Foreign-Affairs
President Macron pays tribute to Bangabandhu
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32.
"I wanted to pay tribute to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who dedicated his life to the fight for the independence of his nation, its language and its culture and for the people of Bangladesh," he wrote in visitors' book in French language.
Read: President pays tribute to Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi
Dhaka, Paris sign two instruments
Dhaka and Paris on Monday signed two bilateral instruments (agreements/MoUs) to enhance cooperation in different fields including infrastructure and satellite, officials said.
The documents were inked in presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and France President Emmanuel Macron at Karobi Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office here in the city.
Read: France respects Bangladesh's sovereign policy independence: PM Hasina says after talks with President Macron
These are:
1. A Credit Facility Agreement between Economic Relations Division (ERD), Bangladesh and the France Development Agency (AFD), France on "Improving Urban Governance and Infrastructure Program" signed by ERD Secretary Sharifa Khan and Benoît Chassatte, Country Director, Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
2. Letter of Intent (LOI) on Cooperation between Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) and Airbus Defence and Space SAS, France related to Bangabandhu-2 Earth Observation Satellite System signed by BSCL Chairman Dr Shahjahan Mahmood and Stephane Vesval, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, Space Systems, Airbus.
Earlier, Hasina and Macron held talks to explore new areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Read: Talks between PM Hasina and French President Macron end
Macron, the first French president to visit Bangladesh in 33 years, arrived here in Dhaka on Sunday evening from India after attending the G20 summit in New Delhi. The French leader is scheduled to leave Dhaka at 2pm today (on Monday).
Francois Mitterrand was the last French president to visit Bangladesh on 22-24 February, 1990.
Total trade between Bangladesh and France soared from 210M€ to 4.9 billion€ today with France being the 5th country for exports.
Read: ‘France will be, again, on your side’
French companies are now involved in various sectors including engineering, energy, aerospace and water sectors.
France respects Bangladesh's sovereign policy independence: PM Hasina says after talks with President Macron
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said France expressed its reverence and support to Bangladesh's sovereign policy independence, particularly in the context of the ongoing geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty.
“We both hope that this new strategic move between Bangladesh and France will play an effective role in establishing regional and global stability and peace,” she said in a joint press briefing after holding a bilateral talks at her office with the visiting French president Emmanuel Macron.
She said that the cornerstone of this new relationship is based on the constitutional and democratic continuity, development and good governance in Bangladesh over the past one and half decade.
“The Government of France has expressed its satisfaction with the responsible and committed activities of the Government of Bangladesh in protecting the fundamental and human rights of its people,” she said.
Read: Talks between PM Hasina and French President Macron end
The prime minister said that the confidence of the French government in the spectacular and consistent progress of the Bangladesh’s economy was greatly appreciated as well.
She mentioned that France reiterated its commitment to stand by the people and the government of Bangladesh in the implementation of Vision-2041 by continuing privileges for Bangladesh to the trade facilitation of the European Union under GSP+ scheme.
“In our talks, we had detailed discussions aimed at advancing the bilateral relations between the two countries and we were able to reach some consensus," she said.
As leading and responsible resident powers in the Asia and Pacific, the prime minister said, Bangladesh and France will act to ensure geopolitical stability of the region.
As a trusted development partner of Bangladesh, Hasina said, France has assured Bangladesh of its continued cooperation in infrastructure development, she said.
Read: ‘France will be, again, on your side’
“Besides, they expressed their interest in providing advanced and specialised technical assistance in building our strategic security infrastructure," the PM said.
She mentioned that Bangladesh welcomed France's leadership in combating the negative effects of climate change and laud President Macron’s call for establishing a sustainable fund.
In addition, she said, there have been effective discussions with France on educational, cultural and linguistic exchanges in the meeting.
Sheikh Hasina, on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, expressed sincere thanks to the French government and the people of France under the leadership of President Macron.
A joint statement on this visit will be issued shortly and further details will be communicated from the responsible levels of the governments of the two countries, she added.
Read: President Macron arrives in Dhaka Sunday to "concretize some projects, boost" further economic relations
“Today is a historic day in our bilateral relationship between France and Bangladesh which has been evolving for more than five decades," Hasina said.
The prime minister said that the friendly ties that her father, the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman initiated in 1972 have reached a new dimension.
Shared commitment to develop economic, trade, security partnership: Bangladesh, UK to hold 5th Strategic Dialogue
Bangladesh and the United Kingdom will hold the 5th Strategic Dialogue in Dhaka on Tuesday reflecting the two countries’ shared commitment to develop a modern economic, trade and security partnership.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and UK Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Sir Philip Barton will co-chair the dialogue.
UK’s Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton arrived in Dhaka on Monday.
DG (North America) Kh Masudul Alam welcomed him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
"Great to be in Dhaka and see the city’s transformation since my last visit - a testament to the huge progress made by Bangladesh. Looking forward to getting down to business strengthening our historic BritBangla Bondhon," the British senior official said upon arrival in Dhaka.
Read: ‘France will be, again, on your side’
The Permanent Under-Secretary is the most senior civil servant and diplomat in the FCDO.
This is Sir Philip’s first visit to Bangladesh as Permanent Under-Secretary.
He visited previously in 2008 in his capacity as Director South Asia, FCO.
The dialogue will cover political and diplomatic relations, economic, trade and development partnerships, and global, regional and security issues, including the Rohingya crisis, according to the UK government.
It will also provide 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.
Read: Robust regional cooperation in electricity sector to help increase renewable energy integration: Whiteley
During his time in Dhaka, the Permanent Under-Secretary will also meet politicians, civil society organisations, business leaders and youth representatives.
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.
Read: Riyadh to boost cooperation with Dhaka in all possible areas: Crown Prince
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.
Talks between PM Hasina and French President Macron end
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday held talks aimed at taking the bilateral relations to a strategic engagement.
The two countries are seeking to open new areas of cooperation, particularly in strategic assets and advanced technologies.
On arrival at the Tiger gate of the Prime Minister’s Office at 10:20am, Sheikh Hasina received President Macron.
Read: France respects Bangladesh's sovereign policy independence: PM Hasina says after talks with President Macron
The two leaders joined the delegation-level talks and restricted-level talks at Chameli hall and Shimul hall of the Prime Minister’s Office, respectively.
A couple of bilateral instruments (agreements/MoUs) will be signed in presence of the two leaders at Karobi Hall. Then PM Hasina and President Macron will hold a joint press briefing there.
Read: ‘France will be, again, on your side’
Macron will sign the visitor’s book before Hasina sees him off at the Tiger gate.
Macron, the first French president visiting Bangladesh in 33 years, arrived here in Dhaka on Sunday evening from India after attending the G20 summit in New Delhi. The French leader is scheduled to leave Dhaka at 2pm today (on Monday).
Francois Mitterrand was the last French president to visit Bangladesh on 22-24 February, 1990.
Read: Talks between PM Hasina and French President Macron end
Total trade between Bangladesh and France soared from 210M€ to 4.9 billion€ today with France being the 5th country for exports.
French companies are now involved in various sectors including engineering, energy, aerospace and water sectors.
‘France will be, again, on your side’
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his country’s unwavering commitment to support Bangladesh in its efforts to combat climate change.
Macron praised Bangladesh's leadership in addressing the climate crisis, emphasizing that the nation could rely on France's full support.
"I want to praise your leadership on this issue. And you can count on France, and our full support, in order to convince the countries mainly responsible for the emission of greenhouse gasses, but also to help you about that. France will be, again, on your side," Macron said with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina next to him on the stage.
Macron also proposed a way that does not involve bullying or unsustainable schemes.
Read: France respects Bangladesh's sovereign policy independence: PM Hasina says after talks with President Macron
"In a region facing New Imperialism, we want to propose the third way, with no intention to bully our partners or to leave them to unsustainable schemes," the French president said.
Macron made the remarks last night at a banquet hosted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in his honour at the InterContinental Dhaka.
During his speech, the French president also rendered a line from Bangladesh’s National Anthem: “Chirodin tomar akash, tomar batash, amar praane bajaye banshi.”
Clip containing Macron’s rendering of the line from “Amar Shonar Bangla” is making the rounds on social media and winning hearts and minds of netizens.
Highlighting the historical significance of his visit, Macron noted, "More than three decades after François Mitterrand’s visit, we are opening a new page of our longstanding relationship. Thank you so much for honouring France and for honouring the entire French delegation with your invitation.”
Read: Talks between PM Hasina and French President Macron end
Recalling the heroic sacrifices of Bengalis in 1971, Macron said, “The best way to pay tribute to martyrs will be to acknowledge the tremendous success of Bangladesh over the years.”
The prime minister welcomed Macron at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on his arrival from New Delhi around 8:30 pm last night.
At the banquet last night, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh and France are opening up new areas of cooperation in strategic assets and advanced technologies.
“France has been our trusted development partner since our independence. We have developed a robust trade partnership with focus on responsible business conduct. We are opening up new areas of cooperation in strategic assets and advanced technologies,” she said.
Hasina said she is confident that the bilateral relations can move to strategic engagements for the shared prosperity for all in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
“Our partnership can be a meaningful force to address the multiple crises of wars, climate change and cost-of-living that our world is facing,” she said.
Read: Shared commitment to develop economic, trade, security partnership: Bangladesh, UK to hold 5th Strategic Dialogue
The PM recalled the warm hospitality she received at the Elysee Palace (the official residence of the President of the French Republic) during her visit to France in November 2021.
“The people of Bangladesh join me in welcoming you and your delegation here,” she said, greeting the French president.
“France holds a special place in our hearts and imagination,” said Hasina, adding that her father, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was greatly inspired by the spirit of the French Revolution.
She said Bangabandhu dedicated his life to promoting the values of liberty, equality and fraternity in his fight for self-determination. This was also reflected in his historic speech of March 7, 1971.
“Our struggle this time is for our liberation. Our struggle this time is for independence,” she quoted Bangabandhu.
Read: Bangladesh, France are opening up new areas of cooperation: PM Hasina
She admired Macron for the many bold reforms he has undertaken in France. “We find you to be a breath of fresh air in international politics. Your push for strategic autonomy largely aligns with our own foreign policy dictum ‘Friendship to all, malice towards none’ — given to us by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” she said.
On a lighter note, Hasina said, “We have arranged for you to have a taste of our unique kacchi biryani. Both our nations are extremely proud of our cuisine, culture and linguistic heritage. It is time to promote further interface and fusion between our two cultures to bring our two peoples closer to each other.”
“May I propose a toast to your health with another delicacy of ours — juice made of Amra — a popular local fruit,” she said.
Read: Bangladesh rolls out red carpet to welcome President Macron
President Macron, the first French president to visit Bangladesh in 33 years, arrived here on Sunday evening.
The two leaders will hold a summit meeting at the Prime Minister's Office on Monday morning. Also on Monday they are expected to witness the signing of a couple of bilateral instruments and hold a joint press briefing.
Macron will pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 on Monday morning.
The French president is scheduled to leave Dhaka at 2 pm on Monday.
South Korea-supported eye care facilities handed over to prevent avoidable blindness in Bangladesh
According to statistics, avoidable blindness is one of the major public health problems in Bangladesh.
The project titled "Eye Health Promotion and Prevention of Avoidable Blindness in Selected Areas of Bangladesh", jointly initiated in 2014 by the governments of Bangladesh and Korea, funded by the South Korean Government with a USD 9.4 million grant and implemented by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, revolutionizes care services in the country by providing advanced treatment options to combat avoidable blindness.
Cataracts, which primarily affect men and women over the age of 40, are the cause of visual loss in 80 per cent of blindness cases in Bangladesh. The number of adults in Bangladesh who are currently blind from cataract is estimated to be around 6,50,000. Assuming the incidence of blinding cataract cases to be one fifth of those already existing, a further 130000 new cases are thought to develop annually.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque was present as the chief guest at the handover ceremony.
Zahid Maleque stated that by bringing advanced eye care closer to the people, Bangladesh government is taking proactive measures to tackle the challenges posed by preventable vision impairment. The establishment of these eye care facilities are identical with Bangladesh government's commitment to improving the quality of life for its citizens and ensuring accessible eye treatment for all.
The Minister thanked the Korean government for ensuring these eye care facilities are strategically located to ensure accessibility for individuals seeking eye care services in these areas.
Park Young Sik, Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh said that the handover of this project comes at a very opportune time given the constant threat of avoidable blindness in Bangladesh. He also underlined the priority of the health sector in Korea's development cooperation with Bangladesh.
The Korean ambassador stated that the Bangladesh-Korea Friendship Hospital in Savar, which opened in 1998, has been offering affordable and quality health care and the hospital now also has a modern facility for eye care to strengthen the capacity of Bangladesh government in preventing avoidable blindness which makes Bangladesh a key signatory of Vision 2020, a global initiative to end preventable blindness.
Lee Yun Young, Vice President of KOICA and a former Korean ambassador to Bangladesh stated that considering the potential of Korea's modern medical technology to make a significant impact on addressing the issue of avoidable blindness in Bangladesh through diagnostic equipment, surgical techniques, capacity building, public awareness campaign, KOICA stepped forward to implement this eye health promotion project which can serve tens of thousands of eye patients in coming years.
He emphasized that the project produced qualified ophthalmologists, nurses and managers who can recognize eye diseases, conduct refraction, provide eyeglasses, and refer patients to eye hospitals for more complicated problems with advanced first-hand training in Korea and Bangladesh.
Nargis Khanam, additional secretary of Health Services Division said that the project’s relevance has been multifold given the necessity to prepare and to respond to the persistent threat of avoidable blindness in Bangladesh.
Mr. Taeyoung Kim, Country Director of KOICA, Prof. Dr. Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Director General of (DGHS) and high officials of Bangladesh and Korean government were also present at the handover ceremony.
Robust regional cooperation in electricity sector to help increase renewable energy integration: Whiteley
Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Sunday said an increased regional cooperation in the electricity sector can unlock the scaling up of renewable energy integration, bringing significant economic benefits, including power reliability and competitive pricing.
Also, with reference to the EU role, he said the EU stands firmly committed to supporting regional energy connectivity under its Global Gateway strategy and through a Team Europe approach, is prepared to provide both technical expertise and financial assistance to facilitate the development of cross-border electricity trade.
Forging a path to sustainable regional energy governance in South Asia, the EU held a high-level discussion during Regional Climate Summit 2023.
Biden, Modi and G20 allies unveil rail and shipping project linking India to Middle East and Europe
Ambassador Whiteley delivered a compelling keynote speech during the session "Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Energy: A New Architecture for Regional Energy Governance", held in Dhaka as part of the prestigious Regional Climate Summit 2023.
The EU-led session’s primary focus was directed towards the regional dimension of energy connectivity in South Asia, with a particular emphasis on its governance structure.
This gathering provided a platform to convene high-level political figures from the region to engage in discussions concerning the optimal governance framework required to realize a sustainable energy future in South Asia.
Biden and Modi to announce rail and shipping project to link India to Middle East and Europe
Such a framework necessitates a holistic approach that takes into account economic, social, and environmental factors while promoting regional collaboration to harness the diverse energy resources and markets, thereby ensuring energy security, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Following the speech, the session transitioned into a panel discussion expertly moderated by Nahim Razzaq, MP and Convenor of Climate Parliament Bangladesh.
Bangladesh seeks pharmaceutical products, raw materials export to Indonesia
The panel featured five Members of Parliament (MPs) hailing from Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka- Gyem Dorji, MP: Chairperson of the Parliamentarian Committee on Environment and Climate Change in Bhutan; Vincent Pala, MP: Chairperson of the Climate Estimates Committee in India; Madhav Sapkota, MP: a Member of Parliament representing Nepal; Eran Wickramaratne, MP, Member of the Parliament Committee on National Economics and Physical Plans in Sri Lanka; and Ahsan Adelur Rahman, MP, Bangladesh.
UK’s Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton due Monday to attend 5th Strategic Dialogue
UK Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Sir Philip Barton will arrive in Dhaka on Monday on a two-day visit.
The Permanent Under-Secretary is the most senior civil servant and diplomat in the FCDO.
This is Sir Philip’s first visit to Bangladesh as Permanent Under-Secretary.
Read: President Macron arrives in Dhaka Sunday to "concretize some projects, boost" further economic relations
He visited previously in 2008 in his capacity as Director South Asia, FCO.
Sir Philip’s main focus will be the fifth Bangladesh-UK Strategic Dialogue to be chaired by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.
The Strategic Dialogue between the two countries will be held on September 12.
Building on the UK and Bangladesh’s historic links, the Strategic Dialogue reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to develop a modern economic, trade and security partnership.
The dialogue will cover political and diplomatic relations, economic, trade and development partnerships, and global, regional and security issues, including the Rohingya crisis, according to the UK government.
Read: UNICEF and Sweden partner to improve the lives of children in Bangladesh
It will also provide 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.
During his time in Dhaka, the Permanent Under-Secretary will also meet politicians, civil society organisations, business leaders and youth representatives.
Riyadh to boost cooperation with Dhaka in all possible areas: Crown Prince
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad Bin Salman has said the kingdom would work together with Bangladesh to enhance cooperation in all possible areas.
He made this assurance at a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the G20 summit on Sunday morning in New Delhi.
According to the Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh, Hasina had a very fruitful meeting with Salman. The Saudi prince praised Bangladesh PM for her inspirational leadership in achieving remarkable socio-economic development in Bangladesh over the recent years.
Read: Biden has intention to build good relations with Bangladesh: Momen
Prince Salman expressed his satisfaction about the ongoing investment made by the Saudi investors in various projects in Bangladesh, including Patenga terminal, Payra port and ACUWA Renewable Energy project.
He told the PM that nearly 2.8 million Bangladeshis are making significant contribution to his country’s economy with their hard work and due diligence.
Salman also thanked Hasina for supporting Saudi Arabia to become the host of the Riyadh Expo 2023.
Read: President Macron arrives in Dhaka Sunday to "concretize some projects, boost" further economic relations
The Bangladesh PM congratulated the Saudi Crown Prince for embarking on and achieving a number of social reforms in Saudi Arabia and for attaining numerous diplomatic successes in recent times.
She also invited him to visit Bangladesh. Prince Salman accepted her invitation and expressed his willingness to undertake a visit to Bangladesh.