US
US may take any measure with the excuse of labor issues, politics: Bangladesh Embassy letter
The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC has said the political context of the US "Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally" has many "reasons to be alarmed".
"Politics is behind what is said about labor rights in the memorandum, and the US would try to use the political purpose in different ways," said the embassy in a letter based on observation it made on the recently launched US initiative.
Therefore, the "memorandum" is a signal for Bangladesh as the US may take any measure as described in the memorandum with the excuse of labor issues, the document seen by UNB reads.
"The memorandum may also have an impact on Bangladesh's apparel sector, and it should be taken into cognizance with priority by the concerned stakeholders," it said.
The report on an initial compiled report on the "Memorandum on advancing worker empowerment, rights and high labour standards globally" issued by the US president and launched by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken was also forwarded.
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Though the "memorandum" appears to be a global policy applicable for all countries, there are reasons to believe that Bangladesh may be one of the targets, said the embassy.
Labor issues in Bangladesh were specifically quoted by the secretary of state and acting secretary of labor at the launching ceremony.
US State Dept spokesperson says will ‘refrain from being drawn into’ internal Bangladeshi political matters
As per the "memorandum", the US foreign mission would directly interact/deal with labor issues, the policy may encourage the interested US diplomats/missions to interfere in many internal/ domestic issues.
"It seems that there are scopes for this policy to be imposed at individual, firm, or state level, if they anticipate/believe the labors' rights are violated," reads the document signed by the Minister (Commerce) at the Embassy to the senior secretary at the Ministry of Commerce.
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The US Presidential Memorandum was rolled out on November 16.
The United States said they will work to “hold accountable those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labor rights defenders, labor organizations – including using things like sanctions, trade penalties and visa restrictions” – all the tools in their kit.
Graduate Programs in the US: Guide for Bangladeshi Students
If you want to boost your chances of a great career, consider studying in the USA. Students from Bangladesh and other parts of the world can grab this opportunity and choose from thousands of graduate programs. This educational journey in the USA offers not just academic excellence but also opens doors to a successful future. Here is a detailed guideline for international students to find their desired graduate program in the USA.
Ways to Search for Academic Programs and Universities in the US
Before you start looking at universities in the US, define your criteria first, such as location, programs, and budget. This will help narrow down your choices and make your search more focused. After that, follow the following steps.
Start at the US Department of Education College Navigator
Begin your journey by visiting the US Department of Education College Navigator website. This comprehensive platform allows you to search for associate’s, bachelor’s, and advanced degrees (master's and doctoral), making it an excellent starting point for exploring a wide range of programs.
You can get a list of universities by applying different search filters.
Read more: Higher Study in Germany: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi and Other International Students
The American Center
Talking to someone who knows about studying in the US can be really helpful. In that case, you can check EducationUSA. EducationUSA is a network by the US Department of State, and they have three advising centers in Dhaka and Chattogram. You can visit one of these centers near you to get information. You may attend virtual webinars online to learn more about American universities.
EducationUSA offers precise and up-to-date information on all accredited US higher education institutions. Geared toward prospective students, the center provides comprehensive services for those aspiring to pursue higher education in the United States.
Further, EducationUSA offers step-by-step programs guiding students through the application process. Weekly seminars are conducted for each application step, and individual counseling with advisers is available to further support students in their educational journey.
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Russia says US Ambassador met with opposition leader in Dhaka to discuss plans for anti-govt protest
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has said at the end of October US Ambassador to Dhaka Peter Haas met with a member of the local opposition party to discuss plans for organising anti-government rallies.
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"Such actions amount to nothing less than gross interference in internal affairs," she said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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"We have repeatedly highlighted the attempts by the US and its allies to influence the internal political processes in Bangladesh under the guise of ensuring that the upcoming parliamentary elections in the country are transparent and inclusive."
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The journalists drew attention to the US Embassy in Dhaka, but no comment is made yet by the Embassy Spokesperson in Dhaka regarding the comment by the Russian official.
US wants to see the election carried out peacefully: State Dept Spokesperson
The United States has reiterated its desire to see a "free and peaceful" election in Bangladesh as the country is heading for the national polls scheduled for January 7, 2024.
"We want to see a free and peaceful election in Bangladesh. We want to see the elections carried out peacefully," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a regular briefing in Washington on November 21.
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He said that has been the US policy, as he has made clear a number of times.
Asked whether the US will condemn the political violence "orchestrated by BNP" in the context of human rights that the US cares about, Miller said, "I think I answered that with my previous answer."
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The Election Commission has already announced the next general election schedule for January 7.
The main opposition party BNP is yet to take any decision to join the polls, while enthusiasm is seen among supporters of Bangladesh Awami League and likeminded parties who are joining the polls.
US to implement key actions from Presidential memorandum on advancing worker empowerment, rights, high labor standards globally
The US Department of State will begin implementing key actions from President Biden’s Presidential Memorandum on "Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally."
"Labor rights are integral to building democracy, achieving economic growth, strengthening supply chain resilience, and leveling the playing field for American workers and companies," said US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Thursday.
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This new whole-of-government approach will advance worker empowerment and unions, in line with President Biden’s policies here at home, according to an announcement made by the US Department of State.
The Presidential Memorandum for the first time directs Chiefs of Mission and Department officials to directly engage in labor diplomacy and enhancing programming and public messaging on workers and labor rights.
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The Department’s efforts to advance internationally recognized workers’ rights will be carried out alongside interagency partners, including U.S. Department of Labor.
"This Memorandum is intended to raise global labor standards, building on the full range of existing authorities and tools in diplomacy, foreign assistance and programming, law enforcement, and global trade and economic cooperation, consistent with relevant international obligations and commitments," the announcement reads.
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US says it takes incidents of violence in Bangladesh very seriously, stresses importance of dialogue
The United States has said it is "closely monitoring" the electoral environment in Bangladesh leading up to January’s national election, and they take incidents of violence "very seriously".
At a regular briefing at the US Department of State on Tuesday (October 31, 2023), Spokesperson Matthew Miller said they are engaging and will continue to engage with the government, opposition, civil society, and other stakeholders to urge them to work together for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people, and to ensure free and fair elections that are conducted in a peaceful manner.
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"We do believe that dialogue is important to achieving those goals," he said.
Miller said holding of free and fair elections is the responsibility of everyone - all political parties, voters, government, civil society, and the media.
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"And what we want in Bangladesh is the same thing the Bangladeshi people want, which are free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner," the US State Department spokesperson said.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Tuesday said the Election Commission has no option except to hold election on time as per the constitution.
“The EC has to hold the election on time, no matter what the situation is,” the CEC told journalists after his meeting with US Ambassador Peter Haas.
Responding to a question, US State Department Spokesperson Miller said, “Let me just say that we have made clear that we expect the Government of Bangladesh, as we expect every government, to comply with their obligations under the Vienna Conventions for the safe protection of diplomats.”
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EC has to hold election on time, no matter what the situation is: CEC says after meeting US ambassador
The Election Commission has no option except holding election on time as per the constitution, Chief election commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said today (October 31, 2023).
“The EC has to hold the election on time, no matter what the situation is,” the CEC told journalists after his meeting with US Ambassador Peter Haas earlier today.
Read: Haas meets CEC, hopes all sides will engage in dialogue without preconditions
The CEC said the issue of favorable election environment and preparations for the upcoming national election were discussed during the meeting with the US ambassador.
“We want all political parties to participate in the election. This, however, does not mean that the election will not be held if the environment is not favorable,” the CEC said.
“Political parties have many options. They can either participate in or boycott the election, but the Election Commission does not have any such option,” he added.
Read: CEC to meet president on Nov 5 regarding announcement of nat’l election schedule
The CEC said, the US ambassador hoped for dialogue among the political parties. “We expressed the the same,” the CEC said.
Problems will not be solved by demonstration of force on the streets. “He (US Ambassador Peter Haas) also believes that the problems should be solved through dialogue,” the Chief Election Commissioner said.
US says killing of a police officer and a political activist, burning a hospital and buses are unacceptable
The United States has condemned the political violence that took place in Dhaka on October 28.
During a press briefing on October 30, US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “The reported killing of a police officer, a political activist, and the burning of a hospital and buses are unacceptable, as is violence against civilians, including journalists.”
Read: US Embassy in Dhaka to limit public services on Sunday
Miller said the US encourages the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incidents at the October 28th rally and to hold those responsible for violence accountable.
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He said the holding of free and fair elections is everyone’s responsibility – voters, political parties, the government, the security forces, civil society, and the media.
Miller said diplomats talk to a wide variety of people – civil society organizations, media professionals, business leaders, cultural contributors, educators, and many other types of organizations and individuals.
Read: Ambassador Imran apprises US senators of Bangladesh’s dev journey
"That is what diplomats do as part of their everyday job," the US State Department spokesperson added.
“We have made clear that we will take actions if necessary to support democracy in Bangladesh, and I would never preview those from the podium,” he said while responding to another question.
Creation of Palestine state urgent; US key actor in bringing this to reality: Dr Yunus
Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus has called for immediate action to create a Palestinian state.
In a statement released from the Yunus Centre on Sunday (October 22, 2023), he said: "The conflict between Israel and Palestine is a very old problem which has become much more complicated now because of the treatment that the people of Palestine have been receiving from Israel.”
It has been brewing over time and suddenly recently it became very explosive and unacceptable against any civilised standard, added the statement.
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“The solution right now is the creation of two states, something which the United Nations has a resolution on but which remains unimplemented. There is no way to escape from this resolution if we want to bring peace to the region. The top-most priority right now is to implement the long ignored UN resolution on creating two states. Otherwise we don't know where this conflict will lead us to. It has the potential to set the whole region on fire and suck in a larger part of the world into that fire,” it further reads.
"We must create the state of Palestine with extreme urgency. The key actor in bringing this to reality is the United States. If the US moves fast others will follow. The Biden administration must lead the world on this vital and urgent issue without delay.
Read: Stop Israel-Palestine war, save women and children: PM Hasina urges world leaders
"I urgently call upon all parties engaged in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, ensure the safety and well-being of the innocent children and civilians caught in the midst of this crisis. It is imperative to facilitate and expedite the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to the suffering population. It is time to focus on saving human lives, protect dignity and get to work on a permanent solution," he said.
"Let us join hands to put an end to the suffering, ensure uninterrupted humanitarian access, and foster an environment conducive to meaningful peace negotiations and work out the modalities to create Palestine state at the fastest pace. In this day and age, we should collectively recognize that war and bloodshed are inconsistent with the values and progress of our modern civilization. The world is watching and it is our shared responsibility to work towards a future where both Palestine and Israel can co-exist in harmony and peace together with friendly collaboration,” the statement concluded.
Read: Israel has right to statehood, so does Palestine: Chinese Ambassador
Bangladesh's dependence on India, China could increase if western pressure continues: Int'l Crisis Group
Bangladesh's dependence on India and China will increase if the United States and potentially other Western countries go for further pressure and sanctions, such as visa bans on top officials, the International Crisis Group has said.
"It could also cause the government to increase its dependence on India and China, as the US (and potentially other Western countries) will probably respond with sanctions, such as visa bans on top officials," according to the October 2023-March 2024 edition of "On the Horizon" report of the Crisis Group.
The International Crisis Group is an independent organisation working to prevent wars and shape policies aiming for a more peaceful world.
BNP has declared October 28 for a movement to topple the government and the ruling party Awami League says BNP's downfall will start on that day.
Read: Free, fair, peaceful elections incredibly important: Afreen Akhter
So far, a peaceful atmosphere prevails in the country.
A disputed election could trigger fierce anti-government protests, according to the International Crisis Group.
Election-related activities, such as campaigning and voting, could become flashpoints for violent attacks; spillover could also increase from restive states in India’s northeast, it said.
Read: Bangladeshis will decide how election will be held in the country: India
What to watch for in the coming weeks and months as mentioned by the Crisis Group
1. A high-stakes and potentially violent election in January 2024.
2. The ruling Awami League is expected to ignore calls for it to step down and hand power to a caretaker government that would oversee the election.
3. Rival supporters could clash in street battles or attack party offices or candidates.
4. Islamist groups could become more active in opposing the government.
5. Facing the prospect of a disputed poll, the opposition will probably boycott the election and could become radicalised, adopting more violent tactics.
6. Lack of hope, insecurity and poverty threaten to create a vicious cycle in which desperate Rohingyas – particularly young men – could join criminal gangs and armed groups, further fuelling the violence.
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