Foreign-Affairs
Delegation of think tanks with foreign policy focus visits China
A delegation of Bangladeshi think tanks visited China recently, in a tour to exchange ideas, information and experiences coordinated by the Embassy of China in Bangladesh.
During the visit, the delegation had in-depth exchanges with scholars of the China Institute of International Studies on the situation in the Bay of Bengal region, China-Bangladesh relations, "Belt and Road" cooperation, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka on Saturday night.
Read: China supports Bangladesh foreign policy; envoy promises to resolve Rohingya crisis
They had talks with teachers and students of Peking University on the development of the South Asia Research Centre and the teaching and research of Bengali language at Peking University.
Read: China’s new foreign policy law: Its potential impact on global politics
The delegation was led by Ambassador Farooq Sobhan, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, and included scholars from the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
Read more: Bangladesh moving towards embracing Indo-Pacific Strategy: Foreign Policy’s South Asia brief
Visiting Japanese vice minister assures cont'd support
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Saturday reiterated the commitment of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to uphold the democratic process.
Japan's Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Koruma Masahiroassured that ongoing Japanese technical assistance in Bangladesh's endeavour for progress and prosperity would continue.
The State Minister had a meeting with the Japanese Vice Minister at the State Guest House Padma.
Vice Minister Koruma was in Dhaka to attend the soft opening of the airport's third terminal.
He expressed his satisfaction over the recent development achievements in Bangladesh.
The two sides discussed various aspects of bilateral collaborations including that of the civil aviation.
Terminal 3 will transform Bangladesh's passenger and cargo handling capabilities: EU Ambassador
Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, has said the opening of Dhaka Airport’s Third Terminal will transform Bangladesh's passenger and cargo handling capabilities.
"Spectacular opening by Hon. PM Hasina of the impressive new airport terminal in Dhaka — which will transform Bangladesh passenger and cargo capabilities, including the potential to handle 24 million passengers per year," the EU ambassador wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Read: Aligning labour law with international standards ‘essential’ to consider GSP+, EU Ambassador says
He was seen taking a selfie with Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Jeremy Bruer, at the new terminal which he shared from his social media account.
Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, Jan Janowski, also shared his experience of visiting Terminal 3 which had its soft-opening today (October 07, 2023).
"Bangladesh aviation taking off soon. Stunned by the beauty of the new Terminal 3 of HSIA, Dhaka — A lot of German technology behind the scenes, can't wait for the 1st Airbus 380 landing here," he wrote.
Read: Honorary Consul of Malta Shoeb Chowdhury calls on EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today soft-opened Terminal 3 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and said that either Bangladesh's resort town Cox’s Bazar or Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka may soon become an international air transportation hub due to Bangladesh’s geographical location.
Japan will continue to make concrete efforts like Terminal 3 that strengthen regional connectivity: Vice-Minister
Japan has said it will continue to make concrete efforts, like Terminal 3 of Dhaka airport, that contribute to strengthening connectivity for the sake of "peace, stability and prosperity" of the region and the international community.
“Located at the nexus of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, Bangladesh is an important partner in realizing the Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Komura Masahiro, said today (October 07, 2023).
Read: ‘Boycotting election isn’t good for anyone’: Info minister tells Japanese ambassador
He was speaking at a soft opening ceremony of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s (HSIA) Terminal 3 with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the chief guest.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Md. Mahbub Ali, and other ministers and officials were present at the ceremony.
Japan’s Vice-Minister for International Affairs of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Uehara Atsushi; and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Iwama Kiminori, also attended the ceremony.
At the ceremony, the Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs said: “I would like to congratulate the soft-opening of HSIA Terminal 3. Japan and Bangladesh have had a very close relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations, as symbolized by the flags of both countries.”
Read: Bangladesh, Japan and NE India urged to form trilateral platform for regional value chain
In April this year, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina launched a "Strategic Partnership" when she visited Japan.
"The new bilateral relations are progressing in a variety of areas, including defense equipment cooperation and joint research toward a possible EPA," he said.
In recent years, under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt Initiative, Japan has been actively engaged in the development of major infrastructure to enhance regional connectivity, including Dhaka Metro Rail, Matarbari Deep Sea Port, and Dhaka Airport’s Terminal 3.
Read: Bangladesh needs multiple choices for better bargaining in foreign financial proposals: Japanese expert
In September this year, a direct flight connecting Dhaka and Tokyo, which both countries had been longing for, was also launched. "It is expected to further invigorate human traffic and contribute to further expansion of investment by Japanese companies," he said.
IRI-NDI pre-election assessment mission due to arrive Saturday
The International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) will deploy a joint pre-election assessment mission (PEAM) to Bangladesh from October 8-12 in order to conduct an independent and impartial assessment of the status of electoral preparations.
The delegation is scheduled to be in Dhaka on October 7.
Read: Strong, stable, self-reliant Bangladesh provides best security guarantee for India: Momen
The delegation will comprised six international experts, including Karl F. Inderfurth, former Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs; Bonnie Glick, former Deputy USAID Administrator; Maria Chin Abdullah, former Member of the Malaysia House of Representatives; Jamil Jaffer, former Associate Counsel to the President; Manpreet Singh Anand, NDI Regional Director for Asia-Pacific; and Johanna Kao, IRI Senior Director, Asia-Pacific Division.
During its stay in Dhaka, the PEAM delegation will meet with a diverse range of election stakeholders including the Bangladesh Election Commission, government officials, political party leaders, and civil society organizations, among others, according to NDI and IRI.
Read: Tokyo mission arranges seminar on 'Trade, Investment and Human Resources'
Following the conclusion of its visit, the PEAM will provide its key findings and practical recommendations ahead of the elections expected in January 2024.
The activities of the Mission will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation (DoP), and are possible thanks to the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Strong, stable, self-reliant Bangladesh provides best security guarantee for India: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday said that a stable socio-economic condition in the country can take India-Bangladesh relations to a newer height and ensure the best form of security guarantee for India .
The foreign minister said that the development should be the priority for Bangladesh to effectively mobilise resources and work forces, consolidate public support for co-operation and achieve full revitalisation of the sub-region.
"Our opportunities are endless—once we can realise (all) these, it would enormously contribute to taking the overall Bangladesh-India bilateral relations to a greater height," he told a festival in Sylhet.
The Sylhet-Silchar Festival is the festival of linking the two cities: Sylhet and Silchar.
The foreign minister made the statement as the sub-region has become a highly interdependent community of interests and destiny, taking full advantage of comparative and complementary competitiveness.
Momen hoped Sylhet-Silchar Festival can play a very effective role in further strengthening relations, especially with the north-eastern region by showcasing common culture, similar cuisine, and shared aspirations of the two countries.
The festival can bring together eminent people from both sides to discuss and deliberate on issues of shared peace and prosperity, building trust and understanding, the minister said.
"Our destinies are inextricably linked, and our future is based on shared prosperity. Bangladesh views emergence of India as a global power as a great opportunity to hasten her own economic development," Momen said.
He also said that “a strong, stable and self-reliant Bangladesh” provides the best security guarantee for India.
Momen said the Prime Minister’s unequivocal support towards bringing stability in the north-eastern region of India has significantly strengthened the confidence of both sides.
"The ‘Zero-tolerance Policy’ against terrorism adopted by our Prime Minister has been appreciated by the Indian leadership," he said, adding that the Chief Minister of Assam conveyed his personal appreciation and satisfaction to him during his visit to Assam last year.
Tokyo mission arranges seminar on 'Trade, Investment and Human Resources'
Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo organized a Seminar on “Trade, Investment and Human Resources" today at the Hall Room of Tochigi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building.
The seminar was co-organized by Tochigi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and supported by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Tochigi, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and UNIDO-ITPO Tokyo.
Nearly 100 participants from Japanese companies and manpower recruiting agencies were present at the event.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed, in his welcome speech, urged Japanese businessmen and investors to invest in various sectors such as garment industry, leather, jute, light engineering, information technology, as well as in Economic Zones, Hi-Tech Parks and Export Processing Zones in Bangladesh.
In the context of the decreasing population in Japan, the Ambassador urged Japan's manpower recruiting agencies to recruit workers from Bangladesh.
The other speakers include Kenichi Aragane, Chairman of Tochigi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Masaaki Mashiyama, Vice Mayor of Tochigi City and Shinsuke Nagai, Senior Director, South Asia Department, JICA.
Officials and representatives from Bangladesh Embassy and Japanese entities were also present at the Seminar.
Before the start of the seminar, a delegation of Tochigi Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Tochigi Chamber Chairman Kenichi Aragane and Tochigi City Vice Mayor Masaaki Mashiyama paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed. During the meeting, the ambassador urged the businessmen of Tochigi to come forward to invest in and import manpower from Bangladesh.
Strategic partnerships within South Asia can create 'peaceful region': Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said collaboration among neighbors in South Asia through strategic partnership for shared peace and stability can help establish a peaceful region.
"When we think of shared prosperity, we need to take our neighbors on board," he said.
Momen said Bangladesh has been following a policy of shared prosperity and stability as a vision for the friendly neighbours of South Asia.
Guided by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said, they are advocating for inclusive development in the region through promotion of a culture of peace.
The Foreign Minister was speaking at the opening session of the 11th Bangladesh-India Friendship Dialogue -2023.
Momen reiterated that Bangladesh is “emerging” with “confidence”. "No doubt India is the most important country in the region and Bangladesh can certainly claim to be one of the most important countries in the region too."
He said partnering of these two neighbors is important for bringing shared peace and prosperity in these countries as well as in the region.
"We stress strengthening our cooperation and collaboration with India in our journey," Momen said.
Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was present at the chief guest, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. ShahriarAlam, senior Awami League leader Jahangir Kabir Nanok, MJ Akbar, former State Minister of External Affairs of government of India, among others, are attending.
Russia to take back spent fuel of Rooppur nuclear power plant: PM Hasina tells fuel handing ceremony
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said Russia has promised to take back the spent fuel of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) to their country.
“We have signed an agreement with the Russian Federation for the management of spent fuel. Russia will take these spent fuel back to their country,” she said.
The premier said this while joining virtually along with Russian President Vladimir Putin the Graduation Ceremony of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) when the uranium fuel for the plant was handed over to Bangladesh authorities.
The function was held at the plant’s site in Ishwardi, Pabna.
PM Hasina joined from her official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka, while President Putin joined from Kremlin, Moscow. Hasina said that the design and construction of this nuclear power plant is being carried out keeping in mind that it does not get damaged during any kind of disaster.
The prime minister described the occasion as a day of great pride and joy for the people of Bangladesh.
“Rooppur nuclear power plant is getting successful today through the adoption of nuclear fuel by the relentless efforts of Awami League government,” she said.
She said that her government has enacted the “Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Act” and established an independent Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority.
"This authority has ensured safety at every level of the nuclear power plant by maintaining close liaison with the IAEA," she added.
Referring to the target of generating power from the first unit by 2024 and from the second unit by 2026 from the RNPP, Sheikh Hasina said “We’re moving towards that goal. Soon 1200 MW electricity from the first unit will be connected to the national grid.”
She said that the government has formed a company named “Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited” through a separate legislation to manage this power plant.
The premier said that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman initiated the construction of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, and prominent nuclear scientist Dr MA Wazed Miah was given the responsibility of director of the proposed Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
The PM said that Awami Legaue after forming government in 1996 approved formulation of “Vision Statement and Policy Statement on Power Sector Reforms” with the aim of providing “Electricity for All” by 2020.
Read: First batch of uranium for RNPP reaches Rooppur amid tight security
“In 1996, we included nuclear power generation in energy policy, and we started the implementation of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Construction Project,” she stated.
Sheikh Hasina said that the then government had formulated “Bangladesh Nuclear Power Action Plan-2000” and sought cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
“We also adopted a concrete plan of action with the sincere support of the IAEA as the subject was completely new to us. Our government’s 1996-2001 term expired before making complex legislation,” the PM said.
She said coming to power again in 2009 after winning the 2008 election, Hasina said her government formulated “Power Sector Master Plan-2010” in line with “Vision-2021”.
“Again we took the initiative to implement the Rooppur project,” she said.
In this connection, she said that friendly country Russia came forward to implement it.
"Moreover, IAEA has been helping Bangladesh in many ways since the beginning," she said.For this, she expressed her sincere thanks and gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation, IAEA, and all concerned.
Read: First batch of uranium for RNPP heads to Rooppur amid tight security
The prime minister also personally extended her thanks and gratitude to the President Putin for making it possible.
She also recalled her meeting with Putin in January 2013 in Moscow, and the contract signing ceremony for the construction of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as well as special hospitality of the Russian president.
Referring to the inauguration of the project by her on October 2, 2013, Hasina said “So far this power plant has reached the brink of success with the latest technology with your (Vladimir Putin) full cooperation.”
The Bangladesh PM also extended her gratitude to India and its Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the neighbouring country has been cooperating with Bangladesh from the beginning of the project.
She also expressed her firm commitment to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide and to the implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Earlier First Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy of the ROSATOM and President of ASE JSC Andrei Petrov handed over the certificate to the PM at Ganabhaban.
Read more: RNPP contractor Asif Hossain secures HC bail
On the other hand, Rosatom DG Likhachev handed over a model of the fuel assembly to Minister Yeafesh Osman at the plant site.
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi also spoke joining virtually from Vienna.
With Yeafesh Osman in the chair, ROSATOM Director General Alexy Likhachev also spoke.
At the outset, an audio-video documentary on the manufacturing and delivery of the first batch of nuclear fuel for RNPP was screened, while RNPP Project Director and Managing Director of NPCBL Dr Md Shawkat Akbar made a presentation on the RNPP.
Science and Technology Secretary Md Ali Hossain delivered the welcome address.
Australia’s Greens party MPs want free, fair elections in Bangladesh
Fifteen MPs from Australia’s opposition Greens party have written a letter to the Australian prime minister seeking specific steps including help to supervise and conduct free and fair elections in Bangladesh.
In the letter written to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday the MPs also called for ensuring unfettered access during the election period to independent electoral observers.
All the signatories to the letter are lawmakers from the opposition Australian Greens party.
Mehreen Farooqui, a Pakistani-origin first Muslim woman in the Australian Senate, is among the signatories, according to the letter.
Read: Hasina and Biden have discussed importance of free, fair elections in Bangladesh as well as improving relations
The group has been calling for free, fair and participatory elections in Bangladesh in recent months and demanded release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.
Australia Awami League and Jubo League recently wrote to the Greens party MPs protesting their role in Bangladesh.
"We believe that it is crucial for the election to be conducted in a free, fair, peaceful, inclusive and participatory manner," the letter reads.
Read: Legal framework enough to hold free, fair elections: Law secretary to EU mission
The Greens MPs also urged the Australian PM to publicly place on notice the Bangladesh government that should any senior officials endorse, promote or participate in serious breaches of democratic electoral standards, that they will be considered by Australia for targeted Magnitsky sanctions.
Read more: US Official: Free, fair elections “must include a level playing field for all”