Foreign-Affairs
Dhaka, London plan to sign MoUs on economic cooperation, cyber security
Bangladesh and the United Kingdom are considering signing a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) on economic cooperation.
Expressing satisfaction at the record-breaking bilateral trade of $6.4 billion in 2022-23 and $561 million FDI from the UK, the highest from any country in 2022, Bangladesh and the UK agreed to create new institutional cooperation to promote business, trade and investments.
The issues were discussed at the 5th Bangladesh-UK Strategic Dialogue held in Dhaka on September 12.
Momen offers condolence to people and govt of Libya over deadly flood
The Dialogue, led respectively by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and UK FCDO Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton, reviewed the entire gamut of historic relations between the two Commonwealth nations, including political, economic, security and defence, migration and mobility, climate and development partnerships.
Under-Secretary Sir Barton commended the remarkable socio-economic progress and resilient economic growth achieved by Bangladesh over the past decade.
The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary commended the UK’s sustained market-access support to Bangladesh as its 3rd largest export destination and urged for its extension until 2029 and beyond following Bangladesh’s scheduled LDC graduation in 2026.
Both sides also agreed to explore signing of an MoU on cooperation in cybersecurity.
They acknowledged their long-standing value-based ties since 1971 and recalled the historic visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to London on January 8, 1972.
Under-Secretary Sir Barton expressed his deep appreciation for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s participation in the State Funeral of UK’s late monarch Queen Elizabeth II and the historic royal coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The Bangladesh side expressed hope that King Charles III would reschedule his postponed visit to Bangladesh at his earliest convenience, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
Bangladesh and the UK agreed on enhancing migration and mobility cooperation especially in gainful employment in the nursing, hospitality, agricultural, construction and masonry and other services sectors in the UK.
Commonwealth ministers pay homage at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum
Both sides agreed to constitute a ‘Joint Working Group’ to discuss migration, mobility and mutual recognition of qualifications.
They also agreed to sign an SoP on returns of Bangladeshi nationals in irregular situation in the UK.
Bangladesh thanked the UK Government for a significant increase in issuance of student, visit and business visas in 2022.
The two sides also discussed mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
Recalling the Climate Accord signed between Bangladesh and the UK in March this year, both sides expressed their determination to cooperate in climate action bilaterally and multilaterally.
They also agreed to sign a Joint Action Plan with time-bound activities under the Climate Accord towards a net-zero and nature-positive world.
The Bangladesh side expressed commitment to forge ahead with its national targets under SDG 16 for building a just, peaceful and inclusive society.
The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization.
Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation and capacity building on global and regional security issues of mutual interest including maritime and aviation safety and security in the Indian Ocean as well as countering extremist and terrorist outfits.
The UK commended Bangladesh’s leading contribution to world peace under UN peacekeeping missions, especially praising one of the highest contributions of female peacekeepers by Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's hearing at ITLOS on submission by Small Island States on Wednesday
The two countries expressed satisfaction at the First Defence Dialogue held in 2022 and agreed to sign an MoU on defence cooperation during the 2nd Dialogue in London.
The UK appreciated Bangladesh’s generous hosting of Rohingyas from Myanmar and Bangladesh appreciated UK’s humanitarian and political support to the Rohingya crisis including at the UN Security Council and Commonwealth.
Both sides expressed concern over the protracted Rohingya crisis and reaffirmed commitment to working closely towards a voluntary, safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.
Emphasizing the importance of international accountability of the atrocities committed on the Rohingyas, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary thanked the UK for joining the Rohingya justice case at the ICJ.
The UK side welcomed Bangladesh’s recently announced ‘Indo-Pacific Outlook’.
Both sides agreed to forge new partnerships towards ensuring a free, open, peaceful, secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific for shared prosperity.
Bangladesh and the UK agreed to intensify cooperation in different regional and multilateral fora including at the UN, Commonwealth, IMO and IORA.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke joined their respective delegations along with representatives from various ministries and agencies of the two countries.
The next round of Strategic Dialogue is expected to be held in London in 2024.
Momen offers condolence to people and govt of Libya over deadly flood
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has condoled and expressed sympathy to the people and government of Libya following the deadly flood that struck some parts of the country, leaving thousands dead and missing.
In a condolence message sent to acting Foreign Minister of the State of Libya, Al Tahir Salem Mohamed Al Bour, Dr Momen said, "I am deeply saddened to learn of the destructive effects of Mediterranean Storm Daniel on eastern Libya, especially in Benghazi, Al-Bayda, Derna, Sahat, Al-Mari, and Jabel Al-Akhdar."
Academic activities of 60 schools suspended amid flood in Gaibandha
He offered his heartfelt condolences for the loss of more than 2,800 precious lives in this tragedy and the thousands more that are still unaccounted for.
Thousands are feared dead and thousands more are missing in flood-ravaged eastern Libya
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who are going through this heartbreaking loss. It is truly upsetting to see the huge destruction, widespread flooding, and terrible cost to life and infrastructure," Momen said.
"I am convinced that the nation's cohesion and fortitude will see it through these tough times," said Dr. Momen in the message. "May the Almighty give them the strength and courage to endure this and the resilience to build a bright future."
Flooding in Libya leaves 2,000 people feared dead and more missing after storm collapsed dams
Dr. Momen wished his counterpart good health and happiness, and also extended his wishes for peace, progress, and prosperity to the friendly people of the State of Libya for the future.
Commonwealth ministers pay homage at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum
A group of Ministers from the Commonwealth of Nations visited Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on Tuesday to pay homage to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Among others- Ministers from Cameroon, Tuvalu, Lesotho, Sri Lanka and Chairman of CWEIC- Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council were part of the visiting group of dignitaries.
These dignitaries are visiting Bangladesh to participate in the Commonwealth Investment and Trade Forum 2023.
CWEIC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority- BIDA, is organizing the event.
More than 200 delegates from over 40 countries registered themselves to attend the event.
At Least 12 Ministers are expected to represent their countries in the Forum.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the event at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center on September 13.
Bangladesh's hearing at ITLOS on submission by Small Island States on Wednesday
The public hearings of the International Tribunal for the Law Of the Sea relating to the request for an advisory opinion submitted by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law was opened on Monday.
The President of the Tribunal, Judge Albert Hoffmann, is presiding over the sitting.
The schedule of the hearings of Bangladesh is on Wednesday, September 13 from 3 to 6 pm.
The hearings are open to the public, and members of the diplomatic and consular corps and the general public wishing to attend the hearings are requested to register in advance with the Press Office.
Govt to send relief materials soon for victims of Libya flooding
The government is taking steps to send relief materials as humanitarian aid to the people of eastern Libya swiftly, which has been severely affected by Cyclone Daniel and flooding.
The decision was taken following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s directive, in view of the appeal of the Libyan President to the world, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release on Tuesday.
Also read: Flooding in Libya leaves 2,000 people feared dead and more missing after storm collapsed dams
More than 5,000 people are feared dead by the storm and flooding.
Thousands more are still missing.
A C-130 aircraft carrying relief materials, including medicines and dry food, for the flood-affected people of Libya is expected to depart from Dhaka as soon as possible, said the MoFA.
Also read: 151 Bangladeshis return home from Libya
Local Government Minister of the Government of Libya is expected to receive the relief materials to be sent by the government of Bangladesh at Tobruk Airport in Libya.
Also read: Deadly clashes between rival militias in Libya leave 27 dead, authorities say
MoFA official Akanda asked to return leaving current posting in Delhi
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has asked Md Abdul Wadud Akanda, counselor (political) at Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, to return to Dhaka immediately leaving his current responsibility.
The MoFA has already issued a directive in this regard.
Also read: MoFA official lands in Madaripur jail in case of dowry and torture filed by wife
A court in Madaripur recently sent him to jail and later he secured bail after his wife filed a case accusing him of demanding dowry, hiding his alleged first marriage and torture.
Madaripur Chief Judicial Magistrate Mamunur Rashid passed the order after accused Md Abdul Wadud Akanda, 37, counselor (political) at Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi appeared before the court to answer the accusations following a summons.
The court denied him bail and sent him to jail after a long hearing on the accusations, said Madaripur Bar Association secretary Advocate Golam Kibria.
Also read: Deliberate attempts made to malign image of Bangladesh: says MoFA regarding Tom Lantos briefing
According to the plaintiff Zareen Rafa Nilanti, 26, the couple got married on April 17, 2019 and they have a daughter. But she later came to know that her husband suppressed the fact about an earlier marriage to another woman.
On October 7, 2022, sitting at the house of one of plaintiff's relatives, the accused demanded Tk 40 lakh and a 5 katha plot in dowry from Zareen, according to the case.
Bangladesh, UK keen to work together more closely on economic, trade, development, security issues
British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton on Tuesday said the Strategic Dialogue with Bangladesh is a reflection of the growing relationship between the two countries.
"It's also reflection of our desire to work together more closely on our economic, trade and development partnerships and on regional and global security issues," he said.
The British senior official said he was delighted to attend the fifth Bangladesh-UK Strategic Dialogue with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen in Dhaka.
Also read: UK wants free, fair, violence-free election in Bangladesh: FS
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said she was pleased to welcome Sir Philip Barton to Bangladesh.
"The UK’s partnership with Bangladesh represents a unique, historic relationship which contributes much to the prosperity and security of both our countries," she said.
The UK emphasised its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, as evidenced by membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and ASEAN Dialogue Partner status, while Bangladesh highlighted its recently published Indo-Pacific Outlook.
Also read: UK to push for long-term solution to Rohingya crisis
The UK and Bangladesh agreed to continue cooperation on global and regional security.
The two sides reflected on their strong defence cooperation, and looked forward to the Defence Dialogue that will take place in London next year, according to the UK government.
The UK and Bangladesh discussed the negative economic impact of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.
The UK was clear that Russia should immediately cease attacks on Ukraine’s port and grain infrastructure, which are driving up the price of essential goods in Bangladesh and around the world.
The UK stressed its unwavering support for the Ukrainian government and people in the face of this assault on their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Also read: Shared commitment to develop economic, trade, security partnership: Bangladesh, UK to hold 5th Strategic Dialogue
The UK commended Bangladesh for continuing to accommodate over one million Rohingya.
The UK and Bangladesh noted that this population placed a significant burden on Bangladesh, particularly for communities living adjacent to camps.
The UK noted the need for improved livelihood provisions for the Rohingya to ensure a more sustainable return to Rakhine State.
It announced a further £3m contribution to the Rohingya response, taking its total contribution since 2017 to £368m.
The two countries reiterated their commitment to the goal of safe, voluntary, and dignified returns to Myanmar as soon as the situation allows.
Both countries expressed appreciation for the UK-Bangladesh Climate Partnership, launched in January 2020, which facilitated the exchange of expertise and whole-of-society engagement and the UK-Bangladesh Climate Accord which was signed in March 2023.
Bangladesh and the UK will cooperate closely in the run-up to COP28.
Both sides reiterated the urgent need for all countries to take ambitious action to combat climate change.
The Dialogue covered the full breadth of the Bangladesh-UK relationship, including political and diplomatic relations, economic, trade and development partnerships, and global, regional and security issues.
The UK and Bangladesh welcomed the evolution of the bilateral relationship into a modern economic, trade and security partnership, which advances shared global and regional priorities such as tackling climate change and the Rohingya refugee crisis.
The UK, as the second-largest cumulative investor in Bangladesh, welcomed the second Bangladesh-UK Trade and Investment Dialogue earlier this year, and the Aviation Trade and Investment Partnership signed in May.
The two sides agreed to work together to increase mutual prosperity ahead of Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country status.
Bangladesh welcomed the UK’s generous Developing Countries Trading Scheme and acknowledged its role in integrating Bangladesh into the global economy, creating stronger trade and investment opportunities.
The UK and Bangladesh agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on migration and returns, and other equities in the justice and home affairs space.
Both countries also agreed to conclude the Standard Operating Procedures governing the returns documentation processes and timescales prior to the first session of this Working Group by October.
UK wants free, fair, violence-free election in Bangladesh: FS
The United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday shared its expectation to see a "free, fair and violence-free" election in Bangladesh where all can participate..
The UK side discussed the election issue with Bangladesh during the fifth Strategic Dialogue held between the two countries at Foreign Service Academy.
"Since they are our old friend and a development partner, they have interest in our elections. We have reiterated our commitment (to hold fair polls). We had positive discussion," Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told reporters in the evening.
Also read: UK to push for long-term solution to Rohingya crisis
Responding to a question, the foreign secretary said the word ‘participatory’ might have many meanings.
Exercising voting rights by all people is a kind of participatory election, he said adding that they do not know which party is thinking what.
"We have no disagreement over a free and fair election," Masud Momen said.
In discussions on democracy and human rights, the UK encouraged free, fair, participatory and peaceful elections so the people of Bangladesh can exercise their democratic rights, according to the UK side.
The UK also underlined the need to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Foreign Secretary said Bangladesh is also welcoming international observers which was also discussed.
He said the two countries agreed to sign Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to find ways to bring back those Bangladeshis who have become irregular.
Also read: Shared commitment to develop economic, trade, security partnership: Bangladesh, UK to hold 5th Strategic Dialogue
A joint working group will also be formed as more students and workers are going to the UK, he added.
The Foreign Secretary said issues like climate change, economic development, mobility and migration, trade and investment, governance, human rights, Indo-Pacific strategy, cyber security and human right were discussed in the dialogue.
"We explained our positions on those issues, " he said, adding that they also discussed the Rohingya issue.
The two sided also discussed the issues of Digital Security Act and how the Cyber Security Act is progressing.
Also read: UK’s Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton due Monday to attend 5th Strategic Dialogue
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and UK Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Sir Philip Barton co-chaired the dialogue, reflecting the two countries’ shared commitment to develop a modern economic, trade and security partnership.
The dialogue covered political and diplomatic relations, economic, trade and development partnerships, and global, regional and security issues, including the Rohingya crisis.
It provided an opportunity to boost economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, cooperation on COP28 and joint work on climate financing, adaptation and resilience to climate impacts, and showcase the UK’s substantial economic development investment offer.
The fourth Bangladesh-UK strategic dialogue was held in 2021 in London.
During the last strategic dialogue, the UK reiterated its commitment to support Bangladesh achieve a smooth and successful graduation and continue its export-led growth by providing duty-free, quota free access to the UK market until 2029.
The UK committed to work with Bangladesh to deliver free and fair trade by improving the functioning of the WTO and modernising global trade rules.
UK’s landmark Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) came into effect from June this year that simplifies trading rules and cuts tariffs on products entering the UK from 65 developing countries, including Bangladesh.
The DCTS will help grow trade, boost jobs, and drive sustained economic growth, said the UK government, adding that this new scheme demonstrates the UK’s commitment to a modern and mutually beneficial partnership with Bangladesh.
Responding to a question on BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the Foreign Secretary said so far they know he secured political asylum there.
US trains Bangladesh Police in preventing weapons of mass destruction terrorism
The United States has said it relies on the full strength of their diplomacy and foreign assistance programs to prevent non-state actors from acquiring and using such weapons as the weapons of mass destruction (WMD) terrorism threat evolves.
“One of the most enduring priorities of the United States is protecting our nation and the international community from the existential threats posed by weapons of mass destruction (WMD) terrorism and preventing non-state actors from using chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high explosive weapons,” said US Embassy Spokesperson Bryan Schiller.
The US Department of State’s Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism, along with partners from CRDF Global and Thin Blue Line, International, trained Bangladesh Police officials on investigative skills to counter chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) terrorism from August 20-28.
The program, split into a five-day technical course and a two-day instructor development workshop, engaged 29 law enforcement counterterrorism investigators, forensic experts, and bomb disposal specialists, said a media release on Tuesday.
Participants received comprehensive training designed to strengthen law enforcement capabilities to prevent, detect, disrupt, and respond to criminal and terrorist acquisition and use of weaponizable CBRNE materials and other low-technology, improvised threats.
In the program, participants learned key characteristics and hazards of CBRNE materials and improvised explosive and delivery devices, explored specialized techniques for investigating CBRNE crime scenes, and applied best practices to collect forensic evidence to hold perpetrators accountable.
They also identified critical capabilities, resources, and community outreach opportunities to detect indicators of terrorist planning in the CBRNE material acquisition phase, increasing the likelihood of preventing a catastrophic attack.
Selected graduates of the technical course received additional instructor development training which will enable the Bangladesh Police to transfer this knowledge to future cohorts of officers.
Terrorist groups operate globally, including in South Asia, and have long aspired to develop and employ WMD capabilities, said the media release.
The U.S. Department of State works worldwide to strengthen international capabilities to overcome these challenges and counter these serious threats.
The government of Bangladesh is an important partner in these efforts, said the US Embassy.
Bangladesh needs better int’l partnership for smooth transition from LDC: Report
Bangladesh needs to update its international partnerships to ensure a sustainable and smooth graduation from the LDC status, according to a report released on Tuesday.
To meet its aspirations of achieving high-income status by 2041, Bangladesh needs to future-proof the state and endow it with up to date operational and implementation capacities, said the report.
“The moment is opportune to transition from an emphasis on nation-building to state development. And this should involve developing modern institutions by streamlining existing ones and injecting efficiency, accountability, and clarity of purpose,” according to the report.
Also read: LDC graduation: Economic diversification is among top challenges, said Abdoulaye Seck
The achievements attained by Bangladesh thus far, alongside the determination to sustain success through a focus on becoming an industrial and trade-oriented nation, exert and will drive further progress in establishing a contemporary, rule-based nation-state.
The report, titled "Production Transformation Policy Review of Bangladesh: Investing in the Future of A Trading Nation", was unveiled jointly by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, Director of OECD Development Centre Ragnhelour Elin Arnadottir, Senior Secretary of the Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh, FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam, and Bangladesh Competition Commission Member Hafizur Rahman.
Prime Minister's Adviser Salman F Rahman spoke as the chief guest at the opening session of the event.
Also read: Dhaka requests Tokyo to extend preferential treatment, concessions to Bangladesh beyond LDC graduation
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivered special (video) remarks at the event. UN Resident Coordinator Gwyin Lewis and Deputy Secretary General of UNCTAD Pedro Manuel Moreno (by video message) also spoke at the opening session.
The study was coordinated by OECD Development Centre in collaboration with UNCTAD.
The study’s findings show that, half a century after independence, Bangladesh has achieved impressive progress.
The country has transformed from one of the poorest nations into a global textile manufacturing hub and country that is capable of meeting its medical needs almost entirely through domestic pharmaceutical production.
Bangladesh will graduate from the LDC category in 2026 and aspires to be a high-income nation by 2041.
Also read: LDC Graduation: Govt working with pvt sector for fast preparation, says PM’s principal secretary
Meeting these objectives and addressing lingering challenges – such as climate change or boosting resource mobilisation– requires accelerating economic transformation through diversification and innovation.
Moreover, the report said, Bangladesh should update the policy toolbox to foster a diversified, innovative, and green industry.
The government has an important reform agenda ahead; the private sector and international partners will be instrumental in enabling Bangladesh to continue to succeed. Bangladesh has impressed the world with its achievements in a rather short span of time, according to the report.
Since its foundation as an independent country in 1971, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress. It stands among the fastest-growing economies globally and has demonstrated significant resilience to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Also read: Bangladesh, other BIMSTEC members must work together to address post-LDC challenges: Shahriar Alam
It has transformed into a manufacturing powerhouse in South Asia and despite facing industrial accidents, including the Rana Plaza accident in 2013, the country has demonstrated the ability to adapt and enhance worker safety as it increasingly commits itself to global sustainability standards, said the report.
Bangladesh has gained international recognition as a model for modern poverty reduction and is currently the largest country to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.
Building on these accomplishments, the country is looking forward to economic diversification and sustainable development in the post-graduation era.
With a population of more than 170 million, Bangladesh ranks as the eighth most populous country globally, representing around 2% of the world's population.
The report urged the private sector and international partners to adapt their mindsets and tools.
Also read: Bangladesh urged to use LDC graduation as an opportunity to rethink its reliance on RMG
A revitalised government approach, coupled with innovation-oriented and entrepreneurial business practices, along with collaborative partnerships with all stakeholders, will be pivotal in enabling Bangladesh to sustain and further its accomplishments, reads the report.
From a country known for food scarcity, extreme poverty and natural disasters, Bangladesh is today a growing economy and a manufacturing hot-spot in South Asia, home to a globally relevant ready-made garments (RMG) export industry, according to the report.
In its 50-year anniversary of independence in 2021, Bangladesh has been recommended by the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) for graduation from the LDC category by fulfilling the three criteria used to grant countries access to LDC-specific international support measures (ISMs).
While this underscores a major achievement, the report said, it also entails some challenges such as the loss of preferential market access, which was specifically crafted to support these poor and vulnerable economies.
Among the distinctive features of Bangladesh, one notable fact is that the industry, particularly manufacturing, has held a central role in the country's development plans from the outset.
Being a densely populated and economically challenged nation, susceptible to natural disasters, and situated in an increasingly significant geostrategic region, the government has consistently regarded industry, in conjunction with a strategic outlook on outward migration and improvements in agricultural productivity, as pivotal driver for sustaining growth, creating jobs, ensuring food security, and generating foreign exchange, according to the report.
Also read: PM Hasina: Climate-induced disasters may disrupt Bangladesh’s smooth LDC graduation