Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen
Repatriation is the only solution, not integration: FM about Rohingya crisis
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday reiterated the government position against any long-term programme by the World Bank for the integration of Rohingyas into Bangladesh but indicated some adjustments on the proposal.
He said there might be some adjustments with the World Bank proposal with Bangladesh giving its priority to repatriation of the Rohingyas.
Read:Bangladesh against any idea leading to Rohingya integration: FM
"We’ve dropped all ideas (from WB proposal) that don't match with our own philosophy that's repatriation," Dr Momen told reporters, adding that there will be an MoU if the WB agrees with the Bangladesh proposal.
The Foreign Minister said the WB has taken a long-term programme for 16 countries which are hosting refugees and they will provide money from a Tk-2000 crore fund.
"Rohingyas are not refugees here. They’re persecuted and displaced people …they’re taking shelter here on a temporary basis," Dr Momen said.
Earlier, the Foreign Minister told UNB that the government has taken a very strong stance against the idea floated by the World Bank that apparently suggests integration of Rohingyas into Bangladesh giving them all the rights like Bangladesh citizens.
“We took a very strong stance. We didn’t like it and we opposed it strongly. We conveyed it,” said Dr Momen.
The World Bank came up with a programme as part of its Refugee Policy Review Framework globally for refugee host countries through the Economic Relations Division (ERD).
FM lauds Health Ministry’s vaccination efforts
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday appreciated the Health Ministry for its competency and efficiency in managing the vaccination programme nationwide.
He hoped that half of targeted people would be vaccinated within months if the current trend continues.
Read: Bangladesh receives around 8 lakh doses of AstraZeneca vaccine
Bangladesh wants to vaccinate 80 percent people of the country in phases.
Dr Momen said the vaccine supply remains steady and there will be no problem to get adequate vaccine doses.
He was talking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after receiving the second consignment of AstraZeneca vaccine doses from Japan together with Health Minister Zahid Maleque.
Senior Secretary of Health Service Division Lokman Hossain Miah and Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Ito Naoki were also present.
The second consignment contains 7,81,320 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine.
Dr Momen expressed displeasure as some people are saying it will take five to six years to get all people vaccinated. "Vaccination for 1 crore people has been arranged within a week."
Appreciating the Health Ministry for its role, the Foreign Minister said they are doing an excellent job. "We're working together in a coordinated way and we're handling the COVID-19 situation very successfully so far," he said.
Dr Momen thanked the Health Ministry for addressing the issues of expatriates Bangladeshis and students who are willing to return to their studies abroad.
"Challenges are coming and we're facing those challenges, I think, pretty effectively and efficiently," said the Foreign Minister.
He urged all to follow health guidelines properly saying it is a war against Covid-19 and everyone has a responsibility.
"We're thankful to Japan. They've proved that they're real friend of all Bangladeshis," said Momen after receiving the vaccine consignment.
He said Japan, may be in the future, would be providing more and more support to deal with the situation.
Dr Momen said Covid-19 is a big global problem and no country can resolve it alone.
Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said vaccine should be a public good and ownership of its technology should be shared by all the countries.
The third consignment of the vaccine that will contain 6,16,780 doses of AstraZeneca is scheduled to arrive here on August 3.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen received the first consignment of 2,45,200 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from Japan on July 24.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Naoki Ito said this is the manifestation of friendship and partnership.
During his recent telephone conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, Dr Momen raised the vaccine issue and requested him to help Bangladesh with AstraZeneca vaccine supply.
He specifically mentioned the urgency of the AstraZeneca vaccine doses as a good number of people in Bangladesh did not get the second dose of AstraZeneca due to a supply gap.
Japan says it will stand by Bangladesh in the fight against Covid-19.
The Japanese Foreign Minister announced that 15 countries in the region will be provided with 11 million doses in total under the COVAX facility.
Momen mourns loss of lives in Maharashtra landslides
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed deep shock over the loss of lives in landslides triggered by monsoon rain floods in Indian State of Maharashtra.
In a message sent to External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S. Jaishankar, Foreign Minister Momen said Bangladesh stands ready at this difficult time to extend support in every possible way as and when required.
Read: Floods & landslides in India kill over 100
He said, in light of increased scourges of climate change, Bangladesh and India need to work together to manage and cope with the post disaster impacts.
Dr Momen mentioned that Bangladesh and India signed an MoU on cooperation for disaster management during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2021 to attend the celebrations of Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation and the Golden Jubilee of Independence of Bangladesh.
Read:Momen mourns loss of lives in deadly floods in Germany
Foreign Minister Momen prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased souls, speedy recovery of the injured persons as well as for the bereaved and affected families so that they have the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
China to continue providing vaccine aid to Bangladesh: Wang Yi
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said China will continue to provide Bangladesh with Covid-19 vaccines to help the country fight the pandemic.
He also said China is willing to work with Bangladesh to maintain the momentum of the development of the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.
Read: With IVI's help, Bangladesh hopeful of domestic vaccine production
The Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momon in Tashkent and discussed the issues on the sidelines of the International Conference on “Central and South Asia: Regional connectivity - Challenges and opportunities” inTashkent, Uzbekistan on Thursday.
Wang Yi said that China and Bangladesh are good neighbors and friends and the two sides always adhere to equal treatment and mutual respect, continue to deepen friendly cooperation, and actively jointly build the "Belt and Road".
Yi said China highly appreciates Bangladesh’s firm support for China’s correct position on issues related to China’s core interests, and will, as always, support Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, safeguarding international fairness and justice, and upholding the basic norm of international relations of non-interference in internal affairs.
"Both parties must jointly oppose the politicization of the virus's origin. China is willing to provide support and assistance to Bangladesh in poverty reduction through China and South Asian Poverty Reduction Centers," said the Chinese Foreign Minister.
Read:Vaccine institute in Bangladesh can be a gamechanger for its economy: Experts
Dr Momen said that Bangladesh has always adhered to the one-China principle and firmly supports China on issues involving China's internal affairs such as Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet.
"Thanks to China for providing vaccine assistance to Bangladesh and sending charcoal in the snow at a critical moment," he said.
Bangladesh opposes the politicization of traceability, and hopes to cooperate with China in vaccine filling, and strengthen anti-epidemic cooperation under the framework of the six countries of Bangladesh and China's Abanis, said a media release shared by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.
"China has set an example for the world in poverty reduction. Bangladesh supports the China and South Asian Poverty Reduction Centers proposed by China and hopes to share China’s experience in poverty reduction," it reads.
Read: Dhaka thanks Beijing for vaccine supply during difficult time
Bangladesh hoped that China will continue to play a mediating and constructive role in properly resolving the Rakhine State issue.
Dr Momen reiterated his request to initiate vaccine coproduction in Bangladesh with partnership from Bangladeshi and Chinese stakeholders.
FM leaves for Tashkent to join global conf on South, Central Asia connectivity
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen left Dhaka on Wednesday for Tashkent, Uzbekistan to attend an international conference titled “Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity - Challenges and Opportunities” which begins on Thursday.
Dr Momen will hold a meeting with the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his stay there.
“I’ll thank the President of Uzbekistan on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," said the Foreign Minister.
Read:Nothing to be sceptical about Chinese vaccines: FM
He said he will also hold a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference, including meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Dr Momen said he will discuss vaccine and Rohingya issues during his engagements in Tashkent. “Repatriation of Rohingyas remains our number one priority. We’ll seek additional efforts.”
He said China will give 10 lakh doses of Sinopharm vaccine as a gift to Bangladesh and he will discuss vaccine issues during his meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister. “This is also very good news.”
Dr Momen said Bangladesh is a leader in terms of seeking wider connectivity and he will discuss with the Civil Aviation Minister of Uzbekistan to introduce direct Dhaka-Tashkent flight.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev is hosting the two-day global forum to strengthen regional connectivity in the context of the new open foreign policy strategy of Tashkent.
The idea is aimed at further deepening economic cooperation in Central Asia, with access to South Asia, which has historically been closely linked to this region in economic, social, cultural and civilizational dimensions.
Read: FM to join global conf on South, Central Asia connectivity in Tashkent
FM to join global conf on South, Central Asia connectivity in Tashkent
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will attend an international conference titled “Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity - Challenges and Opportunities” which will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on July 15-16.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev is hosting the global forum to strengthen regional connectivity in the context of the new open foreign policy strategy of Tashkent.
The idea is aimed at further deepening economic cooperation in Central Asia, with access to South Asia, which has historically been closely linked to this region in economic, social, cultural and civilizational dimensions.
Dr Momen will hold a meeting with the President of Uzbekistan during his stay there. “I’ll thank the President of Uzbekistan on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”
The Foreign Minister will also hold a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference, including meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Read: FM reassures on adequate vaccine supply from multiple sources
Dr Momen said he will discuss vaccine and Rohingya issues during his engagements in Tashkent. “Repatriation remains our number one priority. We’ll seek additional efforts.”
He said China will give 10 lakh doses of Sinopharm vaccine as a gift to Bangladesh and he will discuss vaccine issues during his meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister. “This is also very good news.”
Dr Momen said Bangladesh is a leader in terms of seeking wider connectivity and he will discuss with the Civil Aviation Minister of Uzbekistan to introduce direct Dhaka-Tashkent flight.
The Foreign Minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka for Tashkent around 6:35am on Wednesday as part of his five-day visit, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. The Foreign Minister will return home on Monday (July 19) morning.
Read: Dhaka to host World Peace Conference Dec 4-5: FM
Conference Highlights
The conference will be attended by the President of Uzbekistan, the President of Afghanistan, foreign ministers and high-profile representatives of the central and south Asian countries, other foreign states, heads of authoritative international and regional organizations, global financial institutions and companies, leading research and analytical centres.
The high-level international conference is intended to form a political and expert platform for multilateral discussion of the mutually beneficial strategic model - Central Asia - South Asia -in transport and logistics, energy, trade, industry, investment, technological, cultural and humanitarian domains.
The conference will consist of an opening ceremony, a plenary session, three breakout sessions and a final part.
The conference will be attended by more than 250 participants from over 40 countries and international organizations who have confirmed their participation.
Read: FM mourns loss of lives in Japan’s Atami
The opening ceremony of the International Institute of Central Asia (IICA) will take place in Tashkent on July 15 which will be attended by the ministers of foreign affairs of the Central Asian states and experts.
On July 16, the conference will start by the plenary session on Central and South Asia: Regional connectivity. During the meeting, Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as well as the heads of state and government, and ministers of foreign affairs and international financial organizations will deliver their speeches.
The session will also consider the state of affairs and prospects of interregional cooperation in Central and South Asia, successful examples of cooperation, promising interconnected infrastructure projects.
FM reassures on adequate vaccine supply from multiple sources
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday indicated that Bangladesh will soon receive huge vaccine doses from a number of sources, including the ones that will come under the COVAX facility.
Bangladesh Mission in Geneva has conveyed that Bangladesh will receive 3 million doses of Moderna vaccine under the COVAX facility, Dr Momen said, adding that the shipment is ready.
Read:Covid vaccine supply: Gavi signs deals with Sinopharm, Sinovac for COVAX
Bangladesh has already received 2.5 million Moderna vaccine doses under the COVAX facility, said the Foreign Minister.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh will receive 2.9 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses from Japan instead of 2.5 million. “This shipment will come under the COVAX facility.”
The Foreign Minister said he will have a meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Tashkent on July 15 as China will give 1 million more doses of Sinopharm vaccine as a gift to Bangladesh. Bangladesh has already received 11 lakh doses of Sinopharm vaccine from China as a gift.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh will receive 1 million doses of vaccine from the European Union. In August, Bangladesh will receive 6 lakh 20 thousand doses of vaccine under the COVAX facility.
Read: 1.84 lakh doses of Moderna, Sinopharm vaccines reach Chattogram
Things in Swaziland under control: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said Bangladeshis in Swaziland are now better protected as the situation there is now under control.
“Now things are under control… the situation is peaceful,” he said, mentioning that the shops of some Bangladeshis were looted during the initial movement there.
Read: Protests in Swaziland: Dhaka in constant touch with Mission
The Foreign Minister said there are some affluent Bangladeshis who gave shelter to others and police also said they will take care of them.
Dr Momen said it is a 20-minute journey from Swaziland to South Africa, and the Bangladeshis will get support, if required.
Earlier, Mashfee Binte Shams, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told UNB the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) is in constant touch with the Bangladesh Mission in South Africa to help Bangladeshis in Swaziland who are worried over the current situation there.
She said the Bangladesh Mission in South Africa will facilitate if any Bangladesh national requires any support.
Read: Bangladesh to receive 3.5 mln vaccine doses from COVAX this month
There are around 1,500 Bangladesh nationals in Swaziland.
Eswatini, officially the Kingdom of Eswatini, is still commonly known in English as Swaziland and it is a landlocked country in Southern Africa.
It is bordered by Mozambique to its northeast and South Africa to its north, west, and south.
Pro-democracy protesters in Eswatini have defied an overnight curfew to call for constitutional reforms as tensions increase in Africa’s last absolute monarchy.
Demonstrations flared in the tiny and landlocked kingdom previously known as Swaziland, with protesters taking to the streets in the two largest cities of Manzini and Mbabane, reports Al Jazeera.
Bangladesh hopeful of receiving 3.5 mln vaccine doses from COVAX this month: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said Bangladesh is hopeful of receiving more vaccine doses this month from Japan, the European Union (EU) and the USA under COVAX facility apart from a steady flow of that from China.
“We’re in a good position now. I should say we’ve made a line up. I think there’ll be no vaccine crisis, and the vaccination programme will continue uninterruptedly,” he told a small group of reporters at his residence.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh is expected to get around 2.5 million doses of vaccine from Japan while 1 million from the EU under the COVAX facility. “These’re likely to be AstraZeneca vaccine doses.”
The Foreign Minister said he talked to the Japanese Foreign Minister recently and Bangladesh mentioned about Japan’s vaccine supply to others.
Dr Momen said Japan will provide vaccine doses to Bangladesh, too but the exact quantity was not mentioned. But a big quantity of vaccine doses is expected to arrive this week or next week under the COVAX facility. “We expect it’ll be around 2.5 million doses.”
Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access, abbreviated as COVAX, is a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh recently got 2.5 million doses of Moderna vaccine doses from the USA under the COVAX facility. “US informed us that there’ll be more.”
He said the government has planned to bring vaccine doses from Sinopharm over the next three months as per the plan, and the first consignment of 2 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine has already arrived.
Read:Chinese firms working with Bangladeshi partners for vaccine co-production
Rohingya Repatriation: Beijing assures to act as bridge to facilitate early results
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has said China will continue to serve as a “bridge of communication and try its best to facilitate early results” as Bangladesh seeks early repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
“We fully understand the keenness of Bangladesh to start repatriation, and our determination to help the two friendly neighbours resolve this long-standing issue will never change,” he said while speaking at an online symposium hosted by the Cosmos Foundation.
While delivering the keynote speech, Ambassador Li said the sudden change in Myanmar earlier this year - the coup in February - caught them all by surprise, and created some uncertainties over the repatriation process.
Read:Never worry about any 'debt trap': Beijing to Dhaka
Right now, he said, China is closely observing the situation in Myanmar, hoping the country could return to normal soon.
Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan delivered the opening remarks at the symposium titled “Bangladesh-China Relations: Prognosis for the Future” which premiered on its Facebook page on Thursday evening.
Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, renowned scholar-diplomat and adviser on foreign affairs to the last caretaker government, chaired the session.
Ambassador (retd) Tariq A. Karim, CPD Distinguished Fellow Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, former Foreign Secretary Shamsher M. Chowdhury, Assistant Researcher of the Institute for International Studies at Yunnan University Dr Zou Yingmeng, Assistant Research Fellow at China Institute of International Studies Dr Ning Shengnan, former Ambassador Serajul Islam and Dhaka University Professor Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir comprised the panel of discussants.
Read:Get ready as major shift taking place in global economy: FM
Former Ambassador Tariq Karim said, “I would request China to support us in our efforts to augment regional and sub-regional cooperation on a number of issues which will have consequences with China, particularly in resolving the Rohingya issue, not just in Bangladesh, but particularly in its point of origin where China has the capacity to help us resolve it.”
Metaphorically speaking about the current volatile situation in Myanmar, he said he sees the flame in the centre and it is at the point of imploding, and imploding Myanmar will lead to an explosion that will not leave any country, including China, Bangladesh, India and any of the Asean countries, untouched.