Foreign-Affairs
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.
US Ambassador Peter Haas inaugurates new venue of EMK Center in Dhaka's Gulshan
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas today inaugurated the new venue of the Edward M. Kennedy (EMK) Center in Dhaka's Gulshan.
The EMK Center aims to foster knowledge exchange, promote people-to-people ties, strengthen the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh, and is a joint effort between the Embassy of the United States of America and JAAGO Foundation.
US Embassy's Public Engagement Director, Sharlina Hussain-Morgan, said, "To the young Bangladeshis who will come through these doors – this is a call to action just like those who came before you – to learn, lead, engage, and connect."
Also read: US envoy Peter Haas meets editors
Embassy's Public Diplomacy Counselor Stephen Ibelli moderated the inaugural ceremony.
The EMK Center is a hub for Bangladeshi youths for intellectual engagement, providing access to a wide range of resources, including books, digital materials, multimedia content, and online databases.
The EMK Center has a modern recording studio with AR/VR technology and one of the largest 3D printers in Dhaka.
The center exhibits photographs, paintings, and art installations by aspiring artists.
It serves as a space where students, researchers, artists, and enthusiasts can gather to expand their horizons, engage in discussions, and collaborate on projects that contribute to educational and social development.
Also read: By championing democracy and human rights, US paving the way for a region that thrives: Ambassador Haas
It also serves as an EducationUSA advising center, housing four expert advisers providing students with access to free services on application processes for studies in the United States.
The EMK Center hosts a variety of programmes, workshops, and events focused on areas like English language learning, entrepreneurship, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), cultural performances, exhibitions, and American literature and history. These activities enhance participants' skills and foster an appreciation for diversity of thought and ideas.
US exchange programme alumni, government officials, educators, students, and members of the arts, civil society, and culture communities attended this opening ceremony.
The EMK Center is a testament to the strong collaboration between the American Embassy and its local partners, reflecting a shared commitment to promote academic excellence and intercultural dialogue.
Also read: ‘Academy for Women Entrepreneurs’ closing ceremony held at the EMK Center
As the EMK Center embarks on its journey in Gulshan, it remains a vital resource for individuals seeking to broaden their horizons and make meaningful contributions to society.
The EMK Center is located at level 6, Grand Delvistaa, CES (A) 1/A, Road 113 on Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka.
PM’s Brussels visit ‘significant’ at a ‘crucial time’, will take Bangladesh-EU ties to a new height: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Sunday (October 22, 2023) described Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to Brussels as “extremely significant” which will help take Bangladesh’s ties with the European Union (EU) to a new height.
“This is a very significant visit. This is an achievement for us,” he told reporters, noting that the visit is happening at a “crucial moment.”
Asked why it is a crucial time, Momen referred to the upcoming general election of Bangladesh. “We hope the visit will be very successful and fruitful.”
The prime minister will be visiting Brussels from October 24-26 at the invitation of European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen.
Also read: PM Hasina to attend Global Gateway Forum 2023 in Brussels this month: Momen
The foreign minister said that the EU will provide Euro 407 million to Bangladesh in the form of concessional loans and grants.
Of this, Euro 350 million will be concessional loans, he said.
Responding to a question, the foreign minister said the EU will send a seven-member team and Bangladesh will not spend money on foreign election observers.
The prime minister will attend the Global Gateway Forum, which will bring together representatives of governments from the European Union and around the world along with the private sector, civil society, leading thinkers, financing institutions, and international organisations. The event will be held in the Belgian capital on October 25, 26.
The prime minister will hold bilateral meetings with European Commission Vice President and European Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday.
The two sides are likely to shed light on taking the 50-year relations to new a height, Momen said.
Also read: Foreigners should watch Mujib biopic to know Bangladesh, its history: Momen
A loan agreement worth 350 million Euros will be signed between the Economic Relations Division and European Investment Bank during the visit.
The PM will deliver her speech at the opening plenary session of the Global Gateway Forum which will be held for the first time.
She will also hold a meeting with European Investment Bank President Dr Werner Hoyer, Momen said.
European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič and Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen will separately meet the prime minister.
She will attend a dinner to be hosted by the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Also read: No one wins by killing innocent people: Momen tells OIC meeting in Jeddah
PM Hasina will also attend a civic reception to be arranged by Bangladeshi expatriates in Belgium.
She is scheduled to leave for Brussels on Tuesday morning by a commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
She will leave Brussels on Thursday night and arrive in Dhaka on Friday, said Momen who will accompany the premier.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, invited PM Hasina when they met at the G20 Summit recently.
The EU's Global Gateway strategy connects countries and regions around the world by encouraging public and private investments in a global network of transportation and supply chains, green energy, modern telecommunications, education and research, with an emphasis on sustainable development and European values, such as good governance, transparency and equal partnership.
Japan provides Tk 6.9 million for vocational training facility project
The government of Japan today extended a grant of USD 64,507 (approximately Tk 6.9 million) to a Bangladeshi NGO, Bangla-German Sampreeti (BGS).
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori signed the grant contracts for 'Grass-Roots Human Security Projects' (GGHSP) at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka.
BGS has been awarded USD 64,507 as a grant for the project for the construction of vocational training facilities in Cox's Bazar district.
Also read: Japan provides $1500 million to implement Matarbari coal-fired power plant
BGS has been working on various activities, such as technical and vocational training, youth support, human rights protection, microfinance, disaster issues, water and sanitation, health and nutrition, food security, and livelihood promotion.
With the assistance of GGHSP funding, BGS will construct a vocational training facility in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar district, to provide vocational training courses to socially and economically vulnerable young people in the host community of Rohingya refugees, expanding employment opportunities to strengthen poverty reduction in the targeted area.
Also read: Bangladesh to be among first four recipients of Japanese security assistance
Japan has supported 213 NGO projects through its 'Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects' since 1989 with the view to enhancing economic and social human security, according to the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka.
The total sum of these GGHSP grants extended to NGOs in Bangladesh to date amounts to approximately $16.85 million.
Also read: Japan grants 472 million yen for HR development scholarship project
Consular Corps elects new executive committee for 2023-25
The Consular Corps of Bangladesh (CCB) has elected its Executive Committee for the period from 2023 to 2025.
Honorary Consul General of Poland in Dhaka Reshadur Rahman has been made the President of Consular Corps of Bangladesh.
Also read: CCB hosts farewell lunch for Bernicat
Honorary Consul of Republic of Seychelles Md. Amiruzzaman and Honorary Consul of Republic of Malta Shoeb Chowdhury have been made Vice Presidents of CCB, CCB said on Saturday.
Immediate past President of CCB Neaz Ahmed, Honorary Consul of New Zealand is also a member of the Executive Committee.
Also read: Dean of Diplomatic Corps hosts reception for diplomats
Honorary Consul of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Shams Mahmud has been made Secretary General of CCB.
Honorary Consul of Republic of Guatemala Zulfikar Ali has been made Treasurer of CCB.
Also read: Dean of diplomatic corps, envoy to SL call on president
The other members of the Executive Committee are Honorary Consul of South Africa in Chattogram Md. Solaiman Alam Seth, Honorary Consul of Luxembourg Nasreen Zamir, Honorary Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mohammed Taneem Hassan, Honorary Consul of Republic of Estonia Syed Farhad Ahmed and Honorary Consul of Georgia Riad Mahmud.