Foreign-Affairs
ICC Bangladesh, UNICEF partner to advance children’s well-being in Bangladesh
The International Chamber of Commerce - Bangladesh (ICC-B) and UNICEF on Tuesday launched a new partnership to address the challenges impacting children in Bangladesh and reinforce a shared commitment towards the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The two organisations have officially joined forces to promote children’s rights and well-being in Bangladesh and strengthen cooperation efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
Also read: Grameenphone, Telenor, UNICEF partner to strengthen digital literacy, online safety for 10 million children
During the launch event, ICC Bangladesh President, Mahbubur Rahman and UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh Sheldon Yett signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to work together to leverage expertise, mobilize resources, and collaborate to protect and promote children’s rights in Bangladesh, including during emergencies and disasters.
“Thank you to UNICEF for taking the initiative to collaborate with the private sector for the well-being of children in Bangladesh. We are proud to strengthen our cooperation with UNICEF to turn aspirations of the global goals into actions in Bangladesh,” said Mahbubur Rahman.
“To attain the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, it is very necessary to invest in children now to equip them with the resources and skills to face future challenges. It is crucial to urgently prioritise our investment, particularly in health, nutrition, education, and other economic sectors key for children.”
Also read: Climate disasters displace 43.1 million children in 6 years: UNICEF
“Children in Bangladesh are buffeted by multiple simultaneous crises. Approximately one in three children in Bangladesh, nearly 20 million children, for example, are affected by the direct impact of climate change. Both the state and the private sector need to invest to help children grow to their full potential,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh.
“When businesses put forth innovative ideas and leverage resources to invest in children, we improve the lives of every child, drive economic growth, and shape the future of Bangladesh. Our partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh will help to tackle the challenges children face, strengthen cooperation around the Sustainable Development Goals, and help drive a brighter future for every child in Bangladesh.”
With robust global networks and shared interests in sustainable development, the two organizations are uniquely positioned to join hands and address the most urgent crises that children in Bangladesh confront.
Both will work together to harness collective strengths and tackle barriers preventing children in Bangladesh from surviving, thriving, and fulfilling their potential, said a media release.
Also read: Only one-third of child-related SDG targets on course: UNICEF
In September 2022 during the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Chair of the ICC, Maria Fernanda Garza, and UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, signed a Memorandum of Understanding committed to protecting children from the impact of conflict, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening cooperation around the Sustainable Development Agenda.
The signing ceremony was also attended, among others, by ICCB Vice Presidents Naser Ezaz Bijoy; ICCB Executive Board Member Aftab Ul Islam, Abul Kasem Khan, Managing Director, AK Khan Telecom Ltd.; ICCB Secretary General Ataur Rahman and Fiona Ward, Miki Fukuhara and Zahidul Islam from UNICEF.
Transformative Smart Bangladesh Summit 2023 held in Dhaka
A two-day summit titled "Transformative Smart Bangladesh Summit," organized by ICT-d and a2i, ended in Dhaka on Tuesday focusing on various facets of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the aim of bridging the digital divide.
The inauguration ceremony, held on October 30, was attended by Planning Minister MA Mannan as the chief guest.
Later in the day, a high-level Ministerial Conference titled "Responsible AI for Shared Future" was held.
Also read: AOSED receives "Smart Bangladesh 2023" Award
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Anir Chowdhury, Policy Advisor of a2i, highlighting AI's role in reducing digital disparity and fostering sustainability.
Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, Additional Secretary of the ICT Division, delivered the welcome remarks, setting the stage for a series of thought-provoking discussions.
Also read: Digital connectivity is the base of Smart Bangladesh: Mustafa Jabbar
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak shared insights into the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence.
Distinguished guest speaker Sir Geoff Mulgan, Professor at University College London (UCL) and former CEO of Nesta, UK, added an international perspective to the discourse.
Ministers from various countries, including Gambia and São Tomé and Príncipe, contributed valuable insights to the conference.
AK Abdul Momen joined the event virtually, emphasizing Bangladesh's digital journey and the transformative power of AI in shaping modern societies.
Also read: 'Smart Bangladesh' needs to harness full potential of women
Momen underscored the importance of digitalization in public services and its role in societal evolution.
He also highlighted AI's impact on e-commerce and the significance of accessible financial services for all.
Additionally, he applauded the launch of the "e-quality Centre for Inclusive Innovation," a joint initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a2i, as a pivotal step towards eradicating the digital divide and fostering inclusivity.
Momen acknowledged the commendable efforts of the ITIT/ICT wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in developing and strengthening the DPI/DOS ecosystem for Bangladesh.
The summit brought together leaders from diverse sectors, including public and private, academia, entrepreneurs, and international experts, alongside senior officials from the ICT Division and a2i, all united in their commitment to shaping a digitally inclusive and forward-thinking Bangladesh.
Some foreign orgs should apply for registration to form political platform: Momen
Apparently expressing displeasure over Washington’s idea of political dialogue, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said certain foreign entities in Bangladesh should apply for political registration and turn into political groups to talk about Bangladesh’s internal affairs and do politics.
“I often think some foreign organizations should turn into political entity, I think they should apply for registration that they will also form a political body, will take political position in our internal affairs. Let them form a party and see how many votes they get,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when his attention was drawn about US Ambassador Peter Hass’ remarks over political dialogue.
Also read: Haas meets CEC, hopes all sides will engage in dialogue without preconditions
Ambassador Haas hoped that all sides going forward will engage in a “dialogue” without preconditions to de-escalate tensions and find a path forward to free, fair and peaceful elections.
“Political violence by any side has no place in democratic elections,” he said after his meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal at the EC office.
Asked about media reports over further US sanctions, Momen said, “Forget about that. It does not matter….we have nothing to be worried. Any country can deny visa to anyone.”
Also read: UN chief calls on all parties in Bangladesh to refrain from violence, excessive use of force
Highlighting BNP’s “brutality and destruction” FM Momen said it is shame for the party and it should expel those BNP activists involved in attacks on police, hospital and chief justice’s residence.
“It is a matter of shame, the party (BNP) should give a public statement for the misdeeds. I would expect from BNP that they should expel them,” he said.
Momen said Bangladesh saw massive development over the last 15 years due to peace and stability in the country.
Also read: US says killing of a police officer and a political activist, burning a hospital and buses are unacceptable
He said BNP needs maturity as their behavior shows they are doing something beyond imagination by such attacks. “They don’t abide by laws.”
Referring to the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he said strikes and blockades by BNP cost the country a total of Tk 1,600 crore (or USD 192.3 million) or 0.2 percent of the GDP per day.
In the early 2000s, BNP-Jamaat created an atmosphere of violence and intimidation, particularly during the 2001 general election, which was marred by widespread violence and allegations of vote rigging, Momen told the diplomats on Monday.
After the election, he said, BNP-Jamaat activists committed looting, rape and murders, particularly targeting the minority community.
In 2013, before the general election, BNP and its allies vandalized several thousand vehicles and set many of those on fire using petrol bombs, at times burning alive the passengers stuck inside. Some of them are still living with horrific scars and trauma, Momen mentioned.
More than 400 people, including 20 law enforcement officers, were killed in the petrol bomb and hand grenade attacks, he said.
Haas meets CEC, hopes all sides will engage in dialogue without preconditions
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas today (October 31, 2023) hoped that all sides going forward will engage in a “dialogue” without preconditions to de-escalate tensions and find a path forward to free, fair and peaceful elections.
“Political violence by any side has no place in democratic elections,” he said after his meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal at the EC office.
US Ambassador Haas also urged to avoid any action that undermines the democratic election process, including the use of violence, preventing people from exercising their rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and internet access – calling to question the ability to conduct free and fair elections.
Read more: US says killing of a police officer and a political activist, burning a hospital and buses are unacceptable
Thanking the CEC for his time, the US ambassador said during their meeting, he urged for transparency and accountability in the Election Commission’s unique constitutional role in essential work towards organizing elections.
He said that free and fair elections, as they all know, happen over weeks and months before the actual day votes are cast.
US Ambassador Haas said voters, political parties, government, security forces, civil society, media and the Election Commission all are responsible regarding that.
Read more: CEC to meet president on Nov 5 regarding announcement of nat’l election schedule
UN chief calls on all parties in Bangladesh to refrain from violence, excessive use of force
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over reports of violence at political rallies in Bangladesh while the United States pushed all sides to engage in “dialogue” without preconditions to de-escalate tensions.
The UN chief also called on all parties to refrain from violence or any excessive use of force or arbitrary detention, said his spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.
Guterres stressed the need for respecting the right of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Responding to a question, the spokesman for the UN secretary-general said, "I don’t think anyone wants to prejudge the elections."
"We obviously are concerned, as I said, by the violence. We still think that it is important that there be calm and respect for all people’s freedom to express themselves in advance of the elections," said the spokesman at a regular briefing at the UN on October 30.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas hoped that all sides going forward will engage in a “dialogue” without preconditions to de-escalate tensions and find a path forward to “free, fair and peaceful” elections.
“Political violence by any side has no place in democratic elections,” he said after his meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal at the EC office on Tuesday.
Ambassador Haas also urged to avoid any action that undermines the democratic election process, including the use of violence, preventing people from exercising their rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and internet access – calling to question the ability to conduct free and fair elections.
Thanking the CEC for his time, Haas said during their meeting, he urged for transparency and accountability in the Election Commission’s unique constitutional role in essential work towards organising elections.
He said that free and fair elections, as they all know, happen over weeks and months before the actual day votes are cast.
Haas said voters, political parties, government, security forces, civil society, media and the Election Commission all are responsible regarding that.
The Election Commission has no option but holding elections on time as per the constitution, said Chief election commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal.
“The EC has to hold the election on time, no matter what the situation is,” the CEC told journalists after his meeting with the US ambassador on Tuesday.
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.”
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.
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.
"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.
Highlighting opposition parties’ “brutality and destruction” on October 28-29, the government on Monday conveyed to the international community its “strong and unwavering” stance to stick to the democratic process as mandated by the constitution, and hold “free, fair and credible” elections in time.
Law Minister Anisul Huq said the next election will be held either at the end of 2023 or the first week of 2024, and it will be “free, fair, and peaceful.”
“It does not matter who comes or does not come. A participatory election means participation of people. If there is a participation of people, then that is participatory election,” he told reporters on Monday.
The law minister said that the diplomats were given a chance to ask questions but they did not have any questions.
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.
Read: US for country-driven action, looking for innovative solutions to plastic pollution: Ambassador Haas
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.
Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia envision continuous growth in trade and investment
The Vice Chairman of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, Naif Abdullah Al Rajhi, has said Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in recent times in the field of commerce and trade.
He emphasised that both Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia hold potential for further economic development and diversification of assets through bilateral business and investments, according to a press release on Monday.
Also read: DCCI business delegation to visit Saudi Arabia to explore business
He expressed optimism that Bangladeshi investors would soon become significant contributors to Saudi Arabian investments.
Al Rajhi made the statement during a business meeting and B2B matchmaking session between the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, said the release.
To strengthen and solidify future bilateral business collaboration, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and the DCCI. The MoU aims to enhance the already robust bilateral trade relationship.
Also read: Bangladesh welcomes increased investment interest from Saudi Arabia
Al Rajhi welcomed the Bangladeshi delegation and highlighted the attractive investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, particularly in sectors such as IT, agricultural products, infrastructure, construction, real estate, energy, garments, ceramics, tourism, and hospitality. He stressed that the business and investment opportunities have no bounds, and Saudi entrepreneurs are keen on expanding their business relationships with their Bangladeshi counterparts, added the release.
MSamir Sattar, president of the DCCI, expressed pride in the quality of products being produced in Bangladesh, indicating that Bangladesh's economy has been steadily expanding over the past decade. He noted that the country is on track to becoming a developed nation by 2026, and not only does it offer market diversity, but product diversity as well, it said.
Also read: Saudi-Bangladesh JV company gets nod to set up 300 MW solar power plant at Rampal
While the current bilateral trade stands at $2 billion, it is believed that this figure does not fully reflect the untapped potential. Representatives from Dhaka Chamber of Commerce who were part of the delegation to Saudi Arabia included prominent Bangladeshi investors from various sectors, all of whom are eager to expand their business collaborations with Saudi Arabia.
The DCCI delegation is scheduled to meet with the Makkah Chamber of Commerce on November 1, for a similar round of discussions and a B2B matchmaking session.
The meeting was attended by Economic Minister of Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia Murtuza Zulkar Nain Noman and the Commercial Counselor of the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah, Saida Nahida Habiba, to promote and facilitate trade and investment between the two nations, the release said.
US Embassy seeks consular access regarding so-called ‘adviser to the US president’ Mian Arefy
The US Embassy in Dhaka has sought consular access regarding Mian Zahidul Islam Arefy, who claimed to be an “adviser to US President Joe Biden.”
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Monday said the government will take steps as per the law.
As per the Vienna Convention, a detained foreign national must be informed of his right to communicate with consular officials.
‘Said what I was asked to say at BNP office’: So-called ‘Biden’s adviser’ Arefy at DB Office
Consular officers shall have the right to visit a national of the sending state who is in prison, custody or detention, to converse and correspond with him and to arrange for his legal representation.
Mian Zahidul Islam Arefy, who claimed to be an “adviser to US President Joe Biden,” has told DB officials that he “only followed instructions he received at the BNP office.”
A video that has been circulating on social media, shows Arefy talking to DB officials.
Earlier, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said BNP often plays victim to misguide diplomatic missions and their foreign friends in order to gain sympathy.
Mian Arefy, so-called ‘adviser to Biden’, detained from Dhaka Airport
“This time, all of a sudden, we saw a so-called ‘adviser to US President Joe Biden’ speaking to the press at the BNP party office flanked by senior BNP leaders. Later, it was revealed that he is an imposter and he admitted that the BNP leaders instigated him to misguide people,” Momen told diplomats at a briefing today.
‘Every human life matters, whether BNP understands that or not’: Momen briefs foreign diplomats
Highlighting BNP-Jamaat’s “brutality and destruction” on October 28-29, the government on Monday conveyed to the international community its “strong and unwavering” stance to stick to the democratic process as mandated by the constitution, and hold “free, fair and credible” election in time.
“I would like to, however, emphasize that every human life matters – our BNP friends understand that or not! We will keep showing utmost patience and restraint,” Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said while briefing the diplomats at state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka this afternoon.
PM’s Adviser Salman F Rahman, Law Minister Anisul Huq, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, among others, were present at the briefing.
Representatives of UN agencies and international organizations were also present at the briefing on the current situation in Bangladesh.
Speaking at the briefing, the foreign minister said, law enforcement agencies should also do everything within the legal parameters to provide safety and security to citizens, to maintain public order, and to foil any attempt to destroy private and public properties, to destabilize the country, or to damage the democratic and constitutional processes.
Momen said, the motive behind terrorizing the nation and misleading the people is to impede democratic processes and promote unconstitutional forces. “BNP’s tactics of fear and forgery did not work out before and they will not now,” he said.
Responding to a question, the law minister said the next election will be held either at the end of 2023 or the first week of 2024, and it will be “free, fair, and peaceful.”
Read: Strong partnerships, social cooperation will lead to Bangladesh’s success: Speaker
“It does not matter who comes or does not come. A participatory election means participation of people. If there is a participation of people, then that is participatory election,” he said.
The law minister said that the diplomats were given a chance to ask questions but they did not have any questions.
“We understand that the explanation we provided was clear. It is their responsibility to say whether they are convinced or not,” he said.
Shahriar Alam said, if anyone wants to take part in the election, they must follow the constitutional path.
He said that they gave a compilation of video footage and still photographs and also a written version of what happened on October 28 and 29 – killings, attacks on police and journalists, and on Chief Justice’s residence, among others.
Hours before the briefing, diplomatic missions in Dhaka called on all stakeholders to exercise “restraint, eschew violence and work together” to create the conditions for free, fair, participatory, and peaceful elections.
“The governments of Australia, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States are deeply concerned by the political violence during political gatherings in Dhaka on 28 October,” said a joint statement signed by the embassies and high commissions of the countries.
“We are shocked at what unfolded on October 28 and yesterday. We are not, however, surprised as we have experienced BNP-Jamaat’s dreadful violence in the past,” Momen told the diplomats, adding that BNP and its allies have a long history of violence and aggression.
Read: Committed to further enhance, diversify bilateral relations in all fields: Turkish Ambassador
In the early 2000s, BNP-Jamaat created an atmosphere of violence and intimidation, particularly during the 2001 general election, which was marred by widespread violence and allegations of vote rigging.
After the election, BNP-Jamaat activists committed looting, rape and murders, particularly targeting the minority community.
In 2013, before the general election, BNP and its allies vandalized several thousand vehicles and set many of those on fire using petrol bombs, at times burning alive the passengers stuck inside. Some of them are still living with horrific scars and trauma.
More than 400 people, including 20 law enforcement officers, were killed in the petrol bomb and hand grenade attacks.
“We dispatched on the evening of October 28 summarizing the rampant violence conducted by the BNP activists. You have watched the footage on TV and online of how the on-duty police officer was beaten to death or how the precious life of a public transport worker was taken by torching a public bus,” Momen said.
The foreign minister said, “You may have also observed that this time their target is more on the police and judiciary. Apart from brutally beating one policeman to death, they attacked the residences of Chief Justice and other judges, torched six police outposts. Sixty-five police officers were admitted at the Police Hospital and another at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.”
They even set fire at the Police Hospital premises and ambulance, causing disruption of emergency medical services, he said.
Read: US for country-driven action, looking for innovative solutions to plastic pollution: Ambassador Haas
Momen said BNP did not spare on-duty journalists and camera personnel. According to Bangladesh Federal Journalists Union (BFUJ), BNP activists attacked and critically injured at least 25 media professionals.
They were seen gathering sticks, iron rods etc. for the last few days and hiding them for use on the day of the demonstration, said the foreign minister.
BNP has called for a three-day nation-wide blockade starting from tomorrow. “We can only expect more and more assault on the lives and properties of innocent civilians,” Momen said.
However, apart from the law-and-order aspect, there is an economic aspect of the strikes and blockades too.
According to the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, strikes and blockades by BNP cost the country a total of Tk 1,600 crore (or USD 192.3 million) or 0.2 percent of the GDP per day.
“BNP often plays victim to misguide diplomatic missions and our foreign friends in order to gain sympathy,” Momen said.
“This time, all of a sudden, we saw a so-called ‘adviser to US President Joe Biden’ speaking to the press at the BNP party office flanked by senior BNP leaders. Later, it was revealed that he is an imposter and he admitted that the BNP leaders instigated him to misguide people,” the foreign minister said.
Representatives from 50 diplomatic missions, including Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori, US Ambassador Peter Haas and Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen were present.
Strong partnerships, social cooperation will lead to Bangladesh’s success: Speaker
Highlighting the importance of the UN and its partnership with Bangladesh, Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Monday said strong partnerships and social cooperation will lead to the success of Bangladesh.
She also thanked the UN for organizing a knowledge fair on UN Day 2023.
United Nations (UN) Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. UN Day was observed in Dhaka with an UN Knowledge Fair.
UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis said, “Long before the SDGs, Bangladesh understood the value of human development and achieved enviable economic growth and significant gains in education, health and gender equality."
However, she said, multiple crises have resulted in regressions of several SDGs and their joint efforts need to continue.
Read: Committed to further enhance, diversify bilateral relations in all fields: Turkish Ambassador
This day is observed each year in October to commemorate the entry into force of the United Nations Charter and offers the opportunity to strengthen our common agenda and reaffirm the principles of the UN.
There is no other global organization with the legitimacy, convening power and normative impact of the United Nations. No other global organization gives hope to so many people for a better world and can deliver the future we want.
UN Day, observed every year, offers the opportunity to amplify the common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided all for the past 78 years.
The event was attended by diplomats of various foreign missions, NGO partners, private sector partners, youth activists, government officials from various line ministries, media and UN staff members.
The UN Knowledge Fair aimed to put a spotlight on the important partnership between the people and government of Bangladesh and the UN and showcase the UN’s work across the country.
Read: US for country-driven action, looking for innovative solutions to plastic pollution: Ambassador Haas
The ceremony was accompanied with technical panel discussions on how the climate change crisis affects women’s leadership; food security, vulnerability management, energy efficiency and sustainability; and on the need for partnership for human development in Bangladesh.
Distinguished technical experts from various fields and the UN attended as panelists for lively, insightful discussions, and suggestions for better initiatives for achievement of the global goals.
A knowledge fair also took place simultaneously, with 16 stalls showcasing knowledge products of various agencies of the United Nations working in Bangladesh.