Bangladesh
Boosting cooperation with Bangladesh on political, economic, climate fronts priorities for France: Ambassador Marie Masdupuy
Newly appointed Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy has said she will focus on three priority areas during her tenure in Dhaka to take the relations to a new height that include to “maintain and boost” political relations which can be translated in many different ways.
“Bangladesh and France have a very old political relationship. Even before the Liberation of Bangladesh, France gave very important political support internationally. We were at the forefront of the Bangladesh cause. This is the imprint that we all bear in our minds,” she told UNB in an interview.
Sharing her three-fold priorities, Ambassador Masdupuy said the two countries can lead joint initiatives in the area of climate change, noting that France and Bangladesh are both champions in this area.
France is a champion in promoting multilateral initiatives to give a better framework to the international community about climate change issues while Bangladesh is a champion in terms of being one of the most vulnerable countries in the world when it comes to dealing with climate change impacts, the French envoy observed.
Read more: French photographer who documented Liberation War revisits Bangladesh after 50 years
Highlighting the trade and investment issues, Ambassador Masdupuy said there are not enough French companies in Bangladesh.
There were more before Covid-19 and some of them left during the pandemic. “We need to attract them back. This must be done through joint efforts by both countries,” said the ambassador.
“We want to bring in many more French companies,” said the ambassador, recalling her visit to Chattogram, which she finds to be a thriving region of Bangladesh.
She said the prospect of Chattogram is very encouraging and contribution of Chattogram division to Bangladesh’s national economy is huge, and the port itself is making huge contributions and efforts to get an international level of competition. “This is very encouraging.”
Talking about the CMA CGM, a French container transportation and shipping company, the ambassador said it is already the second largest freighter to and from Chattogram and they are looking forward to become more important as much as the port itself will technically adapt to their requests and needs and to get to the level of Colombo and Singapore.
Read More: Md. Monwar Hossain appointed as the next ambassador to Myanmar
Indo-Pacific Region
France and Bangladesh share the same vision for a “free, open, peaceful, secure and inclusive” Indo-Pacific region, based on international law and with shared prosperity for all.
Taking note of the French and European strategies concerning the Indo-Pacific, both countries agreed to work towards promoting regional peace and stability and to explore further opportunities for cooperation in maritime security and blue economy.
“You know, France in the European Union (EU) was the first country to offer all European partners a strategy for the Indo-Pacific region. This strategy was adopted with some small differences and it was made an EU strategy,” said the ambassador.
Responding to a question, the French envoy said, “This strategy is not meant to be confrontational. It was meant to enhance cooperation in the whole region which is one of the largest trade regions and human exchanges regions of the world.”
Read more: New French, Omani ambassadors present credentials to President
So, she mentioned, it is not meant to be confrontational with any country of the bigger region.
Highlighting their commitment to fully observing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes, refraining from any threat or use of force, Bangladesh and France stated the importance of maintaining security and freedom of navigation and overflight in all seas and oceans.
Defence Cooperation
Ambassador Masdupuy said France is a world leader in terms of defence equipment and military equipment of high quality.
“Bangladesh is a country which already has various defence partners who have very strategic positions in South Asia,” she said, adding that any important country has to protect itself from all sorts of threats that they are facing today.
Read More: Ambassador Muhith elected vice-president of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board
She said France is a world leader in terms of procurement and is, of course, ready and available to propose various equipment which would answer the particular needs of Bangladesh.
During Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s state visit to France in November 2021, the two countries stated their will to further develop the defence and security component of their partnership.
To that end, both countries agreed to strengthen dialogue and continue their cooperation, in particular the area of training, which was launched during the visit.
Furthermore, they committed to stepping up cooperation in the area of defence equipment based on the needs expressed and each party’s ability to respond to them, including through capacity building and potential technology transfer.
Read More: Amanul Haq appointed next Ambassador of Bangladesh to Turkey
In this regard, both parties welcomed the signing of a Letter of intent on defence cooperation.
GSP Plus
Bangladesh is currently enjoying trade facilities under the EBA (Everything but Arms) regime and the EBA regime will change as part of a technical measure.
“It will change once Bangladesh graduates as a developing country which is scheduled to happen in 2026. The friends of Bangladesh will look for ways and accompany during the transition period. We hope that the measures taken by your government will no doubt be adaptive to the situation. Your country will eventually take advantage of this new regime. It just needs a few adaptive measures.”
Airbus & Thales
Ambassador Masdupuy is thinking in particular of two important companies for greater engagements which are very actively involved currently on projects — the first being Airbus.
Read more: BGMEA chief calls on French brand to expand business base in Bangladesh
European aerospace giant Airbus is a leader in aviation and airspace while another company Thales is a major player in the high-tech industry in France.
Friendship based on Strong Bonding
Reflecting on 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the ambassador said, “It is true that the 50 years period is coming to an end soon. But we will have another 50 years event in April this year when we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Andre Malraux’s visit to Bangladesh.”
Andre Malraux, the famous French litterateur and politician, wanted to join the Bangladesh Liberation War and take over a military command.
Once Bangladesh was liberated, Malraux did not miss the opportunity to visit the newly liberated country. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman personally invited Malraux in recognition of his contribution to Bangladesh’s liberation.
Read More: Ambassador Haas aims to continue strengthening Bangladesh-US ties in 2023
Two years into the country's independence, Malraux came to Bangladesh on 21 April, 1973.
During his five-day visit, Malraux traveled from Rajshahi to Chittagong and met freedom fighters, young university students, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman twice.
12 militants, 14 KNF members arrested so far in anti-militancy drive in Bandarban: RAB
Twelve members of new militant group 'Jamatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya' and 14 members of armed separatist group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) have been arrested so far in the ongoing anti-militancy drive that started on October 10,2022.
Commander Khandaker Al Moin, director of Rapid Action Battalion’s (RAB) legal and media wing, disclosed this at a press briefing over the arrest at zila parishad office in the town on Thursday.
He briefed reporters after the arrest of five suspected members of new militant outfit 'Jamatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya' from Thanchi and Rowangchhari upazilas of Bandarban.
Read More: 3 ‘members of new militant outfit’ held with arms, explosives in Bandarban
They were brought to the Rab office in the town in the morning.
“Besides, we have a list of 55 people who took training in the hills being inspired by militancy. Legal steps will be taken against those who have been arrested, said Moin.
The ban on tourism in Rowangchhari, Thanchi and Ruma upazilas is still on as the anti-militancy drive is continuing in the hill district.
The main purpose of the drives by the elite force was to capture those who are taking shelter and taking training there after tracing their location, said Moin.
Read More: Bandarban: Ban on tourism in 3 upazilas extended till Dec 11
In 2021, the Amir of Jamatul Ansar fil Hindal Sharqiya had an agreement with the CHT-based armed group KNF regarding militant training in the area till next year. As per the agreement, Tk 3 lakh per month and food expenses of all KNF members were to be borne, the RAB official said in a press briefing last year.
Ferry services on Paturia-Daulatdia route resume after five hours
Ferry services on the Paturia-Daulatdia route resumed at 10:30am today after five hours of suspension.
Shah Mohammad Khaled Newaj, deputy manager of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Aricha sector, said ferry services on the Paturia-Daulatdia route were suspended due to poor visibility caused by dense fog.
Read more: Ferry services on Daulatdia-Paturia route resume after 6 hours
Two ferries were stuck in the middle of the river while around 200 vehicles got stranded on both sides of the river due to the suspension of the ferry services.
Meanwhile, ferry services on the Aricha-Kazirhat route remained suspended from 4 am today. Around 300 vehicles, mostly goods-laden trucks were seen waiting on both sides to cross the river.
END/UNB/Corr/KF/KW
UK announces additional support for flood-affected communities in Bangladesh
The United Kingdom has announced an additional £500,000 (Tk 60.6 million) in humanitarian support in response to last year’s flood in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh, in which 7.2 million people were affected.
Delivered by BRAC, this funding will provide water, shelter, livelihood opportunities, and improved nutrition for people affected in Sunamganj, Sylhet.
UK Development Director in Bangladesh, Matt Cannell, said last year’s devastating floods in the Sylhet region underline that Bangladesh remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Also read: Flood situation worsens in parts of Sylhet
“This new funding provides vital water, nutrition, shelter and livelihood opportunities to some of the worst affected communities in Sunamganj, Sylhet. The UK is proud to partner with BRAC to deliver this support,” he said.
This new UK support will ensure safe water and shelter for nearly 1,000 affected households and restore livelihoods and food security for more than 5,000 affected households.
BRAC Executive Director, Asif Saleh, said the floods in northeastern Bangladesh, which affected over 7.2 million people in June 2022, were the worst to hit Bangladesh in the last two decades.
Read More: UK to strengthen trade, investment, digital economy ties with Bangladesh: Indo-Pacific Minister
“They left a trail of destruction in nine districts, with Sunamganj being the worst affected. Significant efforts were undertaken to provide emergency response to meet immediate needs, but sustained humanitarian support is direly needed to help people recover and rebuild their lives. This partnership between the British High Commission and BRAC will be crucial in standing beside the people in Sunamganj and being a partner in their journey to build back better,” he said.
22km long tailback from Tongi to Moghbazar in Dhaka
Dhaka commuters have been stuck in massive traffic jam since this morning (January 12, 2023) as a 22km long tailback has formed from Tongi Bridge to Moghbazar in the city.
The gridlock stretched from Tongi Bridge-Abdullahpur-Airport to Mohakhali-Moghbazar areas of Dhaka — causing untold sufferings for commuters.
Vehicular movement in parts of Dhaka came to a standstill for hours due to the huge pressure of Ijtema-bound vehicles in Tongi.
Read More: Air quality: Dhaka world’s 3rd most polluted city this morning
Chuadanga records season’s lowest temperature
A mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping across parts of the country, including Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions, Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said today.
Chuadanga district recorded the lowest temperature this morning at 6.3 degree Celsius, it said.
According to the Met office bulletin: “A mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions and the districts of Tangail, Faridpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Manikganj, Jashore, Kushtia, Chuadanga, Barishal and Bhola and it may abate at some places.”
Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy skies over the country. Moderate to thick fog may occur over the riverbasins and adjoining areas and light to moderate fog may occur elsewhere over the country during midnight to morning and it may continue till noon at places, said the bulletin.
Read more: At 6.3 degree C, Chuadanga records season’s lowest temperature today
Night temperature may rise by 1-2 degree C and day temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country.
Rakibul Hasan, in-charge of Chuadanga Weather Observatory Centre, said they have recorded 6.3 degrees Celsius at 9 am on Thursday, which is the lowest temperature of this season.
A mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over the district and it may continue, he said.
The temperature may fall further in the next few days, he added.
The shivering cold has disrupted the day-to-day lives of people, especially the daily wager earners in the district.
People are being forced to remain indoors due to the cold wave.
In Faridpur, the local weather observatory centre has recorded 9.2 degrees Celsius temperature on Thursday morning, mentioning it the lowest temperature this season in the district.
Vehicles were seen plying putting on their headlights during daytime owing to poor visibility.
Ziaul Haque, deputy-director of Faridpur Agriculture Extension, said leaves of some crops are at risk of damage due to thick fog caused by the cold wave.
Work collectively for a fair economic order: PM at Voice of South Summit
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged the world leaders to work collectively for a just and fair economic order as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict with sanctions and counter-sanctions have created havoc throughout the world.
“Taking current global economy into account, it is high time to work collectively for a just and fair economic order,” she said, addressing the inaugural leaders’ session of the ‘Voice of Global South Summit-2023’ through a virtual platform.
India is hosting the two-day virtual summit under the theme “Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose” by bringing together the countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform.
Some 120 countries have been invited to participate in this virtual Summit. The outcomes of the two-day event will be channeled into the Indian’s G20 presidency.
Hasina said Bangladesh, a country of global South, welcomes India's vision as the President of G20 to ensure inclusive development under the theme, "One Earth, One Family, One Future".
“Let us work together to have a better future and a better world,” she said.
The Bangladesh PM said the recent Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia- Ukraine conflict with sanctions and counter-sanctions have created havoc world over.
“Global recession, crises of food, fuel and fertilizers have added to the rising impacts of climate change making peoples' life unbearable,” she said, adding that bold, concrete and concerted actions are required at the global level to face these challenges.
Hasina also highlighted before the G20 platform six important points for sustained economic growth and development of the Global South.
“First, global peace and stability must be maintained for the greater benefit of humanity. Second, need a new paradigm that will address inequality in a holistic manner in parallel with SDGs, Third, special financing needs of the most vulnerable countries, including LDCs, climate vulnerable countries, etc. must be met during their transition,” she said.
Also read: Govt committed to expanding techno-based police services: PM
Raising the 4th point, she asked to bridge the 'Digital Divides' to ensure equal opportunities for all, including women. “Take advantage of the 4th Industrial Revolution by investing in young population for which financing and technology transfer support is vital,” she added.
In the 5th point, PM Hasina said all human beings should have equal rights to lead decent life. “The global community must not forget ensuring return of the unfortunate Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals to Myanmar,” she said.
In her final point, she asked to strengthen South-South and Triangular cooperation to ensure global human development. “Here, support from partners, international financial institutions, private sectors, think-tanks, and other stakeholders are crucial,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina warmly congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government on assumption of G20 Presidency. “I deeply appreciate his strong commitment to make the G20 Platform more meaningful by consultative engagement on inclusive development,” she said.
She thanked the Indian government for inviting Bangladesh as a guest country to this important summit.
Focusing on the recent development of Bangladesh, the PM said the country has achieved rapid economic growth ensuring social justice for all. Bangladesh is acknowledged as one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
“We’ve reduced the poverty rate from 41.5pc to 20pc in the last 14 years. Our per capita has tripled in just a decade. Bangladesh has fulfilled all criterions for graduating from the LDC category to a developing country,” she said.
The PM said the IMF's latest report reveals Bangladesh as the 35th largest economy of the world in terms of nominal GDP.
She said Bangladesh is ranked as world's 5th best COVID resilient country, and South Asia's best performer.
Hasina said the country aspires to build 'Smart Bangladesh" with improved physical infrastructures as the foundation of a strong economy. “Our aspiration is to transform Bangladesh into a knowledge-based country by 2041 and to build a prosperous and climate-resilient delta by 2100,” she added.
The Group of Twenty (G20) comprises 19 countries --Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom and United States-- and the European Union.
Also read: Pay production cost to get smooth supply of gas, electricity: PM Hasina tells industries
Md. Monwar Hossain appointed as the next ambassador to Myanmar
The government has appointed Md. Monwar Hossain as the next Ambassador of Bangladesh to Myanmar.
He will be replacing Ambassador Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today.
Ambassador-designate Md. Monwar Hossain is a career foreign service officer from the 20th batch of Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS)-Foreign Affairs cadre.
Also read: Amanul Haq appointed next Ambassador of Bangladesh to Turkey
He is currently serving as Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN in New York.
Joining the service in 2001, Hossain has served extensively in various capacities — both at the headquarters as well as in Bangladesh missions in Washington DC and Singapore.
He did his Masters of Science in Health Policy, Planning and Financing from University of London and a PhD in Public Health Communication from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Read More: Ambassador Muhith elected vice-president of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board
At 6.3 degree C, Chuadanga records season’s lowest temperature today
Chuadanga has recorded the season’s lowest temperature in Bangladesh at 6.3 degrees Celsius today (January 12, 2023).
Rakibul Hasan, in-charge of Chuadanga Weather Observatory Centre, said they have recorded 6.3 degrees Celsius at 9 am on Thursday, which is the lowest temperature of this season.
A mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over the district and it may continue, he said.
Also read: Mild to moderate cold wave sweeping over Rajshahi, Rangpur divisions
The temperature may fall further in the next few days, he added.
The shivering cold has disrupted the day-to-day lives of people, especially the daily wager earners in the district.
People are being forced to remain indoors due to the cold wave.
Read More: Khulna struggles to cope with biting cold wave
Body recovered from pond in Pabna’s Ishwardi
Police on Wednesday recovered the body of a man from a pond after he went missing for five days in Pabna’s Ishwardi.
The deceased was identified as Sumon Ali, 30.
According to police, locals found Sumon’s body floating in a pond in the Paschim Para area and informed police. Later, police recovered the body. No injury mark was found on the body.
Read more: Woman found dead in Chattogram water tank
The body was sent to the Pabna General Hospital for autopsy, said Arbind Sarkar, officer-in-charge of Ishwardi police station.