DHAKA: Bangladesh has expressed its desire to build a stronger, more effective and results-oriented partnership with UNICEF to improve maternal and child health, ensure quality education, empower adolescent girls, strengthen child protection and enhance climate resilience. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam conveyed the government’s expectations during a meeting with visiting UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka yesterday.

The meeting discussed various aspects of the longstanding cooperation between Bangladesh and UNICEF in promoting the development and welfare of women and children. Shama Obaed praised UNICEF’s contributions to the advancement and well-being of women and children in Bangladesh since the country’s independence. She said the government was committed to building an inclusive society that ensures dignity, equal opportunities and access to essential services for women and children.

She also highlighted the government’s priority initiatives, including the Family Card and Farmer Card programmes, noting that financial assistance to women-headed households would help strengthen women’s economic empowerment.

The State Minister outlined several government initiatives in education, including school feeding programmes, free textbook distribution and free education opportunities for female students up to the undergraduate level. Highlighting Bangladesh’s significant progress in reducing maternal and child mortality, Shama said the government had nearly doubled budget allocations for the health sector to strengthen healthcare services.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving educational standards, she said investment in education would gradually increase, with the aim of raising education spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). On child marriage, she stressed the importance of addressing its underlying socioeconomic causes, including poverty, social norms, school dropouts and limited opportunities for girls.

The meeting also discussed gender-related risks arising from climate change, violence against women, including online harassment, and juvenile crime. In this connection, Shama referred to her recent meeting with Meta officials in New York, where discussions included the possibility of establishing a local office of the company in Bangladesh to ensure faster responses to complaints. She also outlined various government measures aimed at addressing juvenile crime.

The State Minister expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s assistance in ensuring education, healthcare, nutrition and protection for Rohingya children in Bangladesh. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell praised Bangladesh’s progress in reducing child mortality and stunting, increasing school attendance and birth registration, and expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Russell expressed gratitude for the government’s cooperation and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continuing its support for Bangladesh. Among those attending the meeting from UNICEF were UNICEF Bangladesh Representative Gillian Mellsop, Deputy Representative Emmanuel Abiru and Child Protection Specialist Shabnaz Zaherin Catherine.

Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam and Director General Kazi Ehsanul Haque were also present. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Bangladesh and UNICEF to advancing the rights, protection and well-being of women and children through stronger cooperation and targeted development initiatives.

DHAKA: The government is stepping up efforts to curb juvenile gang activities across Bangladesh, with the Home Ministry deciding to establish anti-juvenile gang committees in all upazilas across the country. Under the decision, Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) will serve as presidents of the committees, while the officers-in-charge (OCs) of the respective police stations will act as member-secretaries.

The initiative aims to strengthen coordination between local administration and law enforcement agencies to address juvenile gang activities more effectively at the grassroots level. With administrative officials and police working under a unified framework, the committees are expected to improve monitoring, enhance information sharing and support preventive measures to keep young people away from gang-related activities.

The move reflects the government’s tougher approach to tackling juvenile gangs amid growing concerns over youth violence, criminal activities and public safety across the country. The formation of committees in every upazila is expected to bring local authorities closer to communities and help strengthen efforts to prevent juvenile delinquency. The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on coordinated action, regular monitoring and the implementation of preventive measures at the local level.

DHAKA: Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have reaffirmed their support for the Rohingya genocide case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), expressing hope that the legal proceedings will help pave the way for a lasting solution to the prolonged crisis. The commitment was reiterated at a meeting of the OIC Ministerial Ad-Hoc Committee on Accountability for Human Rights Violations Against the Rohingya, held on the sidelines of the 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Baghdad, Iraq, according to a Foreign Ministry press release issued on Sunday.

Addressing the meeting as co-chair, Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir called on OIC member states to strengthen unity and take proactive steps to resolve the longstanding Rohingya crisis. Kobir, who is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the ministerial conference, stressed that justice and accountability through international legal mechanisms are essential to achieving a sustainable solution to the humanitarian crisis.

Describing the Rohingya crisis as a major challenge facing the Muslim Ummah, he urged OIC member states to pursue coordinated efforts to strengthen humanitarian assistance and support ongoing legal proceedings.

He also emphasised the need for sustained international engagement to keep the Rohingya crisis high on the global agenda. The state minister highlighted the five-point action plan presented by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Referring to the plan, Kobir called for urgent and decisive international action, particularly to ensure justice and accountability through established legal frameworks. He urged OIC member states to turn their solidarity with the Rohingya people into concrete initiatives to address the crisis and support efforts towards a durable solution.

At the meeting, OIC member states reiterated their commitment to supporting the case before the ICJ and expressed optimism that the judicial process could contribute to resolving the protracted crisis.

The discussions underscored the importance of collective international efforts to ensure accountability for human rights violations against the Rohingya and advance prospects for a lasting resolution. Bangladesh continues to host approximately 1.4 million Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar while pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure their safe, voluntary and sustainable return.

DHAKA: Japanese investors have announced plans for an initial investment of $1.2 billion in Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sector, signaling potential new opportunities for foreign investment in the country’s tourism industry. The announcement was made during a meeting with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday afternoon.

According to a ministry press release, the Japanese delegation expressed strong interest in investing in Bangladesh’s tourism industry and working with the government to develop tourism infrastructure and hospitality facilities. Welcoming the initiative, Minister Millat assured the investors of the government’s cooperation, saying necessary steps would be taken once formal investment proposals were submitted.

The minister said the government was keen to attract foreign investment through mutually beneficial public-private partnerships (PPPs), ensuring positive outcomes for both investors and Bangladesh. Highlighting the country’s tourism potential, Millat pointed to the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, Cox’s Bazar’s extensive natural sea beach and the scenic tea gardens of Sylhet.

He said international investment, alongside improvements in tourism infrastructure and services, could help unlock the sector’s potential. Describing Japan as a longstanding development partner, the minister highlighted its contributions to Bangladesh’s major infrastructure projects. He expressed optimism that Japanese investment and expertise could support the growth of the country’s tourism industry.

Millat also instructed the relevant authorities to arrange visits for the Japanese delegation to potential tourism destinations so they could assess investment opportunities. A delegation from the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) is expected to facilitate visits to prospective sites and help investors identify suitable projects.

The Japanese representatives reaffirmed their interest in building a long-term partnership with Bangladesh in tourism and hospitality. The proposed $1.2 billion investment will move forward for consideration once the investors submit formal proposals to the government.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The race to select the next Secretary-General of the United Nations has entered a decisive phase, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan emerging as the narrow frontrunner in the latest informal Security Council poll. However, opposition from permanent members of the Council has left the contest without a clear winner. According to a Reuters report published on October 16, Grynspan secured nine votes marked “encourage,” five marked “discourage” and one “no opinion” in the sixth informal ballot. Crucially, two of the negative votes came from permanent members of the Security Council, whose positions carry decisive weight in the selection process.

The latest poll underscores the diplomatic challenge facing candidates seeking to succeed current Secretary-General António Guterres, whose second term ends on December 31, 2026. No candidate has yet secured the support needed to overcome opposition from the Council’s five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Alongside Grynspan, Argentina’s Rafael Grossi and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett remain prominent contenders. Both received eight “encourage” votes and six “discourage” votes in the latest poll, according to reporting by The National. Each also faced opposition from two permanent members.

Grynspan, a former Vice-President of Costa Rica and head of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), has called for significant reforms to make the world body more effective. In remarks reported by Reuters on October 15, she argued that the UN had become too risk-averse and called for stronger diplomatic engagement, more effective conflict prevention and a review of overlapping responsibilities across UN agencies. If elected, Grynspan would become the first woman to serve as UN Secretary-General since the organisation was founded in 1945.

The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. Under the established selection procedure, a candidate must obtain at least nine affirmative votes in the 15-member Council and avoid a veto from any of its five permanent members.

The latest ballot therefore does not amount to a final election. Instead, it offers an indication of the candidates’ standing and the diplomatic obstacles that must be overcome before the Council can recommend a nominee to the General Assembly.

The selection process remains open to further diplomatic negotiations and potentially additional candidates. With the end of Guterres’s term approaching, Council members face mounting pressure to reach an agreement in time for an orderly leadership transition.

The leadership contest comes at a time when the UN faces mounting pressure to respond to armed conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, geopolitical divisions and questions about the effectiveness of multilateral institutions. The next Secretary-General will be expected to strengthen the organisation’s ability to mediate conflicts, coordinate humanitarian assistance, advance sustainable development and uphold international law.

For now, Grynspan’s lead in the latest poll has not translated into a clear path to appointment. The decisive question remains whether any candidate can secure sufficient support among Council members while avoiding opposition from the five permanent powers.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: A virtual meeting of the Central Executive Committee of the Bangladesh Awami League was held on Friday, September 18, under the chairmanship of Presidium Member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim. Awami League President, Bangabandhu’s daughter and People’s Leader Sheikh Hasina attended the meeting as the chief guest and delivered a keynote address offering guidance to party leaders and activists.

In her address, Sheikh Hasina said she had held consultations in phases with leaders and activists from the Awami League’s 83 district branches and 160 electoral constituencies to learn about the actual situation of the country and its people through grassroots representatives and assess the organisational condition of the party.

Referring to the information gathered through these consultations, she said every sector of the country was on the verge of destruction and that the situation was continuously deteriorating. She stressed the need to protect the country from the prevailing situation.

Instructing leaders responsible for organisational affairs, Sheikh Hasina said priority should be given to those who had suffered various forms of persecution when selecting leadership in areas where organisational gaps existed. She said the strength of the Awami League lay with the people and its grassroots leaders and activists, adding that the party placed its trust in them and did not rely on any other force.

She also called for collecting information about individuals who had faced persecution and repression over the past nearly two years, regardless of their political affiliation, and publicising the information to raise awareness among the people. At the same time, she said the identities and actions of those responsible for persecution and repression should also be exposed. Sheikh Hasina said many innocent military and civilian officials had been arrested in false cases and demanded their release.

Referring to the events of July-August 2024, she said members of law enforcement agencies had made every possible effort to protect lives and property. She said many police officers were killed, their bodies were burned, and police stations were looted and set on fire. She expressed her determination to ensure justice for all the killings through judicial investigations.

Citing information received from across the country, Sheikh Hasina said the country was now plunged into darkness, with indiscriminate killings, rape, looting, extortion, the filing of cases and other forms of wrongdoing taking place. She alleged that the government was turning a blind eye to these activities and allowing its leaders and activists to engage in wrongdoing. She further said that although the government could not provide food for the people, it was able to produce bodies.

Reiterating her intention to return to Bangladesh to save the country from the prevailing situation, Sheikh Hasina expressed surprise at what she described as obstacles being created by the government. “I am eager to return to the country, yet the government is creating obstacles,” she said.

Addressing Awami League leaders and activists, she said that regardless of the extent of persecution or the number of death sentences handed down against them, they must remain beside the people and build resistance together with them.

During the meeting, Awami League leaders demanded the cancellation of what they described as illegal death sentences handed down by the so-called International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against Sheikh Hasina and other party leaders. They also called for the abolition of the tribunal.

The meeting expressed deep concern and outrage over the prevailing socio-economic and political situation in the country, the transition to a democratic state system, the deterioration in the supply and security of oil, gas, water and electricity, the worsening law and order situation, and the economic deadlock.

The meeting also noted that the so-called International Crimes Tribunal had recently handed down death sentences on what the party described as baseless and fabricated charges against Sheikh Hasina and prominent Awami League leaders. Those named included General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Joint General Secretary Agriculturist A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, valiant freedom fighter Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Professor Mohammad Ali Arafat, Bangladesh Awami Jubo League Chairman Professor Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan, among others. The meeting maintained that the tribunal had no legal basis and strongly rejected its actions.

Following discussions, the Central Executive Committee unanimously adopted proposals calling for reductions in the prices of essential commodities and ensuring the supply of electricity, oil, gas and fertiliser. The meeting also called for employment arrangements for workers who had lost their jobs, the reopening of closed industries and factories, the release of all political prisoners and the withdrawal of all false cases.

The committee further demanded the withdrawal of the ban on the Bangladesh Awami League, the abolition of what the party described as the illegal ICT Tribunal, and the cancellation of its death sentences against Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders. It also called for the withdrawal of cases filed against innocent military and civilian officials of the Republic and the release of those who had been arrested.

The meeting was moderated by Awami League Liberation War Affairs Secretary Advocate Mrinal Kanti Das. General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Presidium Members Mofazzel Hossain Chowdhury Maya Bir Bikram and valiant freedom fighter Advocate Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Joint General Secretary Agriculturist A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, Organising Secretaries S.M. Kamal Hossain and Sujit Roy Nandi, Member Professor Mohammad Ali Arafat, Deputy Secretary Raymond Areng and other leaders spoke at the meeting, reviewing the overall situation in the country. Other members of the Central Executive Committee also participated in the virtual meeting.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Awami League President and former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her desire to return to Bangladesh in December, calling for the restoration of democracy, voting rights, and the rule of law in the country.

In an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), Hasina said Bangladesh was going through a serious national crisis. According to her, democratic space had narrowed, the judiciary was being used for political retaliation, media freedom had been restricted, and law and order had deteriorated. She also said that minorities were facing insecurity, extremist forces had regained ground, and the economy had suffered. She said factory closures, rising unemployment, declining investment, electricity and gas shortages, and increasing prices were putting pressure on ordinary families.

Hasina said returning to Bangladesh could expose her to the risk of arrest, imprisonment, or even death. Referring to the killing of members of her family in 1975, her return to Bangladesh in 1981, and the grenade attack on August 21, 2004, she said those experiences had not changed her determination.

According to Hasina, the death sentence handed down against her was politically motivated and delivered without giving her an adequate opportunity to defend herself. She said many Awami League leaders had left the country to protect their lives, while those remaining in Bangladesh were also facing pressure.

Hasina said the Awami League maintained an organisational base across Bangladesh. According to her, the party was demanding democracy, the rule of law, the release of political prisoners, the withdrawal of what she described as false cases, protection for minorities, action against extremism, and economic recovery.

She said the Awami League wanted to return to power through free and fair elections. However, she added that the party would have to accept the people’s decision if voters elected another political party.

Hasina said Bangladesh’s foreign policy should be guided by the principle of “friendship to all, malice towards none.” She described India as Bangladesh’s closest neighbour and historic friend, while identifying China as an important partner. She also stressed the importance of maintaining relations with Japan, the United States, Europe, ASEAN, and the Muslim world.

She highlighted cooperation with India during her government’s tenure in security, connectivity, energy, trade, and border management. She referred to the Ganges water-sharing treaty, the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, the Land Boundary Agreement, the exchange of enclaves, bus and train links, port access, and energy cooperation.

Speaking about the Teesta River management project, Hasina said it should be transparent, technically sound, and environmentally responsible. According to her, the issue was connected to water resources, agriculture, the environment, people’s livelihoods, and relations between Bangladesh and India. She said a solution should be pursued through dialogue and mutual respect to ensure Bangladesh’s fair share of Teesta waters.

Hasina described Bangladesh’s decision not to participate in the BRICS summit held in India as unfortunate and immature. In her view, the decision had harmed Bangladesh’s national interests and caused the country to miss opportunities for international cooperation. She said foreign policy should not be driven by personal considerations or political reactions, adding that Bangladesh needed to maintain balanced relations with different countries.

Hasina said Bangladesh’s economy had expanded from approximately $70 billion to $450 billion during the Awami League government’s tenure. According to figures she cited, per capita income had increased from $482 to $2,784. She said the poverty rate had fallen from 41 per cent to 18.6 per cent, while extreme poverty had declined from 25.1 per cent to 5.6 per cent.

She also said Bangladesh’s power generation capacity had increased from 3,782 megawatts to more than 28,000 megawatts. Among the development projects she highlighted were the Padma Bridge, metro rail, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the Matarbari project, the Karnaphuli Tunnel, the Bangabandhu Satellite, roads, bridges, ports, economic zones, community clinics, and housing projects for landless families.

Discussing the current economic situation, Hasina said GDP growth had slowed, non-performing loans had increased, investment had declined, and unemployment had risen. She claimed that more than 500 factories had closed and over 20 million people had become newly unemployed.

She also said many industrialists and businesspeople were in prison or in hiding. According to her, the government was borrowing between Tk 7 billion and Tk 9 billion daily from banks, while the costs of various projects had increased by between 50 per cent and 250 per cent.

Addressing the measles situation, Hasina said there had been delays in procuring vaccines and that Muhammad Yunus had been warned about shortages of vaccines for children. She alleged that vaccines had not been procured on time and that the issue had not subsequently been addressed with the urgency required. Hasina claimed that more than 1,000 children had died and held Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman responsible for the situation.

Speaking about the 2024 student movement, Hasina said her government had taken steps to resolve the dispute over quotas. She noted that the quota system had been abolished following the student movement in 2018. According to her, the protests continued in 2024 even after the demands had been addressed and later developed into a movement to bring down the government.

Referring to a statement by Muhammad Yunus, Hasina questioned who had been involved in planning, financing, and organising violence during the movement. She said a judicial commission had been formed to investigate violence on July 18, 2024, but alleged that it was discontinued after Yunus came to power. She further claimed that participants in the movement had received legal protection while numerous cases had been filed against Awami League leaders and activists. Hasina said an independent investigation was needed to identify those who ordered, organised, financed, or benefited from killings, arson, and other acts of violence.

Hasina said her government had taken initiatives to encourage the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to participate in the 2024 election. She claimed that Khaleda Zia had been invited for talks and that proposals had been made to include representatives of different political parties in the government during the election period. According to Hasina, the BNP rejected these proposals and boycotted the election.

She referred to incidents involving attacks and arson targeting vehicles, trains, schools, and polling centres at different times. She also mentioned the Hefazat-e-Islam movement in 2013, pre-election violence in 2014, the Holey Artisan attack in 2016, and the BNP’s participation in the 2018 election. Hasina said political parties should participate in elections and accept the people’s verdict in a democracy.

Hasina called on the international community to support democracy, human rights, the rule of law, political participation, and media freedom in Bangladesh. She said it would not be possible to build an inclusive Bangladesh by banning a major political party, keeping its leaders in prison, restricting media freedom, and excluding millions of people from the political process. In the PTI interview, Hasina reiterated her desire to return to Bangladesh and emphasised the restoration of democracy, voting rights, and the rule of law.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are beginning to affect agricultural harvests, raising concerns about lower crop yields and higher food prices, according to a United Nations agency.

The warning highlights how instability around one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes can extend beyond energy markets and affect global food supplies. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for international trade, and prolonged shipping disruptions can increase costs and delay the movement of essential commodities.

Agriculture is particularly vulnerable when disruptions affect the availability and transportation of key inputs, including fuel and fertilizer. Higher costs and delays can put pressure on farmers during important stages of the growing season, potentially reducing yields and increasing production expenses.

If these pressures persist, the consequences could reach consumers through higher prices for food and other agricultural products. Countries that rely heavily on imported agricultural inputs or food supplies may face particular challenges.

The warning comes amid wider concerns about the economic consequences of conflict and shipping insecurity in the Middle East. While the immediate effects may vary by region and crop, prolonged disruption could add to existing pressures on food affordability and supply chains.

The UN agency’s assessment underscores the connection between maritime security, agricultural production and global food prices, highlighting the need to protect trade routes and limit further disruption to essential supplies.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations has warned that the risk of renewed fighting in the Gaza Strip is growing, as conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories remain fragile despite a ceasefire.

Speaking during an open debate at the UN Security Council on the Middle East and the Palestinian question on Thursday, UN official Ramiz Alakbarov warned that the situation remains deeply concerning. He said that, one year after the ceasefire, there had been little improvement in the lives of people in Gaza and that the risk of a return to war was greater than ever.

The warning underscores continuing concerns over the fragile security situation in Gaza, where residents continue to face uncertainty and humanitarian challenges. The UN Security Council discussion brought together dozens of speakers to address developments in the Middle East and the prospects for peace.

The United Nations has repeatedly stressed the need to protect civilians, improve humanitarian conditions and pursue a political process that can deliver lasting peace. The latest warning highlights the danger that continued instability could undermine efforts to prevent renewed hostilities.

The debate also addressed the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the need to end violence, displacement and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank as part of efforts to achieve a viable Palestinian state. The UN’s warning adds to international concern that, without sustained progress toward stability and a political settlement, Gaza could again face a dangerous escalation in violence.

LONDON — Oil prices fell on Thursday as the United States considered easing restrictions on certain oil tankers linked to Russia, raising hopes of lower shipping costs and improved flexibility in global fuel supplies. Brent crude futures fell $2.28, or 2.2%, to $103.78 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined $1.34, or 1.4%, to $93.75 a barrel, according to Reuters market data reported at 0729 GMT.

The decline followed reports that the U.S. administration was considering relaxing sanctions on some vessels associated with Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” These vessels are used to transport oil and petroleum products outside conventional shipping arrangements and are often linked to efforts to evade international restrictions.

A U.S. official said the proposed measures could help reduce freight costs and provide greater flexibility for transporting diesel and other petroleum products. The discussions come days after President Donald Trump temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian diesel fuel in an effort to ease pressure on global fuel prices.

However, geopolitical tensions continued to pose risks to energy supplies. Attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz and escalating conflict involving Iran and Yemen’s Houthi rebels have raised concerns about the security of one of the world’s most important oil-shipping routes. Two commercial vessels reportedly sank near the strategic waterway after being struck by projectiles, according to maritime officials cited in reports.

Meanwhile, Ukraine resumed attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including a strike on an oil refinery in the Ryazan region, adding another layer of uncertainty to global energy markets. U.S. crude inventories also fell by 11.1 million barrels in the week ending October 9, according to preliminary data from the American Petroleum Institute. Official inventory figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration were awaited.

The oil market remains caught between expectations of increased supply flexibility and fears of further disruptions caused by geopolitical conflict. Any decision by Washington to ease tanker restrictions could influence shipping costs and fuel availability, although the overall impact will depend on the scope and implementation of the measures.