foreign minister
Legal notice served seeking FM Momen’s resignation in 48 hrs
A legal notice has been sent to Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen asking him to step down within 48 hours for violating the constitution through giving controversial statements.
Supreme Court (SC) lawyer Md Ershad Hossain Rashed sent the legal notice on Sunday.
“You can’t request the Indian government to prop up Sheikh Hasina’s government in power. The Bangladesh constitution says that people are the source of all power. Through your statement, you’ve violated the constitution. Thus, you’ve lost the eligibility to remain as a Minister,” the notice reads.
Ershad said that the FM’s remark is an attack on the sovereignty of Bangladesh.
“Through the legal notice, I’ve requested the FM to resign. Otherwise, legal steps will be taken against him,” said the lawyer.
Read: Momen explains what he meant by 'heaven'
Earlier at a Janmashtami programme in Chattogram on Thursday, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen reportedly said that he urged the Indian government to back Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina so that she can stay in power.
After much criticism over this statement, the FM provided an explanation the next day, saying that he had requested the Indian government to help the PM to maintain stability of her government.
Momen urges youth to work hard to achieve ‘Sonar Bangla’
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has called upon the young generation to use time effectively and work hard to attain ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by Father of The Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Momen made the call at an event organized by ‘Ghashful’, an organization of children and adolescents, at the auditorium of the Liberation War museum as the chief guest on Saturday.
“Bangabandhu bestowed the responsibility of achieving Sonar Bangla on all of us. We’ve to work hard until this goal is achieved. The road isn’t smooth but we can do it as we are a victorious nation,” said Momen.
Momen added that the Prime Minister has provided a roadmap to turn Bangladesh into a prosperous nation.
“If we follow the roadmap properly, we’ll be able to establish ‘Sonar Bangla’ within 2041. Sonar Bangla means a Bangladesh which is developed, resourceful, stable and secular. Sonar Bangla is a place where there won’t be any difference between the rich and the poor, where basic needs of people including food, clothing, accommodation, education and treatment are ensured,” Momen added.
Read: Momen explains what he meant by 'heaven'
The event was presided over by Founder of Ghashful and President of its central committee Hasan Abdullah Biplob.
Valiant freedom fighters Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) M Abdur Rauf Bir Bikram and Major (Retired) Wakar Hasan Bir Bikram spoke at the event as special guests.
I told India to help maintain stability in Bangladesh, Momen clarifies
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday said he told the Indian government that Bangladesh would be happy if India helps Bangladesh in maintaining stability, noting that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants stability and communal harmony in the country.
“So, stability is the most important. We want stability in this region, too. We don’t want any instability. If we can do this (maintain stability together), it will be meaningful in this Golden Chapter of our relations,” he told reporters explaining what he wanted to say in Chattogram at a programme on Thursday night.
Earlier, he offered munajat and paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Mausoleum of Bangabandhu at Tungipara.
Momen said he conveyed that there are some wicked people in both countries – Bangladesh and India – who make instigative remarks and they instigate to turn minor things into big ones.
Also read: Requested India to help Bangladesh maintain stability, harmony: Momen
“Both the governments have a responsibility to stop this. If we can do that, there will be communal harmony and there will be no uncertainty,” he said.
Responding to a question, Momen said Bangladesh is witnessing development amid communal harmony as Hasina is there (in power).
“It’s good for everyone if a non-communal social system gets established. In Bangladesh, all the citizens have equal rights,” he added.
Momen said Bangladesh gets stability when PM Hasina remains there ( in power) and the development journey remains uninterrupted when there is stability.
The foreign minister said he referred to what the Assam Chief Minister told him and that exactly he conveyed to the Indian government.
“Going to India, I said your Assam Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her zero tolerance policy and her announcement that Bangladesh cannot be a hub for terrorists,” Momen said.
He said there are no terrorist activities in Assam and surrounding areas and they are seeing growing development with increased investment in Assam and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s efforts were credited.
“I conveyed to the Indian government that your chief minister said there is stability as Sheikh Hasina is there. It benefits both sides,” Momen said.
On Thursday, Momen said he requested the Indian government to do whatever necessary to help Bangladesh maintain stability and harmony.
"When I went to India, I told the Indian government that Sheikh Hasina must be sustained. Bangladesh will continue to march towards development and will truly become a country free of communalism under her leadership," he said.
Speaking as the chief guest at a Janmashtami, one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu calendar, programme in Chattogram, Momen also said, "If someone takes the country to the path of instability to shake Sheikh Hasina's government, then it is a danger for everyone. We want stability."
The foreign minister said they told the Indian government that the two countries will work in such a way that neither side promotes instigative behaviors to maintain law and order and stability.
“If we can do that, it’s good for both Bangladesh and India,” Momen said, adding that India does not need to face extra expenditure in its border areas as Sheikh Hasina is there in power.
He said thousands of people from Bangladesh visit India every year and many Indians work in Bangladesh as there is development in Bangladesh. “This has been possible as the two countries are going through a Golden Chapter.”
Also read: Bangladesh not turning into Sri Lanka : FM
For that reason, Momen said he requested the Indian government to continue supporting Sheikh Hasina as peace and stability brings benefits for the two countries.
He said there are some wicked people and fundamentalists who create noise though the government remains silent.
No enforced disappearance, no restrictions on freedom: Momen tells Bachelet
Bangladesh has conveyed to visiting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet that there is no “enforced disappearance” and no restrictions on media freedom and civil society in the country.
While talking to reporters after his meeting with Bachelet at state guesthouse Padma, Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen said the UN rights chief did not raise the issue of extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearance but the Bangladesh side raised it on its own.
“They (UN side) did not raise the issue of extrajudicial killings. They (UN) were informed that some people had been killed. We said we’ll definitely investigate if there is any such information,” he said, adding that he did not hear about any such incident in recent days but there were such cases in 2002-2003.
Momen referred to an open letter to the UN rights chief by David Bergman, Editor of Netra News (English) and said they (Bergman and others) are very unhappy and going through kind of mental pains as Bangladesh is progressing.
“Some people are giving them (Bergman and others) money. They are paid persons,” he said, mentioning that he heard they (Bergman and others) work in favour of those who pay them.
Momen also recalled the role of Bergman during the trial of war criminals as he heard that Bergman used to work in exchange for money.
Also read: UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet in city
The foreign minister also told the UN rights chief that the perception of restrictions on media freedom is not true. “I see the media is very strong here.”
Responding to a question, Momen said they (UN side) are very concerned about the Rohingya issue.
Bachelet thanked Bangladesh for its generosity towards the Rohingyas, but at the same time they want an increased support to the Rohingyas, he said.
Momen briefed Bachelet about the government's efforts to protect and promote human rights in the country.
The Bangladesh side urged her to extend their support in Rakhine state for creating a conducive environment for the Rohingya repatriation.
The top executive of the UN Human Rights body will also have the opportunity to interact with the forcibly displaced Rohingya people during her trip to Cox’s Bazar, through which she would be equipped with concrete information to press hard the agenda for their repatriation to the ancestral homeland - Rakhine State of Myanmar, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bachelet arrived here on Sunday morning on a four-day visit as Bangladesh continues “constructive dialogue” with her for the promotion and protection of human rights.
Before her arrival in Dhaka, the government strongly rejected what it says the visible "politically motivated efforts" of some corners to mislead the people by showcasing the visit of the UN High Commissioner as an occasion to "put undue pressure" on the government.
"The government of Bangladesh firmly believes that politicization of the human rights agenda never helps in promoting and protecting human rights of the people; and therefore, sincere dialogue and cooperation is the pathway," said the government early Saturday.
Bachelet, who was an elected president of Chile on two occasions (2006 – 2010 and 2014 – 2018), is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday morning.
Apart from her meetings with the Cabinet members of the government, she is scheduled to interact with the National Human Rights Commission, youth representatives, leaders of the civil society organizations (CSOs) and the academia during her stay in Dhaka.
She would also pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on August 15.
Bachelet will also join an interactive session on “New Frontiers of Human Rights: Climate Justice in Perspective” with young scholars at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies on Wednesday after her meeting with PM Hasina.
Also read: Bangladesh wants “constructive dialogue” as UN rights chief arrives Sunday
Bangladesh hoped to benefit from an objective appreciation of the High Commissioner regarding the achievements of the country, despite challenges.
The visiting UN High Commissioner remains well aware of the plethora of achievements of Bangladesh in the human rights domain, including through the treaty-body reporting as well as through other mechanisms, Bangladesh says.
Bangladesh hoped that the chief of UN human rights mechanism would witness by herself how the country is doing miracles to keep on track their development journey; integrating human rights into it.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, no one in the country has died of starvation, said the government, adding that "No one is getting killed either in shopping malls, schools or worship places in Bangladesh.”
Chinese FM Wang in city to "elevate" ties with Dhaka to a “new level”
State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived here on Saturday afternoon to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues with Bangladesh leadership with a hope to “elevate” the relationship with Bangladesh to a “new level”.
Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque received the Chinese Foreign Minister upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 5:18 pm, a senior official told UNB.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming were present at the airport.
From the airport, Minister Wang went to Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi-32 and paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He signed visitors’ book there.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam received the Chinese Foreign Minister at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader was supposed to host a dinner in honour of the Chinese Foreign Minister on Saturday evening but it could not be held due to changes in Chinese FM’s schedule.
“We hope the visit will provide an opportunity to further implement the common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and elevate the relationship to a new level,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying.
She said they “highly value” their relationship with Bangladesh and the Chinese Foreign Minister is visiting Bangladesh at the invitation of Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.
Minister Wang is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sunday morning apart from holding a bilateral meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart Momen the same day.
The meeting between Foreign Minister Momen and his Chinese counterpart Wang is scheduled to begin at 7:30am (beginning with breakfast) at Sonargaon Hotel.
“They will have an exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of shared interest,” said Chinese Spokesperson Chunying.
Bangladesh will likely deepen both its economic links with China and its security links with India in the long term in order to avoid becoming a full client state of either, according to geopolitical risk analysis site - Foreign Brief.
Also read; Chinese FM Wang Yi due in Dhaka Saturday to boost cooperation
Take measures to alleviate the suffering of Biman passengers
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday urged the authority of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) to take effective measures to alleviate the suffering of the passengers by speeding up luggage handling.
The foreign minister made the remarks on his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after an official tour from Portugal, a Foreign Ministry press release said.
He said “The expatriate Bangladeshis have been contributing to the country’s economy by their hard-earning remittance, it is unfortunate but true that they have to wait hours to get their luggage upon their arrival at the airport”. "It is really painful for them".
After arriving at the airport, the minister went to the luggage belts and found that passengers were waiting there for nearly two hours to get their baggage.
Later, Momen spoke to the passengers waiting in the luggage belt area of the airport and listened to their complaints.
Afterward, he called the director of HSIA and asked him to take prompt steps to reduce luggage handling time.
Read: Malta to send team for hassle-free visa processing of 3000 Bangladeshis: FM
The expatriate Bangladeshis have already started getting results of the services that the foreign ministry has taken a number of measures to improve consular services at the Bangladesh missions abroad, he added.
Similarly, he said measures should be taken to ease the burden on expatriate Bangladeshis at the country's international airports".
He assured the passengers present that the airport authorities have been informed to alleviate the suffering of the passengers and hoped that the authorities would take steps to ease the suffering soon.
Later, he made a phone call to State Minister for Aviation and Tourism M Mahbub Ali while the junior minister assured him to take steps for further improvement at the airport services.
Finally, Momen thanked the state minister for easing the luggage scanning system at Dhaka airport.
Dhaka seeks greater trade, investment with visa-free Commonwealth regime
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has called for strengthening free mobility of trade and investment and human resources and introducing a visa-free Commonwealth regime.
He made the call during the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at the Rwandan capital Kigali on Saturday.
President of Rwanda Paul Kagame officially welcomed more than thirty heads of states, foreign ministers and delegates to this year’s CHOGM held on June 24-25 in Rwanda under the theme “Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming.”
The Commonwealth leaders discussed building more partnerships among Commonwealth countries in areas including sustainable and inclusive development, governance, and rule of law, post-covid recovery, youth technology, and innovation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.
Also read: Padma Bridge: FM says WB must be apologetic
While delivering a speech at the CHOGM executive session, Foreign Minister Momen reiterated that commitment made in COP 26 on limiting temperature increase within 1.5 degrees and mobilizing US$ 100 billion climate finance must continue to remain the flagship agenda of the Commonwealth.
He also proposed a crisis management mechanism in the Commonwealth to address equitable access to global public health goods and services, including vaccines and therapeutics as well as mental health.
Momen called upon Commonwealth nations to exert pressure on the Myanmar regime to comply with the ‘provisional measures’ by the ICJ and create a conducive environment in the Rakhine State for the safe, secure and dignified return of their nationals.
During the CHOGM the role of Bangladesh in climate change was commended by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and British Prime Minister while the Sultan of Brunei and Deputy Prime Minister of Malta commended Bangladesh on its pioneering role and initiative on Mental Health.
Also read: Bangladesh ready to engage with everyone who wishes no harm: FM
While attending CHOGM and its sideline meetings, the Foreign Minister also had bilateral meetings with his counterpart of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Jamaica, Sri Lanka, Australia and the UK.
Issues of bilateral interest were discussed during the meetings.
The two-day meeting ended with adopting declarations on childcare and protection reform; the Commonwealth Living Land Charter, the declaration on sustainable urbanization, and the Heads of Governments Communiqué.
A leaders’ statement was also adopted at the retreat.
Padma Bridge not just a structure, a dream come true: Momen
The Padma Bridge, set to be inaugurated Saturday, is not just a structure, it is a dream come true, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said Friday.
"The nation is going to witness a momentous event tomorrow. This is going to be an emotional moment marking a turning point in our national life," he added.
"Building a bridge on the mighty River Padma has been a deep-rooted dream of the people as this will get our nation united I believe. But the challenges were huge. There were conspiracies from every direction," Momen said in a video message.
"All conspiracies were hatched to stop the construction of the Padma Bridge. But under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we beat all the challenges. We defeated all the conspiracies. We have achieved victory," the minister said.
On June 16, Momen said the World Bank (WB) must be "apologetic" and feel "sorry" considering that they did Bangladesh a "big injustice" by cancelling the funding for the Padma Bridge.
"There is no guarantee that big institutions (like WB) always do good things," he added.
Also read: Padma Bridge: FM says WB must be apologetic
PM Hasina likely to visit India in Sept before UNGA
Bangladesh and India are in discussion to finalise a date in early September for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to New Delhi, says Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.
While talking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday evening, Momen said the Bangladesh side conveyed that September first week and or a date in the first 10 days of September would be convenient.
The foreign minister, however, said the date will be finalised soon through discussion so that the visit can take place before the beginning of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi are likely to have the bilateral talks in New Delhi on September 6, says a diplomatic source.
The 77th session of the UNGA will open on Tuesday, 13 September 2022.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already extended an invitation to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit India in 2022 in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The two countries witnessed momentum in their relations last year with a series of engagements including high-level visits.
Also Read: All citizens aged 18-50 can join universal pension scheme: Cabinet clears a draft law
At the invitation of President Abdul Hamid, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind paid a State visit to Bangladesh from December 15 to 17 last year to attend the 50th Victory Day celebrations here as the guest of honour.
It was the Indian President’s maiden visit to Bangladesh and also his first visit overseas since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Earlier, Modi paid a landmark visit to Bangladesh on March 26 and 27 last year and those visits were of “historical significance” given the 50th anniversary of the shared sacrifices of the people of the two countries during Bangladesh’s struggle for Liberation in 1971.
At the seventh round of the Bangladesh-India Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meeting held in New Delhi on Sunday, Bangladesh and India agreed to work closely together to further deepen and strengthen cooperation in the areas of common rivers and water resources management.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the areas of IT and cyber security, renewable energy, agriculture and food security, sustainable trade, climate change and disaster management.
The JCC was co-chaired by Foreign Minister Momen and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Both sides reiterated the importance of safe, speedy and sustainable return of the forcibly displaced persons from the Rakhine State of Myanmar, currently being sheltered by Bangladesh, according to the joint media release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.
CEPA to help boost economic ties with India: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the proposed comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) will usher in a win-win situation for Bangladesh and India in trade and commerce.
He urged the Indian businessmen to invest in the two specialised economic zones of Bangladesh – namely, Mongla and Mirsharai dedicated to Indian investors.
Momen stated that the government of Bangladesh, based on its development aspirations, especially emphasises economic diplomacy to achieve Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Muzibur Rahman's dream of ‘Shonar Bangla’.
He made the remarks while delivering his keynote address in the seminar "Economic Diplomacy" in New Delhi, arranged by the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Read: Momen sends birthday greetings with 100 roses to Modi’s mother
Momen stressed economic diplomacy as the most significant element of diplomacy in the face of ongoing global economic unrest and recent political developments in Europe.
He stated that Bangladesh, once known to be a basket case, after 50 years of its independence is now the 41st largest economy in the world and set to be the 25th largest by 2035.
The minister noted that Bangladesh – once known for femine, food and aid dependency – is now not only self-sufficient in food production but also one of the largest producers of rice, grains, vegetables, some fruits and freshwater fish.
He said Bangladesh proved its capacity to undertake mega projects like the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, the country's longest bridge by its funding which is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on June 25.
Momen expressed satisfaction as Bangladesh and India have made remarkable progress in bilateral cooperation during the last decade and emphasised complementing each other's necessities and priorities for the overall development of the people of the countries.
He noted that bilateral trade grew steadily over the years and crossed $16 billion last year despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Read: Fighting hate speech a job for everyone: UN chief
The minister emphasised that the businessmen and the private investors of the two countries should look beyond the border and work as partners towards building a prosperous and economically vibrant region.
Momen arrived in New Delhi in the afternoon to attend the 7th JCC meeting, to be co-chaired by the foreign ministers of Bangladesh and India Sunday.
The Bangladesh foreign minister is expected to interact with the concurrently accredited ambassadors to Bangladesh with residents in New Delhi and call on important dignitaries of the Indian government during the visit.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami, Mashfee Binte Shams, secretary (east) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Confederation of Indian Industry President Sanjiv Bajaj spoke on the occasion.
They emphasised enhancing business connections and partnerships between the two countries for mutual prosperity and progress.