Foreign-Affairs
Japan will continue to stand by Rohingyas and assist host community in Bangladesh: Ambassador
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori has said Japan will continue to stand by the Rohingya refugees and work towards their voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable returns to Myanmar and also assist Bangladesh and the host community here.
"As the crisis is turning into its sixth year, it is essential to keep the attention of the global community, while multiple emergencies have been taking place in different parts of the world," he said.
The ambassador attended the inauguration ceremony of “The Project for improved shelters at Nayapara Refugee Camp" in Cox’s Bazar on Monday.
Read: Govt will deliver overcoming challenges: FM Momen
This project was implemented under the Japanese government's grant aid scheme in partnership with UNHCR.
This cooperation is for constructing shelters, as well as to improve and develop land for evacuation in the camps for protecting Rohingya people in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Iwama said by providing corresponding assistance to vulnerable refugee households for the provision and upgrading of shelters, they hope to ensure a safe living environment for the displaced population and contribute to overcoming social vulnerability in Bangladesh.
Read: Make a mini Switzerland in Bangladesh, PM Hasina urges Swiss investors
The Japanese ambassador also visited shelters and various facilities in the camp.
Want to be challenged and ready to deliver: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday said the government is determined to deliver overcoming whatever challenges it faces.
"We are facing challenges every day. But we are moving forward. We want to be challenged and we are ready to deliver," he said.
The foreign minister said success cannot be achieved alone, but it requires joint efforts.
He was speaking at a launching ceremony of a publication titled "Success Stories of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2019-2023)" at the Foreign Service Academy.
Bangladesh hands over humanitarian assistance to Palestine
Bangladesh has handed over humanitarian assistance to Palestine as directed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh Yousef SY Ramadan, among others, were present.
Read: At least 60% of Gaza's population displaced due to Israeli attacks: UN
The Ambassador received the token humanitarian assistance at a ceremony held at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday.
"This is the beginning. There will be many more," said Foreign Minister Momen, noting that this is the world's worst genocide on children.
The Palestine Ambassador thanked the government and people of Bangladesh for the love and respect that Bangladesh has been showing since the very beginning.
Pursuant to the directives of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, handed over the first instalment of humanitarian assistance consignments meant for the war-affected people of Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Envoy in Dhaka this afternoon.
The humanitarian assistance included dry food items including dry cake, biscuits, emergency medical items, sanitary items for women and children, etc.
The first instalment of the consignment contained 587 KG relief materials which was dispatched to Cairo, Egypt via regular flight of Egypt Airways.
Bangladesh Embassy in Cairo is coordinating with the Egyptian and Palestinian authority under the current arrangement of the disbursement of assistance in place.
The Foreign Minister expressed solidarity with the brotherly people of Palestine in this moment of crisis and assured Bangladesh’s possible support to the people of Palestine.
He also thanked the Egyptian Embassy in Dhaka and Egypt Airways for extending collaboration to dispatch this humanitarian assistance to Egypt for onward passage to Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing.
The Palestinian Envoy expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to the Prime Minister for the strong and steadfast support to the cause of Palestine and thanked the government for much needed assistance to the people in Gaza.
Bangladesh called upon the international community including the United Nations to condemn this heinous act and said the barbaric war must be put to a stop to prevent further deaths and suffering of innocent civilians as war victims.
Read: Palestinians in Gaza feel nowhere is safe amid unrelenting Israeli airstrikes
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, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh maintains that time has come for the international community to address the root causes of the on-going conflict.
Bangladesh underlined 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.
Read: A large demonstration in Brussels calls for ceasefire in Gaza
Bangladesh also urged all parties concerned to come to the negotiation table to work towards achieving a lasting solution to the question of Palestine.
With escalating climate crisis, accurate and fair reporting is needed more than ever: UNRC
Journalists and UN experts have discussed various aspects of climate action in Bangladesh, including climate resilient and green development, institutional and climate finance reforms, gender-responsive climate action, climate action in Rohingya refugee response, and the role of media.
Highlighting the importance of media coverage of climate action in the country, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, said in Bangladesh, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, the media's role in providing accurate reporting and shaping public opinion on climate is particularly important.
"That is why in our engagement with media we aim to provide journalists with all necessary information to address sustainable development goals and drive climate action across all levels of society," she said.
Read: UNHCR, Thailand enhance cooperation in support of displaced, stateless populations
“With the escalating climate crisis, accurate and fair reporting is needed more than ever, and I am grateful that journalists in Bangladesh are thoroughly covering climate change, which is the greatest challenge of sustainable development,” said the UN Resident Coordinator.
Dozens of journalists participated in the workshop, “Climate Action in Bangladesh: from Resilience to Prosperity”, organised by the United Nations (UN) in Bangladesh on Sunday.
The workshop was seen as an opportunity for journalists and UN experts to meet, exchange views on climate action and policies, establish collaborations, and receive first-hand information on climate action initiatives and activities.
Read: UNHCR, NGOs seek stronger partnerships for lasting solutions for forcibly displaced, stateless in Asia Pacific
Over 20 journalists from print, broadcast, and digital national and international media participated in the workshop, organised by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and different UN agencies, funds and programmes based in Bangladesh, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), UN Women, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN Industrial Development Organisation, the World Food Programme (WFP).
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.
Read: Blinken, Austin say US is ready to respond if US personnel become targets of Israel-Hamas war
“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
Dhaka urges D-8 to adopt joint declaration in solidarity, support for Palestinians
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Sunday inaugurated the two-day meeting of the 47th session of the D-8 Commission in Dhaka.
The D-8 Secretary-General, Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, D-8 Commissioners from the D-8 Member States and Officials from the D-8 Secretariat are participating in the meeting.
In his opening remarks, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.
Read: US Embassy contests home minister’s claim that Haas queried road closures on BNP rally dayCondemning the horrific atrocities against the innocent civilians in Gaza by the Israeli occupation forces, he called for an immediate cessation of violence in Gaza and for providing humanitarian access to the conflict zones in order to save lives of the innocent civilians.
During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh requested the D-8 Commissioners to adopt a Joint Declaration to express steadfast solidarity and support for the Palestinian people.
The D-8 Commissioners and the D-8 Secretary-General echoed the proposal of Bangladesh and agreed to adopt a Joint Declaration at the 47th session of the D-8 Commission.
Appreciating D-8’s remarkable journey of 26 years as an economic bloc, the Foreign Secretary further urged the D-8 Commissioners to deliver tangible outcomes of this economic cooperation by combining efforts of the Member States.
Prime Minister of Bangladesh assumed the Chairmanship of the Developing-Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) from the President of Turkiye in April 2021 at the 10th D-8 Summit.
Developing-8, is an organization for economic cooperation among the following countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkiye.
US Embassy contests home minister’s claim that Haas queried road closures on BNP rally day
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Sunday expressed the importance of peaceful demonstrations and interference-free participation in the political process during his meeting with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at the Secretariat.
The subject of road closures in Dhaka on October 28, the day opposition BNP is scheduled to hold a grand rally in the capital, was not discussed, according to the spokesperson of United States Embassy in Dhaka.
That claim contradicts the home minister’s recollection of the discussion he had with the ambassador. Talking to reporters after the meeting with Haas at his office in the Secretariat, Asaduzzaman said the US envoy wanted to know whether the government would blockade all entry points of Dhaka ahead of the BNP's rally on October 28.
Read: Haas queries home minister on security plan for BNP's Oct 28 rally
“The ambassador at the meeting wanted to know that the BNP may bring a number of people to Dhaka on the day of their mega rally. Whether we will close all the entry gates of Dhaka or take any other steps,” he said.
The home minister said he answered that the government doesn't have any programs like this.
“We said that we don’t have such plans. We believe the political agenda they have given will be observed peacefully. If they carry out their programs peacefully we don’t have any say on this,” he said.
“I said to the ambassador that why will we close the entry points? Everyone needs to come to Dhaka, a patient needs to come to Dhaka, if someone wants to go abroad, he needs to come to Dhaka - everything is Dhaka-centric,” he added.
On expectations from the BNP, the home minister said, “All we're going to say is that they don't indulge in any violence, and that they will keep the movement areas free. That's our request, we've already told them that.”
Read: Dhaka urges D-8 commissioners to adopt joint declaration expressing steadfast solidarity, support for Palestinian people
The unusually specific nature of the query by Haas, as relayed by the home minister, invited questions on whether lines of diplomatic etiquette were being maintained, when an ambassador of a foreign country has questions regarding security arrangements for a domestic political party’s program.
“That's the question I want to ask you (to journalists). My point is that he came, he is the ambassador of a country, he asked questions, we've answered,” said Asaduzzaman.
“It's not up to me to see if he can do it or not. For that, we have our foreign minister, we have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he added.
The US ambassador had come to discuss not only the October 28 program of the BNP but also the Rohingya crisis and other issues, the home minister said.
Before leaving the Secretariat following his meeting with the home boss, the US ambassador told reporters, "I had a meeting with the home minister. We hope that Durga Puja will be celebrated peacefully. We also hope that the political program scheduled for October 28 after Durga Puja will be peaceful and violence-free."
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said their party only plans to hold a grand rally amid a sea of its supporters and the general public in Dhaka on October 28, not stage an indefinite sit-in from the rally.
BRI, IPS & IMEC: Former FS says Bangladesh cannot choose one initiative over the other
Former foreign secretary Md Touhid Hossain has said Bangladesh's Indo-Pacific outlook does not pose a conflict with any nation and aligns with international principles.
"In the prevailing circumstances, Bangladesh cannot choose one initiative over the other," he said.
When addressing the question of which way to go, the former foreign secretary emphasized the importance of careful consideration.
"On the occasion of BRI's 10th anniversary, we can see the benefits it has brought to Bangladesh, with substantial investments in various projects. However, it is crucial to be cautious about the financing terms and potential debt traps. Every country must prioritize its national interest. For Bangladesh, BRI is more about economic development than geopolitics,” he said.
Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) organized a lecture on “BRI, IPS & IMEC: Which Way To Go?’ in Dhaka on Saturday.
The moderator of the discussion was BIPSS President Major General (Retd) ANM Muniruzzaman.
Read: UK for ‘peace and stability’ across Indo-Pacific, announces more funding for Rohingyas
The government officials, former Bangladeshi ambassadors, diplomats and delegates from Dhaka-based embassies, officials from international organizations, academics, and journalists were present.
In his opening remarks, Muniruzzaman provided an overview and highlighted the strategic implications of regional connectivity initiatives that are the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
“These are grand strategies that have been initiated by major powers and they all have deep strategic implications. So, it is not merely a connectivity project but has other connotations involved,” he said.
Read: Countries paying great attention to Indo-Pacific concept, enhancing engagements: Prof Jimbo Ken
These initiatives, he stressed, are often conflicting and strategically competitive. He emphasized the importance of aligning participation or avoidance of these initiatives with Bangladesh's national interest: "It is important for middle power countries like Bangladesh to understand the connotations of these initiatives. Whether we join them or avoid them must align with our national interest. Bangladesh is a BRI signatory country. We also have an Indo-Pacific Outlook."
He went on to discuss the importance of connectivity in the region and the need for a clear understanding of Bangladesh's role in these initiatives.
Touhid Hossain elaborated on the connectivity initiatives: "The Belt and Road Initiative or BRI is a Global Infrastructure Development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013. As of August 2023, 150 countries, including Bangladesh, have signed the BRI. The participating countries include 75% of the world's population and half of the global GDP," he said.
Read: Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook focuses on inclusive development, not about critical choices between major powers: Shahriar Alam
Hossain further explained the primary goals of BRI, which focus on infrastructure development to enhance trade and improve the standard of living in participating countries. He also noted that BRI has both economic and geopolitical implications, with China seeking to expand its influence in various regions.
Regarding the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), Hossain highlighted its origins: "The IPS was first given by Japan, with a focus on security and freedom of sea lanes. The United States also laid out its Indo-Pacific strategy in December 2021, aimed at countering Chinese influence in the region. Several U.S. allies have adopted similar Indo-Pacific strategies."
He emphasized that Bangladesh's Indo-Pacific Outlook aligns with the U.S. position and does not conflict with any specific country.
Read: Canada intends to become a long-term partner in the Indo-Pacific
On the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor (IMEC), Hossain mentioned its signing on the sidelines of the recent G20 summit: "We do not know much about IMEC, but it is also a signatory initiative. It will link three regions with state-of-the-art connectivity infrastructure, boosting economic relations and investment in local value chains."
During the interactive session of the event, the questions focused on the challenges and opportunities of BRI, relationship among politics, economics and connectivity, and the implications of these connectivity initiatives for Bangladesh.
END/UNB/MK/FH/1807 Hrs
Turkish Ambassador calls on Nasrul Hamid
Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid at his office in the ministry.
They discussed various issues related to mutual interest.
These covered both the nations’ culture, import-export business, economy, investment, and power and energy.
US Ambassador Peter Haas inaugurates new venue of EMK Center in Dhaka's Gulshan
Urging Turkey to invest in power-energy and mineral resources sectors in Bangladesh Nasrul Hamid focused on development of different sub-sectors.
The ambassador invited the state minister to attend the centenary ceremony of the declaration of Turkey.
PM’s Brussels visit ‘significant’ at a ‘crucial time’, will take Bangladesh-EU ties to a new height: Momen
7th BIGTEX expo to kick-off Oct 26
7th BIGTEX - Bangladesh International Garment & Textile Machinery Expo, will begin on October 26 at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka.
Industry Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun is expected to inaugurate the exposition on October 26 at 12:00pm which will continue until October 28.
Also read: US Embassy celebrates Bangladesh’s “vibrant indigenous community” with expo, cultural shows
RedCarpet Global Limited, the organizer of the BIGTEX expo, disclosed details about the mega exhibition at a press conference on Sunday (October 22) at the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) auditorium in the city.
The organizers said targeting the entire Textile, Garment & Apparel industry, they are organizing 5 international exhibitions simultaneously at the same place – named Bangladesh International Fabric & Yarn Expo, Bangladesh International Printing, Packaging & Signage Expo and Bangladesh International Dyes, Pigments & Chemicals Expo and 3P Expo - Bangladesh International Paper, Printing & Packaging Expo.
These exhibitions will also play an important role by showcasing latest machineries, technologies, dyes/chemicals, yarns, fabrics available for Bangladesh on display with manufacturers/suppliers from the world available to our Industry at the doorstep.
Also read: Three-day Expo on ‘marine and offshore items’ kicks off in Dhaka
Also the expo will provide an opportunity to experts, engineers & technicians in the field of textile to have a practical knowledge of the recent technological advancements available, without going abroad.
Ahmed Imtiaz, chief executive officer (CEO) of Redcarpet Global, mentioned that the expo will have almost 160 stalls from 12 countries including Asia and Europe.
Bangladesh holds the position of 2nd largest apparel exporter in the world & forecasted a target of $100 billion export by 2030, it needs quality Garment & Textile Machinery, Equipments, Technology, Printing & Packaging Machinery, Signage, Yarn, Fabric, Trims, Accessories, Dyes, Pigments, Chemicals at best Price. This expo will help manufacturer & dealers to showcase their products, where Bangladesh garment & textile factory owners & apparel exporters can get in touch with them, he said.
Also read: 3-day International Healthcare Expo to begin in Dhaka on September 28
Besides, the participants will be able to identify business contacts with prospect of entering into subsequent business negotiations, he said.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association is the associate partner of the exhibition and Image Group is the Powered by partner of the Printing expo.
This expo is supported by Bangladesh Paper Mills Association, endorsed by Bangladesh Sign Materials and Machineries Importers Association (BSMMIA) & Bangladesh Digital Printers Owners Association (BDPOA).
A.K.M Ahamed Ullah, secretary, Bangladesh Digital Printers Owners Association, Md Manik Dewan, secretary, Bangladesh Sign Materials and Machineries Importers Association, Md. Abdus Salam, chief executive officer (CEO), Images Ltd, Mohammad Ashraful Islam Riyadh, editor & publisher, Textile Focus also spoke about exhibitions in the press conference.
This Expo will be open for general & trade visitors from 10:30 am to 7:30pm every day.