Foreign Affairs
'Mutual visits and increasing economic, cultural exchanges indicators of powerful Bangladesh-UAE ties'
UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali ALHmoudi has said the ties between his country and Bangladesh are based on the principles of cooperation and mutual respect.
"The partnership between the countries and peoples reached a new height in recent years. The mutual visits of the leaders and officials of the two countries, and the ever-increasing trade, economic and cultural exchanges, are powerful indicators of the strength of bilateral relations in various fields," he added.
"The UAE and Bangladesh have enjoyed deep-rooted historical relations since 1971, and both of our governments strengthened the bilateral relations in various sectors," he said while celebrating the UAE's 51st National Day on Thursday in Dhaka.
Read: UAE keen to expand air connectivity with Bangladesh
The embassy held a grand reception at a hotel, bringing a taste of home to the members of the UAE community in Bangladesh.
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad attended the programme as the chief guest.
Ministers, ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, members of parliament, high government officials, business persons, media personalities, and personalities from academic and social institutions also attended the event.
"The UAE is one of the most resilient countries globally in handling and responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. The country ranked 11th on the nation brand index due to its successful handling of Covid-19 and pioneering achievements in science and education, such as the successful Emirates Mars Mission," Abdulla Ali said.
Read: Bangladesh seeks wider cooperation with UAE
"The UAE supports diplomacy over conflict, partnership over unilateralism, and dialogue over confrontation. The UAE believes that the world cannot tolerate more polarisation and confrontation and that the coming decades need more communication, integration and cooperation in the political, economic, technological, health and food fields."
Imran said Bangladesh and UAE enjoy an age-old fraternity and time-tested friendship. "These historical ties had further been strengthened and deepened over time with religious and cultural commonalities and economic cooperation."
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal also spoke at the programme.
Bangladesh seeks ease of visa process, investment from Guatemala
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has proposed to ease the Guatemalan visa application process for Bangladeshi nationals, and explore the possibility to sign a visa waiver agreement for the diplomatic and official passport holders between the two countries.
During a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Guatemala, Mario Adolfo Bucaro Flores, Momen also encouraged investment from Guatemala in Bangladesh.
The Guatemalan foreign minister called Momen today and discussed various matters of mutual cooperation in the bilateral and multilateral fronts.
The foreign minister of Guatemala sought Bangladesh’s support for his country’s nomination of “Holy Week in Guatemala” to be included in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Read: Protesters burn part of Guatemala’s Congress building
Momen assured him of Bangladesh’s full support, considering the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the conversation, Foreign Minister Momen expressed satisfaction over the ever-growing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, based on similar values and principles.
Flores hoped to develop a much stronger relationship with Bangladesh in the coming days.
Foreign Minister Momen hoped for continuous support from Guatemala in bringing a sustainable and permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis by ensuring the urgent return of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.
He also extended an invitation to his Guatemalan counterpart to visit Bangladesh.
Read: Guatemala official: 44 deportees tested positive for virus
The Guatemalan foreign minister also invited Momen to Guatemala.
The two foreign ministers also reiterated their commitment to work together in the multilateral front to address global issues like tackling climate change, displacement of people, ensuring sustainable development, among others.
India eyes stronger, deeper cooperation with Bangladesh: President Murmu
President of India Droupadi Murmu on Monday said Bangladesh occupies a special place in India’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy and she looks forward to “stronger and deeper” cooperation between the two countries in all aspects in the coming days.
Murmu recalled the joint celebrations of “Mujib Year” marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s War of Liberation and 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties.
She made the remarks when newly appointed Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md Mustafizur Rahman presented his credentials to the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Mentioning the immense political will to take forward the relations, Murmu recalled her recent meeting with the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this September in New Delhi and later in London.
She has also mentioned that Bangladesh is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia and highlighted the largest visa operations of India in Dhaka.
Read: Dictionary.com chooses `existential' as word of the year
By welcoming and congratulating the new envoy, President Murmu has said that India-Bangladesh relations are bounded by language, culture, and history and the unique tie is forged in shared sacrifices.
High Commissioner Rahman appreciated for the opportunity to present the credentials and conveyed greetings from Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The high commissioner has said Bangladesh remains grateful to the Government and people of India for extending their moral and material support during the War of Liberation fought under the leadership of Bangabandhu in 1971.
The Indo-Bangladesh cooperation had, in fact, begun on the battlefield of 1971, he recalled.
He said that the India-Bangladesh relation has reached a new height and it is described as a model of “neighbourhood relations”.
The envoy assured the Indian President that he would try to further expand and consolidate bilateral cooperation.
Read: Work together to keep 1971 legacy alive: Indian envoy at 'Maitri Alumni Reunion'
He underscored Hasina’s persistent efforts to further promote regional and sub-regional cooperation on a win-win basis.
He thanked the government of India for inviting Bangladesh to the G-20 Summit.
Rahman takes up his India assignment after serving as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Offices, WTO and other International Organizations in Geneva from 2020-22.
He was also Bangladesh's ambassador to Switzerland.
Bangladesh, Iran discuss strengthening trade, investment, energy ties
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iran Mehdi Safari has met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam and discussed issues of mutual interest.
The deputy minister said Foreign Office Consultation and meeting of the Joint Economic Commission should be held at a mutually convenient time to further strengthen relations in trade, investment, economy, energy, chemical fertiliser and food security.
Shahriar briefed him about the trade potential between Bangladesh and Iran and urged for more visits of trade delegations.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) ministerial meeting on Thursday to discuss areas of cooperation under the inter-governmental organisation and between the two countries.
Read: Iran’s deputy foreign minister and Shahriar Alam discuss bilateral cooperation
Shahriar and Mehdi discussed details about cooperation under IORA.
Shahriar thanked the deputy minister for his participation and his delegation at IORA.
Bangladesh, EU seek “inclusive, secure, rules-based” Indo-Pacific region
Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) have emphasized their commitment to a “free, open, inclusive, peaceful, secure and rules-based” Indo-Pacific region with shared prosperity for all.
The EU’s Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was discussed at the first political dialogue held in Dhaka on Thursday night and both sides agreed to advance cooperation in the areas of shared priority.
The Bangladesh delegation at the dialogue was led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam while the EU side was led by Deputy Secretary General, European External Action Service Enrique Mora.
The launching of the dialogue marks a widening of cooperation between the two sides into strategic and thematic areas of mutual interest and is a landmark in Bangladesh-EU partnership which will complete 50 years in 2023, according to a joint statement.
The two sides also touched upon some regional issues of mutual interest.
Bangladesh sought EU’s support for continued trade preferences under the EU’s new Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) beyond 2029 in order to make its LDC graduation smooth and sustainable.
The EU appreciated the transformative socio-economic development of Bangladesh and the country’s inherent resilience in the face of multi-dimensional challenges.
The EU also commended Bangladesh for its continuing success as the largest beneficiary of the EU’s Everything but Arms (EBA) preferential trade scheme.
Read: Bangladesh, EU willing to sign “partnership cooperation” agreement to elevate ties
In this context, the EU stressed the need for comprehensive implementation of the National Action Plan on the labour sector of Bangladesh as per the stipulated timelines.
Bangladesh underscored its time-bound commitment to ensuring labour rights and workplace safety and also reiterated, among others, the need for ensuring fair pricing and shared responsibility for elements of compliance, especially in view of the investments being made in the country in safer and greener factories.
Bangladesh seeks wider cooperation with UAE
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has sought supply of LNG and investment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in special economic zones, high tech parks and in establishing warehouses and hypermarkets in Bangladesh.
UAE State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh met with Foreign Minister Momen on the sidelines of the IORA Ministerial meeting in Dhaka on Thursday and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest.
The State Minister of the UAE highly appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for ongoing socio-economic development of Bangladesh.
He stressed on cooperation for enhancing trade and investment, air and shipping connection, agriculture, food security, energy, pharmaceuticals, IT, aforestation, alliance for mangrove forest, renewable energy and enhancing efficiency of energy systems.
Read: First Bangladesh-UAE consular consultations held
Momen thanked the State Minister for his visit to Bangladesh to attend the IORA meeting and expressed his satisfaction on the cooperation of the UAE and on the outcome of the IORA meeting.
He also appreciated the tremendous development taken place in the UAE under the visionary leader of the UAE late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Dr Momen said the Bangladesh government is keen to establish direct shipping between Chattogram and Dubai for growth of bilateral trade.
He highlighted the potential export of potatoes, mango, pineapple, pharmaceuticals and IT services to the UAE.
Read: MoU on ‘e-visa’ inked between Bangladesh-UAE
Momen requested for strong support of the UAE for repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The State Minister thanked the Foreign Minister for extending all possible hospitalities during their visit to Bangladesh.
Appropriate steps to be taken if diplomats cross boundary: Shahriar Alam
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Tuesday said the government would take appropriate steps if any foreign diplomat stationed in Dhaka crosses the boundary.
He described Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki's recent comments on Bangladesh's election as "unexpected" and said Bangladesh will convey its message to Japan regarding the matter.
On Monday, Ambassador Naoki said he heard about the example of “ballot box stuffing” and some police officers stuffed the ballot box the previous night which is something he had never heard of in any other country.
The State Minister said the Japanese side did not raise such an issue in the last four years in any bilateral meeting or any discussion.
Even it was not mentioned in the statement issued by the Japanese Embassy after the 2018 elections, Alam said.
Recalling the 2018 election, Ambassador Naoki said the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka had issued a statement of concern which was very unusual for his country though it was focused more on violence.
The State Minister hoped that commonsense will prevail in the days to come and they (diplomats) will act accordingly.
"When we see it's crossing the boundary, we are saying very clearly and loudly that we will take appropriate steps," he said.
The State Minister said he has nothing else to say beyond this, especially about the very friendly country Japan.
He said the government is committed to hold a free and fair election and the Election Commission is working to that end.
Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki on Monday said they expect that the next national election in Bangladesh will be held in a “free and fair” manner with the participation of all major political parties.
“We expect the next election will be a better one. Free and fair elections need to be done here. That’s my strong hope,” he said while responding to a question at an event titled “Meet the Ambassador” held in a Dhaka hotel.
Read more: Bangladesh and US have fantastic relationship: Shahriar Alam
At the same time, the envoy said, this is something that the political parties should decide but the expectation is that the election will be a participatory one and the major political parties will participate in it.
On Monday, Deputy Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury questioned the role of certain foreign envoys stationed in Dhaka.
Mohibul, son of veteran Awami League leader late ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, also said the media reports certain comments by certain foreign missions' heads in Bangladesh violating the Vienna Convention.
"Do they say or do anything about Myanmar’s genocide and expulsion of Rohingya?" he tweeted in oblique reference to certain remarks made by the Japanese ambassador in Dhaka on Monday. He, however, did not name anyone.
"Will Japan stop investing there (Myanmar)? Double standards?" the Deputy Education Minister mentioned.
"No mutual respect - no mutual trust," he also said.
"We will be stronger in every field", says Turkish Ambassador Turan seeking broader partnership
Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan has said his country is determined to develop its partnership with Bangladesh further based on shared interests and for the mutual well-being of people in the coming days.
"Our economic development trajectories bode well for a promising future. We will be stronger in every field if we develop our partnership further on this solid foundation," he said.
Türkiye is best placed to understand Bangladesh and always stands in solidarity with the government of Bangladesh in the years to come, said the ambassador.
In a message marking the Turkish National Day, Ambassador Turan said Turkish investors have already recognized Bangladesh as a land of opportunities, and invested in key sectors of the economy such as energy, consumer goods and ready made garments.
"Our trade is booming despite pandemic, expected to reach 1.5 billion USD in 2022," he said, adding that Turkish Airlines have increased the number of their flights to 14 a week.
Businesses from the two countries are meeting at online and offline B2B meetings.
The envoy highlighted another shared value the two countries have: hospitality towards foreigners and particularly those in need.
Both of the countries host millions of refugees, 4 million Syrians in Türkiye and over 1 million Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
"We set the standards for humanity in taking care of the vulnerable people fleeing persecution and violence," said Turan.
He said 99 years ago, Turkish Grand National Assembly proclaimed the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye.
"This was possible thanks to the
sacrifices made by the Turkish nation and the Independence War led by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Founding Father of the Republic of Türkiye," said the envoy.
Read: Bangladeshi students accorded reception by High Commission in Turkey
Turkish people were victorious against the foreign armies also because of the support extended by friendly nations around the world.
"Bengali nation was one of them. We will never forget the helping hand of our Bengali brothers and sisters during our most difficult times," Ambassador Turan said.
Turkish War of Independence and establishment of the Republic of
Türkiye in October 1923 had sparked joy and inspiration for other nations under occupation at the time.
Kazi Nazrul Islam, the revolutionary poet of Bengal, had expressed his admiration for
Mustafa Kemal in his epic poem titled “Kemal Pasha”.
"His name is given to the most prestigious avenues in Dhaka and Chattogram and a
high school in Feni as a sign of respect for what he stood for, freedom and independence," said the Turkish envoy.
"Today, rising on the legacy of our Founding Fathers, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, both Türkiye and Bangladesh are thriving countries," he said.
On 20 October 2021, the two countries have launched the Bangladesh-Türkiye Business Forum (BTBF) in Dhaka.
Bringing together six major Turkish companies operating in Bangladesh and eleven prominent Bangladeshi companies who are doing business with Türkiye, BTBF will promote better economic and trade relations between the two countries and facilitate partnerships based on our shared values, said Ambassador Turan.
"Indeed, our shared values date back to the times of Hazrat Shah Jalal, whose mother was from Konya, the Turkish city where Hazrat Mawlana Jelaleddin Rumi lived and died," said the envoy who visited Sylhet, the city of saints, where Hazrat Shah Jalal’s shrine is revered and visited by millions who respect him and his wisdom.
"Konya and Sylhet are sister cities, bringing us closer," he added.
Dhaka, Washington discuss supporting Bangladesh's commitments to labour rights protections
Bangladesh and the US have discussed how the North American country can support Bangladeshi implementation of commitments to improve labour rights protections and further economic cooperation between the two countries.
On Thursday, Prime Minister's Adviser for Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman and US Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W Fernandez led the Bangladesh and US delegations at the inaugural meeting of the US-Bangladesh Labor Working Group.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed collaboration and assistance to Bangladesh as it takes further steps to implement the requirements developed by Bangladesh for its International Labor Organization roadmap and adhere to internationally recognised labour rights, according to the office of the Spokesperson of the US Department of State.
Read: Dhaka-Washington: A thaw in the offing?
Human trafficking hurts lives, country’s image: Foreign Secretary
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday said human trafficking is like a cancer in a society that undermines the lives of individuals and future of their families, and tarnishes the country’s image.
“We cannot allow some irresponsible people to slap on the face of the people who are working hard to develop the country,” Masud said.
Bangladeshis are one of the top ten nationals who crossed the Mediterranean Sea during 2014-2022, and such statistics go against the achievements Bangladesh made, he said.
The foreign secretary was talking to journalists at the closing session of a workshop on "Migration and Media" organised by International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in cooperation with Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at a city hotel.
On the bilateral front, the foreign secretary said, they have signed an MoU with Greece that will see Bangladeshi workers migrating to Greece each year in a regular and orderly manner.
Under the MoU, Greece will create employment for 4,000 new Bangladeshi workers each year by providing them with temporary work permits for five years, he said.
"We hope to see a sharp decline in illegal migration and trafficking of Bangladeshi workers," Masud said.
Also, similar arrangements are on the way with Italy, Malta and a number of European countries, he said.
Bangladeshis were found as irregular migrants reaching the shores of Italy in the first six months this year.
Of the 28,405 irregular migrants in the first six months this year, there were a total of 4,606 Bangladeshis followed by Egyptians, Tunisians, and Afghans.
They take risky boat journeys in the Mediterranean sea to reach Europe and many of them die.
Read: Bangladesh wants discussion to avert border tension with Myanmar: Foreign Secretary
“We need to empower our workers with skills," Masud said adding that if the workers are not empowered there are more scopes for abuses.
Despite sustained efforts, human trafficking continues to thrive through trans-national networks.
"We need to work on prevention, interception and prosecution on both ends of the spectrum. Here, media can play a constructive role to educate our people about the risk of choosing irregular pathways of migration," said the foreign secretary.
Media can empower migrants and the communities they live to shape positive public perceptions about migration and migrants, he said.
"We should remain committed collectively to harnessing the benefits of sound human mobility for the sustainable development of our peoples and the planet," he said.
Former foreign secretary and Senior Policy Advisor IOM Bangladesh Shahidul Haque said while there are socio-economic factors for migration, climate change and conflicts are becoming major reasons for migration recently.
Bangladesh has played important role at the international level, especially in having the Global Compact on Migration in place, a UN-led global deal, but migration governance at home is not in a very good shape, he said.
Haque said Bangladesh should not be seen only as a source country of migrant, but it is also a receiving and transit country.
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley said EU is working on finding legal migration pathways for Bangladeshis, alongside other nationalities.
It has been supporting and will continue to do so to Bangladesh to improve migration governance and reintegration efforts as it is doing under the Standard Operating Procedures now under the project PROTTASHA.
IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Abdusattor Esoev and Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh President Rezaul Karim Lotus also spoke.