United News of Bangladesh

Director General of International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Pema Gyamtsho on Thursday said the future of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) depends on collaboration across borders, sectors, and generations, stressing that cooperation is their only realistic strategy. "Mountains ignore political borders. Rivers do not stop at national frontiers. Glaciers do not melt according to geopolitics," he said marking the International Mountain Day that falls on December 11. ICIMOD is an intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre working on behalf of the people of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and they work for eight regional member countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Gyamtsho, who grew up believing that mountains are eternal, said fragmented action in mountain regions is not only inadequate, but it is also dangerous. "The future of the HKH depends on collaboration across borders, sectors, and generations. This is not only an environmental imperative, it is a question of stability, security, and peace," he said. The ICIMOD DG said they stand at a crossroads: choose reactive crisis response, or proactive resilience building. "The glaciers that shaped us are changing rapidly; our response must be faster still." On this International Mountain Day, he called on governments, development partners, businesses, researchers, and citizens to treat mountains with respect and care for their sustainability as a shared responsibility. The ICIMOD DG called for investing urgently in mountain resilience funding cryosphere protection as a global necessity supporting communities as custodians of climate solutions protecting our water towers, not only in words, but through action Because protecting glaciers is not about saving ice. "It is about saving lives, livelihoods, cultures, and possibilities," he said, adding that the mountains have sustained them for centuries. "Let us act now to help them sustain our future generations." The ICIMOD DG said mountains have taught them so much - they have taught resilience, standing firm against storms. "They have taught humility, reminding us that ambition must respect nature’s limits. They have taught patience, that real change, like geological time, demands persistence. Above all, they have taught balance: to take only what we need, and give back more than we take," he mentioned. Gyamtsho said mountains are eternal and their silence felt powerful, their glaciers unshakeable. "Like many across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), I never saw them as geological formations, but as guardians, sanctuaries of our rivers, our forests, and our lives. Today, I know those silent giants are speaking louder than ever, and we cannot afford to ignore them," Gyamtsho mentioned. He said this year’s theme for International Mountain Day, ‘Glaciers matter for water, food, and livelihoods in mountains and beyond’, is deeply personal to him, not only as someone working for mountain sustainability, but as someone shaped by these landscapes and protected by their generosity. In the HKH, glaciers are not just symbols of beauty or adventure, they are custodians of daily life, silently feeding the taps in our homes and watering the fields that sustain our communities, said the ICIMOD DG. He said the HKH is a global treasure and holds the largest volume of snow and ice outside the Arctic and Antarctica, home to more than 54,000 glaciers, nearly 9% of the world’s total. These frozen reservoirs feed ten major rivers that support over two billion people downstream. From farms and fisheries to hydropower, remote villages, towns, cities, and megacities, our lives are shaped by what happens to these rivers and the glaciers that feed them. "We often treat glaciers as metaphors. In our region, they are infrastructure: natural water tanks that secure food, energy, and human security. To protect them is not just to save their majestic forms, but also to safeguard the future of economies, cultures, and generations," Gyamtsho said. But they are disappearing faster than expected. Glacier mass loss in the HKH has increased by 65% in just one decade. "If emissions continue as they are, we could lose up to 80% of our ice by the end of this century," he said. Gyamtsho said the science continues to warn them and the HKH Snow Update 2025 shows: three consecutive years of below-average snow across key basins dangerously reduced spring snow shifts in snowmelt already disrupting agriculture, hydropower, and daily life For farmers, he said, this means less water for crops. For families, greater struggle to access clean water. For downstream regions, it threatens food, water, and energy security while increasing disaster risks for millions. "Yet I want to pause here, because urgency does not mean hopelessness," said Gyamtsho. Across the HKH, he witnesses extraordinary resilience: farmers adopting climate-smart irrigation, women leading community-based restoration, and youth mapping glacial lakes with drones. "Governments are beginning to recognise that mountains no longer remain in the realm of peripheral references in national discourses, but they are being recognised as national priorities," he said, noting that mountain communities have already shown great resilience to devastating changes. "What we need now is to scale up the investment to match the urgency. Cooperation is our only realistic strategy," Gyamtsho said.  

The Embassy of Algeria in Bangladesh on Thursday commemorated the ‘Demonstrations of December 11, 1960’, an important event in Algeria’s fight for independence. The ceremony was held with great honor and pride, highlighting the sacrifices made by the Algerian people in their struggle against French colonial rule. The event began with the hoisting of the Algerian National Flag at the embassy premises, a powerful symbol of national pride and sovereignty. This was followed by a one-minute silence to honour the martyrs who gave their lives during the December 11, 1960 demonstrations, whose bravery continues to inspire generations. The commemoration proceeded with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Moulana Mohammad Anowarul Haque, who prayed for the heroes of the demonstrations, followed by another Quranic recitation by Moulana Masud Ahmed. In his speech, Abdelouahab Saidani, the Ambassador of Algeria to Bangladesh, reflected on the historical significance of the December 11, 1960 protests. He recalled how the courageous Algerians rose up against the French colonial regime, just as French President Charles de Gaulle visited Algeria to promote his ‘third way’ plan that offered partial sovereignty but rejected true independence. Ambassador Saidani emphasised that the harsh repression faced by the protesters only fueled their determination for independence. The violent response from the French forces, including mass arrests and killings, served to unite the Algerian people and draw international attention to their cause. This collective resistance ultimately led to Algeria gaining its independence. The Ambassador further emphasised that the events of December 11, 1960, not only solidified Algerian unity but also led to the recognition of Algeria’s right to self-determination by the United Nations, eventually pressuring France into negotiations and ending colonial rule. Today, Algeria stands as a sovereign nation committed to progress and prosperity through innovation, unity, and a diversified economy. Ambassador Saidani praised Algeria’s advancements in various sectors, particularly in empowering the youth, while also honoring the brave martyrs who paved the way for the country’s freedom. Drawing a parallel between Algeria’s struggle and Bangladesh’s own history of resistance, the ambassador underscored the shared values of dignity and self-determination that bind the two nations. He called for continued cooperation between Algeria and Bangladesh, especially in the fields of trade, education, technology, and renewable energy, and paid tribute to the enduring friendship between the two countries. The ceremony concluded with the screening of a documentary film showcasing the history and significance of the December 11, 1960 demonstrations, paying homage to the brave souls who contributed to Algeria’s independence. Members of civil society, respected individuals from various sectors, Bangladesh Scouts, journalists from various media houses and prominent business leaders from across the country attended the event.  

Bangladesh and Australia have identified new avenues for cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, skills partnership and technology sharing, blue economy, artificial intelligence, cyber security and anti–money laundering initiatives. The issues were discussed at the 6th round of Senior Officials’ Talks (SOT) between Bangladesh and Australia held in Dhaka on Wednesday. Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral–East and West), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Government of Australia led the respective delegations. With the commitment to strengthen the ever growing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, the 6th SOT was held in a ‘warm and cordial’ atmosphere, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. The discussion featured constructive, forward-looking exchanges covering a wide spectrum of bilateral relations including sectoral cooperation, trade and investment, development partnership, migration and mobility, maritime cooperation, multilateral engagement, climate change and people-to-people linkages. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global matters of mutual interest, including the Indo-Pacific, IORA engagements, and the Rohingya situation. First Assistant Secretary Storey reiterated Australia’s continued support to the Interim Government and its reform initiatives. About the upcoming General Election, she conveyed that Australia looks forward to a free and fair election and democratic transition in Bangladesh, including extending full support to the Bangladeshi expatriates for the postal voting. Storey highlighted Australian Government’s priority areas in its relations with Bangladesh namely expansion of people to people linkages, growth of trade and investment, implementation of development partnership, support Bangladesh in managing Rohingyas, defence and security cooperation, Indo Pacific cooperation.  

Commemorating Human Rights Day 2025, the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division (LPAD), Ministry of Law, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, organised a discussion on the state of play and way forward in Dhaka on Wednesday. Senior government officials, development partners, civil society leaders, and human rights advocates gathered to reaffirm the country’s commitment to justice, equality, and the protection of fundamental rights. The commemoration also showcased renewed momentum behind institutional reforms, including the long-awaited reform of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) through the Ordinance 2025, a milestone effort to better align with international human rights standards. The event featured a univocal call for the swift appointment of the NHRC commissioners. Delivering special remarks, Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul noted, “With strengthened institutions, legal reforms, and committed partnerships, we are ensuring that every citizen’s dignity, freedom, and access to justice are protected. True progress comes when laws are implemented effectively, and together, we can build a Bangladesh where justice has no fear, dignity has no price, and human rights have no enemy.” Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted, “We have begun the journey from the darkest days of human rights violations toward meaningful progress, a process that demands time, dedication, and strong leadership.” Adilur Rahman Khan (TBD), Adviser to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, stressed, “I commend the Ministry of Law for implementing human rights–centered reforms in such a short time. True progress is measured by laws that serve the people and a state that stands united with its citizens. Our hope for future governments is that Bangladesh becomes a genuinely people-centered and democratic country.” Reaffirming UNDP’s commitment, Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative, emphasised, “Our reform support has aimed to bring Bangladesh’s institutional and legal frameworks into closer alignment with international standards. Central to this effort is the new Ordinance reforming the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The UN and UNDP remain steadfast in our commitment to walk with Bangladesh on this journey — from painful lessons to a future of hope, where rights are both declared, and delivered.” Alberto Giovanetti, Counsellor and Head of Political, Economic and Communications Affairs at the Embassy of Switzerland, noted, “Switzerland commends the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP, civil society and other stakeholders for their work in advancing a consultative and evidence-based process to strengthen inclusive reforms like the NHRC Ordinance 2025. Our commitment is to help ensure that these reforms translate into real protection, justice and dignity for all citizens.” Dr. Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, Secretary, LAPD, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), Anowarul Haq, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, Chair of the Commission of Enforced Disappearance, Ben Buckland, Senior Advisor, Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), Professor Dr. Muhammad Ekramul Haque, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Dhaka, Rani Yan Yan, Indigenous Human Rights Defender, Shireen Pervin Huq, Founding Member, Naripokkho were among many who attended the event. The programme also featured expert sessions on operationalising the NHRC Ordinance, preventing torture, improving access to remedies, and strengthening civil society engagement. UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh in building strong, accountable, and people-centred institutions that uphold the fundamental rights of all.

Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun has been appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as a Member of the Independent Expert Advisory Panel on the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI). CPD congratulated her on this achievement and looks forward to supporting her work in this significant international role. The 15-member global Panel, comprising experts who will serve in their personal capacities, will play a central role in guiding the future development and application of the MVI, the civil society think tank said on Wednesday. MVI will work alongside the MVI Secretariat and the UN Statistical Commission to ensure the Index remains methodologically sound, relevant and effective for global policy processes. Under UN General Assembly Resolution 78/322, the Panel is mandated to review the MVI every three years, recommend methodological improvements, and monitor developing countries’ progress in reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening resilience. It will also consider issues raised by the UN Statistical Commission and the General Assembly and reviews lessons learned from the application of the #MVI across the UN system. Dr Fahmida’s appointment is an important recognition of Bangladesh’s contribution to global development discourse, CPD said. She will serve on the Panel in her personal capacity, contributing to its technical and policy-facing work to strengthen the continued relevance, robustness and accessibility of the MVI. Dr Fahmida is also a member of the High-level Advisory Board on Productive Capacities Index of the UNCTAD; a Board Member of BRAC and a Board Director of the Bangladesh Bank.

At the initiative of BCCCI President Mohd. Khorshed Alam, a joint business delegation representing the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCCI) and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) paid a courtesy call on Golam Rasul, Chief of the Special Branch (SB), at the SB Head Office in Dhaka on Wednesday. During the meeting, the SB Chief extended a warm welcome to the delegation members and engaged in a constructive discussion on several important issues affecting Chinese businessmen operating in Bangladesh. He addressed matters related to visa processing, SB security clearance, work permit formalities, and other administrative procedures. Golam Rasul informed the delegation that significant progress has already been made in simplifying these services and ensuring faster responses. He emphasized the government's strong commitment to facilitating foreign investment and assured that the Special Branch is continuously working to streamline its operational processes. The SB chief proposed organizing regular coordination meetings between SB officials and business representatives from BCCCI and CEAB to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. This collaborative platform is expected to help identify challenges early and ensure smoother business operations across the country. The Presidents of both BCCCI and CEAB expressed their sincere gratitude to the SB Chief for his proactive measures and visionary initiatives. BCCCI, CEAB seek joint action plan to boost Bangladesh–China trade They stated that such coordinated efforts will greatly improve the overall investment environment for Chinese entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. They also expressed confidence that issues related to work permits, visas, security clearances, and associated administrative formalities will be resolved more effectively through this structured approach. Secretary General of BCCCI Jamilur Rahman, Senior Vice President Hanjing Chao, Executive Director Md Abu Taher and Senior members of CEAB were also present.    

Director General of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Pema Gyamtsho on Wednesday laid emphasis on greater collaboration in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region as they support the next generation of mountain scholars, innovators and leaders. "ICIMOD looks forward to continued collaboration as we support the next generation of mountain scholars, innovators, and leaders," he said as the ICIMOD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kathmandu University to formally transfer the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) secretariat. The ceremony was held at the ICIMOD Headquarters in the capital city of Nepal. "Today’s MoU reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional leadership and research for sustainable mountain development. Kathmandu University is exceptionally well placed to guide HUC into its next phase as an independent and regionally rooted consortium," said the ICIMOD DG. HUC was established in 2007 to bridge the gap in collaboration between universities in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and beyond to tackle shared development challenges, particularly on mountain issues. Hosted by ICIMOD and supported by its core donors, HUC has created a network of universities and knowledge-sharing institutions, connecting experts, students and other learners across the region and beyond. HUC has grown into a vibrant network of more than 100 universities and academic institutions from within and beyond the HKH. “It is truly a proud and heartening moment to see Kathmandu University take on the responsibility of hosting the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC), " said Dr Eklabya Sharma, former DDG, ICIMOD and former Steering Committee Member, HUC. Looking ahead, Dr Sharma said HUC’s strength and impact lie in deepening regional collaboration in research, education, capacity development, and the co-generation and dissemination of knowledge. "Such collective efforts will play a vital role in informing policies and practices for sustainable mountain development across the region." The transition of the HUC Secretariat to Kathmandu University marks an important next step, realising HUC’s long-envisioned role as an independent, regionally rooted, and academically driven consortium. “The Program Advisory Committee fully acknowledges and deeply appreciates that ICIMOD has hosted the HUC since its inception in 2007," saidTeresa Fogelberg, Programme Advisory Committee Chair. For more than seventeen years, Fogelberg said ICIMOD has nurtured this network, ensuring it had the support, stability, and visibility required to grow. "But we on the PAC also believe—strongly and unanimously—that the moment had come for the HUC to stand confidently on its own feet. And now, that moment has arrived. This transition is not only timely; it is truly remarkable," said the Programme Advisory Committee Chair.

Women workers from Bangladesh’s informal and marginalised sectors stepped forward on Wednesday to demand legal protection, fair wages and formal recognition at an event in Dhaka that spotlighted long-standing inequalities in the country’s labour landscape. The programme, titled “From Shadows to Leadership,” was organised by Oxfam in Bangladesh along with 33 civil society partners and co-funded by the EU under the Empowering Women Through Civil Society Actors in Bangladesh (EWCSA) project. According to baseline findings shared at the event, only 0.73% of women workers had formal contracts, while 85% lacked awareness of their rights. Most had also never interacted with a civil society organisation, underscoring deep-rooted policy gaps and systemic invisibility. Organisers, however, said five years of EWCSA interventions have helped women organise, advocate and engage with institutions that previously overlooked them. Domestic worker Putul Akhter from Barisal said she spent years feeling “unseen and humiliated” before gaining awareness about her rights.  “Now we demand legal recognition, proper contracts and dignity,” she added. Tea worker Shila Kurmi from Sylhet echoed the call for change. She said workers need a living wage, labour law enforcement, safe workplaces, healthcare and education, not as favours but as rights. Speakers stressed that legal reform is essential to achieving structural change. Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of BILS and former head of the Labour Reform Commission, said women in domestic work, tea gardens, fisheries and home-based garment production remain largely unprotected. “True change requires organisation, movement and cooperation,” he added. In a video message, Farida Akter, Adviser at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, said contributions of these workers must be formally recognised and included in policy frameworks. She called for stronger public awareness and greater media engagement so that rights “move from paper to practice.” Michal Krejza, Head of Development Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, said women under the EWCSA project have made “outstanding impact” but noted that progress remains incomplete.      

The High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh on Wednesday recognised Kalpona Akter and Rani Yan Yan as the inaugural laureates of the Canadian High Commission in Bangladesh Human Rights Defenders award for their meaningful contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights in Bangladesh. The event, to commemorate International Human Rights Day, provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of the laureates, strengthen relationships and reaffirm Canada’s support for human rights in Bangladesh. The two recipients were recognised for their sustained leadership as human rights defenders. In this respect, Kalpona Akter was recognized for her work as a labour rights advocate and founder of the Bangladesh Centre for Worker Solidarity. Rani Yan Yan was recognised for her role as the Advisor to the Chakma Circle in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and for her work as an Indigenous peoples’ rights advocate. The ceremony was held at the official residence of the High Commissioner of Canada in Dhaka and was attended by Ambassadors and representatives from diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, development partners, academics and government institutions. In his opening remarks, High Commissioner Ajit Singh asserted that the defence of human rights is an underlying principle of Canada’s foreign policy. “By recognising human rights defenders who work tirelessly and courageously to uphold human rights, we acknowledge the important role these leaders play in building more just, inclusive, and prosperous communities where no one is left behind,” he said. Canada collaborates with the Government of Bangladesh, civil society and international partners like UNDP, the ILO and IFES to support programs for girls’ education, climate resilience, community-led development, labour rights, Indigenous rights and civic education for elections in Bangladesh. Kalpona Akter has worked for more than two decades to improve conditions for garment workers. Beginning her career in the sector as a young worker, Kalpona Akter’s journey began not in boardrooms or policy forums, but on the factory floor. At the age of 12, she was forced to drop out of school to support her family and entered the garment industry in Dhaka.

Highlighting the cultural interconnections between Bangladesh and India, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Wednesday recalled that Deepavali is widely celebrated across Bangladesh, often alongside Kali Puja and popularly known as Shyama Puja - Deepanita Mahotsav. These shared traditions, he said, reflect the deep historical and civilizational bonds that continue to anchor the friendship between the two countries. The High Commissioner noted that Deepavali, the festival of lights, embodies universal values—the victory of good over evil, the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, and the reaffirmation of hope over despair. “These virtues and values transcend nations, cultures and faiths; they belong to humanity,” he said. The High Commission of India in Dhaka celebrated a landmark cultural milestone at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) through a special programme titled ‘Deepavali Goes Global’, marking the inscription of Deepavali into UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.