UN
UN shouldn’t be mouthpiece for a few: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said the United Nations should be a voice of all the countries, not just the mouthpiece of a few countries.
“There’s a need for a change in this situation,” he said while addressing a discussion at Jatiya Press Club marking the UN Day.
He said Bangladesh will be the candidate for UNGA President in 2026 and insisted that the next UN General Secretary, if it is from Asia, should be from Bangladesh.
Dr Momen said it is regrettable that there is no significant number of Bangladeshis in the UN leadership positions. “Now, time has come for increasing our representation in the UN.”
The Foreign Minister appreciated the UN role in many areas saying there was no third World War because of the UN though it has failed to resolve problems in many countries.
Read: Bangladesh’s UNGA participation shows its stronger presence in multilateral forum: Officials
“We want peace in the world and the UN was established in search of peace. We recognize UN contributions,” he said.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh will host a world peace conference in December as peace is imperative for development.
India introduces draft resolution in UN over observer status for international solar alliance
Underlining that the International Solar Alliance will usher in a new era of "green energy diplomacy", India introduced a draft resolution in the UN General Assembly for granting Observer Status for the global initiative that would help provide for regular cooperation between ISA and the United Nations, benefiting global energy growth and development, reports NDTV.
The International Solar Alliance or ISA was jointly launched by India and France in 2015 at the 21st Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) held in Paris.
"It is my honour to introduce the draft resolution...for granting Observer Status for the International Solar Alliance on behalf of India and France" and about 80 co-sponsors, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador TS Tirumurti said on Friday.
"The International Solar Alliance through its efforts to bring about just and equitable energy solutions through the deployment of solar energy is expected to usher in a new era of green energy diplomacy," Ambassador Tirumurti said in the General Assembly as he introduced the draft resolution in the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly that deals with legal questions.
Read:9 dead as rains trigger landslides in India
The granting of Observer Status to International Solar Alliance in the General Assembly would help provide for a regular and well-defined cooperation between the Alliance and the United Nations that would benefit global energy growth and development, he said.
The co-sponsors include Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Denmark, Egypt, Fiji, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom.
"Another milestone for (the) International Solar Alliance. India introduces draft resolution in #UNGA for granting Observer Status to @isolaralliance (ISA). I said that ISA, through its efforts towards just & equitable energy solutions, will usher in (a) new era of "Green Energy Diplomacy"," Ambassador Tirumurti tweeted.
He underlined that granting ISA observer status in UNGA would enable the organisation to provide targeted inputs to current and future United Nations processes, based on grass-root level experiences from its country programmes, its research and public-private cooperation activities and its global knowledge-sharing activities.
ISA is also taking a big step towards addressing some of the questions like "technological transfer", "storage of solar energy" and even financial assistance to member countries, along with project layout and project planning, Mr Tirumurti said.
The United Nations General Assembly may grant Permanent Observer Status to non-member states, international organisations and other entities.
Read: Made in India virus kits boost testing, and local industry
As per information on the UN website, the General Assembly decided that "observer status would be confined to states and intergovernmental organisations whose activities cover matters of interest to the Assembly".
The Sixth Committee of the General Assembly considers all applications for observer status before they are considered in the plenary session. Permanent Observers may participate in the sessions and workings of the General Assembly and maintain missions at the UN headquarters, the website said.
Intergovernmental Organisations having received a standing invitation to participate as Observers in the sessions and the work of the UNGA include European Union, INTERPOL, International Renewable Energy Agency, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Asian Development Bank, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Commonwealth of Independent States, European Organisation for Nuclear Research, Indian Ocean Rim Association, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, International Committee of the Red Cross and International Olympic Committee.
Mr Tirumurti stressed that the Framework Agreement of ISA explicitly designates the UN, including its organs, as strategic partners of the Alliance.
"Observer status will greatly enhance the Alliance's ability to achieve its goals," he said, adding that ISA will be able to follow closely the deliberations in the General Assembly, cooperate with the UN organs, agencies and programmes in implementation of its programmes and activities and benefit from the UN network of field offices, its experience in programme cooperation with governments and its wide resources in the development process.
The International Solar Alliance was opened for signature as an international treaty-based organisation in November 2016 and the agreement entered into force on December 6, 2017.
Read:India lifts travel curbs on those arriving from UK
Mr Tirumurti said the Alliance of solar-resource rich countries with its membership was open to those 121 UN member states that lie fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This was further amended at the First Assembly of the ISA, to expand the scope of ISA membership to all UN member states.
He said the Paris Declaration on the launch of International Solar Alliance expounded the shared vision of bringing clean, affordable, and renewable energy within reach of all.
Noting that International Solar Alliance is dedicated to contributing to the successful outcome of the UN process on sustainable development and the attainment of internationally agreed development goals, Mr Tirumurti said, "We seek your support for the draft resolution."
"Since its establishment, International Solar Alliance has strived to achieve its objectives by initiating thematic programmes dedicated to the deployment of cross-cutting solar energy applications across multiple sectors including, but not limited to, agriculture, health, and electricity. ISA has played an important role internationally in supporting the implementation of United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change and the global climate agenda in general," he said.
Mr Tirumurti added that participation in major international meetings involving these issues is often critical for International Solar Alliance to carry out its work and mandate. In addition, ISA has wide resources and the expertise to make a significant contribution to all such meetings, dialogues and decisions, by helping to shape the global policy dialogue.
Rohingyas overjoyed at UN arrival in Bhasan Char
The Rohingyas in Bhasan Char have welcomed the decision of the United Nations (UN) to engage there in providing humanitarian support.
On Sunday, they brought out a procession expressing their joy over the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Bangladesh government and the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency.
They were seen joining the joyous procession peacefully holding placards that read "Welcome UN", "Welcome UNHCR", "Thank You UN," "We Are Happy at Bhasan Char 2021."
Head Rohingya leaders led the procession from 2:30pm to 3pm joined by over a thousand Rohingyas, said a source at Bhasan Char.
The procession that began from Shelter 9 ended at Rohingya Bazar, going through Hospital Road.
Bangladesh and the UN signed the formal document Saturday, ending a long wait for a much-sought UN engagement at Bhasan Char on the humanitarian front to support the Rohingyas there.
Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohsin and Bangladesh Representative of UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, Johannes van der Klaauw, signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Secretariat.
Read: Crucial MoU on UN's operational engagement in Bhasan Char signed
Crucial MoU on UN's operational engagement in Bhasan Char signed
Bangladesh and the United Nations (UN) signed a formal document Saturday, ending a long wait for a much-sought UN engagement at Bhasan Char on the humanitarian front to support the Rohingyas there.
Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohsin and Bangladesh Representative of UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, Johannes van der Klaauw signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the secretariat.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr M Enamur Rahman witnessed the signing ceremony as the chief guest. Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman on Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Capt AB Tajul Islam joined as special guest.
He said around 80,000 Rohingyas will be relocated to Bhasan Char from Cox’s Bazar camps within the next three months.
READ: MoU on UN's operational engagement in Bhasan Char Saturday
Enamur said they have finally taken a right decision and it will be very easier for humanitarian agencies to provide services following today's MoU signing.
The signing of the MoU demonstrates the UN's support to the government's massive investment there to ensure better living for the Rohingyas, officials said.
The MoU – signed by UNHCR on behalf of UN agencies working on the Rohingya response in Bangladesh – establishes a common protection and policy framework for the Rohingya humanitarian response on the island.
The MoU is a further expression of the government and people of Bangladesh’s generosity and support towards the Rohingya population until they can return safely and sustainably to Myanmar.
It is also a reconfirmation of the UN’s commitment to continue supporting Bangladesh in leading the humanitarian programme for almost 1.1 million Rohingya refugees in the country, said the UNHCR.
The agreement relating to Bhasan Char allows close cooperation between the government and the UN on services and activities to the benefit of the increasing numbers of Rohingya refugees living on the island, according to the UN refugee agency.
Resilience, commitment of postal workers an inspiration: UN
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said they recognise the invaluable contributions of postal workers to societies and economies noting that these essential workers are an inspiration.
"As we continue to confront the Covid-19 pandemic, the resilience and commitment of these essential workers are an inspiration. We owe them our gratitude," he said in a message marking World Post Day that falls on October 9.
READ: MoU on UN's operational engagement in Bhasan Char Saturday
The theme for this year's World Post Day – "Innovate to recover" – highlights how the postal sector is adapting to new realities and redefining itself, taking on new roles founded on digitalisation, e-commerce and financial services, he said.
"Innovate to recover" invites everyone in the international postal sector to embrace creative change and leverage technology as they together look to build forward better from the pandemic, the UN chief added.
He said the vast postal network – involving millions of workers moving billions of pieces of mail through hundreds of thousands of post offices – is woven into societies, connecting communities the world over.
"I congratulate the Universal Postal Union and the international postal sector for your tireless efforts delivering mail, providing essential services, enabling trade, and promoting literacy," Guterres said.
READ: PM releases postal stamp on Bangabandhu’s birth centenary
"The United Nations looks forward to advancing our partnership in the service of sustainable development and a better world for all," he mentioned.
MoU on UN's operational engagement in Bhasan Char Saturday
Bangladesh and the United Nations (UN) will sign a formal document Saturday, ending a long wait for a much-sought UN engagement at Bhasan Char on the humanitarian front to support the Rohingyas there.
Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohsin and UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, will sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The signing ceremony will be held at the secretariat at 12pm.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr M Enamur Rahman will witness the signing ceremony.
The signing of the MoU demonstrates the UN's support to the government's massive investment there to ensure better living for the Rohingyas, officials said.
The numerous challenges associated with the temporary hosting of persecuted Rohingyas from Myanmar have compelled the Bangladesh government to plan the relocation of 1 lakh Rohingyas to Bhashan Char, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
Also read: Relocation of Rohingyas to Bhashan Char not forceful: Dhaka
Nearly 20,000 Rohingyas moved to Bhasan Char since December last year in several groups.
Around 1,642 Rohingyas were relocated to Bhashan Char on December 4 last year while the second batch, comprising 1,804 Rohingyas, had been transferred from Cox's Bazar to the island on December 29 last year.
Recognising Bangladesh's massive investment in Bhasan Char, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Mia Seppo said there has been, rather, a lot of negative coverage about the island and it is important that they have somehow managed to move away from that.
She said they want to be partners in trying to create something so that everybody can live and the conversation that they are having now is important.
Regarding the proposed MoU to engage in Bhasan Char, Mia said there are protections and humanitarian imperatives and they are looking to support the massive efforts of the government in Bhasan Char.
Bhasan Char, a temporary shelter for Rohingyas until repatriation, remained unhurt with no casualty to personnel and livestock during recent cyclones, officials said.
During his recent visit, former United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir highly appreciated Bangladesh's efforts for Rohingyas in Bhashan Char, saying it will be another example to the world on how to deal with the refugee issues. "I applaud the work done there – the quality of buildings and all the precautions."
Also read: UN for Rohingyas' free, informed decision on Bhashan Char relocation
Bozkir hoped that this would work well for the Rohingya people, giving them a better condition in Bhashan Char.
The government re-emphasised that Bhashan Char is completely safe and suitable for human habitation.
The 30-year-old island has all the amenities, including healthcare, drinking water, options for economic activities, and cyclone shelters, it said.
The island offers enough space for the free movement of the Rohingyas.
Officials at the MoFA said it should be remembered that Rohingyas are Myanmar nationals and Bhasan Char and Cox's Bazar camps are temporary arrangements. "Bangladesh has been hosting them temporarily purely out of humanitarian gesture."
"Rohingyas want to return to their homeland, Myanmar, and all need to work constructively to that end," a MoFA official said.
Deal over UN's operational engagement in Bhasan Char likely on Saturday
Bangladesh and the United Nations are likely to sign a formal document on Saturday to find ways for UN engagement in Bhasan Char demonstrating support to the government’s massive investment there to ensure better living for Rohingyas, officials said.
“We’re expecting that the MoU will be signed on Saturday morning if there’s no last-minute change,” a senior official told UNB, mentioning that things are finalised.
However, he did not elaborate further what will be the nature of UN engagement in Bhasan Char and the specific areas of cooperation.
The numerous challenges associated with the temporary hosting of persecuted Rohingyas from Myanmar have compelled the government of Bangladesh to plan the relocation of 100,000 Rohingyas to Bhashan Char, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
So far, nearly 20,000 Rohingyas have moved to Bhasan Char since December last year in a number of groups.
Some 1642 Rohingyas were relocated to Bhashan Char on December 4, 2020, while the second batch, comprising 1,804 Rohingyas, had been transferred from Cox’s Bazar to Bhashan Char on December 29 last year.
On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said the operational engagement of the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, in Bhasan Char will begin soon. “Everything is final. It has been done as agreed.”
Read: Bhasan Char: an excellent example for a safe, sustainable, and resilient place for Rohingya relocation
Recognizing Bangladesh’s massive investment in Bhasan Char, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Mia Seppo said there has been, rather, a lot of negative coverage about Bhasan Char and it is important that they have somehow managed to move away from that.
She said they want to be partners in trying to create something so that everybody can live and the conversation that they are having now is important.
Regarding the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to engage in Bhasan Char, Mia said there are protections and humanitarian imperatives and they are obviously looking to support the massive efforts of the government in Bhasan Char.
Bangladesh reiterates firm stance against terrorism
Bangladesh has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, mentioning that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, race, faith, culture, ethnicity or society.
"Bangladesh strongly condemns and rejects any attempt to associate terrorism with any particular religion or nationality," said Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima.
The Ambassador made the remarks while speaking in a High-Level UN Meeting on International Terrorism at the United Nations held on Tuesday.
Read:Hasina’s climate leadership lauded at CVF-COP26 dialogue
She highlighted the various national legislative and policy actions of the current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in curbing terrorism, violent extremism, terrorist financing and related menaces.
The envoy also mentioned about Bangladesh’s close partnership with the UN entities, bilateral partners, civil society organizations in strengthening country’s response to the threats of terrorism and violent extremism.
Referring to the impact of Covid-19 on global terrorism, Ambassador Fatima said the pandemic has disrupted national and global efforts to prevent and counter terrorism.
She called for inclusive and resilient recovery and also increased investment in capacity building, intelligence sharing, raising awareness against hate speech, xenophobia, and infodemics and abuse of online platforms.
She added that through education and dialogue a culture of peace can be inculcated within societies to combat the menace of terrorism.
Read:US ambassador hands over 2.5 million Pfizer vaccine doses to Bangladesh
Highlighting the gender aspects of terrorism and violent extremism, Ambassador Fatima drew attention to the disproportionate impacts of terrorism on women.
She called for promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women as well as full and effective implementation of women, peace and security agenda.
Ambassador Fatima concluded her remarks by reiterating Bangladesh’s abiding commitment to remain a strong and reliable partner of all international efforts to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Hasina places six proposals before world to fight Covid
Terming Covid-19 a common enemy, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has placed six proposals before the global leaders to fight the deadly virus with fresh, inclusive and effective ideas.
“Sadly though, this malaise (Covid-19) seems to be here for a while, and therefore, as we had in the past, must come forth with fresh, inclusive, and global ideas to fight this common enemy. Let me highlight a few specific issues in this regard,” she said.
The Prime Minister said this while delivering her speech in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) debate at the UN Headquarters on Friday.
Address vaccine inequality
In her first proposal, Hasina said for a Covid-free world, “We must ensure universal and affordable access to vaccines for people across the world.”
In the last UNGA, Hasina said, she called for treating Covid-19 vaccines as a ‘global public good.’ This was echoed by many other leaders. “Yet these calls remain largely unheeded. Instead, we’ve seen growing ‘vaccines divides’ between the rich and the poor nations.”
According to the World Bank, she said, 84 percent of vaccine doses have so far gone to people in high and upper middle-income countries, while the low-income countries received less than 1 percent.
“This vaccine inequality must be urgently addressed. We cannot chart out a sustainable recovery and be safe by leaving millions behind,” she said.
She also said immediate transfer of vaccine technologies could be a means to ensure vaccine equity. Bangladesh is ready to produce vaccines in mass scale if technical know-how is shared with us and patent waiver is granted.
Covid’s disproportionate impacts
In the second proposal, she said the pandemic has disproportionately impacted the climate vulnerable countries. “Unless there are immediate measures, the devastating impacts of climate change will be irreversible. No country, rich or poor, is immune to the destructive effects. We, therefore, call upon the rich and industrialised countries to cut emissions, compensate for the loss and damage, and ensure adequate financing and technology transfer for adaptation and resilience building.”
She said as the Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and the Vulnerable Twenty Group of Ministers of Finance, Bangladesh has launched the “Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan – Decade 2030” outlining a transformative agenda from climate vulnerability to climate prosperity.
She said the upcoming COP-26 Summit in Glasgow provides a good opportunity to rally support for such new and inclusive ideas. “Let us not miss out on this opportunity.”
Read: PM joins opening session of 76th UNGA general debate
UN chief showers praise on Hasina, says Bangladesh a ‘development miracle’
Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres has highly praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the development in Bangladesh, calling it a ‘miracle’.
“The UN Secretary-General commended Bangladesh for its development in different sectors and humanity…. he thanked the Prime Minister for achieving a development of miracle,” said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
The Foreign Minister was briefing reporters after a bilateral meeting held between Sheikh Hasina and António Guterres at the UN Secretariat Building in New York on Thursday.
Also read: PM’s presence in UNGA important for critical issues: Dr Momen
As the Bangladesh Prime Minister arrived at the meeting venue, the UN Secretary-General said, “Welcome to your home.”
He said both the UN and Bangladesh shared common priorities in different areas, including climate, financing and SDGs. “We share common priorities. Whether it’s climate, financing and SDGs. Those priorities in the UN are also the priorities of Bangladesh,” Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Rabab Fatima, who was at the briefing, quoted António Guterres as saying.
Sheikh Hasina urged the Secretary-General to appoint more Bangladeshis to higher posts in the United Nations since Bangladesh plays a significant role in the United Nations. “We’re your major tools, but there’re a few Bangladeshis in your different higher posts,” she said.
In reply, the Secretary General said they would consider it.
In this regard, the Foreign Minister told reporters that Bangladesh and the UN are very closely linked. Bangladesh is the number-1 troops-contributing country to its peacekeeping mission. All the UNDP projects are fulfilled (implemented) in Bangladesh, he said.
“Bangladesh is a model (case) to the UN as it’s a vibrant economy coming out from a poor economy. This is why the UN always respects Bangladesh,” said Dr Momen, adding that the Bangladesh is a success story for the United Nations.
Bangladesh has been playing a very significant role in the UN since it became a member of the multilateral organisation in 1974, he said.
“Bangladeshi peacekeepers are creating a brand name wherever they work. So, we asked them to appoint Bangladeshis in other areas also,” Dr Momen added.
Also read: PM joins opening session of 76th UNGA general debate
More meetings
The Bangladesh Prime Minister also had a bilateral meeting with Queen Maxima of the Netherlands at the former’s place of residence.
Queen Maxima, also the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, said they are thinking whether an insurance programme can be launched in Bangladesh to bring poor farmers who are affected by flood and storm under the insurance coverage.
Hasina also held two separate bilateral meetings with President of the Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and President of Vietnam Nguyễn Xuân Phúc at the UN Headquarters on the sidelines of the United Nations general assembly.
In the meeting with Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Bangladesh asked the Maldives to introduce a commercial shipping service between Chattogram port and Male port to transport goods and food items at cheap rates in order to boost trade and business between the two countries.
In response, the Maldives said they are working on it, but the operation of Male-Dhaka private airline services would begin soon.
Bangladesh also requested it to regularize undocumented Bangladeshis living in the Maldives, said Dr Momen.
The President of the Maldives was reminded about signing some proposed deals like the Promotion and Protection of Investment Agreement, remained pending with the court in the Maldives.
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih invited Sheikh Hasina to visit his country and the Bangladesh Prime Minister accepted the invitation.
In the meeting with the Vietnamese President, Vietnam was asked to help Bangladesh over the repatriation of forcibly-displaced Rohingyas as it has very good relations with Myanmar.
Sheikh Hasina asked Vietnam to explore investment scopes in different sectors in Bangladesh.
As Bangladesh has a large negative trade balance with Vietnam, Dhaka asked Hanoi to raise its import from Bangladesh.
Now the bilateral trade volume is some US$ 900 million. Of the money, Bangladesh imports goods of 600-650 million. “So, we asked them to raise the business of Bangladesh in their country,” said Dr Momen.
He said Vietnam is a rising star while Bangladesh is a rising giant. Both sides put emphasis on strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Since Vietnam is a member of ASEAN, Bangladesh also sought support from Vietnam to its application to become a sectoral dialogue partner of the association.
Foreign Senior Secretary Masud Bin Momen and PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim were present at the briefing.