Foreign-Affairs
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
Moderate rhetoric, engage in open dialogue on key election issues: IRI-NDI delegation
An International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) joint delegation has said the upcoming national election in Bangladesh is a litmus test for democracy in the country.
“We feel the primary problem is lack of constructive engagement among key political actors,” said Karl F. Inderfurth (NDI Co-Chair) in a statement published today (October 15, 2023).
“The best way to end the stalemate is through good faith dialogue, in the run-up to the January 2024 elections and beyond.”
Also read: 'BNP kept no scope for compromise': Obaidul Quader to US delegation
From October 8 to 11, 2023, the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) deployed a bipartisan, international delegation to provide an independent and impartial assessment of electoral preparations ahead of Bangladesh's upcoming 12th parliamentary election; examine factors that could affect the integrity and viability of the electoral process; and offer recommendations that could help improve the prospects for inclusive, transparent, and peaceful elections and public confidence in the process.
Bangladesh’s robust economic growth and strong tradition of democratic values have set a strong foundation for the country to achieve its 2041 vision of becoming a developed country, the delegation said.
However, they said, the current political environment presents several challenges to electoral integrity, including uncompromising and zero-sum politics, highly charged rhetoric, political violence, a widespread climate of uncertainty and fear, contracting civic space and freedom of expression, and a trust deficit among citizens, political leaders, and other stakeholders.
Also read: Credible polls not possible under current regime, BNP tells US pre-election assessment team
Women, youth, and other marginalized groups also face significant barriers to participation.
Bangladesh is at a crossroads and the upcoming elections provide a litmus test for the country’s commitment to a democratic, participatory, and competitive political process.
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.
To develop these recommendations, the delegation met with government officials; the Bangladesh Election Commission; party leaders from across the political spectrum; civil society representatives; current and former women members of parliament; representatives of organizations engaging with youth, persons with disabilities and religious minorities; media representatives; members of the legal community; and representatives of the international and diplomatic communities.
Also read: PM Hasina vows to uphold democracy
“We appreciate all those who shared their views freely about the challenges and opportunities that exist in Bangladesh for holding inclusive, participatory, and nonviolent elections,” said Bonnie Glick (IRI Co-Chair)..
“We came away from these conversations with concerns about the election environment, but hopeful that our recommendations can help to improve the process.”
The delegation recognized 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 therefore offered this pre-election statement in the spirit of supporting and strengthening democratic institutions in Bangladesh.
Also read: US mission’s focus on free, fair, participatory polls: CEC
Members of the joint delegation included Bonnie Glick (IRI Co-Chair), Former Deputy USAID Administrator; Karl F. Inderfurth (NDI Co-Chair), Former Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs; Maria Chin Abdullah, Former Member of the House of Representatives, Malaysia; Jamil Jaffer, Former Associate Counsel to the President of the United States; Johanna Kao, IRI Senior Director, Asia-Pacific Division; and Manpreet Singh Anand, NDI Regional Director, Asia-Pacific. The delegates were joined by technical and country experts from NDI and IRI.
International Chamber of Commerce Global Chair Maria Fernanda Garza visiting Dhaka
Maria Fernanda Garza, chair of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), arrived in Dhaka on Saturday on a three-day visit.
She is the Chair of ICC, HQ in Paris for a two-year term from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024.
She is also a part of the group of advisors and leaders of the B20 and the United Nations Internet Governance Forum.
During her stay in Dhaka, she will call on Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, meet the FBCCI president and business leaders, and hold a meeting with ICC Bangladesh Executive Board members at ICC Bangladesh Secretariat.
Maria is a business leader, strong advocate of business ethics, and board member of several business organizations.
For ten years, she was Mexico’s Employer Delegate to the International Labour Organization Conference and was appointed as Vice Chair of Employers’ at the 98th Session of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
A Mexican businesswoman, Maria is CEO of Orestia, a manufacturing home improvement-water solutions company, with exports to USMCA region, Latin-America and Asia.
Read: International Chamber of Commerce gets 1st woman Chair
Her interest in improving the business environment, made her a prominent business leader at a young age.
She is one of the board members of Mexico's leading business organizations such as COPARMEX, CCE, ALIARSE, among others.
Maria was Chair of ICC México from 2014 to 2020 and Regional Coordinator for the ICC Regional Consultative Group for Americas during 2012-2020.
Read: Expo 2020: FBCCI, Dubai International Chamber to sign MoU
She is a member of the Governing Body of the International Court of Arbitration, the Advisory Committee on Sustainable Urbanization of the President of the UN General Assembly, the International Advocacy Caucus of Indonesia B20 and she was appointed to serve on the United Nations Secretary-General’s inaugural Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Leadership Panel for two years since 2022.
Read more: Australia Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry elects new executive committee
Palestine-Israel clash won’t have any impact on Bangladesh: FM Momen
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr AKM Abul Momen has said the ongoing war between the armed Palestinian group Hamas and occupying power Israel wouldn’t impact Bangladesh.
He said this while addressing a foundation stone ceremony of GC-Companiganj Road in Shiber Bazar of Sylhet on Friday noon.
The foreign minister said, “We don’t have any trade and commerce relations with Israel and didn’t recognise them. The whole world will have a hit due to the ongoing clash which may cause some difficulties.”
Read: Hasan Mahmud says European countries suppressing freedom of expression by banning pro-Palestine rallies
He said, “We are always on Palestine’s side, and want peace ever. No peace will prevail there unless Palestine-Israel is separated into two regions.”
Meanwhile on Friday, thousands of Muslim devotees in Bangladesh brought out protest processions against Israeli aggression across the country after Jumma prayer.
Appreciating wholehearted support from Bangladeshis, Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef SY Ramadan yesterday said they need full support and solidarity, noting that Israel must stop the ongoing genocide against Palestinian people.
Read: Islamic parties stage protest condemning Israeli attacks on Palestine
"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," he said.
Gaza was on the brink of running out of food, water, electricity and critical supplies, UN humanitarians warned on Thursday.
No aid can come from outside for the 2.3 million residents of the sealed-off enclave, and some 220,000 displaced people are taking shelter in schools run by the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA.
Read more: Overwhelmed to see love and support here for people in Palestine: Ambassador
Thousands of people from both Palestine and Israel have so far been killed in the ongoing clash that erupted last week.
Israel must rescind evacuation order for northern Gaza and comply with international law: UN expert
A UN expert today demanded that Israel immediately rescind its order for 1.1 million Palestinians to leave northern Gaza within 24 hours, condemning the evacuation order as a crime against humanity and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law
“Forcible population transfers constitute a crime against humanity, and collective punishment is prohibited under international humanitarian law,” said Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons.
“We are horrified at the prospect of an additional 1 million Palestinians joining the over 423,000 people already forcibly driven from their homes by the violence over the past week,” she said.
Read: UN peacekeeping mission: 75 navy personnel leave for Lebanon
“It is inconceivable that more than half of Gaza’s population could traverse an active war zone, without devastating humanitarian consequences, particularly while deprived of essential supplies and basic services,” said Gaviria Betancur.
Shortly before midnight, the Israeli military informed the United Nations that the entire population of Gaza, north of Wadi Gaza, should relocate to southern Gaza within 24 hours, including UN staff and those sheltered in UN facilities.
“The humanitarian system in Gaza is already at breaking point. Gaza’s infrastructure has been devastated by indiscriminate bombardments from air, land and sea, and those currently displaced have nowhere to go,” the expert said.
“Tripling the displaced population overnight will decimate and permanently alter the civilian population of Gaza,” she warned.
Read: Bangladesh won’t join any major global initiative before next polls: Foreign Minister
The Special Rapporteur said that humanitarian actors in Gaza were facing an overwhelming rise in needs against a backdrop of attacks on healthcare facilities and health workers, threats against humanitarian workers, and a draconian siege that has cut off access to water, fuel, medicine, electricity, communications, and essential humanitarian supplies.
“More than two-thirds of internally displaced persons are sheltering in UNRWA schools which are not fit for this purpose, and have themselves been bombarded. Over 1,400 Palestinians have been killed and more than 6,000 have been injured since 7 October, leaving hospitals overwhelmed,” she said.
“Because there is no conceivable way for hospitals to evacuate the most serious cases, the WHO has called the evacuation order an effective ‘death sentence’ for the sick,” added Gaviria Betancur added.
Recalling the earlier statement from a group of UN experts, she urged Israel to adhere to international law.
Read: China stands by Bangladesh with ‘China Solution’: Chinese envoy
“I would like to remind Israel that observance of international law is compulsory, not optional, during any conflict,” the expert said.
“To that end, I call for the strict respect of international humanitarian law and its provisions, including unrestricted humanitarian access to those in need, the cessation of indiscriminate attacks against civilians, and an end to forced displacement of populations and blockade,” she said.
UN peacekeeping mission: 75 navy personnel leave for Lebanon
A Bangladesh naval team left for the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon by a flight from Chattogram Friday.
The 75-member strong contingent flew to Middle East’s Lebanon from Shah Amanat International Airport in the port city of Chattogram, said an ISPR media release.
Navy Chief M Nazmul Hassan promoted to Admiral
The navy personnel will join the ‘BNS Sangram’ under Bangladesh naval contingent ‘BANCON-14’ in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
New navy chief pays courtesy call on PM
Chief Staff Officer (Chattogram zone) Captain Jamal Uddin Chowdhury saw off the navy personnel at the airport.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Abdullah Al Mamun Chowdhury formally bade them at BNS Issa Khan Base in Chattogram.
Chinese navy ship pays port call to Philippines in goodwill tour of region
He directed the contingent members to perform their duty with honesty, sincerity and professional efficiency to uphold the image of the country, meaning Bangladesh navy, before the world community.
It is learned that the Bangladesh navy has been working in the UNIFIL as a multinational maritime task force since 2010.
Saima Wazed best choice for WHO SEARO post, endorses Dr Amit Chakrabarty
With a glowing endorsement over the nomination of Saima Wazed for WHO’s SEARO director and calling her the best fit for the rank, Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, the president elect of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, ruled out a wave of clamour raised centering the nomination calling it “disinformation, lack of substance and suffers from bias”.
“It is quite clear that some sort of concerns raised by a section over her nomination clearly lacks substance, suffers from bias and should be rejected outright” added the renowned physician in a testimonial for Saima.
Moreover, Amit, who is chairman of Poplar Bluff Urology, also observed that “she is the best choice for the top WHO position in SEA region while her tenure, if elected, would surely help WHO transform more lives and help augment the exemplary humanitarian service that WHO has been performing over the years across the world”.
Likening these “campaign” over the nomination to “disinformation” , he pointed out “Imposition of some criteria seems imaginary what makes the campaign ring hollow”.
Stressing on the need for addressing challenges of mental health, he added “in the wake of the pandemic, addressing mental health issues marked a steady rise with an estimated 300 million individuals globally have a neurodevelopment disorder, surely a menace that she put on spotlight.”
Andy Shih of Autism Speaks writes in support of Saima Wazed’s nomination for WHO SEARO Regional Director post
“It is understandable her relentless work on the field of public and mental health, which had long been ignored on global platforms, clearly opened up a new path before a number of nations including the Southeast Asian nations, much to the relief to those who were suffering from this menace”, added Amit, who also heads ApShiNi an Non-Profit organisation for international philanthropic activities and community service.
“A heap of glowing endorsement to her work, as already testified by WHO and other such bodies, stands as a strong pointer and serves justification on part of the youngest nation in south Asia to endorse her nomination for the post”, he added.
Drawing comparison with her contender Dr Shambhu Acharya who he found to hold “little expertise on working at such massive scale in grassroots”, the top physician added “In light with Saima Wazed’s work in public health for her country, her victory in the election, would clearly add fresh impetus for the whole region, as she has become a global voice already”.
Another key feature the physician pointed out was the tumultuous path descended on the life of Saima Wazed following the assassination of her grandfather that led her to traverse a number of countries yet she rose to contributing to lives of people suffering from neurodevelopmental diseases.
“Another human aspect in her rise to current stature surely sets her apart as she, after the assassination of her grandfather, had to change countries as insurmountable odds descended on their lives.
“Not to be outdone by such trouble, she rather demonstrated a steely resolve turning herself into the voice to the voiceless. Any WHO official symbolizing such a scale of courage and tenacity with aforementioned acumen surely stands as the best fit to represent that global heath body”.
Glad to work with GCA as special representative for climate, health: Saima Wazed
“Moreover, given in the Southeast Asian nation, promoting universal health coverage – health for all - and building robust health systems remained a key area of priority for WHO, the example of Bangladesh is also encouraging considering the country’s shining performance than neighbors on all possible indicators offering a lesson for the region and WHO also”,
In light with Saima Wazed’s work in public health for her country, her victory in the election, would clearly give a new facelift for the whole region, as* she has become a global voice already, acknowledged by WHO, unlike her contender who had little expertise on working at such massive scale in grassroots..
Acknowledged by WHO, unlike her contender who had “And there is no denying the Southeast Asian region clearly lacks adequate expertise in dealing with the crisis. So surely if elected, her voice, expertise would set her apart and could surely add a new thrust for the WHO also in helping these nations ride out the fallout of the pandemic”.
"I contend she is the best choice for the top WHO position in SEA region while her tenure, if elected, would surely help WHO transform more lives and help augment the exemplary humanitarian service that WHO has been performing over the years across the world."
Several public health experts in the region react optimistically at Saima Wazed’s nomination for the post of WHO SEARO Director
Earlier, Saima Wazed wrote "While I accept it is inevitable that there will be greater scrutiny of me due to my mother's position, what is unfortunate is the erasure of my years of work, study and accomplishments,"
It is worth mentioning that several former WHO officials from member states have already expressed their support for Saima Wazed's nomination for the post.
Bangladesh won’t join any major global initiative before next polls: Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said Bangladesh will not join any major global initiative before the next national election.
He made the remarks when a reporter wanted to know whether Bangladesh will join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) or not.
Read: China stands by Bangladesh with ‘China Solution’: Chinese envoy
The RCEP is the world's largest regional free-trade bloc led by China.
The Foreign Minister was briefing the media on a number of issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read: Overwhelmed to see love and support here for people in Palestine: Ambassador
Bangladesh had initiated discussion to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to retain duty benefits once it makes the United Nations status graduation from a least developed country to a developing one in 2026.