Foreign-Affairs
Metro Rail: Japanese Minister, Shahriar Alam pay tributes to victims of Holey Artisan incident
Yasutoshi Nishimura, Japanese Minister for Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on Monday visited the metro rail project and construction site of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam accompanied him during the visit.
They rode the metro rail together from Uttara North Station and returned to the same station after crossing few metro stations upto Pallabi.
Read: First phase of Metro Rail test run from Agargaon to Motijheel underway
They also visited the Metro Rail Exhibition & Information Centre and paid tributes to the victims of Holey Artisan incident at the Memorial there.
The Japanese Minister was very happy to ride the metro and expressed his satisfaction on the ongoing construction work of the airport 3rd terminal.
He thanked State Minister Alam for accompanying him during the visit.
Read more: PM to inaugurate Agargaon-Motijheel section of Dhaka Metro Rail in Oct: Quader
Japan to fully cooperate with Bangladesh towards becoming a high income country by 2041
Japan’s Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi today said his country would extend full cooperation to Bangladesh in its endeavor to become a high income country by 2041.
The Japanese minister discussed areas of cooperation with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.
Earlier, the Japanese minister for economy and trade took a ride on Dhaka's metro rail.
Also read: Japanese Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi in Dhaka
State Minister Alam accompanied him.
Nishimura Yasutoshi arrived in Dhaka on July 23 on a two-day official visit.
This is the first time that a Japanese minister for economy, trade and industry is visiting Bangladesh.
Yasutoshi referred to the ‘Strategic Partnership’ of diplomatic relations jointly declared by the prime ministers of both countries during PM Sheikh Hasina’s Japan visit in April this year.
Also read: Japan will continue to support resolving Rohingya issues: Ambassador
He expressed satisfaction on the mega projects carried out in association with Japan.
He praised Bangladesh’s young and energetic population as well as the country’s strategic location between South and Southeast Asia.
State Minister Alam reiterated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to turn Bangladesh into a high income country by 2041.
He briefed the Japanese minister on the development achievements carried out by the government in the last one-and-a-half decade. He referred to the ongoing mega projects under Bangladesh-Japan collaboration and stressed the need of such joint ventures to materialize Bangladesh’s vision of becoming a smart and developed country.
Also read: Groundhandling contract for Terminal 3 will go to Japan: CAAB chairman
He invited more Japanese investment including that in the sectors of infrastructural development, ICT, human resources development and renewable energy.
He called for continuing the existing preferential treatment to Bangladesh following the graduation to a middle income country.
Minister Yasutoshi informed the Bangladesh state minister for foreign affairs that Japan is currently studying the preferential treatment that can be accorded to Bangladesh upon its graduation to a middle income country.
An Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in this regard would help, he added.
State Minister Alam thanked Minister Yasutoshi for Japan’s continued support towards the development and progress in Bangladesh.
Also read: Deal signed for $225mn loan from Japan as budget support
They rode the metro rail together from Uttara North Station and returned to the same station after crossing few metro stations upto Pallabi.
They also visited the Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Centre and paid tributes to the victims of Holey Artisan incident at the Memorial there.
The Japanese Minister was very happy to ride the metro and expressed his satisfaction over ongoing construction work of the airport third terminal.
Shared principles and ability to continually ‘form a more perfect union’ are the anchor of US-Bangladesh relations: Peter Haas
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said the story of Bangladeshis in the United States carries significance.
“The strength of our democracy is in our people, and the strength of our people gets full expression in our democracy,” he said.
Speaking at a reception marking the Independence Day (July 4) of United States on Sunday evening, Haas said that they believe the principles that define America, extend beyond its borders.
Read: EU's special representative for human rights due in Bangladeash
Speaker of the Parliament, Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was the chief guest at the event.
“And we also believe that those values with anchor US-Bangladeshi ties, now and in the future,” he said.
The US celebrated its 247th Independence Day.
In the United States, the ambassador said, Independence Day celebrations are a combination of patriotic speeches and backyard BBQs, of military parades and fireworks, and of music that runs the gamut from the “Star-Spangled Banner” to “Born in the USA” to “Bad to the Bone.”
Read: Excited to see more Bangladeshi students choosing US for higher education: Ambassador Haas
In short, they celebrate the principles upon which they were founded.
“And we have fun doing it. And that is what we are here to do tonight,” said the Ambassador.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,” Haas said.
“Standing here now, in 2023, I note these principles of equality and democracy don’t apply just to men, but also to women, and the whole diverse range of Americans, regardless of race, color, or creed,” he added.
Read: People in support of fair polls have nothing to fear, Peter Haas says on new US visa policy
The United States and Bangladesh share similar ideals that motivated struggles for independence, said the ambassador.
Almost two centuries after 1776, Bangladesh fought the Liberation War based on four similar principles: nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism, he said.
“These shared principles, and the success of our nations’ ability to continually ‘form a more perfect Union’ are – and will be – the anchor of US-Bangladesh relations,” he said.
A special photo exhibition was held on the occasion that captured the spirit of George Thorogood’s tour, with a Bangladeshi twist. This exhibition showcases Bangladeshis who have made their homes in many of the 50 states of America.
Read: Bangladesh can draw more investment if corruption remains less prevalent: Peter Haas
“These photographs are a testament to the diversity that flourishes within our borders, where people from all walks of life, including Bangladeshis, have found a place to call home,” said the US ambassador.
“Through this exhibition, we witness the remarkable stories of Bangladeshis who have embraced the American dream, contributing their skills, culture, and heritage to the vibrant mosaic of our society,” he said.
“Their presence all over the United States exemplifies the strength and resilience of the American people, a strength rooted in our shared values of liberty, justice, and equality,” Haas said.
EU's special representative for human rights due in Bangladeash
The European Union’s Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Monday to discuss issues of mutual interests, specially rights issues.
He will be visiting at the invitation of the government of Bangladesh.
During his six-day visit, Gilmore will hold meetings with concerned government officials over the Rohingya issue and will visit the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read: Japanese Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi in Dhaka
In Dhaka, Eamon will hold a series of meetings with government officials and other stakeholders to discuss human rights issues.
He is likely to hold meetings with Law Minister Anisul Haq, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam apart from his meeting with civil society members.
During his recent visit to Brussels, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam held a series of meetings, including with Gilmore in the first week of May.
Shahriar invited Gilmore to visit Bangladesh.
The tasks of the Special Representative for Human Rights are to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy.
The Special Representative has a broad, flexible mandate, which provides the possibility of adapting to evolving geopolitical circumstances.
Read: Australia-Bangladesh willing to take bilateral relations to new height
The Special Representative works closely with the European External Action Service, which provides full support to his work.
Gilmore was Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade from 2011 until July 2014 in a coalition government which succeeded in steering Ireland from an IMF bailout to become one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union.
Defence diplomacy emerges as an indispensable tool for maintaining peace, stability: BIPSS president
Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) president Major General (Retd) ANM Muniruzzaman has said defence diplomacy has emerged as an indispensable tool for maintaining peace stability in an increasingly interconnected world where global challenges and threats transcend borders.
Defence diplomacy involves the strategic use of military and security assets, not for aggression, but as instruments of cooperation, collaboration, and conflict resolution, he said while speaking at a roundtable on Sunday.
"One might question why we need defence diplomacy when traditional diplomacy already exists. The answer lies in understanding the unique nature of security challenges and how defence diplomacy complements traditional diplomatic efforts," said the BIPSS president.
Read: Japanese Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi in Dhaka
BIPSS hosted the roundtable on ‘Defence Diplomacy: A Powerful Tool of Statecraft’ at a Dhaka hotel.
The speakers of the event were Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Distinguished Fellow, BIPSS and former Foreign Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh and Air Vice Marshal Mahmud Hussain (retd), former Ambassador and Distinguished Expert, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University (BSMRAAU).
Ambassadors and diplomats based in Dhaka, government officials, defense personnel, academician, journalists, and scholars joined.
Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said there is no universal definition of defense diplomacy in international relations as it adjusts differently in different circumstances.
Read: Australia-Bangladesh willing to take bilateral relations to new height
"Although the concept lies in Western origin, Asian perspective is added to it as more and more countries are harnessing defense diplomacy in their national strategies. ‘Defense diplomacy goes beyond offensive, defensive or other forms of coercive forces," said Dr Chowdhury.
He said it can simultaneously embrace both the characteristics of hard power and soft power.
"However, it varies from state to state. In example, he mentioned the case of USA, which often relies on the hard power defense diplomacy where use of force including sanctions is evident while for China it inclines more towards soft power."
With the increasing number of issues like, extremism, maritime piracy, climate change, migration, the foreign ministry cannot solely handle them all, he said.
According to Air Vice Marshal Mahmud Hussain, defence diplomacy as a tool of statecraft is very significant for Bangladesh.
Read: Washington keen to expand trade, create job opportunities for Bangladeshis and Americans: Congressman Joe Wilson
Bangladesh has been contributing as a top-troop contributing country in UN Peacekeeping since 2012 and the fact that Sierra Leone has recognized Bengali as one of their official languages for such contribution is a proof that defence diplomacy has been successful, he said.
He emphasized on the fact that diplomacy should not be based solely on political or foreign offices, but requires collaboration with military division.
During the interactive session, Dr Chowdhury discussed about the necessity of balance procurements and diversification in defense diplomacy of Bangladesh.
Mentioning the case of Pakistan, he claimed that Pakistan balances its defence diplomacy with both USA and China very carefully according to its costs and adjustments and Bangladesh should also keep its options open rather than relying on one particular global power for defense cooperation.
He also mentioned that the role of ambassadors should not just revolve around representing the state or be ceremonial in nature but needs to be functional as well.
Focusing on realism, AVM Mahmud claimed that they must accept the fact that the more power a state has in global stage, the more contribution it makes in defense diplomacy and hence states must adjust accordingly.
Both the speakers agreed on the fact that, in case of protocol, it is wise to keep all the baskets open as overdependence in defense purchase can have a toll on Bangladesh.
Demonstrating the success story of Singapore and India in incorporating technology in defense diplomacy, the speakers recommend that Bangladesh can learn to improve its diplomatic stance in global stage.
Read: Dhaka calls on UN Secretary-General to convey OIC’s deep condemnation on burning of Holy Quran
The moderator and BIPSS President concluded the event mentioning that defence diplomacy is not a panacea, but it is an element in the pursuit of global peace and security.
By engaging in meaningful and constructive cooperation, nations can build bridges, resolve conflicts, and lay the groundwork for a safer and more prosperous world, he said.
Austrade, BGMEA discuss ways to boost trade, investment
A delegation of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) led by President Faruque Hassan met with Daniel Boyer, Deputy CEO of Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in Sydney on Saturday.
The meeting was also attended by Bangladesh High Commissioner to Australia M Allama Siddiki.
Other members of the delegation were Vice President Shahidullah Azim, former Vice President Md. Moshiul Azam Shajal, Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Press, Publication and Publicity Shovon Islam, CEO of HSBC Bangladesh Md Mahbub ur Rahman and Director of Rose Intimates Limited Sanjay Kumar Naha.
They had discussions about issues of mutual interests including means of enhancing bilateral trade and investment by deepening cooperation between Bangladesh and Australia.
Their discussion encompassed how both sides could work together to explore potential trade and investment sectors and achieve win-win results.
BGMEA, Green Power sign MoU to support garment factories to become greener, more energy efficient
They also exchanged information regarding the current trade volume between the two countries and major challenges of increasing two-way trade.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan apprised the Deputy CEO of Austrade of the investment opportunities being offered by Bangladesh alongside developing infrastructure, special economic zones and improved business climate.
He through Austrade invited Australian investors to come to Bangladesh and explore promising areas where they could make investment.
BGMEA demands "transparent, comprehensive" investigation into death of Shahidul Islam
The BGMEA President briefed Austrade about the transformation of the readymade garment industry of Bangladesh into a safe and sustainable garment manufacturing hub.
He also pointed to the industry’s aim to increase its apparel exports, especially high-value fashion items to Australian market.
He highlighted the importance of knowledge and technology transfer to accelerate economic growth.
Singapore delegation meets BGMEA leaders to discuss trade potential
In the meeting, both sides expressed commitment and high optimism of working together to seize the opportunities for mutual benefits.
Japanese Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi in Dhaka
Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi arrived in Dhaka on Sunday on a two-day visit to discuss ways to enhance economic cooperation between the two friendly countries.
Director General of East Asia and Pacific Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Toufique Hasan received him at the airport.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori was also present.
Read: Australia-Bangladesh willing to take bilateral relations to new height
During the visit, the Japanese Minister is scheduled to attend a business summit titled “Bangladesh-Japan Economic Relations for the next 50 years” in Dhaka arranged by JETRO in joint collaboration with BIDA and FBCCI.
Besides, he is scheduled to meet Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun apart from his participation in Bangladesh-Japan Trade Summit in Dhaka.
The Japanese Minister will also meet State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and State Minister for ICT to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Read: Boycott those who comment on 'internal affairs': Momen
He is also expected to visit the ongoing metro project and construction of the 3rd terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
“The visit remains focused on economic cooperation,” a senior official at the Commerce Ministry told UNB.
He said the Japanese Minister will also experience travelling Metro Rail from Uttara North metro station on July 24.
At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made an official visit to Japan from April 25 to 28 this year.
During the visit, Prime Minister Kishida had a summit meeting with Prime Minister Hasina on April 26.
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the successful conduct of the first meeting of the Joint Study Group on the possibility of a Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in April 2023 and expected its steady progress.
They also welcomed the signing of the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement with a view to promoting further cooperation between the respective Customs Administrations.
Read: Momen pledges Dhaka’s all possible support for COP28
The Japanese Minister is likely to discuss the findings of a joint study on signing the proposed EPA for boosting trade and investment between the two countries.
Nishimura is also scheduled to hold meetings with members of the Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka (JCIAD).
UNICEF: Against the odds, record 300,000 Rohingya children attend first day of school
Against the odds of displacement, fires burning down learning centres, and Cyclone Mocha’s wrath, classrooms in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh are filling up today with children, excited on the first day of school.
Thanks to expanded education opportunities for teenagers and girls, a record 300,000 children are enrolled for the 2023/24 school year.
The new academic year marks the first time that Rohingya refugee children of all ages will be studying under the Myanmar Curriculum.
Since its launch in 2021, this formal curriculum has gradually been expanded with grades 3-5 and grade 10 opening today for the first time in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps, significantly increasing learning opportunities for both older and younger children.
Read: UN chief warns of risks of artificial intelligence
“Rohingya refugee children want to learn, and to turn their hopes and dreams for a better future to actual potential.” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh. “The single most important ingredient for ensuring a safe and dignified return of these children to Myanmar is ensuring that they can continue their education while they are here in Bangladesh. I urge our partners and donors to stand by UNICEF as we deliver on our promise to provide education for every Rohingya refugee child.”
In addition to the new opportunities for older children, a dedicated campaign has brought more than 13,000 children who were out of school into the classroom.
Efforts to support adolescent girls to continue their education are key to the record attendance this year. Due to social norms, parents are often reluctant to send girls to school once they reach puberty.
Read: Number of displaced children reaches 43.3 million in 2022: UNICEF
In response, UNICEF and partners have worked closely with the refugee community to demonstrate to parents the benefits of education for girls, to provide girls-only classrooms, and to organize chaperoning to classes by female mentors.
Delivering education in the largest refugee settlement in the world is an immense operation. One million refugees – half of them children – have lived in the densely populated camps in Bangladesh since 2017 when they fled violence and persecution in neighbouring Myanmar. Education for Rohingya refugee children is provided through 3,400 learning centres – 2,800 of which are supported by UNICEF – as well as through community-based learning facilities.
Read: Millions of children at risk in Bangladesh, Myanmar in the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha: UNICEF
On the first day of school in the camps, UNICEF appeals for US$33 million to urgently support education for Rohingya refugee children in the 2023/24 academic year.
Australia-Bangladesh willing to take bilateral relations to new height
Australia and Bangladesh want to take the relationship between the two countries to a new height by strengthening partnership and expanding trade and investment in potential areas.
Both sides are also keen to explore opportunities and turn them into reality through collaboration in order to derive reciprocal benefits.
The willingness was expressed during a meeting between Australian Assistant Minister for Trade Senator Tim Ayres and Bangladesh High Commissioner to Australia M Allama Siddiki and BGMEA President Faruque Hassan at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Office in Sydney on July 21.
During the meeting, they had discussions about general trade issues, investment opportunities and areas of collaboration, BGMEA said on Saturday.
They also stressed on the need for finding ways to enhance trade and investment flow for adding dynamism in economic ties.
The issue of Bangladesh’s economic development, LDC graduation and its associated challenges and preparations to overcome them was also discussed.
Read: BGMEA demands "transparent, comprehensive" investigation into death of Shahidul Islam
Australian Assistant Minister for Trade Senator Tim Ayres assured that Australia would continue duty free facility for Bangladesh’s exports even after graduation out of LDC in 2026.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan expressed thanks to Australia for supporting Bangladesh in its journey towards development, particularly for the decision of continuation of duty free market access in the post-LDC period.
Highlighting the trade potential, Faruque Hassan said Bangladesh considers Australia as a promising market for apparel exports, especially high-end fashion items.
He also pointed to Bangladesh’s interest in enhancing exports of cotton and wool from Australia for its RMG sector, emphasizing the need for enhancing industry connections between Australian exporters of raw materials like cotton, wool and importers and manufacturers in Bangladesh.
It would create a win-win situation for both countries, he further said.
Read: Singapore delegation meets BGMEA leaders to discuss trade potential
The BGMEA President sought cooperation of Australia in developing knowledge and skills of the students of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) in textile, apparel, fashion, design and business through collaboration with leading Australian universities and fashion institutes.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Australia M Allama Siddiki recalled with gratitude Australia's prompt recognition of Bangladesh after it achieved independence in 1971.
Since then Australia has remained a committed development partner of Bangladesh, he said.
Read more: BGMEA training on fashion products using local heritage materials ends
Washington keen to expand trade, create job opportunities for Bangladeshis and Americans: Congressman Joe Wilson
Congressman Joe Wilson, the Co-Chair of Bangladesh Caucus at the US Congress, has praised Bangladesh’s impressive economic progress and said that the United States is looking forward to expanding trade ties and creating job opportunities for people of both the countries.
Wilson, a congressman elected from South Carolina, was speaking as the chief guest at a reception hosted by Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Thursday (July 20) evening to celebrate the long-standing partnership between Bangladesh and the US.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran delivered the welcome address.
US engages directly with Bangladeshi officials to discuss ‘shared priorities’: State Dept
Elizabeth Horst, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asia, State Department, and Brian Luti, Director for South Asia Regional Affairs, the National Security Council, the White House, spoke at the event as guests of honour. Former congressman Jim Moran also spoke on the occasion.
While appreciating Bangladesh’s economic development, Congressman Wilson mentioned the country’s strides to move towards a trillion dollar economy, and achievements in reducing poverty.
Bangladesh is an important country in South Asia and its people are hard working, Wilson said, and added that he introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives this week commending Bangladesh for hosting the Rohingyas.
This type of political violence has no place in democratic elections: US State Dept on Hero Alam assault
In his welcome address, Bangladesh Ambassador Muhammad Imran welcomed the guests at the reception and extended sincere thanks to Congressman Joe Wilson for his encouraging remarks about Bangladesh-US relations and Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development.
Turning to Bangladesh’s impressive socioeconomic transformation under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the ambassador said the government has been working towards economic growth by creating equal opportunities for all and ensuring an inclusive society.
US Southwest swelters under dangerous heat wave, with new records on track
Ambassador Imran expressed gratitude to the US for its continued support and the humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas, temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh.
Elizabeth Horst, in her remarks, said in the last five decades, Bangladesh and the US have built a robust and broad partnership and the partnership is anchored by shared vision for a prosperous, peaceful and democratic Bangladesh.
Brian Luti, Director for South Asia Regional Affairs, the National Security Council, said the United States recognizes, respects and supports Bangladesh’s guiding principle: “Friendship to all and malice to none.”
The US simultaneously respects Bangladesh's national security and sovereignty, as well as international laws and principles enunciated by the UN charter, he said.
Alternate Executive Director of World Bank Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus, ambassadors of Malaysia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Sudan as well as diplomats of different countries, senior officials of the US government and State Department, academicians and members of the civil society joined the reception.
On the occasion, traditional Bangladeshi handicrafts were displayed and Bangladeshi foods were served to the guests.