bangladesh
Genocide Day observed in Jordan
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Amman, Jordan has observed the Genocide Day 2021 with due solemnity.
Due to the ongoing lockdown and social distancing measures of the Jordanian government, the Embassy had to arrange the event in a very limited scale.
A number of Bangladesh community members living in Amman joined the Embassy officials and staff members in commemorating the Genocide Day, said a media release on Thursday night.
The programme commenced with the reading out of verses from the Holy Quran.
Then, a one-minute silence was observed in remembrance of the martyrs of 25th March and the War of Independence.
‘Bangladesh on the cusp of a second liberation’
C. Raja Mohan, director of the National University of Singapore’s Institute of South Asian Studies, has said Bangladesh has shown increasing agency in playing on the geopolitical chess board and taking advantage of its external environment.
“Today, Bangladesh is on the cusp of a second liberation—one that would end its relative isolation and allow Dhaka to play a stronger role in the region and beyond, seeking new maritime possibilities in the Indo-Pacific,” he mentioned in his latest article titled “50 Years After Independence, Bangladesh Bursts Into Geopolitics” published by Foreign Policy.
The former member of India’s National Security Advisory Board, said the country is on the cusp of a second liberation - one that would end its relative isolation.
At the end of the article, he mentioned that Bangladesh knows that stronger ties with the United States and Japan would reduce excessive reliance on either India or China and widen its choices.
“Unlike many other countries in Asia, it did not blindly embrace China’s Belt and Road Initiative, but sought to engage multiple partners. It now has similar opportunities in the maritime rivalry between China and the Quad,” the article reads.
Raja Mohan said the country is on a firm trajectory to graduate out of the category of least developed countries by 2026 and likely to jump into the 25 largest economies worldwide by 2030.
Also read: Don’t allow development and democratic progress to be disrupted: PM
International development institutions praise Dhaka’s success in reducing poverty, improving life expectancy, enhancing literacy rates, and empowering women.
Relations with India
Over the last decade, he said, under the stewardship of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has transformed the difficult relationship with India into a productive partnership.
Working with successive Indian prime ministers, Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi, she pressed for a grand bargain: cooperation to combat terrorism, better Bangladeshi access to India’s market, resolution of disputes over river-water sharing and land borders, and restoring trans-border connectivity cut off since Partition.
“The forward movement on this broad range of issues has generated an unprecedented depth to the bilateral relationship. Dhaka now sees itself not as landlocked, but as land-linked and river-linked to India and the other countries in the region. The deepening India-Bangladesh cooperation helps the subcontinent transcend the negative consequences of Partition—at least in the east,” Raja Mohan wrote.
As Bangladesh marks the 50th anniversary of its declaration of independence from Pakistan, there is widespread admiration for its remarkably successful economic and social transformation, he mentioned.
Also read: Modi lauds Bangladesh’s remarkable growth under Hasina's leadership
“Less noted are the profound geopolitical consequences of Bangladesh’s economic rise, including a shift in South Asia’s center of economic gravity to the east and the reintegration of an eastern subcontinent that was once divided by animosities and barely penetrable borders,” he said.
The recognition of Bangladesh’s economic transformation is not, however, accompanied by an appreciation of its growing geopolitical significance.
“For far too long, when we think about South Asian geopolitics, the focus has been entirely on India and Pakistan. The India-Pakistan academic establishment, media commentariat, and think-tank industry—myopically focused on the tick-tock between New Delhi and Islamabad over Kashmir, nuclear weapons, terrorism, and Afghanistan—sucks attention away from the rest of the region,” Raja Mohan wrote.
He said Bangladesh’s geopolitical significance is not least a function of its size. “Its population of nearly 170 million is the eighth-largest in the world. The Bangladeshi diaspora is growing as well, currently standing at about 8 million. Besides a large community in the Gulf Arab states, the diaspora is also growing in the English-speaking world.”
Also read: India committed to deepening ties with Bangladesh: Modi
He said Bangladesh’s special location and political character would not have amounted to much if the nation had not made itself an economic success.
“As Bangladesh grows faster than Pakistan, raises its education standards, and controls its once-rapid population growth, it has begun to tilt the region’s economic center of gravity towards the east.
That shift has been accelerated by the uselessness of SAARC due to Pakistan’s reluctance to engage India economically, which has changed the focus to subregional economic cooperation between India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal—as well as transregional cooperation with Myanmar and Thailand,” Raja Mohan wrote.
Myanmar: UN expert urges emergency summit to head off deepening crisis
The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, has warned that the pace and scope of the international response to the military coup in Myanmar is falling short of what is required to head off a deepening crisis.
Andrews on Thursday called on UN Member States, including those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the European Union, the United States and China, to hold an emergency summit of all stakeholders, including the duly elected illegally deposed parliamentarians who make up the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH).
“Conditions in Myanmar are deteriorating,” he said, “but they will likely get much worse without an immediate robust, international response in support of those under siege.
“It is imperative that the international community heed the recent call of UN Secretary-General António Guterres for a ‘firm, unified international response’,” Andrews said.
Also Read: UN: 38 died on deadliest day yet for Myanmar coup opposition
To date, however, the limited sanctions imposed by Member States do not cut the junta’s access to revenue that help sustain its illegal activities, and the slow pace of diplomacy is out of step with the scale of the crisis.
“The incremental approach to sanctions has left the most lucrative business assets of the junta unscathed. It needs to be replaced by robust action that includes a diplomatic offensive designed to meet the moment," he said.
Andrews stressed that he is receiving reports indicating that the situation in Myanmar is in danger of spiralling further out of control and warned of a dramatic increase in loss of life.
“Without a focused, diplomatic solution, including the hosting of an emergency summit that brings together Myanmar’s neighbours and those countries with great influence in the region, I fear the situation of human rights in Myanmar will further deteriorate as the junta increases the rate of murders, enforced disappearances and torture,” he said.
Andrews said it is critical that the people of Myanmar, the CRPH, and opposition leaders and activists see that the international community is working towards a diplomatic solution in support of the peaceful Civil Disobedience Movement.
Also read: UN official: Myanmar people want UN sanctions, peacekeepers
This combined course of action — domestic peaceful resistance, sustained pressure, and international diplomatic momentum — will have a greater chance for success than taking up arms and will save untold numbers of lives.
“Member States have an opportunity to demonstrate this alternative, but the window in which this can be achieved is closing rapidly. I fear that the international community has only a short time remaining to act," he said.
27 including 2 journalists injured as BCL attacks anti-Modi protesters
Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) men on Thursday attacked anti-Modi protesters at the Dhaka University (DU) campus following a torch procession by a group under the banner of Progressive Student Alliance against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Dhaka visit.
The incident took place in front of the university's vice-chancellor's house at around 7:45pm. At least 25 protesters and two journalists were injured during the attack.
Prothom Alo's DU correspondent Asif Hawlader came under attack as he went to the university's VC Chattar to gather news.
"I went there to collect news. Suddenly, 10-15 BCL men attacked me. I lost consciousness as they hit me on the head," Asif said. "They also snatched my bag, Tk3,000 and press card."
Also read: BCL men 'beat up' journalist for covering anti-Modi protest
Earlier at 5:30pm, another journalist, Abid Hasan Rasel of Bangla Tribune, came under attack at TSC while performing his professional duties.
"People of Bangladesh," a citizens' platform, arranged a programme named "Jeyafat" at that time protesting Modi's upcoming visit.
As the protesters were about the start their programme, some BCL leaders and activists beat them up, and snatched their banners, the witnesses said.
Abid was at the spot to cover the programme. The BCL men swooped down on Abid as he started recording the video of the BCL attack on protesters.
Also read: Anti-Modi protest: Chhatra Odhikar Parishad burns Indian PM's effigy
The journalist is now undergoing treatment at Dhaka University Medical Centre.
The Socialists Students' Front DU chapter President Salman Siddique said at least 25 protesters were injured by BCL men.
"We were standing in front of the vice-chancellor's house. Suddenly, BCL activists attacked us with bamboo sticks, stamps and bricks," Salman said.
BCL President Al Nahian Khan Joy could not be reached for comments till the filing of this report.
However, BCL General Secretary Lekhak Bhattacharjee said, "The incident is unexpected. We are yet to identify the attackers and will take proper action after finding them."
Also read: 25 injured as BCL swoop on anti-Modi protesters
Earlier, the procession started with 300 protesters from TSC at 6:30pm and ended in front of Ruqayyah Hall.
During the procession, the protesters chanted: "Go back Modi, go back to India," "Butcher of Gujarat, go back to Gujarat," "My name's Felani, Modi's not welcome."
The protesters also demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the BCL activists who carried out an attack on their demonstration on Tuesday, when at least 20 anti-Modi protesters from different left-leaning student bodies and five photojournalists were injured as BCL men carried out an attack on a demonstration against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bangladesh visit on March 26.
Mission in New Delhi observes Genocide Day
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Thursday observed the Genocide Day.
The programme began with a moment of silence in remembrance of those who were killed on the fateful night of 25 March 1971 as well as the martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
Reading out of the messages from President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of the Genocide Day, screening of a documentary on the 1971 Genocide by the Pakistan Army and a discussion on the significance of the day were the highlights of the programme.
At the discussion, Minister (Consular) of the High Commission Selim Md Jahangir said that in the name of 'Operation Searchlight’, the Pakistani aggressors wanted to stop the resistance of the independence-seeking people and committed the most brutal killings in the history throughout the country.
Also read: One-Min blackout to mark Genocide Day
He said the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested by the Pakistani army in the early hour of 26 March 1971 but before that he declared the Independence and with the direction of Bangabandhu Bangladesh achieved victory on 16 December 1971.
Acting High Commissioner Rokebul Haque said, "Observing this day as the genocide day is a recognition of the great sacrifices made by the Bengalis during the Liberation War of Bangladesh."
He remembered with deep reverence all the martyrs who were killed during the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
Rokebul Haque also remembered the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with profound respect under whose leadership Bangladesh achieved Independence through a nine-month long blood stained war.
Also read: Bangladesh Mission in Delhi observes Genocide Day
He claimed that the horrific genocide of 1971 is a black mark not only in the history of Bangladesh but also for the entire humanity.
At the end of the programme a special prayer was conducted for the salvation of the departed souls of all the martyrs of the liberation war of Bangladesh.
Beijing to work with Dhaka to explore more from strategic partnership
Chinese President Xi Jinping has said he is willing to work with Bangladesh to further connect their development strategies, deepen practical cooperation across the board, and strive for new outcomes from the Bangladesh-China Strategic Partnership of Cooperation.
“China and Bangladesh are close neighbours and traditional friends. In recent years, China-Bangladesh relations enjoy a sound momentum of development, with strategic mutual trust being strengthened and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative pressing ahead,” he said in a message to his Bangladesh counterpart Abdul Hamid.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh, the Chinese President, on behalf of the government and people of China and in his own name, extended his sincere congratulations and best wishes to President Hamid and the friendly people of Bangladesh.
Over the past five decades, President Xi said, the diligent and self-reliant people of Bangladesh have made remarkable progress in social and economic development, which has improved the living standard in the country, contributing an important share to the cause of global poverty elimination.
“Our traditional friendship has been elevated to a new height in our joint efforts to fight COVID-19,” said the Chinese President.
Also read: Will strengthen development strategies with Bangladesh: Chinese President
“I wish Bangladesh great prosperity and her people happiness,” reads the message shared by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday night.
In a separate message to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Bangladesh-China relations are on a fast lane of development, with cooperation in all areas proceeding steadily.
Facing the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, the two countries have been on the same boat and lent each other helping hands, further deepening the traditional friendship.
“The Chinese side sets great store by China-Bangladesh relations, and is willing to further accelerate the pace of jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, so as to bring more benefits to our two countries and peoples,” said the Chinese Premier.
Also read: Ready to bring China-Bangladesh ties to new heights: Xi Jinping
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh, he, on behalf of the government of China, extended sincere congratulations and best wishes to Prime Minister Hasina and to the friendly people of Bangladesh.
“In recent years, under your (Hasina) leadership, the people of Bangladesh have been focusing on reform and development, and have achieved encouraging progress in building the country and improving people's livelihood,” said the Chinese Premier.
As a friendly neighbour and partner, he said, China rejoices at the achievements of Bangladesh. “I wish Bangladesh great prosperity and her people happiness.”
State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi also sent a message to his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen.
Also read: Bangladesh, China can further fortify ties through exploring new areas of cooperation: PM
“I’m ready to work with you to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of our two countries, promote pragmatic cooperation between our two counties across the board to achieve new results, strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs and bring benefits to the two countries and two peoples,” said the Chinese Foreign Minister.
In recent years, he said, Bangladesh has sustained a sound momentum of social-economic development, with the living standard of her people improved significantly, and has played a contributing role for regional stability and prosperity.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the independence Bangladesh, the Chinese Foreign Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Dr Momen. “I wish Bangladesh great prosperity and its people happiness.”
7 of 14 escapees from Gazipur safe home found, returned
Seven escapees from a Gazipur safe home were found at the Jaidebpur railway station and sent back.
Fourteen female residents of a government safe home for children and adolescents in Gazipur escaped on Wednesday.
With an immediate operation Gazipur Metropolitan Police were able to find 7 of them overnight.
Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Md. Saidul Islam, senior officials of Gazipur district administration and department of women affairs visited the safe home complex after the incident.
A five-member inquiry committee headed by Director General of the Department of Women's Affairs Monowara Ishrat has been formed to find out whether there was any negligence on the part of the authorities that allowed the 14 teenagers to flee.
According to local sources, the residents were upset over the rude and abusive behavior of an employee named 'Mollah' in charge of the center. They were also dissatisfied with the quality of food.
On Wednesday night, the window grill of the two-storey building of the center was broken and 14 residents fled one by one by making a passage with bed structure from the roof to the boundary wall, said Deputy Commissioner SM Tariqul Islam after inspecting the home.
The organization lacked sufficient manpower and security personnel. The caretaker himself is not always present, according to Toriqul.
He added that since girls reside in the institution, there is a need for female Ansar members on every floor of the home to provide security.
Toriqul also said that he would send a recommendation to the ministry as he felt the need to increase the financial allocation for food of the residents.
There are a total of 34 resident at this home.
'With rapid rise in Asia’s heart, Bangladesh echoing miracle on S Korea's Han River'
South Korean Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun has said Bangladesh is echoing the miracle on the Han River, a major river in South Korea, with its remarkable economic development and rapid emergence in the heart of Asia.
"The international community has been deeply impressed to see that Bangladesh, even in the midst of the covid pandemic when the world economy has slowed down, succeeded in achieving the greatest level of economic growth," he said.
The South Korean Prime Minister made the remarks in a congratulatory video message marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of Bangladesh’s Independence.
"We’ll be the most trusted friends to Bangladesh, together ushering in a shining future," he said.
His video message was screened on Thursday at the National Parade Ground celebration.
Also read: Korean companies in Bangladesh hold meeting with Embassy officials
Sye-kyun said he has every confidence that Bangladesh, with the benefit of the vision and leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as it takes this remarkable path of astounding development, will shape an even more shining future of greater prosperity.
"As it has been over the last half a century, Korea will continue to be by the side of Bangladesh in the next half a century, for the welcoming in of a future of even fuller promise," he said.
The areas of cooperation, which had been more focused on the textiles and garment industry, have expanded to encompass a diverse range of fields such as ICT, construction, energy and culture, thereby creating more windows of opportunity.
Recently, the Korean Export Processing Zone, which is a symbol of bilateral economic cooperation, has embarked on a project to build a Hi-Tech Park with the Bangladesh government.
"I’m confident that this Park will emerge as a hub for ICT-centric innovative growth in tune with the digital transformation in the post-Covid era," said the Korean Prime Minister.
Also read: Bangladesh, Korea to explore untapped potential
There are already more than 200 Korean companies operating in Bangladesh contributing to the economic development of the two countries.
The South Korean Prime Minister said there are great expectations that Bangladesh will take further tremendous strides forward, as it is anticipated to graduate from the LDC status in 2026.
The Republic of Korea will be a trusted friend to Bangladesh in moving forward to embrace the future together, he said.
Sye-kyun, on behalf of the South Korea and its people, extended his sincere congratulations on the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
He said Korea and Bangladesh have continued to nurture the ties of friendship over the last nearly half a century since the establishment of the diplomatic relations in 1973.
Also read: Korean envoy discusses investment issues with BEPZA Executive Chairman
In 2017, he visited Bangladesh as the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.
"Such a visit was an excellent opportunity to bolster the bonds of friendship between our two countries and deepen the ties of cooperation," he said, adding, "I am delighted to connect with you again through this video message in this very meaningful year of 2021."
He said Korea and Bangladesh share common ground - both have the proud legacy of triumphing over colonial rule.
Sye-kyun said the noble sacrifice of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who had devoted his life to the struggle for the independence of Bengali nation and to secure the Bengali language as the national language, reminds them of the sweat and blood of our ancestors who were martyrs for the protection and building of nation.
BCL men 'beat up' journalist for covering anti-Modi protest
Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) men Thursday "attacked" a journalist on the Dhaka University campus as he was covering a protest programme – staged against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bangladesh visit.
The victim was identified as Abid Hasan Russel, the Dhaka University correspondent of Bangla Tribune.
"People of Bangladesh," a citizens' platform, arranged a programme named "Jeyafat" at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) at around 5.30pm.
Also read: Modi visit: Protesters clash with cops at Motijheel; 20 injured
As the protesters were about the start their programme, some BCL leaders and activists beat them up and snatched their banners, the witnesses said.
Abid was at the spot to cover the programme. The BCL men swooped down on Abid as he started recording the video of the BCL attack on protesters.
Also read: Anti-Modi protest: Chhatra Odhikar Parishad burns Indian PM's effigy
The journalist is now undergoing treatment at Dhaka University Medical Centre.
BCL President Al Nahian Khan Joy and General Secretary Lekhak Bhattacharjee could not be reached for comments till the filing of this report.
Bangladesh set to celebrate Independence Day Friday
Bangladesh, a newly-emerged developing nation, is all set to celebrate its 50th Independence Day on Friday with remarkable socio-economic progress.
This year’s Independence Day bears more significance as the country is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Independence alongside the birth centenary celebration of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
A 10-day special programme marking the 50 years of independence and the birth centenary of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman that started on March 17 at the National Parade Square will end on Friday.
Indian Prime Minister Modi will join the celebrations.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh records 3-month high 34 deaths; 3,587 fresh cases
Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering also attended the 10-day special programme in person.
Many global leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II, Pope Francis, Chinese President Xi Jinping, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Unesco Director General Audrey Azoulay sent messages, marking the celebrations.
On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh's independence following the crackdown on unarmed Bangalees on the midnight of March 25 by Pakistani occupation forces.
After a nine-month War of Liberation with the supreme sacrifices of three million people and the honour of 200,000 women, Bangladesh finally achieved its independence on December 16, 1971.
Also read: With focus on taking ties to a new height, Modi arrives Friday
The day will begin with a 50 gun-salute which is a public holiday.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages extending heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to the people of the country at home and abroad.
President Abdul Hamid, in his message, said, “On the eve of 'Mujib Barsho' and the Golden Jubilee of our Independence, with the joint efforts of all, may our beloved motherland become a developed country free from hunger and poverty -- this is my expectation on the great Independence Day.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said, “The independence earned through the supreme sacrifices of millions of people is the greatest achievement of Bangalee Nation. To ensure that the achievement remains meaningful, all have to know the true history of our great Liberation War and respect the spirit of independence. The spirit of the Liberation War has to be propagated from generations to generations.”
Also read: Bangladesh celebrates Independence Day with caution
“Let’s vow on this auspicious occasion of the Golden Jubilee of independence- imbued with the spirit of the Great War of Liberation, we all together will build hunger- poverty- and illiteracy-free Golden Bangladesh as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” she added.
National dailies will bring out special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private radio stations and television channels are airing special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.