Dr AK Abdul Momen
Bangladesh seeks at least 2 mln doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from Canada
Bangladesh has sought at least 2 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from Canada on an emergency basis to meet the emergency need of 1.6 million doses of the vaccine to provide second doses.
"This is at present a high priority for Bangladesh," said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen during his meeting with Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Benoit Préfontaine on Tuesday.
Referring to recent statement of Canadian Procurement Minister Anita Anand that Canadian Government might distribute excess stockpiles of AstraZeneca vaccine among developing countries, Dr Momen urged the Canadian High Commissioner to pursue his Government so that Bangladesh receives AstraZeneca vaccine from Canada.
He also underscored that such supply of vaccine should be directly sent to Bangladesh, as has been done for some other countries like Pakistan, rather than through the COVAX programme of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The main point of discussion was on the possibility of receiving AstraZeneca vaccine from Canada to meet up immediate second dose vaccine requirements in Bangladesh.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh acted fast on collecting vaccine by concluding the agreement with the Serum Institute in India to procure 30 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine and is now in a difficult situation as only 10.2 million doses of vaccine has been received from India.
He said the prospect of getting more is low due to the ongoing massive COVID-19 outbreak in India.
Dr Momen also proposed that Canada may help vaccinating forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Bangladesh separately.
Foreign Minister Momen also apprised the Canadian High Commissioner of the Government’s efforts to acquire vaccine from some other countries including China, Russia and the US.
The Canadian High Commissioner assured that he will follow up with his government about Bangladesh’s request to provide 2 million doses of vaccine immediately, which is also being followed up with the Canadian Government by Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa.
The Bangladesh Foreign Minister also thanked Canada for its continued strong political and humanitarian support for the Rohingya crisis, underscoring that sustainable return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar is the solution.
He also reiterated Bangladesh’s expectation that Canada would extend Duty Free Quota Free (DFQF) access to Bangladeshi export products till 2027, and also would commence negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Bangladesh soon.
Dr Momen reiterated Bangladesh’s strong expectation that Nur Chowdhury, the convicted killer of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, would be returned back to Bangladesh in near future.
High Commissioner Préfontaine stated that Canada would continue its humanitarian support for displaced Rohingyas and host communities at the same scale for next three years, as was reflected in their budgetary framework for next three years.
He also underscored that Canada is willing to enhance its economic cooperation with Bangladesh, including in areas of trade and investment.
Address Palestinian issue: Bangladesh to UN Security Council
Bangladesh has said the UN Security Council, as the principal organ of the UN charged with ensuring international peace and security, should take up the issue of violence and breach of security in the Al-Quds Al-Shareef and the entire occupied land of the State of Palestine.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said Bangladesh believes in a comprehensive and durable solution to the Palestinian issue in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quarter Roadmap.
He reiterated Bangladesh's position in the open-ended meeting of the OIC Executive Committee held on virtual platform on Sunday.
It's very regrettable, says FM on China's Quad remarks
Terming Chinese envoy's recent remarks very regrettable, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said Bangladesh maintained a non-aligned and balanced foreign policy and it will decide what to do following that principles.
"We’re an independent and sovereign State. We decide our (own) foreign policy. But yes, any country can uphold its position," he told reporters adding that they recall with respect what others say but did not expect such behaviour from China.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks when his comments sought on Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming's remarks on "Quad" and Bangladesh.
"Naturally, he (Ambassador) represents a country. They can say what they want. Maybe they don't want it (Bangladesh's joining Quad)," Dr Momen said, adding that no one from the Quad has approached Bangladesh yet.
“The comment has been an advanced one,” said the Foreign Minister.
He said usually China does not interfere in others' internal affairs and they did not see anyone saying anything in such an aggressive way. "It's very regrettable."
Also read: Beijing wants Dhaka not to join Quad
Dr Momen said they (China) can say their position and Bangladesh always welcomes what others say. "We'll listen to what they say. But we'll decide what is good for us."
He said once the United States had asked Bangladesh for selling gas but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina replied to power like the US that Bangladesh would decide after keeping reserve for 50 years. "Who’re you?"
Dr Momen said they are lucky that they have a leader like Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He said many people at many times had said many things in the past but Bangladesh has done what is good for the country and for the wellbeing of its people guided by its principled position.
Dr Momen said they will decide following the foreign policy principles considering the interest of people and the country. "We've maintained a non-aligned and a balanced foreign policy. We’ll continue to do it (maintaining non-aligned and balanced foreign policy)."
"What he (Ambassador) said (is) fine. We’ve no special comment on that," Dr Momen added.
Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming on Monday said Bangladesh’s relations with China will "substantially get damaged" if Bangladesh joins "Quad", a US-led initiative.
Also read: 5 lakh doses of Chinese vaccine to arrive on May 12: Envoy
The envoy said obviously it will not be a good idea for Bangladesh to participate in this small club of four countries because it will substantially damage the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
“So, we don’t like to see any form of participation by Bangladesh to this small group of countries,” said Ambassador Li.
He termed “Quad” a military alliance aiming against China's resurgence and its relationship with neighbouring countries.
The US, India, Japan and Australia are part of an informal strategic alliance - the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad as it is known.
Known as the “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,” representatives for the four member nations met periodically since its establishment in 2007.
While talking to UNB at his residence recently, Dr Momen said then the world was divided into blocks -- one was eastern bloc and another western bloc.
Since the eastern bloc helped Bangladesh most, many had thought Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman would join the eastern bloc but Bangabandhu did not do it and maintained a non-aligned position, he said.
Also read: Ready to offer more support if Covid situation deteriorates in Bangladesh: China
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh still believes in the foreign policy given by Bangabandhu - friendship to all malice to none.
Following Bangabandhu's footprint, Dr Momen said, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, adopted a balanced and non-aligned foreign policy.
He said Bangladesh is in a very good position as it has friends like India and China - two big countries. "We maintain good relations with both the countries."
Dr Momen said Bangladesh has had a "rock-solid" relationship with India since 1971 and China is a big economic and development partner.
"Others see us with much respect as we maintain good relations with India and China," said the Foreign Minister, adding that Bangladesh could do things that other countries could not.
Keep up efforts to procure Covid vaccines: Standing committee on Foreign Ministry
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs has suggested the ministry keep up intensified efforts to get Oxford-AstraZeneca and China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines from India, China and the United States.
The 20th meeting of the committee was held at Sangsad Bhaban on Sunday with its Chairman Faruk Khan in the chair. Committee members including Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Nurul Islam Nahid and M Abdul Majid were present.
It reviewed the current situation about procurement of vaccines, celebrations of 50 years of Bangladesh's Independence and other issues, said a media release.
Dr Momen on Saturday said there is nothing to be worried about the availability of vaccines, noting that the government will have enough vaccines soon from alternative sources.
Also read: Nothing to be worried about vaccines: FM
“I believe we'll have enough vaccines. No person should be worried about it. Vaccines will come timely and all will get it,” he said in a video message shared on his verified Facebook page.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh is much ahead of many countries in the world in procuring vaccines and launching vaccination drives across the country.
He said many European countries decided about which vaccine they should use just in April whereas in Bangladesh many people got vaccinated.
Apart from China and Russia, Dr Momen said, there is much possibility to get vaccines from the US.
Also read: Deal with Russia soon over Covid vaccine: Health Minister
The Foreign Minister has recently written a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken seeking vaccine doses for immediate and long-term needs.
The government has sought immediate release of 2-4 million doses of vaccine from the US and a total of 10 to 20 million doses of vaccine for the long-term supply.
The US will share up to 60 million doses of its Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine with other countries as they become available.
The Foreign Minister said 5,00,000 doses of Chinese vaccine will arrive on May 12 as gift from the Chinese government.
Also read: Bangladesh seeks immediate delivery of 4 mn vaccine doses from US: FM
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the Sinopharm vaccine for emergency use, giving the green light for this vaccine to be rolled out globally.
The Sinopharm vaccine is produced by Beijing Bio-Institute of Biological Products Co Ltd, subsidiary of China National Biotec Group (CNBG).
Dr Momen said Russia's Sputnik V vaccine showed over 97 percent efficacy while the Chinese vaccines were taken by 100 million people without any side effects.
Bangladesh has received 7 million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India (SII) through its contract. Bangladesh also received 3.3 million doses of vaccine as a bilateral partnership gift. This is the largest amount sent from India to any country.
Nothing to be worried about vaccines: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said there is nothing to be worried about the availability of vaccines, noting that the government will have enough vaccines soon from alternative sources.
“I believe we'll have enough vaccines. No one should be worried about it. Vaccines will come timely and all will get it,” he said in a video message shared on his verified Facebook page.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh is much ahead of many countries in the world in procuring vaccines and launching vaccination drives across the country.
He said many European countries decided about which vaccine they should use just in April whereas in Bangladesh many people got vaccinated.
Apart from China and Russia, Dr Momen said, there is much possibility to get vaccines from the United States.
Also read: Bangladesh seeks immediate delivery of 4 mn vaccine doses from US: FM
The Foreign Minister has recently written a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken seeking vaccine doses from the US for immediate and long-term needs.
The government has sought immediate release of 2-4 million doses of vaccine from the United States (US) and a total of 10 to 20 million doses of vaccine for the long term supply.
The US will share up to 60 million doses of its Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines vaccine with other countries as they become available.
The Foreign Minister said 5 lakh doses of Chinese vaccine will arrive here on May 12 as a gift from the Chinese government
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, giving the green light for this vaccine to be rolled out globally.
Also read: Deal with Russia soon over Covid vaccine: Health Minister
The Sinopharm vaccine is produced by Beijing Bio-Institute of Biological Products Co Ltd, a subsidiary of China National Biotec Group (CNBG).
“The addition of this vaccine (Sinopharm COVID-19) has the potential to rapidly accelerate Covid-19 vaccine access for countries seeking to protect health workers and populations at risk. We urge the manufacturer to participate in the COVAX Facility and contribute to the goal of more equitable vaccine distribution," says Dr Mariângela Simão, WHO Assistant-Director General for Access to Health Products.
Dr Momen said Russia's Sputnik V Covid vaccine showed over 97 percent efficacy while the Chinese vaccines were taken by 100 million people without any side effects.
He said the government of Bangladesh got the vaccines from India at a very low cost but they could not supply as per agreement due to the deteriorating situation in India with sharp rise of demands for vaccines there.
Earlier, the Foreign Minister said the government is not shifting its attention from India as there is an agreement with Serum Institute of India to get 3 crore doses of vaccine.
Also read: What does it feel like to get COVID-19 after taking the vaccine?
He said India is yet to reply as Bangladesh sought at least 30 lakh doses of vaccine under the agreement to address the immediate demand in Bangladesh. “We’ll procure vaccines wherever we get it.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reaffirmed that the government will procure vaccines at any cost to protect people from coronavirus."We are bringing more vaccines, no matter how much money is required; we will bring more vaccines."
Bangladesh has received 7 million of Oxford-AstraZeneca covid-19 vaccine doses produced by Serum Institute of India (SII) vaccines through its contract. Bangladesh also received 3.3 million doses of vaccine as a bilateral partnership gift. This is the largest amount sent from India to any country.
US may consider taking Rohingyas from Bangladesh: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the United States may consider accepting a good number of forcibly-displaced Rohingyas in Bangladesh for filling up a large portion of the new numbers set for 2021 and 2022.
Dr Momen appreciated US President Joe Biden’s recent announcement to enhance the admission of refugees to the US to 62,500 in 2021 and 125,000 in 2022.
He also expressed optimism that the US, as the largest humanitarian donor for the humanitarian operations for the forcibly displaced Rohingyas camped in Bangladesh, will continue to provide necessary assistance for Rohingyas, including those now settled in Bhasan Char.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R. Miller met the Foreign Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday and discussed the issues.
Dhaka wants concerted efforts, shared responsibility for sustainable use of oceans
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday reiterated the significance of concerted efforts and shared responsibility for sustainable use of the oceans and also underscored the vital role of IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) in this regard.
Bangladesh is hosting the three-day 13th Intergovernmental Session of the IOC (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission) Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) virtually that began on Tuesday.
Also read:FM seeks cooperation from diplomats in bringing back ...
Dr Momen inaugurated the session on behalf of the host country and delivered the welcome remarks. He stressed the role of the oceans to the development of human civilization and recovery from crisis.
Vo Si Tuan, Chairperson of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific; and Vladimir Ryabinin, IOC Executive Secretary & Assistant Director General of UNESCO also delivered remarks at the inaugural session. Around hundred participants joined the opening day of the three-day session.
The Foreign Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all for joining the event amid the ongoing pandemic.
Dr Momen appreciated the IOC’s role in encouraging scientific research, technical analyses and syntheses of scientific information needed to effectively address emerging environmental issues.
He paid deepest homage to Father of the Nation, architect of Independent Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and recalled his leadership for introducing the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act in 1974.
FM to join China-led virtual meeting on vaccine cooperation
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will join a China-led virtual meeting on Tuesday afternoon to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation to deal with the Covid-19 situation.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has also invited his counterparts in four other South Asian countries to join the virtual meeting, scheduled to begin at 2pm, a senior official told UNB.
They will discuss issues related to "Emergency Storage Facility" to help South Asian countries during an emergency situation.
Also read: Covid vaccine: Dhaka agrees on Beijing’s proposal to set up emergency storage facility
Bangladesh, in principle, has agreed on a Chinese proposal to set up an "Emergency Storage Facility" for Covid-19 related medical supplies to ensure quick supply of those among the South Asian countries during any emergency need.
Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are not producing Covid-19 vaccines, have also received a similar proposal from China and agreed on it.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen said Bangladesh received the proposal on April 15.
The Foreign Minister will seek further details on the proposal today. There was a meeting at the secretary level in this regard.
Dr Momen said China will give 6 lakh doses of vaccine as a gift and hoped that Bangladesh will get a vaccine through commercial purchase soon.
Also read: Hopeful of getting rest of vaccine doses from India as scheduled: FM
Bangladesh has received 7 million of Oxford-AstraZeneca covid-19 vaccine doses produced by Serum Institute of India (SII) vaccines through its contract. Bangladesh also received 3.3 million doses of vaccine as a bilateral partnership gift.
This is the largest amount sent from India to any country.
Also read: Nothing to worry about vaccine stock: FM
Dhaka mourns loss of lives in Indonesian submarine tragedy
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed his deep condolences over the loss of lives following the disappearance of an Indonesian submarine.
Indonesia’s military on Sunday officially said all 53 crew members from a submarine that sank and broke apart last week are dead, and that search teams had located the vessel’s wreckage on the ocean floor.
In a message sent to Foreign Minister of Indonesia Retno L P Marsudi, Dr Momen conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the Indonesian Government and the brotherly people of Indonesia.
He expressed his deep sympathy to the members of the berived families.
Dr Momen hoped that the grief struck relatives of the fallen crew members of the submarine would have the strength to bear with the tragedy. He prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls.
He wished the Foreign Minister happiness, good health and long life.
Dr Momen expected continued peace and prosperity of brotherly people of Indonesia.
Border with India to remain shut for 14 days: FM
Bangladesh has decided to close its border with India for any kind of movement except that of cargoes for the next 14 days from Monday (April 26, 2021) to control the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.
"Yes, but the movement of cargoes carrying goods will continue," Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told UNB over the phone on Sunday.
The decision taken against the backdrop of the worsening covid-19 situation will become effective from 6am on Monday.
As per the decision, general movements of humans between Bangladesh and India will temporarily stay suspended through the land ports.
The Bangladeshi citizens currently travelling to India for treatment and having visas with validity for less than 15 days could enter Bangladesh through only Benapole, Akhaura and Burimari after taking permission from Bangladesh Missions in New Delhi, Kolkata, and Agartala and with a mandatory Covid-negative certificate done through PCR test within seventy-two hours of entry.
Also read: Covid-19 in Bangladesh: Daily deaths shoot past 100; new cases fall dramatically
People entering Bangladesh through this process would have to stay officially quarantined for two weeks.
Except for the aforementioned three land ports, all kinds of human movements through all other land ports between the two countries would completely stay suspended for two weeks.
The vehicles carrying imported goods from India would have to be properly sterilised before entering Bangladesh borders.
The drivers and helpers concerned would have to observe the Covid-19 safety protocol strictly.
Railroads will be encouraged for export and import of goods between the two countries in this period.
Also read: Shutting border with India: Experts praise it as prudent decision
Bangladesh Missions in New Delhi, Kolkata and Agartala would convey the relevant information in this regard to the authorities concerned in India in the light of the friendly relations between the two countries.
The above decisions will be in effect for two weeks and will be revised in due time, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The decisions have been taken in an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by the Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen and attended by High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India; Secretary, Security Services Division, Ministry of Home Affairs; Secretary (East), Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Additional Secretary, Cabinet Division; and representatives of PMO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Commerce, BGB and Bangladesh Missions in Kolkata and Agartala.
Bangladesh is operating special flights to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Singapore to facilitate departure of expatriate workers to those countries.
India’s crematoriums and burial grounds are being overwhelmed by the devastating new surge of infections tearing through the populous country with terrifying speed, depleting the supply of life-saving oxygen to critical levels and leaving patients to die while waiting in line to see doctors, reports AP from New Delhi.
Also read: India's COVID-19 tally nearing 17 mln
For the fourth straight day, India on Sunday set a global daily record for new infections, spurred by an insidious, new variant that emerged here, undermining the government’s premature claims of victory over the pandemic.
The 349,691 confirmed cases over the past day brought India’s total to more than 16.9 million, behind only the United States.
The Indian Health Ministry reported another 2,767 deaths in the past 24 hours, pushing India’s Covid-19 fatalities to 192,311.
Experts say that toll could be a huge undercount, as suspected cases are not included, and many deaths from the infection are being attributed to underlying conditions, according to AP.