Foreign-Affairs
Bangladesh seeks direct air links between Dhaka, Hanoi
Bangladesh has highlighted the potential of establishing direct air links between Dhaka and Hanoi - for accelerating trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people contacts.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen suggested Ambassador of Vietnam to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong to pursue this objective.
The newly appointed Ambassador met the Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday and discussed the issues of mutual interest.
The Foreign Secretary warmly welcomed Ambassador Cuong to Bangladesh, congratulated him on his new assignment, and assured him of full cooperation and support.
As 2023 marks the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Vietnam, he recalled the historic contributions of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Ho Chi Minh in leading the respective struggles for freedom and nation building.
Their discussions encompassed trade and investment relations, cooperation on addressing the issue of forcibly displaced nationals of Myanmar, and Bangladesh's bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
Both of them reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthen the growing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Vietnam, including through VVIP visits, exchange of trade delegations, and holding of Joint Trade Commission (JTC) and Foreign Office Consultation (FoC) in near future.
Reliable, experienced financial partners key to facilitate developments in renewables: Norwegian Ambassador
Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen on Monday said access to capital is so important to develop the renewable energy industry.
"Reliable and experienced financial partners are key to facilitate for further developments in renewable power generation," he said.
The Ambassador also stressed on removing obstacles and create a dynamic business climate for renewable energy by improving governance and transparency, well-regulated markets and smart incentives that promote the right kind of investments.
Read: US has ‘kind of alignment’ with recommendations made by IRI-NDI mission: Foreign Secretary
The Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka, in collaboration with Norfund and the Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bangladesh (NCCI), hosted the seminar to introduce the Climate Investment Fund (CIF) to Bangladesh.
The event highlighted Norway's significant commitment to support the transition to renewable energy in Bangladesh.
The event shed light on Bangladesh's green energy transition including increased investments in renewable energy, the development of conducive policies to facilitate green energy investments, the removal of fiscal barriers to renewable energy accessories, and collaboration with development partners for technical and financial support to accelerate the transition.
Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP, Special Envoy to the Prime Minister for Climate Change and Chairperson, Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change spoke as the chief guest.
He said Bangladesh is one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world and climate change impact is causing the country to lose 2% of its gross domestic product.
"Bangladesh is not only in need of investments in tackling climate impacts but also required technical assistance in building knowledge and capacity and The Nofund Climate Investment Fund can be a great facilitator," Saber said.
In his welcome remarks, NCCI President Tahrin Aman said Bangladesh's energy and power sector is in the midst of a profound transition, shifting from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Read: Masud-Afreen Meeting: Bangladesh, US want "free, fair, peaceful" elections
"This transition is not merely a change in our energy sources; it is a testament to our determination to build a sustainable and resilient future."
"Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan reflects our nation's unwavering commitment to a green, prosperous, and sustainable future. Over the years, various stakeholders, including NGOs, think tanks, financial institutions, the private sector, and energy experts have been relentless in their efforts to push the green energy agenda. Their dedication, their passion, and their collective vision are the driving force behind our transition to green energy,” NCCI President added.
The Climate Investment Fund (CIF) managed by Norfund, marks a "significant step" in Norway's commitment to global energy transition.
The CIF, with an allocation of 10 billion NOK (Norwegian Krone) from 2022 to 2027, is dedicated to invest in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies in developing countries with significant emissions from coal and other fossil fuel power production. Among them, Bangladesh holds a prominent position.
The fund is targeted to invest in a wide range of renewable energy projects, including large-scale endeavors like solar power plants and wind farms, as well as smaller opportunities such as rooftop solar installations.
Additionally, the CIF supports enabling technologies with substantial climate impact, such as energy storage and transmission infrastructure.
The seminar served as a platform to introduce the Climate Investment Fund and Norfund's role in advancing renewable energy in Bangladesh.
It brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, industry experts, investors, and thought leaders, to explore opportunities for collaboration and investment in the green energy transition.Bangladesh's energy and power sector is undergoing a transformative shift from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
US has ‘kind of alignment’ with recommendations made by IRI-NDI mission: Foreign Secretary
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Monday said the US government has "kind of alignment or endorsement” with the recommendations made by the joint IRI-NDI mission.
Talking to reporters, he said during his meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter, they discussed what Bangladesh is thinking of those recommendations.
"It's a political issue whether dialogue will be held or not," Masud Momen said while responding to a question.
Masud-Afreen Meeting: Bangladesh, US want "free, fair, peaceful" elections
The IRI-NDI joint delegation offered recommendations as a roadmap for progress towards "credible, inclusive, participatory, and nonviolent" elections that can advance Bangladesh’s democracy.
The recommendations are:
· Moderate rhetoric and engage in open and substantive dialogue on key election issues.
· Protect freedom of expression and ensure an open civic space where dissent is respected.
· Commit to nonviolence and hold perpetrators of political violence accountable.
· Create conditions to allow all parties to engage in meaningful political competition, including bolstering independent election management.
· Promote a culture of inclusive and active electoral participation among citizens.
WHO regional director election: Momen conveys Bangladesh’s gratitude to Thailand for support to Saima Wazed
When a reporter asked whether Bangladesh-US will sign any agreement on trade, investment, energy or defence before the election, the foreign secretary said there is no such possibility.
"At this moment, we do not see any such possibility," he said.
He also ruled out any possibility of welcoming any foreign observers with government expenditure.
He said logistics support will be provided as before.
The foreign secretary said the government has been assuring the US side of a free and fair election with public participation.
He also said violence does not take place on its own and inclusive elections depend on political parties.
Asked about Rohingya repatriation, the foreign secretary said it will begin when safety requirements are fulfilled. "We are not giving any timeline or deadline."
US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter in Dhaka
US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Afreen Akhter on Monday discussed issues of mutual interest including elections and the Rohingya issues with Bangladesh.
"Bangladesh and the United States want free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner," said the US Embassy in Dhaka after Afreen's meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present.
They discussed the "strong multifaceted" bilateral relationship between the two countries and its many aspects.
The US direct investment and trade, longstanding development partnership, the Middle East, the recent visit of the independent and nonpartisan election survey team, and supporting Rohingya refugees came up for discussion.
They also discussed government efforts to ensure that people of Bangladesh cast their votes in free, fair and peaceful elections.
Masud-Afreen Meeting: Bangladesh, US want "free, fair, peaceful" elections
US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Afreen Akhter on Monday discussed issues of mutual interest including elections and the Rohingya issues with Bangladesh.
"Bangladesh and the United States want free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner," said the US Embassy in Dhaka after Afreen's meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present.
They discussed the "strong multifaceted" bilateral relationship between the two countries and its many aspects.
The US direct investment and trade, longstanding development partnership, the Middle East, the recent visit of the independent and non-partisan election survey team, and supporting Rohingya refugees came up for discussion.
They also discussed government efforts to ensure the people of Bangladesh cast their votes in free, fair and peaceful elections.
Read: US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter in Dhaka
In Colombo recently, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen already briefed her about the preparations for the next national elections that the government wants to see free and fair.
Responding to a question, Momen recently said Afreen Akhter's visit is mainly to discuss two issues - Rohingya crisis and Bangladesh elections.
He said the US also wants to see free and fair elections in Bangladesh.
Momen, however, said the government can not guarantee an election free from violence if all parties do not show sincerity.
Read: Momen in Bangkok to attend high-level regional meeting on Rohingyas
WHO regional director election: Momen conveys Bangladesh’s gratitude to Thailand for support to Saima Wazed
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has conveyed Bangladesh’s gratitude to the government of Thailand for extending its support to Saima Wazed.Saima Wazed has been nominated by the government of Bangladesh for the post of Regional Director of World Health Organisation's (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEARO).
Foreign Minister Momen, currently in Bangkok to attend a high-level regional meeting, had a meeting with Thai Public Health Affairs Minister Dr. Cholnan Srikaew and discussed issues of mutual interest, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Thai public health minister also referred to their decision as "strong support for Bangladesh".
The names of the candidates for the election of the next regional director for WHO SEARO were sent by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to the relevant member states on August 18, 2023.
The candidates are Saima Wazed, nominated by Bangladesh, and Dr Shambhu Prasad Acharya, nominated by Nepal.
The Regional Committee of WHO South-East Asia Region will vote to nominate the next regional director in a closed meeting during its seventy-sixth session from October 30 to November 2, in New Delhi, India.
Read: It’s people of Bangladesh who will ultimately determine credibility, legitimacy of their elections: IRI-NDI delegation
The nomination will then be submitted for appointment by the 154th session of the WHO Executive Board, which takes place from January 22 to 27, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The newly appointed regional director will take office on February 1, 2024 for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.
Foreign Minister Momen arrived in Thailand on Monday morning on a two-day official visit.
In the morning, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Md. Abdul Hye welcomed the minister at the airport.
In the afternoon, the foreign minister had a courtesy meeting with the minister of public health of Thailand at his office.
Momen congratulated the newly appointed minister of public health of Thailand.
At this time, the ministers discussed in detail various issues related to the interests of the two countries, especially health care issues.
Read: Saima Wazed best choice for WHO SEARO post, endorses Dr Amit Chakrabarty
Foreign Minister Momen praised Thailand's healthcare system and the Thai government's handling of the Covid-19 epidemic.
He called for increased cooperation between the health sectors of the two countries, especially investment in the healthcare sector and establishment of specialized hospitals in Bangladesh.
The foreign minister of Bangladesh invited the Thai public health minister to visit Bangladesh in the near future.
Read more: Mental health stands as a critical pillar for human well-being: WHO
US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter in Dhaka
US Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Afreen Akhter arrived in Dhaka on Monday to discuss issues of mutual interest including elections and the Rohingya issue.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, earlier in Colombo, briefed her about the preparations for the next national election.
Read: Israel has right to statehood, so does Palestine: Chinese Ambassador
Responding to questions, Momen said that Afreen Akhter is coming mainly to discuss two issues -- Rohingya crisis and elections in Bangladesh.
He said the US wants to see free and fair elections in Bangladesh, just as the government does.
Momen, however, said the government cannot guarantee an election free from violence if all parties do not show sincerity.
He also conveyed to Akhter that Bangladeshis are not like Americans and people in Bangladesh cast their votes with much enthusiasm. "It's like a festival here. It's totally a different scenario in Bangladesh," Momen had said.
The US official will meet government officials to discuss priority bilateral issues and election issue may also come up for discussion, an official told UNB.
Read: Dhaka denounces Israel’s killing of women and children in besieged Gaza
She might also visit Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps during the visit.
Akhter looks after issues in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and the Maldives, as well as the Office of Security and Transnational Affairs.
She was the National Security and Foreign Affairs Adviser to US Senator Chris Van Hollen.
Afreen Akhter earlier visited Dhaka in May this year.
Momen in Bangkok to attend high-level regional meeting on Rohingyas
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen is currently in Bangkok, Thailand to attend a high-level regional meeting on Rohingya refugees, which will take place on October 17.
Momen reached Bangkok today to join the closed-door meeting, an official told UNB.
The meeting will seek international support for over a million Rohingya refugees and their hosting communities -- most of them in Bangladesh -- in the lead up to the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) in Geneva, December 2023.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, is also visiting Thailand to attend the meeting.
As part of the visit, Grandi will be opening the high-level regional meeting on Rohingya refugees on October 17.
UK's Minister of State for Indo-Pacific and the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration are among the key delegates attending the high-level meeting, according to UNHCR.
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s bazar district and Bhasan Char.
Israel has right to statehood, so does Palestine: Chinese Ambassador
China has called on relevant countries to exercise restraint, to take an objective and just position, to work for de-escalation of conflict, and to avoid causing an even bigger blow to regional and international security.
“China condemns all violence and attacks against civilians, and opposes all acts in violation of international law,” Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said during his meeting with Yousef Ramadan, Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh, on Monday (October 16, 2023).
Read: Death toll rises to 2,670 in Gaza: ministry
The two sides exchanged in-depth views on Palestine.
Ambassador Yao noted that regarding the latest round of the conflict, China believes that it is a top priority to make all-out efforts to stop the fighting as soon as possible, prevent it from spreading endlessly, and avoid further deterioration of the situation.
In the meantime, he said, it is imperative to observe the international humanitarian law, make every effort to ensure the safety of civilians, open up a humanitarian rescue and assistance passage as quickly as possible, and prevent a severe humanitarian disaster.
The UN should play its due role in resolving the question of Palestine, said the Chinese envoy.
Read: What military support the U.S. is providing to Israel's military
“The UN Security Council needs to shoulder important responsibilities for this, build international consensus as quickly as possible and take real measures to that end,” he said, adding that the protection of civilians in armed conflict is a red line under international humanitarian law.
Ambassador Yao also said, the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable, and neither Palestinian nor Israeli civilians should be targeted. “The safety of UN staff and humanitarian workers must be guaranteed.”
China is communicating with the relevant parties, according to Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.
The special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue will soon visit relevant countries in the region and make active efforts to facilitate a cessation of violence and de-escalate the situation.
In the meantime, China calls for a more authoritative, influential and broad-based international peace conference to be held under the auspices of the UN to build international consensus for peace and work for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine at an early date.
Ambassador Yao pointed out that regarding the question of Palestine, it is at the heart of the Middle East issue and a wound that keeps being torn open in today’s world.
“The root cause of this question lies in the long delay in realizing the dream of an independent State of Palestine and the failure to redress the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people,” he said.
“Israel has the right to statehood, so does Palestine. The Israelis have obtained the safeguards for survival, but who will care about the survival of the Palestinians? The Jewish nation is no longer homeless in the world, but when will the Palestinian nation return to its home? There is no shortage of injustices in the world, but the injustice to Palestine has dragged on for over half a century. The sufferings that plagued generations must not continue,” said the Chinese ambassador.
Read: Israel's Netanyahu vows to 'destroy' Hamas, says Gaza offensive still in early stages
The answer to the question is the two-state solution and an independent State of Palestine, he said.
“This is how Palestine and Israel could coexist in peace and how the Arabs and Jews could live in harmony. Only when the two-state solution is fully implemented can the Middle East truly enjoy peace and Israel enjoy lasting security,” said Ambassador Yao.
He said the right way to advance the two-state solution is to resume peace talks as soon as possible. “All mechanisms for peace must play a positive role.”
Ambassador Yao stressed that on the question of Palestine, China will continue to stand on the side of peace, on the side of justice, on the side of international law, on the side of shared aspirations of the majority of countries in the world, and on the side of human conscience.
Read more: Relocation of Gaza residents extremely dangerous: UN chief
‘We have nothing to comment on US mission’s recommendations,’ says Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said they have nothing to make any comment like - yes or no - regarding the recommendations made by the US pre-election assessment delegation comprised of representatives from International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI).
"They have given their opinion. It's their opinion. These are nothing different. We don't think it is very important," he told reporters while responding to a question.
Momen said many foreigners take fun of discussing elections issues and some media also inspire them.
He said they are always ready to discuss with all and in the MoFA they are having continous dialogue.
Responding to another question, Momen said they want voters, not depending on foreign observers.
He also said they do not go to the foreigners but foreigners come to Bangladesh to discuss bilateral and Rohingya issues.
The bipartisan and international pre-election delegation comprised of representatives from IRI and NDI on Sunday said that it is the people of Bangladesh who will ultimately determine the credibility and legitimacy of their elections and their country’s democratic development.
The delegation offered their pre-election statement in the "spirit of supporting and strengthening" democratic institutions in Bangladesh.
The delegation offered the recommendations below as a roadmap for progress toward credible, inclusive, participatory, and nonviolent elections that can advance #Bangladesh’s democracy.
They are outlined as
· Moderate rhetoric and engage in open and substantive dialogue on key election issues.
· Protect freedom of expression and ensure an open civic space where dissent is respected.
· Commit to nonviolence and hold perpetrators of political violence accountable.
· Create conditions to allow all parties to engage in meaningful political competition, including bolstering independent election management.
· Promote a culture of inclusive and active electoral participation among citizens.
Dhaka denounces Israel’s killing of women and children in besieged Gaza
Bangladesh has strongly condemned the growing civilian casualties including women and children as well as disproportionate use of force by Israel in Gaza.
Bangladesh also urged the international community to allow humanitarian assistance to the besieged Gaza to avoid mounting humanitarian disaster and work towards a two- state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the UNSC resolutions for a just and lasting solution and enduring peace in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the statement after Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef S.Y. Ramadan met Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Sunday.
Palestine-Israel clash won’t have any impact on Bangladesh: FM Momen
Appreciating wholehearted support from Bangladeshis, Palestinian Ambassador Ramadan on Thursday said they need full support and solidarity, noting that Israel must stop the ongoing genocide against Palestinian people.
"Believe me, we don't want your money but want your full support and love. Palestine wants the world to be on Palestine's side. Genocide and crimes against humanity must stop. That (what's happening) is unacceptable," he told reporters.
Hasan Mahmud says European countries suppressing freedom of expression by banning pro-Palestine rallies
On Thursday, the Palestine Embassy in Dhaka hosted 15 of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states' ambassadors and chargé d'Affaires who expressed solidarity and support for the people of Palestine and their legitimate struggle against the Zionist occupation.
At the same time, thousands of young Bangladeshis also attended the gathering for the same reason.
"It was overwhelming to see the love, support and respect of our Bangladeshi brothers and sisters towards their brothers and sisters in Palestine," said the ambassador.
Overwhelmed to see love and support here for people in Palestine: Ambassador