Foreign-Affairs
US envoy Peter Haas meets editors
US Ambassador to Dhaka Peter Haas on Thursday welcomed the members of the 'Media Freedom Coalition' and senior editors from major Bangladeshi news outlets to show support for a free and independent media.
Liberty and democracy are guarded by the freedom of the press, said the US Embassy in Dhaka after the event.
Journalism is not just a profession, it is a vital aspect of democracy to seek accountability from elected leaders, said the Embassy.
Read: Japanese delegation meets DNCC Mayor
The current political situation, upcoming political programmes and the US visa policy also came up for discussion briefly, said a meeting source.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Daily Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta, Bangladesh Protidin Editor Naem Nizam, Daily Jugantor Editor Saiful Alam, among others, were present.
UNDP-sponsored workshop tells Bangladeshi youths to join climate fight
To empower the youth of Bangladesh to take a leading role in addressing the country's climate challenges in the upcoming Climate Conference of parties- CoP28, "Youth Engagement in Climate Change Negotiation Process" workshop was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Thursday, in Dhaka, where over 30 youths from across Bangladesh took part.
The youth of Bangladesh, with a population of 45.9 million, are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts, affecting their socioeconomic well-being, security, physical and mental health, and their sense of the future.Unfortunately, their participation in political decision-making processes, both nationally and internationally, remains limited despite the far-reaching consequences of these decisions on their future livelihoods, the workshop was told.
Read: Japanese delegation meets DNCC Mayor
The event was organised with the aim of addressing this critical issue by building youth capacity. The daylong workshop empowered young leaders with the knowledge and skills to effectively engage in climate negotiations, allowing Bangladesh to advocate for equitable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient development.Also, it helped young climate negotiators with the formal negotiation process of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), enhancing their ability to engage in international climate forums effectively.
Speaking as the chief guest, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP, said, "In international arenas like COP, the voices of young people are getting louder to change the future by demanding climate actions. They are not taking 'No' for an answer as they realise that there is no time to lose."
Read: Chilean President Gabriel Boric makes a brief stopover at Dhaka airport
"The government of Bangladesh has taken several bold steps to empower youth for Climate Actions through different plans and programs," he further added.
Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative, said, " "Bangladesh, once only known as being climate-vulnerable, is now a global leader in generating resilience and adaptation solutions. Let's continue to collectively push the #ClimateChange agenda from wherever we are."
The "Youth Engagement in Climate Change Negotiation Process" workshop is part of the 'Climate Promise- From Pledge to Impact' project, jointly implemented by UNDP and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. This project aims to strengthen mitigation actions in Bangladesh, addressing emissions and contributing to global efforts to limit temperature rise in alignment with the Paris Agreement.Dr Abdul Hamid, Director General of the Department of Environment, was the Chair of this event.The event also featured contributions from Prasenjit Chakma, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh; Mirza Shawkat Ali, Director (International Convention & Climate Change), Department of Environment; Professor Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus, BRAC University; Dr. Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed, Deputy Managing Director, PKSF and Arif Faisal, Programme Specialist, UNDP Bangladesh who shared their insights and expertise.
Japanese delegation meets DNCC Mayor
A delegation of Japan paid a courtesy call on Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam on Thursday.
The meeting was held on the 6th floor at the seminar hall of Nagar Bhaban in the capital's Gulshan-2, said a press release.
During the meeting, various issues including waterlogging, air pollution, noise pollution, mosquito control, health sector, cleanliness, development of traffic system came up for discussion.
They expressed hope to work together on the development of the overall issues, added the release.
Later, the delegation visited the exhibition of paintings by 77 artists organized on the occasion of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 77th birthday.
Sheikh Russel’s killing one of the gravest human rights violations: Bangladesh Ambassador to US
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States, Muhammad Imran, has said the brutal killings of Bangabandhu and his family members, including Sheikh Russel who was a child at the time, are some of the gravest violations of human rights in global history.
Through this barbaric killing, he said, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child have been severely violated.
In his closing remarks at a seminar in Washington on Wednesday, Bangladesh Ambassador Imran paid deepest homage to Shaheed Sheikh Russel, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and other martyrs of the August 15 carnage.
Also read: Southeast University marks ‘Sheikh Russel Day 2023’
The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Wednesday observed "Sheikh Russel Day", marking the 60th birthday of Shaheed Sheikh Russel, the youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in a befitting manner.
The daylong programmes of the Embassy included placing floral wreaths at the portraits of Sheikh Russel and Bangabandhu, reading out messages of the President and the Prime Minister, screening of a documentary, organising a seminar on the life of Shaheed Sheikh Russel, and quiz and painting competitions for children.
The programmes began with placing floral wreaths by Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran at the portraits of Shaheed Sheikh Russel and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Auditorium.
Also read: Bangladesh Embassy in Myanmar celebrates Sheikh Russel Day-2023
The messages issued on the occasion by President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were read out by Minister (Consular) Mohammad Habibur Rahman and Minister (Political) Md Rashedujjaman.
The theme song of the day was played along with a video which was followed by a documentary on the life of Shaheed Sheikh Russel, said the Embassy.
Later, a seminar titled “Brutal Assassination of Sheikh Russel and Human Rights” was held at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Embassy. Counselor (Political) Arifa Rahman Ruma presented the keynote speech at the seminar.
In her keynote speech, Ruma said Sheikh Russel's assassination was the most heinous case of killing a child.
Also read: Bangladesh High Commission in Singapore marks 'Sheikh Russell Day-2023'
She said the killing was the execution of the conspiracy of the anti-Liberation War elements to halt the advancement of a just-independent state and nation.
Minister (Press) AZM Sajjad Hossain took part in the discussion on the keynote speech and said the anti-Liberation War forces perpetrated the crimes against humanity on August 15 through killings, including 10-year-old Sheikh Russel along with Bangabandhu and his other family members.
In the evening, painting and quiz competitions were held with the participation of children. Later, a special prayer was offered.
Also read: Sheikh Russel Day is celebrated in Japan
The programmes of the day ended with distribution of prizes by the ambassador among the winners of the quiz and painting competitions.
Counselor and Head of Chancery Mohammad Moniruzzaman and First Secretary (Passport and Visa) Muhammad Abdul Hye Milton conducted the two parts of the programmes.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric makes a brief stopover at Dhaka airport
Chilean President Gabriel Boric has made a brief stopover at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport tonight.
A diplomatic source said the stopover was for refuelling purpose.
Also read: Bangladesh ambassador presents credentials to Chilean president
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud welcomed him at the airport.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was also present.
Also read: Leftist millennial wins election as Chile’s next president
The Chilean President attended the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing where paid a state visit.
Chile is one of South America's most stable and prosperous nations.
Migrants Face Reintegration Challenges: IOM’s Project Provides Innovative Solutions
Returnee migrants struggled with multiple adversities in Bangladesh in the context of the amplified challenges posed by the global pandemic, reports IOM.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with its implementing partners, supported returnee migrants with its innovative "REMA(K)ER project.
Read: No one wins by killing innocent people: Momen tells OIC meeting in Jeddah
The Project initiated with the support of the IOM Development Fund (IDF), was implemented with the overarching goal to better enable Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) namely, Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra (BNSK), Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU), and the WARBE Development Foundation (WARBE DF) to assist returnees and their families in achieving economic resilience and contributing to sustainable reintegration.
Following the successful completion of this pilot project, IOM Bangladesh organized a dissemination event today focusing on the lessons learnt on IOM’s Integrated Approach to Reintegration (IAR).
The event included relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, representatives from civil society, private sector, and development partners.
Today’s event was concluded with all stakeholders recognizing the importance of localization in expanding the reintegration knowledge and expertise at the grassroot level. The international Organization for Migration was commended for this initiative engaging CSOs as they play an integral role in supporting vulnerable returnees and communities.
Bangladesh High Commission in Singapore marks 'Sheikh Russell Day-2023'
Bangladesh High Commission in Singapore on Wednesday celebrated 'Sheikh Russell Day-2023' with dignity and solemnity.
A special seminar was organised in the high commission auditorium to mark the day.
Members of the expatriate Bangladeshi community in Singapore, high-ranking officials of the Bangabhaban who accompanied the President and officials and employees of the Bangladesh High Commission attended the seminar.
Read: We’re focused on Rohingyas’ sustainable return: Afreen Akhter
The speeches given by the President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh marking the day were read out in the seminar. Then a documentary on the life of Sheikh Russell was displayed.
Professor Abdul Mannan, a renowned educationist, connected through Zoom from Dhaka, delivered the keynote paper in the discussion.
Regional Director of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Singapore Miz Ya-Min Woo made a call urging to stop child abuse by abstracting the theme of Sheikh Russell Day on a global canvas.
After that, President's Press Secretary Md. Joynal Abedin, public division secretary Md. Wahidul Islam Khan and President's secretary (Senior Secretary) Sampad Barua took part in the discussion.
High Commissioner Tauhedul Islam delivered the closing speech on the occasion. He paid tribute to the memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation at the beginning of his speech.
“Even though the brutal bullet of an assassin took the life of a 10-year-old child Sheikh Russell on August 15, 1975, the assassins could not erase the memory of Sheikh Russell,” he said.
Bangladesh calls for immediate halt of war by Israel, denounces air strike on hospital in Gaza
Bangladesh has strongly condemned the recent barbaric air strike on the Ahli Arabi Hospital in Gaza City resulting in indiscriminate killing of hundreds of innocent civilians mainly women and children by the Israeli Occupying Forces (IOF).
This ruthless attack is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian laws and accords which constitutes a grave crime against humanity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
Also read: After blast kills hundreds at Gaza hospital, Hamas and Israel trade blame as rage spreads in region
Bangladesh further called upon the international community including the United Nations to condemn this heinous act and to urgently allow humanitarian access to the affected territory.
The perpetrators of this criminal act must be held accountable for their actions, and the barbaric war must be put to a stop to prevent further deaths and suffering of innocent civilians as war victims, it said.
Bangladesh also urges all parties concerned to come to the negotiation table to work towards achieving a lasting solution to the question of Palestine.
Bangladesh believes that the current war waged by Israel in Gaza targeting the civilians is not only asymmetric and disproportionate, but it is tantamount to collective punishment of Palestinian people in Gaza and in contravention of all fundamental principles of human rights and international civil accords and conventions, MoFA said.
Also read: Israel bombs Gaza region where civilians were told to seek refuge
“Bangladesh maintains that time has come for the international community to address the root causes of the on-going conflict. It is clear that denial of dignified life and living under Israeli Occupation and forced settlements on Palestinian territory will not lead to peace in the region,” reads the statement.
Therefore, the MoFA said, Bangladesh underlines the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights to self-determination and supports a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its Capital as envisioned in the UNSC Resolutions.
Also read: Stop wars and save money spent on arms for children's welfare: PM Hasina urges world leaders
No one wins by killing innocent people: Momen tells OIC meeting in Jeddah
Strongly condemning the Israeli aggression in the occupied Palestinian territory, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should take a lead to arrange a special UNGA meeting.
“No one wins by killing innocent people and the killers are surely the losers in the hearts and minds of people,” he said while addressing the OIC open-ended extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee in Jeddah on Wednesday.
Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al- Saud, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia and Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the OIC, among others, were present.
The Israeli aggression in the occupied Palestinian territory has resulted in the loss of over 3000 lives, 1/3 of whom are children.
The current asymmetric war waged by Israel in Gaza targeting the civilians is not only disproportionate, it is tantamount to collective punishment of Palestinians in contravention of all fundamental principles of human rights and humanitarian law.
“We therefore call for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza achieved through dialogue among all relevant parties,” Momen said.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached an all-time low with Israel’s denial of humanitarian access and indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure.
“We also reject unequivocally Israel’s call to forcibly displace the Palestinians out of their own homeland- which will further deteriorate the humanitarian situation in the entire region which is tantamount to ethnic cleansing,” he said.
Momen said they regret that the Security Council failed to adopt a resolution tabled by the Russian Federation (16 October) to enable humanitarian support in Gaza and reiterate our call for immediate humanitarian assistance for the affected population.
“We also call upon the Security Council to condemn the killing of UN and other aid workers, health personnel and journalists in Gaza and hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and disrespect for international humanitarian and human rights laws,” he said, adding that they strongly condemn the barbaric bombing on Gaza hospital which is totally unacceptable.
Momen called upon the international community to address the root causes of the conflict.
“We believe an enduring solution to this recurring problem can only be achieved through realization of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and their right to have an independent and sovereign state of Palestine in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet Road Map. We believe that the international community should come together towards realizing this solution.”
As the member of the Muslim Ummah, he said, “Our destiny is one as are our burdens and responsibilities. Only by mobilizing and optimizing our synergies, we can create an Ummah of shared peace and stability. At this critical time let us stand strong together and work to stop the massacre in Palestine and to ensure lasting peace.”
The OIC Secretary-General of the Organization Taha emphasized that the meeting comes at a time when the Palestinian people are experiencing tragic conditions.
He stressed that the Palestinian question is a high-priority issue on the Organization’s agenda and enjoys continuous support from Member States.
The Secretary-General expressed his confidence in the Committee’s ability to adopt a strong and unified position.
We’re focused on Rohingyas’ sustainable return: Afreen Akhter
The United States has reiterated its commitment to helping the Rohingyas, noting that they will continue to support them in their time of need, as well as the generous communities in Bangladesh who host them.
“Moved by our partners’ efforts in managing a humanitarian challenge that impacts the region. We are focused on the Rohingya’s voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return,” said US Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for South Central Asia Afreen Akhter who traveled to Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday.
Read: US Embassy celebrates Bangladesh’s “vibrant indigenous community” with expo, cultural shows
Referring to her meeting with RRRC Mizanur Rahman on Tuesday, Akhter said any repatriation of the Rohingyas should be "voluntary, dignified and safe."
She said there should not be any forcibly done efforts at repatriation as the conditions in Myanmar are not conducive for repatriation at the moment.
"We will continue to work closely with the government of Bangladesh and the international community to find a lasting solution that includes their safe repatriation," Afkhter said.
She appreciated Bangladesh’s efforts and its "incredible generosity" in hosting the Rohingyas. "We really appreciate the generosity."
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas who fled their homes in Myanmar to escape a 2017 crackdown.
Read: ‘Aware of report by online outlet blocked in Bangladesh; US doesn’t prefer one party over others’
During her October 16-17 visit, she met with senior government officials, civil society members, Rohingya refugees, and representatives from humanitarian organizations.
While in Bangladesh, DAS Akhter had productive meetings with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, and other senior officials from the government of Bangladesh.
In Dhaka, DAS Akhter heard directly from civil society members and NGO representatives who work to promote positive civic engagement, according to US Embassy in Dhaka.
The delegation spent a day in Cox’s Bazar meeting with Rohingya refugees, Bangladesh government officials, and humanitarian organizations. In addition, the delegation focused on learning about the lives of the refugees as well as the condition in the camps.