunus recalled his long-standing relationship with China, which began through the microcredit movement. “I had the opportunity to visit remote villages in China and see how people’s lives were being transformed. Later, the Chinese government launched its own programmes inspired by these principles,” the Chief Adviser said. Recalling his visit to China in March, Prof Yunus said he had met President Xi Jinping during the visit. “He told me that he had read my book and followed its principles. That was a very happy moment for me,” he said. The delegation thanked Prof Yunus and discussed opportunities for collaboration in the health, infrastructure and digital sectors. Highlighting the interim government’s priorities, the Chief Adviser said health remains the top concern. “Our highest priority is healthcare—how to integrate digital technology so that doctors and patients can connect effectively, medical histories can be preserved digitally, and appointments can be accessed easily,” he said. Dr Yunus also emphasised the need for social business models in the pharmaceutical sector. “Medicines cost pennies to produce, yet are sold for dollars. We want to encourage the establishment of social business pharmaceutical companies that focus on helping people, not just profits,” he said. About the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof Yunus recalled Bangladesh’s advocacy for patent-free vaccines. “We raised our voices for patent-free vaccines and faced resistance. When the vote came, 10 countries abstained. They said rich countries would buy vaccines and donate them to poor nations. We said we don’t need gifts. People were dying while others were making money. This is a shame,” he said. Rohingya crisis not receiving due attention, repatriation only solution: Prof Yunus Prof Yunus also shared his vision of establishing a “health city” in the northern region of Bangladesh. “During my visit to China, I proposed building a 1,000-bed international hospital in northern Bangladesh. It is a poor region but strategically located near India, Nepal, and Bhutan,” he said. Dr Yunus explained that the proposed health city would include hospitals, medical colleges, research centres, vaccine production facilities, pharmaceutical industries, and medical equipment hubs. “All health-related activities would be located in one city. People from India, Nepal, and Bhutan could also benefit by accessing quality healthcare facilities there,” he added. Prof Yunus expressed his gratitude to the government of China for its continued support and cooperation. Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary to the government, was also present at the meeting. 

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said Bangladesh must use technology ethically to avoid misuse and succeed in a fast-changing digital world. “This country can never be a land of fraud. We want to hold our heads high through our own qualities. We have that capability,” he said, pointing finger at the challenges Bangladesh faces on the global stage due to the widespread use of fake documents. Citing an example of an individual who used all forged certificates to enter a foreign country as a doctor, Prof Yunus said the nation must move away from such practices to fully benefit from advanced technology. “Let us make up our minds that we will come out of fraud, take steps to ensure realistic policies, and build a pro-people system of governance,” the Chief Adviser said, expressing displeasure over the misuse of technology in producing fake documents. Prof Yunus inaugurates country’s largest Digital Device and Innovation Expo Prof Yunus pointed out that Bangladeshis are highly talented and creative, stressing that this talent and creativity must not be used for harmful or unethical purposes. He was speaking at the Inaugural session of the Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026, the country’s largest technology showcase, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC), stressing that tomorrow's world will be truly a different world. "It is absolutely a very important event. There is no doubt. This is a key sector," he said, seeking much importance that is required for this sector. The expo features innovation, digital devices, mobile technology, e-sports and B2B zones, alongside product discounts and special offers. The ICT Division, the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) and the Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) are jointly hosting the country’s largest technology exhibition, which will continue until January 31. The inaugural session began with the playing of the national anthem, followed by a theme song of the expo. An audio-visual presentation was also screened. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury and BCS President Mohammad Zahirul Islam and BHTPA Managing Director Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan also spoke at the opening session. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb shared Bangladesh's ambitious target to increase its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exports from approximately $1 billion to $5 billion by 2030. He assured the investors of protecting their investments.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday inaugurated the Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026, the country’s largest technology showcase, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC), stressing that the tomorrow's world will be truly a different world. "It is absolutely a very important event. There is no doubt. This is a key sector," he said, seeking much importance that is required for this sector. The expo features innovation, digital devices, mobile technology, e-sports and B2B zones, alongside product discounts and special offers. The ICT Division, the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) and the Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) are jointly hosting the country’s largest technology exhibition, which will continue until January 31. The inaugural session began with the playing of the national anthem, followed by a theme song of the expo. An audio-visual presentation was also screened. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury and BCS President Mohammad Zahirul Islam and BHTPA Managing Director Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan also spoke at the opening session. Prof Yunus calls on armed forces to uphold public trust in elections Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb shared Bangladesh's ambitious target to increase its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exports from approximately $1 billion to $5 billion by 2030. He assured the investors of protecting their investments. Speakers at the opening ceremony highlighted the importance of building a digitally skilled nation through proper investment in developing human resources. They also discussed Bangladesh’s growing potential in exporting digital services. They expressed optimism that the country would soon be able to present new technologies to the world, rather than relying solely on technologies developed elsewhere. Bangladesh has set an ambitious target to increase its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exports from approximately $1 billion–$1.4 billion currently to $5 billion by 2030. While previous targets The expo aims to attract technological innovation, showcase capabilities and successes, and encourage investment in the technology sector. Five seminars and four panel discussions are scheduled, focusing on digital transformation, global investment, the startup ecosystem, the national equipment identity register, financing and digital devices for students to build an intelligent society, bridging gaps in the innovation ecosystem, the deep-tech value chain, manufacturing and export vision, and inclusive digital transformation. Prof Yunus says fair polls possible, calls for readiness for all scenarios Entry to the expo is open to all through online or on-site registration. The venue will be fully Wi-Fi enabled using satellite internet technology. The expo serves as a major platform for showcasing state-of-the-art technologies and innovative ideas from various industries and universities.