US
US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls
Awami League leader Mohammad A. Arafat has sent a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, hoping that the US new visa policy will apply to those BNP leaders who are making an open declaration to obstruct the upcoming national election in Bangladesh.
"I hope your Visa policy will apply to these people as well," he mentioned in his letter that he also shared from his verified Facebook page.
Read more: Nothing to worry about new US visa policy; don't want arson, violence: Momen
Arafat, a member of the AL central executive committee attached some video footages of some BNP leaders declaring they would obstruct the upcoming national election in Bangladesh.
The AL leader said according to the visa policy that Secretary Blinken announced recently (and the letter that he sent to the FM of Bangladesh), “This policy supports Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stated commitment to hold a free and fair election in Bangladesh and allows the United State to act when Bangladeshi citizen or officials from all political parties undermine this critical pillar of democracy.”
Read more: New visa policy to help PM Hasina's govt in holding fair elections: US
Nothing to worry about new US visa policy; don't want arson, violence: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said there is nothing to worry about the newly announced US visa policy, noting that the government is neither feeling pressure nor any discomfort.
With this announcement, he hoped that parties which resort to violence, arson and destruction would remain cautious.
"We don't want arson, violence and destruction. I hope these acts will come down," Momen told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when his comment was sought.
Responding to a question, Momen said they are not under any additional pressure from the US, noting that the relationship with the US is excellent.
“We are not sure. It is yet to be tested. We do not know yet how helpful it will be. He (Ambassador Haas) could not tell whether they have become successful by applying such policy in any other country,” he told reporters after his meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas.
Describing the letter he received from the US Secretary of State as very encouraging, Momen said Bangladesh Awami League is committed to holding a free and fair election.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants free and fair elections and this policy will further strengthen her position.
"We want free and fair elections. Our Prime Minister is committed to it," Momen said, adding that Awami League always believes in voters.
The Foreign Minister said they see very positively that they received from the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
This policy supports Prime Minister Hasina’s stated commitment to hold free and fair elections in Bangladesh, Momen said, quoting the letter.
He mentioned the use of transparent ballot boxes that made the norm to establish confidence among the electorates as well as the polling officials and agents.
Momen also mentioned a strong National Election Commission is in place.
He said all parties will have to have political commitment for a free and fair election.
Asked whether the government accepts or rejects the new visa policy, Momen said there is nothing to accept or reject as this is a policy announced by the US.
Read more: US govt’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh government: Shahriar Alam
New visa policy to help PM Hasina's govt in holding fair elections: US
The United States has indicated their new Bangladesh-specific visa policy will help Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government in its efforts to hold free and fair elections.
"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government have committed to supporting free and fair elections in Bangladesh. This policy is designed to support these efforts and the Bangladeshi people, so they may hold elections to choose their leaders," said the US Embassy in Dhaka, in a message to journalists just after the new policy was announced.
The United States said they support free and fair elections everywhere.
Also read: New US visa policy declared targeting next Bangladesh polls
The message also contained a set of FAQs with responses, through which it clarified certain points that may likely arise in people's minds.
To start with, the US Embassy said this policy applies to any individual responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh. This includes current or former Bangladeshi officials, government supporters, and opposition members, among others. This would also include the immediate family members of such persons.
The United States said they are committed to building a strong partnership with the government of Bangladesh grounded in democracy and human rights.
"We welcome the Prime Minister’s expressed commitment to holding free and fair elections," said the US Embassy.
Also read: US govt’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh government: Shahriar Alam
The United States emphasised it does not support any particular political party, and that their handling of this policy would not favour anyone over another - except on the grounds of undermining electoral democracy.
"Restrictions under this new policy target individuals engaging in behavior that undermines the democratic election process, regardless of affiliation."
It also assured that it is a general practice to notify individuals whose visas are revoked or cancelled.
Given US' "close cooperation" with the government of Bangladesh, the US informed it of this policy decision on May 3.
Read more: New visa policy to be implemented fairly on govt & oppn: Donald Lu
‘Very strange, no source mentioned’: Momen on report claiming new sanctions are coming
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said there is no reason to impose sanctions afresh on Bangladesh and if that happens it will be very unfortunate.
He said he does not have any idea on new sanctions as it depends on individual countries.
“We hope (America's) good sense will prevail,” he said, adding that America is passing thousands of sanctions (on other countries)," Dr Momen told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that they (US) will not do these things.
It was arranged to brief the media on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Qatar visit that begins on Monday afternoon. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin, among others, was present.
It was very strange and surprising and no reference (source) is mentioned, Momen said regarding a media report that claimed that new sanctions are coming.
The Daily Kalbela newspaper published the report titled "US Sanctions Coming, Government Remains Ready.”
He referred to Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque who also said there is no reason to impose new sanctions.
On Sunday night, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested and condemned part of a media report terming it "false, baseless" and it was done with an "ulterior motive."
The Foreign Minister reiterated that he had never worked as a Chinese firm lobbyist before becoming a minister.
Rather, he said, he stayed in the USA and worked there. "This is something very strange (media report)."
Referring to the news published in the Daily Kalbela, the MoFA on Sunday night said in a part of the news, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was defamed.
The report mentioned that Dr Momen worked as a lobbyist for a Chinese organization before becoming a minister.
"It is completely false and baseless," MoFA said in a media release.
Through such lies in the name of AK Abdul Momen, the image of the government has been tarnished along with his defamation, MoFA said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently said Bangladesh will not purchase anything from countries that impose sanctions against the country.
A journalist wanted to know what actually provoked her to make this comment. In reply Dr Momen said politicians say many things that work as warnings as there are times when they see many issues.
“We are a very proud nation with many achievements. We have the capacity to face challenges. We are a victorious nation. I think this is the message (she wanted to convey). We will not step back but we will face the challenges.”
The US Embassy issued a “demonstration alert” ahead of the next general election and said the US citizens should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
When FM Momen’s attention was drawn regarding the alert, he said this question should be asked to the US side.
“Still there are still 7-8 months before the election. It is very strange. You ask them. Our law and order situation is very good. This is an amazing development we must say. They (law enforcement agencies) have done an excellent job,” Momen said.
The Foreign Minister said no one is getting killed on Bangladesh street and it will be relevant for the US to alert people regarding visits to US malls, schools or bars to remain careful there.
Also Read: PM Hasina: Bangladesh won't buy anything from those who impose sanctions against it
US wants to advance 'deep ties' with Bangladesh: Embassy
The United States has said that they maintain a "broad and deep" relationship with Bangladesh, and that they also want to advance the ties.
"The United States maintains a broad and deep relationship with Bangladesh that we seek to advance," an official at the US Embassy in Dhaka told UNB.
Read more: PM Hasina: Bangladesh won't buy anything from those who impose sanctions against it
The response came when the US Embassy's attention was drawn to a media report that claims more US sanctions could be coming.
Govt to import 12,500 MT of sugar from US
The government of Bangladesh will import 12,500 metric tons (MT) of sugar and 220,000 MT of fertliser to meet the domestic requirements.
Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) in a meeting on Wednesday (May 17, 2023) approved a number of proposals in this regard. Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal presided over the meeting held virtually.
According to a proposal of the Commerce Ministry, its subordinate body Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will import the sugar from Accentuate Technology Inc., USA (Local Agent: OMC Ltd., Dhaka) through an international open tender system at total cost of Tk 66.27 crore with per kilogram (kg) cost at Tk 82.85.
Also Read: PM Hasina: Bangladesh won't buy anything from those who impose sanctions against it
Additional secretary to the Cabinet Division Sayeed Mahbub Khan, who briefed reporters about the Cabinet body meeting, said while approving the proposal the issue of the Prime Minister’s instruction not to import any goods from any country which imposed sanction on Bangladesh was not discussed in the meeting.
The committee approved two separate proposals of the Industries Ministry to import a total of 60,000 MT of urea fertilizer and 10,000 MT of phosphoric acid by its subordinate body Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC).
Also Read: Tariff Commission recommends fixing loose sugar price at Tk 120, packaged Tk 125 per kg
Of these, 30,000 MT of bagged granular urea will be procured from Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (Kafco) at cost of Tk 120.03 crore with per MT price at $371.25 while another 30,000 MT bulk granular urea fertiliser will be imported from SABIC Agri-nutrients Company of Saudi Arabia at a cost of Tk 106.25 crore with per MT price at $327.33.
The BCI will import 10,000 MT of phosphoric acid at Tk 60.95 crore from Sun International FZE, UAE (Local Agent: M/s Agro Industrial Input, Dhaka) for TSP Complex Limited, Chittagong. Each MT of acid will cost $566.50.
Also Read: Letter to be sent to NBR to extend duty exemption on sugar import: Commerce Secretary
The CCGP approved a total of six proposals of Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC), placed by the Agriculture Ministry, for importing a total of 160,000 MT of different types of fertilizers.
Of these, the BADC will import 40,000 MT of DAP fertilizer from MA'ADEN, Saudi Arabia at a cost Tk 229.33 crore, $532 under the state level contract.
Also Read: Raid if sugar is not sold at govt-fixed rate: Tipu Munshi
It will import 30,000 MT of TSP fertiliser from OCP, S.A. of Morocco at a cost Tk 126.57 crore, with each MT price at $391.50, under the state level contract while 40,000 MT of DAP fertilizer will be imported from the same company of Morocco at a cost of Tk 233.42 crore with per MT price at $541.5.
The BADC will import 50,000 MT of Muriate of Potash (MOP) fertiliser from the Canadian Commercial Corporation under the state-level contract at a cost of Tk 225.23crore, with per MT price at $418.
Also Read: Japan wants to invest in sugar industry, biomass power, prepaid gas meters in Bangladesh
The CCGP approved a proposal of the Local Government Division to extend the cost of the consultant by Tk 11.1 crore for its project "Water Supply and Sanitation in 23 Municipalities of Bangladesh (1st Revised)" being implemented by the Department of Public Health Engineering.
Joint Venture of (1) Ranhill, (2) Farhat and (3) DDC had been appointed as consultant for the project.
Also Read: Sugar disappears from Dhaka stores amid high price
US providing $250,000 to assist Cyclone Mocha emergency relief efforts: Peter Haas
The United States is providing $250,000 to assist Cyclone Mocha emergency relief efforts in the most severely affected areas.
“The people of the United States stand with the people of Bangladesh and the Rohingya refugees affected by the cyclone,” US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas said today.
On May 14, Cyclone Mocha moved through the Bay of Bengal, making landfall in Myanmar and Bangladesh, affecting over nearly half a million Bangladeshis living in coastal areas and almost one million Rohingyas in refugee camps.
Also read: US Congress introduces resolution on 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-US ties
The storm was one of the strongest in recent years causing significant tidal surges, heavy rain, and wind speeds of up to 140 km per hour in Bangladesh, resulting in widespread wind damage, flooding, and landslides.
The United States has worked closely with Bangladesh to improve disaster preparedness and response over the past five decades of partnership.
Through the US Agency for International Development, the US government has built 900 multi-purpose disaster shelters in the most vulnerable areas of Bangladesh since 2001 and invested in early warning systems that keep hundreds of thousands of people safe from cyclones, flooding, and other emergencies.
The United States is also the largest contributor to Rohingya refugee relief efforts, said the Embassy.
US Sports Envoys Visit Bangladesh to Promote Sports Cooperation, Inclusivity
US Sports Envoys Schellas Hyndman, a retired soccer coach, and Vlastimir Davidovic, a coach at Phoenix College, have arrived in Dhaka to promote sports cooperation and development between the United States and Bangladesh.
The envoys' visit aims to foster mutual understanding and exchange best practices between the two countries in the field of sports.
On their first day in Bangladesh, the envoys met with officials, coaches, and athletes from the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). They trained members of the Bangladesh National Women's Football team and visited a football academy run by a person with a disability. The envoys also toured various stadiums and sports facilities in Dhaka.
During their visit, they showcased drills and exercises to help the girls improve their game. The envoys also visited the Bangabandhu National Stadium, the National Handball Stadium, the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium, and the Mohammed Ali Boxing Stadium to gain a better understanding of how sports are administered in Bangladesh and to share best practices from the United States.
The envoys also visited the Soccer Academy for persons with disabilities, run by coach Rahman, to demonstrate support for inclusivity through sports. In the coming days, they will also meet the players and coaching staff of Bashundhara Kings, a top football club in the country, to gain insight into the Premier League football structure in Bangladesh.
Other activities on their itinerary include a soccer training session with underground soccer players aged 12-16, a visit to the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), and a session with high school girls where the envoys will run a short training session and a 10-minute soccer match.
The US Embassy in Bangladesh brought the Sports Envoys to Bangladesh to promote mutual understanding and cooperation in sports.
How (and when) to watch King Charles' coronation in the US
King Charles III's coronation Saturday will mix a thousand-year tradition with the streaming age.
The pomp and ceremony will be unmissable for U.K. residents, but what about royal watchers across the Atlantic? There are plenty of options to watch the regalia-heavy event that serves as a formal confirmation of King Charles' dual role as head of state and titular leader of the Church of England — for those willing to wake up early enough.
While it might seem odd that Americans might want to tune in, there have been large audiences for previous royal milestones, such as the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981 and the weddings of their children, William and Harry.
The longevity of the king's mother, Queen Elizabeth II, means that many people alive have never seen a coronation.
Also read: King’s coronation draws apathy, criticism in former colonies
WHAT TIME DOES THE CORONATION START?
Well, first King Charles and his wife Camilla have to get to the ceremony. That begins with a procession to Westminster Abbey, which will get started at about 5 a.m. EDT, 2 a.m. for West Coasters.
The Associated Press will livestream the procession beginning at 5 a.m. Eastern and provide ongoing coverage throughout the day on www.apnews.com.
Broadcast networks ABC, CBS and NBC as well as cable channels CNN and Fox News all plan live coverage starting at 5 a.m. EDT. The outlets will also feature coverage on their digital platforms and streaming like Hulu+ Live TV.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW AHEAD OF TIME?
The day will be filled with pageantry — the handing over of a rod, sceptre and orb, all medieval symbols of power — and loads of other traditions. Despite that, Charles has slimmed down the event, shortening the procession route and the Westminster Abbey ceremony.
More than 100 heads of state will be in the audience, but President Joe Biden will keep with U.S. tradition and not attend. Instead, first lady Jill Biden will be there.
The celebration continues on Sunday with the Coronation Concert, but U.S. audiences won't be able to watch headliners Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. That will be shown on BBC's iPlayer, which isn't available outside the U.K.
Bangladesh needs $170 billion investment in power,energy sector by 2041: Nasrul
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has said that Bangladesh requires $170 billion dollars investment in the power and energy sector by 2041.
He said while addressing a session on "Strengthening the Future of Economic Growth of Bangladesh" at the high-level discussion meeting titled "U.S.-Bangladesh Economic Partnership: Shared Vision for Smart Growth" organized by the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC on Tuesday.
“There are profitable investment opportunities in different sectors and sub-sectors like LNG, renewable energy, smart grid, smart distribution, electric vehicle infrastructure, onshore and offshore hydrocarbon exploration,” said the state minister.
Read More: Investment in Bangladesh will bring huge success: PM Hasina to Japanese businesses
He also said that upgrading gas infrastructure, setting up petrochemical industries, reducing GHG emissions, smart gas distribution are among the sectors where US companies can invest and the government will provide special incentives to foreign investors.
He said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given the vision of building a smart Bangladesh to build the golden Bangladesh as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“It needs financial investment as well as technical and knowledge-based cooperation to realise the vision,” he said adding that investment should come not only from multilateral development agencies, but also from the public and private sectors.
Read More: Momen due to leave for US Friday with trade and investment high on agenda
Eric Walker, president of Chevron's Bangladesh office and Dr. John Ardil, vice president of Exxon Mobil also addressed the event.