Foreign-Affairs
Bangladesh welcomes increased investment interest from Saudi Arabia
Welcoming increased interest from Saudi Arabia to invest in Bangladesh, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Tuesday said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has emerged as a valued development partner.
Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has contributed some 533.23 million dollars in loan assistance and 106.38 million in grant assistance in infrastructure development of Bangladesh, he said.
"Bangladesh deeply appreciates Saudi Arabia’s commitment and efforts to diplomacy and regional stability," said the State Minister, while speaking at a reception as guest of honor marking the 93rd National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Royal Saudi Embassy.
PM's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman joined as the chief guest.
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Al Duhailan also spoke at the event, attended by Cabinet members, Ambassadors and High Commissioners stationed in Dhaka, business leaders and senior journalists.
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Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh welcomes Saudi Arabia’s restoration of ties with Iran and Qatar, its willingness to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, its initiative to bring Syria to the Arab League, and finding a political solution to the Yemen crisis. "We further reiterate our support for the Middle East peace process."
'We also take note of Saudi Arabia’s increasing global clout and welcome Saudi Arabia’s inclusion to BRICS. Indeed, we are happy to support Saudi Arabia in hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh," he said. The State Minister laid emphasis on continued peace, progress and prosperity of Saudi Arabia.
"We hope that Bangladesh-Saudi relations will grow from strength to strength and move forward to the mutual benefits of our two peoples," he said, commending the Ambassador for his active and dynamic roles in strengthening mutual cooperation and bilateral engagements to new dimensions.
The State Minister conveyed their heartfelt felicitations to the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and the Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, brotherly people and the government of Saudi Arabia on this grand occasion.
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He said Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are trusted friends and bilateral partners.
"Bangladesh enjoys excellent multifaceted relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the bilateral and multilateral areas," said the State Minister.
The relations take roots in the commonality of positions on major global issues and complementarity of interests in the economic fields, deep understanding, mutual respect, similar aspirations for peace and development underpinned by common Islamic tradition and culture, he said.
"The engagements today span across many areas including economy, trade, investment, energy security, agriculture, culture, education, etc. in addition to the dominant sector of manpower," said the State Minister.
Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh-Saudi relationship is witnessing a new era of partnership through a plethora of engagements.
"The depth and warmth of our ties is reflected in the high level visit and frequent exchange of messages between the leaders of our two countries," he said.
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Saudi Arabia five times during the last 15 years in 2009, 2016, 2017, and twice in 2018 respectively.
Bangladesh also received high level delegations from Saudi Arabia to Dhaka including the Saudi Foreign Minister, Commerce Minister, Deputy Minister for Interior Affairs, and the Minister and Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, along with a number of business delegations to Dhaka.
"Our President and Prime Minister’s recent productive meetings with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud this year has inspired us to further elevate our excellent fraternal relations," said Shahriar.
The Kingdom is hosting 2.8 million workers from Bangladesh, who are not only the largest expat group in the Kingdom but also the biggest community of Bangladeshi expatriates outside Bangladesh.
"It’s a matter of great satisfaction that our overseas employment cooperation has expanded many-fold in recent years," Shahriar added.
The two countries signed a vital agreement this year related to Workers’ Recruitment and Skill Verification Programme (SVP) specific to the Bangladeshi workforce, through which the Kingdom will recruit skilled workers while continuing to recruit unskilled workers from the country.
KL mission expresses grief over death of Bangladeshi student in Malaysia; pushes back on family's allegations
The Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur (KL) has expressed its grief over the death of Bangladeshi student Irfan Siddiq in Malaysia.
Irfan was a student of the Management department at the Kuching city campus of the Swinburne University of Technology in Sarawak, one of the thirteen provinces of Malaysia. He died on September 18.
The High Commission conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members of the deceased, according to a press release.
It said as soon as news of the student's death came to their notice, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia Md Golam Sarwar sent an officer of the rank of counsellor to Sarawak the next day.
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Meanwhile, the family of the deceased student, with the help of a DIG-rank officer of Bangladesh Police, submitted a petition through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh to prevent any post-mortem and further investigation of the body, said the release.
Taking into account the sentiments of the family members and written requests, the authorities allowed the body to be sent back to Bangladesh without conducting a post-mortem. All the ancillary preparations, including making tickets to send the body home, were completed as usual.
The student was reportedly suffering from mental trauma/depression for the past few months. He had reportedly informed the family about his mental state in the past and even told his mother that he would commit suicide, according to the KL mission's account set forth in the press release.
The family and university authorities were reportedly aware of his disturbed state, but no one was able to take the steps that may have prevented such a tragic finale, which is very sad, added the High Commission's press release.
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After his death, the family has tried to blame the High Commission, even though it had no prior information pertaining to the situation. It only became aware of the matter after his death, according to the press release. The entire sad episode played out in Sarawak, the Malaysian part of the island of Borneo, whereas the Bangladesh mission is in Kuala Lumpur, located in what is known as peninsular Malaysia. The distance between KL and Sarawak is close to 1300 kilometres.
The distance notwithstanding, all Bangladeshis in Malaysia of course are to be served by the same mission. But the distance and location is pointed out to convey that there was no shared social scene or close-knit community through which the High Commission or its officials could become aware of the situation, without someone specifically informing it.
The KL mission in its press release also hit back at the family's allegations by questioning why the family had not sought any help from it earlier, despite knowing about the mental instability afflicting the student.
The High Commission is being blamed only on the basis of what is heard from various media outlets and on the basis of perceptions, which is unexpected and sad on behalf of the family/relatives of the deceased student. Where the High Commission has worked sincerely to fulfill the wishes of the family of the deceased student, it added
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Since the family has called for a re-investigation, considering the seriousness of the matter, the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has already written to the Malaysian government to re-investigate the death. It is taking the unexpected death of Bangladeshi student Irfan Siddique very seriously. The High Commission believes that this press release, based on the information of the High Commission and disseminated with evidence, will put an end to the reasonable questions of all the concerned people.
UN chief for green investments to build tourism sector that delivers for people, planet
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding but in order to deliver its full benefits, this force must be protected and nurtured.
“On this World Tourism Day, we recognize the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for people and planet,” he said in a message marking the World Tourism Day that falls on September 27.
Today, the climate emergency is threatening many travel destinations and the very survival of communities and economies that depend on tourism.
And, the UN chief said, many developing countries that are severely affected by a changing climate are also facing a growing investment deficit and a cost-of-living crisis.
“So let us all do more to harness the full potential of sustainable tourism. Because investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all,” Guterres said.
He said governments and businesses must invest in sustainable and resilient tourism practices.
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“Private actors must adopt zero-emission pathways, lower their energy consumption and leverage renewable forms of energy. And everyone must protect the biodiversity and ecological balance of all destinations,” said the UN chief.
He said targeted investments can deliver jobs and support local businesses and industries while mitigating the environmental impacts of tourism, empowering communities, promoting their cultures, and contributing to essential social protection systems.
Dhaka, Beijing committed to deepening strategic cooperation to uplift ties in new era: Ambassador Yao
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference, so that the country can maintain domestic unity and stability and achieve development and revitalization.
"Bangladesh firmly pursues the one-China principle and appreciates the important role China has played in promoting regional peace and stability. The two sides are committed to further deepening strategic cooperation and thereby uplifting China-Bangladesh relations to a higher level in the new era," he said.
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The Ambassador said Bangladesh and China are close partners for joint development.
He was speaking at a reception marking the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China Monday night. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan joined as the chief guest.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the launching of the Belt and Road Initiative by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
"Cooperation between China and Bangladesh under the BRI has also entered a harvest season," said the Chinese envoy.
US appoints Dr. Patricia Gruber as Science and Technology Adviser to Secretary of State
The United States Department of State has announced a new Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State.
Dr. Patricia Gruber will lead the Office of the Science and Technology Adviser and work to anticipate science and technology trends that impact foreign policy, build STEM capacity within the Department, and connect the Department to domestic and international stakeholders in the scientific and technological communities.
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Dr. Gruber’s appointment demonstrates Secretary of State Blinken’s commitment to ensuring that scientific and technology expertise is infused into the work of the Department at all levels and highlights the importance of robust engagement with the scientific community on issues that are central to our foreign policy, said the US Department of State Spokesperson.
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In this role, Dr. Gruber will build upon the ongoing workstreams within the Department to advance US science and technology diplomacy.
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US visa restrictions: State Dept spokesperson refrains from mentioning media
Though US Ambassador Peter Haas mentioned inclusion of media in the visa restriction policy for Bangladesh, the United States Department of State refrained from mentioning media.
“I will say that, as we noted when we announced these new visa restrictions on Friday, they include – they include both members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition,” US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said during a regular media briefing on September 25.
He also said when the US Secretary of State announced the new visa policy in May, the purpose was not to take a side, but to ensure or to support free, fair, and peaceful national election in Bangladesh.
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Responding to a question specifically on the inclusion of media in the visa restrictions, the State Department spokesperson said: “I think what we have said, and we – so we have not announced because visa records are confidential – we have not announced the specific members or the specific individuals to which this will apply, but it made clear that they will apply to members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition.”
Clarifying the issue after US Ambassador Peter Haas’ remarks, the US Embassy in a Facebook post on Monday said, “We are applying the [visa restriction] policy in a balanced way against anyone [undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh] – regardless of being pro-government, opposition party, members of law enforcement agencies, members of the judiciary, or media persons.”
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US Embassy Spokesperson Bryan Schiller said the visa restriction policy can be applied to anyone “found to be undermining” democratic elections in Bangladesh.
“This could include vote rigging, intimidating voters, use of violence to prevent people from exercising their rights to freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly, and the use of measures designed to prevent political parties, voters, civil society, or the media from participating in the electoral process or expressing their views,” he told UNB while responding to a question.
Responding to a question on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s release and treatment abroad, US State Department Spokesperson Miller said, “I just don’t have any comment on that.”
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A2I's 'e-Quality Centre for Inclusive Innovation’ launched by Momen in New York
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, launched the “e-Quality Centre for Inclusive Innovation”on Monday during a side event at the 78th United Nations General Assembly.
The side event titled as “Envisioning a world with Zero Digital Divide through e-Quality Centre for Inclusive Innovation” was organized jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a2i (Access to Information), a project of the ICT Division, according to a press release.
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Ministers and high officials from Gambia, Uganda, Ghana, Somalia, São Tomé and Príncipe and United Nations Secretariat, and senior officials from the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the United Nations and a2i were present in the inaugural ceremony.
The goal of the e-Quality center is to eradicate the digital divide by leveraging South-South Cooperation. This flagship center proposed by Bangladesh will be working on the utilization of cutting-edge technology, research, and innovation to narrow this gap in Global South countries. Its approach encompasses global technology transfer, policy research, and financial support, all aiming to create a digital future where no one is excluded, said the release.
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The foreign minister in his remarks highlighted Bangladesh’s journey towards digital empowerment, inclusive growth, and evolution from ‘Digital Bangladesh’ to ‘Smart Bangladesh’. He also emphasised on the necessity of technology transfer, cooperation between the developing world, digital empowerment of all walks of society and the eradication of digital divide.
He described the e-Quality centre as an embodiment of Bangladesh’s aspirations and a symbol of its commitment to a world where technology is an equalizer, and progress is a collective endeavor. He also stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its ICT and ITIT Wing has taken all measures necessary for fostering international collaborations, enabling the seamless integration of technology and innovation – so that the initiative becomes truly global in context and inclusive in nature.
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Technical and operational aspects of e-Quality center were presented during the side event. Ministers, high officials, and representatives of various UN organizations provided their observations on the endeavor. They emphasized the necessity of inclusive distribution of technology, cooperation between the developed and developing countries and the challenges of the new digital reality.
State Minister for ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, gave closing remarks of the program. In line with the inaugural program held in the UN headquarters, a virtual session with the participants from the United Kingdom was also organized.
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US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter will travel to Islamabad, Karachi, and Dhaka September 25 – October 2.
The Assistant Secretary will meet with embassy and consulate staff and observe consular operations, said the US Department of State on Monday.
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She will meet with host government officials to discuss consular issues.
"Her trip underscores our deep and sustained commitment to the protection of U.S. citizens overseas and the facilitation of legitimate travel and immigration to the United States," said the Spokesperson at the US Department of State.
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US-Bangladeshi religious minorities’ leaders meet foreign minister Momen in New York
US Bangladeshi religious minority leaders met with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen in New York on Sunday.
They discussed issues related to religious minorities in Bangladesh. The leaders requested the foreign minister's assistance in facilitating the passage of a Hate Crime Act, according to a press release on Monday.
Momen urges Bangladeshi diaspora to counter misinformation and propaganda with facts
At the time, the leaders thanked the foreign minister for his ongoing support, particularly amplifying security and protection for 2022 Durga Puja celebrations, and requested for a safe and peaceful Durga Puja celebration in 2023, it said.
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Dr Dilip Nath, New York Democratic leader; Dr Dwijen Bhattacharjee, general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian Unity Council, USA (BHBCUC, USA); and Dr Thomas Dulu Roy, president of BHBCUC, USA, were present at the time, among others.
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Momen urges Bangladeshi diaspora to counter misinformation and propaganda with facts
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has called upon the Bangladeshi diaspora to play an active role for the country, urging them to counter misinformation and propaganda with facts and figures.
He also praised their role in connecting Bangladesh with the world and urged them to highlight the nation's achievements.
The Foreign Minister was speaking at an event, titled "Branding Bangladesh through UN Peacekeeping & NRBs," organized by the Centre for Non-Resident Bangladeshi, held at Queens in New York on Sunday, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Dr Momen emphasized the strong relationship between Bangladesh and the US, both in trade and shared values.
He encouraged the diaspora to stay connected with Bangladesh and contribute to the socio-economic progress of both countries.
Dr Momen highlighted Bangladesh's resilience, evident during the Liberation War in 1971 when the nation stood firm against oppression, injustice, and discrimination, ultimately securing its independence through the sacrifices of three million people. "This struggle exemplified the courage and sacrifice of the Bengali nation."
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He acknowledged the challenges that followed independence, including famine and climate disasters, which led the West to label Bangladesh as a "bottomless basket."
"However, over the years, Bangladesh has evolved into a vibrant economy, witnessing remarkable growth in exports and GDP. It now stands as the 35th largest economy globally, having significantly reduced poverty and improved various social indicators," Momen said.
The Foreign Minister stated that during 1975-1990, Bangladesh’s GDP growth rate was 3.2%, and now the average growth rate is 6.8%.
He said, during 2001-2006, Bangladesh was branded as “a land of radicalism, Jihadis, and cocoon of terrorism.” Good news is those days are over now, he added.
After the heinous assassination of the Father of the Nation, the infamous Indemnity Act was enacted, providing unprecedented legal immunity from any action against all the killers involved in the assassination. The killers were awarded with prestigious jobs and positions, said the Foreign Minister.
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Dr Momen praised the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for rebranding Bangladesh as a role model of development.
"Under her guidance, Bangladesh has made significant progress in socio-economic indicators, climate diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts," he said.
Dr Momen emphasized Bangladesh's commitment to peace and security, highlighting its role as a top contributor to UN Peacekeeping Operations.
He recognized the invaluable contributions of the 12 million Bangladeshi expatriates, who support their homeland through remittances and contributions to various sectors.
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Dr. Mashiur Rahman, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister; MS Shekil Chowdhury, Chairperson, Centre for NRB; Ambassador Dr. Sima Karetnaya, US Ambassador of Peace, UN & Expert WHO; Nazmul Huda, Consul General of Bangladesh Consulate in New York, were present, among others.