United News of Bangladesh

Sarvesh Suri, who is named IFC’s Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific, said his focus will be on maximising IFC's toolkit of private sector solutions to create jobs. ‘‘Countries throughout Asia and the Pacific face complex and varied issues,’’ Suri acknowledges, noting that what unites people across the region is that they all want the dignity of a job -- livelihoods to support themselves and their families. "My focus therefore will be on maximising IFC's toolkit of private sector solutions to create jobs. We can do this by mobilising private capital and pursuing innovative financing instruments. We can strengthen local capital markets. We can make equity investments for greater impact. And we can invest in micro-, small-, and medium-enterprises as engines of job creation," he said in a statement on Monday.’ Suri brings 25 years of global investment and development expertise as well as a proven track record of fostering public-private collaborations. In making the announcement, IFC confirmed that Suri will strategically lead all investment and advisory operations in the region by mobilising the private sector to address complex development challenges and create jobs. As part of one World Bank Group, Suri will oversee IFC’s team working from India to the Pacific Islands, who are designing private sector solutions in the financial, manufacturing, agribusiness, services as well as infrastructure and natural resources sectors to deliver transformative change for communities and businesses. He will be based in Singapore. Two new Division Directors will support Suri in the region: Keiko Miwa, based in Jakarta, Indonesia, will manage South West Asia and Pacific Islands and, effective February 1, 2026, Arnaud Dupoizat, based in Hong Kong SAR, China, will oversee East Asia. ‘’It is my genuine privilege to return home to Asia for a role that will allow me to make a meaningful and lasting difference in a region that has shaped me personally and professionally,’’ shares Suri. ‘’Asia is where I grew up and first worked, and I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to bring together the capabilities of the public and private sectors to tackle the pressing development challenges of the region at scale.’’ Prior to his appointment, Suri was IFC’s Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure and Natural Resources, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, during which time he played an instrumental role in launching Mission 300. He spent six years of his World Bank Group career at the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) as Director of Operations, where he managed global risk mitigation products for cross-border investments into developing countries. Before MIGA, Suri spent 15 years at IFC in various leadership positions, including as Senior Regional Manager overseeing business operations in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Papua New Guinea, based in Jakarta. An Indian national, Suri holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Delhi University. IFC urges political parties to include water issues in election manifestos IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet.

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh and Head of the EU Delegation Michael Miller on Sunday said open and democratic societies are a cornerstone of resilience, prosperity and security. He made the remarks on the third day of the 11th Edition of Chobi Mela – International Festival of Photography (CM XI), a guided tour of the exhibition ‘Women in the July Uprising: Essential Then—Why Erased Now?’ that took place at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. The festival will continue until January 31 welcoming visitors from all walks of life to explore and experience its diverse range of exhibitions and events. The exhibition reflects on the women who were central to the July 2024 uprising and asks where they have gone in the aftermath of the fallen autocracy. The EU Ambassador said this exhibition illustrates what they know to be true. "That open and democratic societies are a cornerstone of resilience, prosperity and security. That women’s participation is essential in Europe and in Bangladesh. The photos bring women into view, as individuals with agency and courage, and as such they make a call for recognition and equal space: in civic life, in political processes, in media narratives and in institutions," he said. The European Union is a partner of Chobi Mela XI. The event was joined by Festival’s Chief Adviser Shahidul Alam, Director ASM Rezaur Rahman, researcher of the exhibition and photographer Jannatul Mawa, Artistic Director Munem Wasif. Istiak Karim (Drik Picture Library), Joyeeta Roy (Bangladesh Protidin), and Suvra Kanti Das (Daily Prothom Alo) were among the photographers who attended the event. Shahidul Alam shared that in the past, mobile exhibits were organised for Chobi Mela to reach a broader audience.  

China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday met National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and reaffirmed his government’s continued support for Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition and conveyed best wishes for the successful conduct of the forthcoming national election. The meeting was held in a 'cordial and constructive atmosphere' at the Chief Adviser's Office where both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. They reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and development cooperation between Bangladesh and China. Discussions included the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project and the proposed Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital. In this context, the Chinese Ambassador said he would visit the Teesta project area and reiterated China’s commitment to completing the ongoing technical assessment expeditiously, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations and reiterated their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation for mutual benefit.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Nepal and underscored the growing cooperation between the two countries in the field of education, particularly medical education. He noted that Bangladesh has emerged as a trusted destination for international medical students due to its quality education, extensive clinical training, affordable tuition fees, modern medical facilities with the use of technology, and internationally recognized degrees. The Ambassador, speaking at the "Bangladesh Medical Education Fair-2026” in Kathmandu, said the course curriculum and system of examination in Bangladesh is based on the Canadian system which is better than any other South Asian country. He added that the similarities in language and social environment of Bangladesh and Nepal makes Nepali students more comfortable in Bangladesh while pursuing higher education. The Ambassador emphasised that the students get the opportunity to examine varieties of diseases which ultimately gives them good clinical knowledge. He pointed out that a significant number of Nepali doctors have received medical education from Bangladesh and are making valuable contributions to Nepal’s healthcare sector. Especially, the quality of post-graduate doctors is best and it’s valued all over the world. The Ambassador reiterated the Embassy’s commitment to promoting educational cooperation and enhancing people-to-people connectivity between the two friendly countries. Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Private Medical College Association (BPMCA), organized “Bangladesh Medical Education Fair-2026” to promote Bangladesh’s medical education among Nepali students.

British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke on Saturday reaffirmed her country’s long‑standing encouragement of ‘free, fair, credible and peaceful’ elections in Bangladesh. The British High Commissioner met BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and reaffirmed the UK's positions, according to the High Commission. She also conveyed sincere condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanashyam Bhandari on Saturday called on Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman at the latter’s office and discussed issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, they reviewed the current state of Bangladesh-Nepal relations, said the Nepalese Embassy in Dhaka.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Saturday said Bangladesh, as a responsible neighbor and an active member of the United Nations and other international bodies, advocates for a rule-based international order and collective action in addressing global economic challenges. "We support active engagement to promote dialogue, confidence-building, and cooperative solutions to shared concerns," he said while speaking at the Inaugural session of SAFA (South Asian Federation of Accountants) International Conference in Dhaka. Chairperson of Bangladesh Competition Commission AHM Ahsan and Chairman of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Bangladesh Dr Md Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan attended the conference as special guests. Organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), the conference was themed “Next Generation Profession: Converging Ethical AI and Sustainability Reporting.” For Bangladesh, the Adviser said, the proposed convergence of technology and sustainability is particularly significant. "Our pursuit of economic growth and deeper global integration requires that our professionals remain not only technically proficient, but also ethically grounded and socially responsible," he said. US proud to call Bangladesh a friend: US Ambassador The Adviser said platforms such as this conference play a vital role in facilitating the exchange of knowledge, sharing of best practices, and fostering of meaningful collaborations. "Such engagements can steer both the region and the global community toward a sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced future," he said. The keynote speech was delivered by Adeeb Hossain Khan FCA, past President of ICAB and Senior Partner at Rahman Rahman Huq, Chartered Accountants. Khan emphasised that the adoption of AI in sustainability reporting is “no longer a distant concept, but a structural shift already influencing how economic value is created, measured, and disclosed.” The conference brought together national leadership and international expertise, serving as a platform for thought leadership, knowledge exchange, and strategic dialogue on critical issues set to reshape regional and global professional collaboration. Delegates from Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka took part in the event, which featured three technical sessions and a valedictory session. The global accounting profession is entering a new phase as Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability Reporting begin to converge, reshaping business risk, investor expectations, and public trust, experts highlighted at the SAFA international conference. Organisers noted that their presence demonstrated strong government support for elevating professional excellence, ethical standards, and international collaboration in the accounting and finance sectors. Adviser Hossain emphasised that the convergence of technology and sustainability is crucial for shaping a ‘new Bangladesh’. Finnish observers joining EU’s Election Observation Mission He noted that the country’s aspirations for sustained economic growth and deeper global integration demand professionals who are not only technically competent but also ethically grounded and socially responsible. AHM Ahsan highlighted that technological advancement presents both opportunities and challenges, and observed that AI-driven systems can boost efficiency, strengthen compliance, and foster innovation. Without strong ethical frameworks, AI also poses risks such as algorithmic collusion, market dominance abuses, opacity, and exclusionary practices. He urged that AI be adopted with caution to ensure that Bangladesh can fully and responsibly harness its benefits.

European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Deputy Chief Observer Inta Lase on Saturday (January 17, 2026) said it is very important to see the whole picture of electoral process holistically to present their report impartially, stressing that this is a historic moment for Bangladesh. "Let us observe and let us wait until a holistic assessment is done," she told reporters at a city hotel, noting that they all know there is no perfect election anywhere in the world. Lase said their assessment and report with recommendations in the spirit of friendship and cooperation will help improve the future electoral process in the country. She said their observers are very experienced though many of them are coming to Bangladesh for the first time. EU to allocate €60B military, €30B economic aid to Ukraine Addressing the observers, Lase said, "You are the ones who are in the field, seeing the realities, telling us here in Dhaka how the situation is unfolding in each and every district. We are really looking forward to your report and assessment from the field." She said she knows observers' hours on the ground will be longer but it will be rewarding. "Trust me, we are all very privileged to hear from you and see this historical election," Lase said. 200 Observers Altogether At full strength the EU EOM will comprise 200 observers drawn from all 27 EU member states, Canada, Norway and Switzerland. The EU EOM will present its preliminary findings in a statement at a press conference on 14 February in Dhaka.

The interim government has appointed Omar bin Hadi, the brother of murdered Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi, as Second Secretary at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on Thursday confirming his contractual appointment for a three-year term. The tenure will take effect from the date he assumes office. During this period, he will not be permitted to engage in any other profession or business, nor hold employment with any government, semi-government, autonomous, or private organisation. All other terms and conditions of the appointment will be governed by the relevant contract, the notification said. Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a youth leader, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in the capital’s Bijoynagar area after Jumma prayers. Inqilab Moncho stages protest demanding justice for Hadi He was initially operated on at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being transferred to Evercare Hospital. For advanced treatment, he was later airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18.

Nordic embassies - Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway - in Dhaka came together on Thursday evening to mark Nordic Day 2026, under this year’s theme “Inclusive Societies, Stronger Together." Nordic Day commemorates the signing of the Helsinki Treaty in 1962, which laid the foundation for formal Nordic cooperation. It highlights the values that guide Nordic engagement globally: democracy, sustainability, gender equality, minority rights, inclusive societies, multilateral cooperation and international law. The celebration showcased the strength of Nordic cooperation and ongoing collaboration between the Nordic countries and Bangladesh in advancing inclusive development, and shared global goals. Young Nordic politicians observe Bangladesh’s election preparations Reflecting the shared commitment, they welcomed Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan as the chief guest. The event featured traditional Nordic cuisine, music, and provided a welcoming space for dialogue, cultural exchange and connection amongst guests.