Foreign-Affairs
New UNHCR country rep wants to work closely with govt, civil society partners
UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Sumbul Rizvi has said she is here to continue strengthening the close cooperation with humanitarian and civil society partners, working hand in hand with the government to ensure the wellbeing of Rohingya refugees and affected local communities.
Upon taking up her new role, Rizvi said, "It's an honour and a privilege to assume my role as UNHCR's Representative in a nation celebrated for its profound humanitarian heart, sheltering close to a million refugees."
"Rejoining efforts to provide assistance to, and find solutions for, Rohingya refugees fills me with enthusiasm," she mentioned.
Also read: Rohingyas' prolonged stay in Bangladesh may pose threats to security of region, beyond: Momen tells UNHCR
Rizvi, an Indian national, brings more than 35 years of experience in human rights and humanitarian work and as litigating counsel in Indian courts, NGO advisor and with the United Nations, said the UN Refugees agency on Tuesday.
She has served with UNHCR in diverse operations including - Iraq, Afghanistan, and Darfur-Sudan. She also established emergency response and humanitarian coordination mechanisms in Syria and Kyrgyzstan during the early stages of the conflict.
Rizvi has also served as UNHCR’s Policy Adviser on Asylum and Migration during the Mediterranean crisis, working with the Global Migration Fora and on the Sustainable Development Goals.
She presented her credentials to Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday.
Also read: UNHCR, NGOs seek stronger partnerships for lasting solutions for forcibly displaced, stateless in Asia Pacific
Rizvi arrived from UNHCR headquarters in Geneva after a successful tenure as the Principal Advisor on Internal Displacement to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Also read: Dhaka urges OIC-UNHCR joint delegation to mobilize robust international support for sustainable solution to Rohingya crisis
Brunei High Commissioner meets BGMEA President to discuss trade-investment potential
Haji Haris Bin Haji Othman, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam, paid a courtesy call on Faruque Hassan, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Tuesday.The envoy, accompanied by First Secretary of the High Commission Rozaimee Abdullah, had productive discussions that encompassed various areas of mutual interest. BGMEA Director Neela Hosna Ara was also present at the meeting.Their discussions, held at the BGMEA Complex in Dhaka, also focused on avenues of strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Brunei Darussalam.They recognized the immense potential for cooperation in trade and investment, and the positive impact it could have on both countries.BGMEA President Faruque Hassan pointed to the potential of readymade garment exports to Brunei Darussalam.President Faruque Hassan, in particular, emphasized the significant opportunity for readymade garment exports to Brunei Darussalam.He highlighted the industry's increasing focus on developing capabilities in manufacturing high-value garments and expanding its reach into both traditional and emerging markets.In this context, President Faruque Hassan sought the cooperation of the High Commissioner to explore ways to increase garment exports to Brunei Darussalam.Harnessing trade and investment opportunities would benefit both countries, he noted.
Padma Bridge Rail Link a landmark project under China's BRI: Ambassador Yao
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday said Padma Bridge Rail Link is a landmark project under the Belt and Road Initiative, and also the largest infrastructure project in Bangladesh using Chinese preferential loan.
As one of the most important infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, he said it is estimated to directly benefit 80 million people and boost economic growth by 1.5 percent.
Also read: PM Hasina inaugurates Dhaka-Bhanga rail link over Padma Bridge
The Ambassador attended the inaugural ceremony of the Dhaka-Bhanga Section of Padma Bridge Rail Link Project.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Railways Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan and Chief of Army General S.M Shafiuddin Ahmed attended the ceremony.
On August 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met in South Africa, and injected powerful impetus into China-Bangladesh relations, said Ambassador Yao.
Also read: Chinese-built Padma Bridge benefits people's livelihood, boosts transformation of economic landscape in Bangladesh
The two leaders spoke highly of the traditional friendship and excellent relations based on mutual respect and support of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity as well as non-interference in each other's internal affairs, he said.
"China stands ready to keep providing financing support to the mega projects agreed upon by both sides, and is encouraging more Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh, build more industrial zones so as to help Bangladesh realize its “Vision 2041” strategy and “Sonar Bangla” dream," said the Ambassador.
Also read: Dhaka, Beijing committed to deepening strategic cooperation to uplift ties in new era: Ambassador Yao
Saudi Embassy made biometrics mandatory for work visa, Ctg centre opens Wednesday
The Saudi Embassy in Dhaka has made biometrics mandatory for work visa applicants from Bangladesh.
An additional centre will be opened at Chittagong on October 11 to further ease the loads as the annoucement led to an unprecedented demand, officials at Tasheer who are processing the visas said.
Also read: Bangladesh welcomes increased investment interest from Saudi Arabia
However, Tasheer visa service centres were equipped to accomodate the demand
In a span of a week the centres were open for extended hours and processed approximately more than 12,000 biometric entries.
The centres were operational even during the weekend (Friday and Saturday)
An additional waiting lobby was taken within the Jamuna Future Park to migitate the hardships of applicants.
Also read: Many renowned Saudi companies interested to invest in Bangladesh: Ambassador
Starting 10 October, 2023 an online appointment booking system was rolled out.
Applicants need to visit https://vc.tasheer.com/appointment to book an appointment and have a seamless visa expereince.
Also read: Saudi Arabia’s DataVolt to invest US$100 million at Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City
Dhaka, Seoul committed to forging brighter future with vital role for CSR: Ambassador
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik on Tuesday said building on the achievements of the past 50 years, both Bangladesh and Korea are committed to forging a brighter and more prosperous future for the two nations.
"As we celebrate this significant milestone in our diplomatic relations, we must acknowledge the vital role that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plays in this journey," he said while speaking at the K-CSR Seminar 2023: “Korean Investors CSRs Activities and Investment Outlooks.”
The Ambassador mentioned that CSR is not just a buzzword; it is a commitment by businesses to give somehting back to the communities in which they operate.
Also read: Shahriar Alam looks forward to even closer ties with South Korea
Korean investors in Bangladesh have exemplified this commitment, making a positive impact on society through various CSR initiatives, said the envoy.
From sharing advanced technologies to promoting education, environmental sustainability, healthcare, and more, Korean companies have been instrumental in Bangladesh's social development, said Ambassador Park.
"One notable example is Youngone, which actively promotes women's rights and provides quality education, hygiene, healthcare, and childcare services," he said.
Also read: South Korea-supported eye care facilities handed over to prevent avoidable blindness in Bangladesh
Samsung R&D, on the other hand, focuses on human capital development in the ICT sector, nurturing students' problem-solving skills and supporting research at institutions like Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), the envoy mentioned.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dhaka in partnership with Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Dhaka office, jointly organized the seminar to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Korea and Bangladesh.
Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Lokman Hossain Miah joined the event as the chief guest.
Jahangir Saadat, President of KEPZ, Shahamin S. Zaman, CEO, CSR Centre, M. Jashim Uddin Khan, Director of BIDA, Shahab Uddin Khan, President of KBCCI, Mohammad Refayet Ullah Mirdha, President of ERF and Sam Soo Kim, Country Director of KOTRA also attended the event.
Also read: With help from global community, South Korea developed in just a few decades; willing to repay our debt: Ambassador Park
“BIDA is very happy that South Korean investors are interested in increasing their activities in Bangladesh. More Korean investments in high-value manufacturing and services can help us become ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041. Your world-class technology, productivity and management skills are exactly what we need," said Lokman Hossain Miah.
He assured that BIDA will ensure their smooth entry, operation and growth in Bangladesh.
Representatives from Youngone, Korea Expressway Corporation, LG, Samsung R&D, Dohwa Engineering, Samsung Electronics, Woori Bank, Samsung C&T Corporation, Korean RMG Contributor and Save the Children presented their respective CSR activities.
After the presentations, the launching ceremony of book K-CSR was held which describes best CSR practices by Korean companies operating in Bangladesh, the conference revisited the importance of the private sector’s role in maintaining a balanced and sustainable society and promoted the strong bilateral commercial ties between Korea and Bangladesh.
Not right to hold Palestinians hostage in the name of war: Info Minister
Information Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said Bangladesh has always been against war and killings, and it is never right to hold people hostage in the name of war.
It is also against the international convention on war, he said.
Also read: Under heavy bombing, Palestinians in Gaza move from place to place, only to discover nowhere is safe
The minister came up with the remarks while replying to questions after inaugurating two books titled “Bangabandhu Ankalansh” published by Apurba Prakashan and “Society and Culture of The Professional Community of Sundarbans” published by Arjan Prakashan at the Conference Room of the Department of Information at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
Also read: Only dialogue, diplomacy can offer a lasting solution to Israel-Palestine conflict: Bangladesh
"Wherever in the world, Bangladesh is against conflict. We don't want a conflicting world. We want peace. The Palestinian territories have been in conflict for decades, and Palestinians are fighting for their rights. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her UN address has pledged to stand with the Palestinians. Our government has always pledged to stand by the Palestinians, and at times we have cooperated,” said Hasan, also the broadcasting minister.
Also read: Israel vows complete siege on Gaza as it strikes Palestinian territory after incursion by Hamas
"We do not support the killing of civilians, whether it is Palestine or Israel, in the war that has started there. And the way Palestinians have been held hostage in the name of war by cutting off everything in the Gaza Strip, including food and water, is never acceptable,” added the AL leader.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter due next week
US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Afreen Akhter is likely to visit Bangladesh next week to discuss issues of mutual interest.
The visit may take place on October 15-18, a diplomatic source told UNB, noting that she might also visit Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps during the visit.
The Deputy Assistant Secretary looks after issues in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and the Maldives, as well as the Office of Security and Transnational Affairs.
Read: IRI-NDI pre-election assessment mission due to arrive Saturday
Akhter was the National Security and Foreign Affairs Adviser to U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen.
She visited Dhaka in May this year.
The US Deputy Assistant Secretary will meet government officials to discuss priority bilateral issues, and election issues may also come up for discussion, said the diplomatic source.
Read more: Another US Assistant Secretary of State due this week
Rohingyas' prolonged stay in Bangladesh may pose threats to security of region, beyond: Momen tells UNHCR
Noting that a single Rohingya could not be repatriated to Myanmar in the last six years, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday cautioned that their prolonged stay in Bangladesh may pose threats to the security of the region and beyond.
Momen called upon the UNHCR and other UN agencies having presence in Myanmar to work with the Myanmar government towards creating a conducive environment in Rakhine state.
Also read: Tokyo wants dignified return of Rohingyas to Myanmar, a top Japanese official tells PM Hasina
He made the call when new country representative of UNHCR to Bangladesh Sumbul Rizvi presented her credentials to him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The foreign minister welcomed the new country representative to Bangladesh and assured her of necessary supports of the government in executing her duties.
He appreciated the persistent engagement of the UNHCR in rendering the humanitarian operations for the Rohingyas temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh as well as for the host community.
Bangladesh seeks greater support from Sweden for digital transformation, market access
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has sought Swedish support in digital transformation, trade facilitation, climate change adaptation, and DFQF market access for Bangladesh to the European Union (EU) until 2032.
Impressed by the massive socio-economic and infrastructural developments, State Secretary for International Development Cooperation of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diana Janse during her meeting with Shahriar, highly appreciated Bangladesh’s extra-ordinary developmental journey and expressed Sweden’s willingness to take bilateral relations between the two friendly countries to a new height.
Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg Von Linde and Head of South Asia Group at the Asia and Latin America Department of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Niclas Trouvé, among others, also joined the meeting.
She highlighted that more than 50 Swedish companies are successfully doing business in Bangladesh and indicated orientation of Swedish development cooperation to trade promotion.
She also underscored the importance of green transition and offered development financing in this regard.
Read: Mustafa Jabbar emphasises digital transformation of education
The State Secretary appreciated the generosity of the government of Bangladesh for hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas and assured continued Swedish humanitarian support.
Diana Janse expected that the upcoming parliamentary election in Bangladesh will be free and fair.
The State Minister assured that the government will extend all possible cooperation to the Election Commission to conduct free, fair and peaceful election.
He welcomed independent international observers to observe the upcoming parliamentary election in Bangladesh.
The two sides also shared their views on war in Ukraine and its resulting impacts on global economy and food security, rules-based world order, and climate change.
Read: Digital transformation changes lives in Moheshkhali Island
Thanking the Swedish State Secretary for her maiden visit to Bangladesh, the State Minister fondly recalled his recent fruitful meeting with Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Export and Investment Promotion of Sweden and exchange of views on different issues of mutual interest with the cross-party Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm in June this year.
He acknowledged with gratitude that Sweden was one of the first few European countries to recognise Bangladesh as a sovereign state on 4 February in 1972.
He appreciated Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency—SIDA’s support to Bangladesh to rebuild a war-ravaged country after the Independence and its continued support to Bangladesh to the improvement of living conditions of the poor, particularly women and children, and promoting gender equality.
Read more: Joy joins intervention on digital transformation in NY
The State Minister highlighted Bangladesh’s contributions to world peace under the UN, remarkable socio-economic development, particularly in poverty reduction, attainment of food autarky, successes in health and education and massive infrastructural developments under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The State Minister hosted a lunch in honour of Diana Janse after the meeting.
Post-Brexit UK ready to work with Bangladesh, other Indo Pacific partners: Sarah Cooke
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Monday said they are committed to supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific where sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected and states can make choices free from coercion, disinformation and interference.
"With growth enabled through the Rules Based International System, which the UK is committed to upholding. We are ready to work with Bangladesh and our partners to realise that vision," she said.
The High Commissioner said the UK’s vision is for a free and open Indo Pacific, a region that is secure and stable, enabling prosperity and sustainable economic growth.
Read: PM's tour of US, UK set to wrap up Tuesday
The High Commissioner was speaking at a plenary session on “Defining Competition in the Indo-Pacific”, moderated by Zillur Rahman, executive director of Centre for Governance Studies and chairman of Bay of Bengal Conversation.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Lilly Nicholls and Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruer also spoke at the event.
The UK and Bangladesh worked in partnership to raise global ambition before COP26.
The British envoy said they will continue to work closely to turn global commitments into action, in line with the UK/Bangladesh Climate Accord signed in March this year.
"This commits us to work together on adaptation, mitigation and climate finance, as well as loss and damage," she said.
Bangladesh, as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, is playing a key role internationally both to drive international action on climate change.
The British High Commissioner said the role in the Indo Pacific region will be stable, long-term and guided by regional perspectives, such as ASEAN centrality.
"Ambitious and effective partnerships are key to achieving our objectives, and we are prioritising working with and through regional partners and institutions in the Indo Pacific," she said.
For example, as ASEAN’s first new Dialogue Partner in 25 years and through our membership of CPTPP.
Read: Bangladeshi student in UK says ‘had to share a 2-bed flat with 20 men’
"In parallel, we are working to help other regional initiatives such as IORA and BIMSTEC drive tangible change in the Bay of Bengal," said the envoy.
She said their historic partnership with Bangladesh is a unique and valued relationship, cemented by their diaspora, cultural, and trade and economic links.
"We are also working in partnership with Bangladesh to tackle regional and global challenges. From climate and biodiversity, to maritime security, to the international system of rules and norms," Sarah Cooke said.
She reflected on three key areas - prosperity and growth; the importance of the Rules-Based International System (RBIS) and, taking action on climate change:
From being the world’s second-poorest country in 1971, Bangladesh is now preparing to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026.
"The UK is proud to have been a development partner of Bangladesh during this time," said the High Commissioner.
"And, we now look forward to building a modern economic partnership focused on boosting trade and investment and supporting the economic reform and export diversification needed to help the economy grow sustainably," she added.
The UK’s new Developing Countries Trading Scheme will provide Bangladesh duty free, quota free access to the UK market on everything but arms until 2029, and thereafter, enhanced UK market access for 98% of product lines.
"The DCTS is the most generous global trade preference scheme and Bangladesh is by far the biggest beneficiary," said the envoy.
But achieving growth and building prosperity will be impossible without upholding and championing the Rules Based International System, she said.
Together with India, the High Commissioner said, the UK is developing a Regional Maritime Centre of Excellence for the Bay of Bengal.
Working closely with maritime authorities across the region, including in Bangladesh, the Centre will work to ensure the resilience of the Bay; from tackling criminality to providing early storm warnings, she said.
"And the long tradition of naval co-operation between the UK and Bangladesh is a cornerstone of our enduring relationship," she said.