Foreign-Affairs
‘Very strange, no source mentioned’: Momen on report claiming new sanctions are coming
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said there is no reason to impose sanctions afresh on Bangladesh and if that happens it will be very unfortunate.
He said he does not have any idea on new sanctions as it depends on individual countries.
“We hope (America's) good sense will prevail,” he said, adding that America is passing thousands of sanctions (on other countries)," Dr Momen told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that they (US) will not do these things.
It was arranged to brief the media on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Qatar visit that begins on Monday afternoon. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin, among others, was present.
It was very strange and surprising and no reference (source) is mentioned, Momen said regarding a media report that claimed that new sanctions are coming.
The Daily Kalbela newspaper published the report titled "US Sanctions Coming, Government Remains Ready.”
He referred to Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque who also said there is no reason to impose new sanctions.
On Sunday night, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested and condemned part of a media report terming it "false, baseless" and it was done with an "ulterior motive."
The Foreign Minister reiterated that he had never worked as a Chinese firm lobbyist before becoming a minister.
Rather, he said, he stayed in the USA and worked there. "This is something very strange (media report)."
Referring to the news published in the Daily Kalbela, the MoFA on Sunday night said in a part of the news, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was defamed.
The report mentioned that Dr Momen worked as a lobbyist for a Chinese organization before becoming a minister.
"It is completely false and baseless," MoFA said in a media release.
Through such lies in the name of AK Abdul Momen, the image of the government has been tarnished along with his defamation, MoFA said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently said Bangladesh will not purchase anything from countries that impose sanctions against the country.
A journalist wanted to know what actually provoked her to make this comment. In reply Dr Momen said politicians say many things that work as warnings as there are times when they see many issues.
“We are a very proud nation with many achievements. We have the capacity to face challenges. We are a victorious nation. I think this is the message (she wanted to convey). We will not step back but we will face the challenges.”
The US Embassy issued a “demonstration alert” ahead of the next general election and said the US citizens should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
When FM Momen’s attention was drawn regarding the alert, he said this question should be asked to the US side.
“Still there are still 7-8 months before the election. It is very strange. You ask them. Our law and order situation is very good. This is an amazing development we must say. They (law enforcement agencies) have done an excellent job,” Momen said.
The Foreign Minister said no one is getting killed on Bangladesh street and it will be relevant for the US to alert people regarding visits to US malls, schools or bars to remain careful there.
Also Read: PM Hasina: Bangladesh won't buy anything from those who impose sanctions against it
Foreign Ministry condemns Kalbela report for defaming Momen
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly protested and condemned part of a media report terming it "false, baseless" and it was done with an "ulterior motive."Referring to the news published in the Daily Kalbela newspaper titled "US Sanctions Coming, Government Remains Ready", the MoFA on Sunday night said in a part of the news, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was defamed.The report mentioned that Dr Momen worked as a lobbyist for a Chinese organization before becoming a minister."It is completely false and baseless," MoFA said in a media release.Through such lies in the name of AK Abdul Momen, the image of the government has been tarnished along with his defamation, MoFA said.
829 hajj pilgrims reach Jeddah in two flights
Two aircrafts of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying 829 hajj pilgrims reached Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday.The first flight carrying 414 passengers reached the airport around 7:30 am while the second flight reached at 11:30 am, said a press release from the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh.Mohammad Javed Patwary, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia received them at the airport.This year, Biman Bangladesh Airlines authorities will carry 61,111 hajj pilgrims out of total 1, 22,221 with its five aircraft. The rest will be carried by the Saudia and Flynas.Lauding the prime minister’s diplomatic success, the state minister said the immigration of the hajj passengers at the KSA end is being completed in Dhaka under the ‘Road to Makkah Initiative’.He said several initiatives were taken to ease sufferings of the pilgrims and no passenger has been subjected to harassment for booking tickets after initiating a new rule and enhanced monitoring since 2019.The Biman authorities concerned will conduct 162 pre-hajj flights from May 21 to June 22, and 168 post-hajj flights from July 2 to August 3 this year.Like last year, Biman will operate flights from Chattogram and Sylhet to Jeddah and Madinah along with Dhaka this year.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the hajj programme on May 19.
UK provides additional support for Rohingya, host communities in Bangladesh
The UK is providing an additional £2.3 million or Tk over 300 million in humanitarian support for the Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.
This new UK support will provide Rohingya communities with health care, shelter, and basic site management support.
It will also strengthen safeguarding systems for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar, said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Sunday.
Acting British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Matt Cannell, announced this additional funding during a visit to the Rohingya camps and host communities in Cox’s Bazar in the aftermath of cyclone Mocha.
Implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this new UK support responds to ongoing needs in the Rohingya camps.
It will help refugees to rebuild their shelters following the large scale fire in Camp 11 in March 2023, which destroyed 2,800 shelters; and Cyclone Mocha in May, which has reportedly affected 37,000 Rohingya refugees.
Acting British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Matt Cannell said, “The UK stands with Rohingya and host communities as they look to recover from the impact of Cyclone Mocha.
“I am proud to announce this new UK support of £2.3 million, which will help respond to recent tragedies as well as the ongoing needs in the camps and host communities. The UK remains committed to supporting the Government of Bangladesh to find a sustainable solution to this crisis and is providing vital humanitarian support.”
IOM Bangladesh's Chief of Mission Abdusattor Esoev said this support comes at a critical time when Rohingya refugees and the host communities in Cox's Bazar are facing immense challenges due to recent disasters, and ongoing humanitarian needs, especially in the aftermath of the devastating fire and Cyclone Mocha.
"With the support of the UK, we will be able to provide essential healthcare, shelter, site management support, and strengthen safeguarding systems for those affected. The partnership between IOM and the UK government has been instrumental in responding to the Rohingya crisis, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to support the people in need with humanitarian assistance."
Since 2017, the UK has provided £352 million of humanitarian support to Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.
BIPSS Roundtable: Speakers stress forging strategic partnerships, strengthening economic ties as Japan assumes renewed role in SA
Forging strategic partnerships, strengthening economic ties, enhancing people-to-people exchanges, and facilitating regionalism and connectivity are imperative as Japan assumes a renewed role in South Asia under the leadership of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
These observations were made by speakers at a roundtable titled ‘Role of Japan in South Asia’ that was organized at a hotel in the capital city by the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) on Sunday.
Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori attended the event as the special guest, which also witnessed the attendance of Ambassadors, foreign diplomats, government officials, journalists, and academics.
The session was moderated by Major (Retd) General A N M Muniruzzaman, President of BIPSS.
Muniruzzaman highlighted the evolving role of Japan in South Asia, as it seeks to diversify beyond its economic role in the region to encompass both economic and strategic partnerships.
In light of the recent Japan-Bangladesh summit to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, he remarked that the two countries have elevated their relationship from a 'Comprehensive Partnership' to a 'Strategic Partnership,' which will boost security and economic cooperation.
Along with assistance in infrastructure development, both countries have now signed defense cooperation in various fields. Japan is also entering a new phase in its security planning, as evidenced by a new national security strategy and accompanying defense planning documents; this significant shift in strategic posture will make Japan a key strategic player in the region.
Iwama Kiminori highlighted the importance of incorporating South Asia in Japan’s foreign policy.
“As the center of gravity of the world economy shifts towards the region, South Asia needs to cease the momentum to enjoy more economic growth,” he stated.
In its Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision, Japan views South Asian countries as key geopolitical players and the development of the region as necessary for greater regional stability.
Bangladesh and Japan relations, he deliberated, have made significant progress and continue to flourish as visible through massive developmental projects, particularly the Matabari coal-fired power plant and Dhaka metro rail.
Bangladesh is also one of the top candidates for Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA), which will contribute to strengthening security in the Bay of Bengal.
Sustained economic and security cooperation with Bangladesh and the rest of South Asia, based on the countries’ unique environments, was deemed necessary for the prosperity and peace of the region.
Panelist Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Distinguished Fellow at BIPSS traced the historical development of Japan’s foreign policy and discussed the central role Japan has played in South Asia.
Japan’s foreign policy has been greatly shaped by its sober, subtle, and sophisticated worldview, said the former caretaker government advisor for foreign affairs.
"Its foreign policy has undergone several changes throughout time, but its pacifist hues have remained constant. Under Prime Minister Kishida, however, the East Asian tiger is adopting a hardened approach that is highly defense-oriented accounting for the Ukraine conflict and security challenges from China and North Korea."
Dr. Iftekhar emphasized that with this new strategic posture, it will be vital to strengthen relations with South Asia. Japan’s commitment to the South Asian region is highly evident as observed through its developmental projects, such as the Big B project and its initiatives in northeast India. Such efforts to transform South Asia are based on a mutually rewarding model of cooperation in which a ‘stronger partner helps a weaker partner stand up’.
Panelist Dr Lailufar Yasmin, Professor and Chairperson of the Department of International Relations at the University of Dhaka, stressed the need for regionalism and connectivity as well as stronger people-to-people exchanges.
It is also one of the least integrated regions in the world economically, hence the ideas of connectivity and regionalism are pertinent.
Japan, she believes, can play the role of such a regional builder, as it has long been an advocate of horizontal relations in the Global South. ‘
"Japan is not only an aid donor, but also as a crucial strategic partner", she remarked.
Long-term strategic partnerships with Japan will provide both economic and security benefits to Bangladesh and the other South Asian countries.
She proposed that relations be strengthened further if Japan strives to increase its soft power appeal, particularly in terms of people-to-people contacts.
Bangladesh has an amazing growth trajectory amid investment opportunities: German Diplomat
Bangladesh has to make a strategic decision on whether it is an attractive market or attractive region for the investment and business activities, said Chargé d'affaires (CDA) of the German Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday, noting that the Europe is reorienting itself in the most fundamental way.
"There is geopolitical thing going on. I think there could be an analysis on the side of Bangladesh," he said highlighting how Bangladesh can gain economically further.
Speaking at a panel discussion on“High Inflation and Slow Growth: Implications & Measures for German Firms in Bangladesh” at German Ambassador’s Residence, the diplomat highlighted the development success story of Bangladesh and resilience of its economy.
"I would say our relations are strong. They are dynamic. They are growing. Trade volume is growing. Diversification is going on which is very important if we look at the long term relationship," said the German diplomat.
The Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany in Dhaka and German Business Council (GBC) jointly arranged the panel discussion.
Executive Director of Policy Research Institute Dr Ahsan H. Mansur delivered keynote speech at the discussion moderated by Managing Trustee, GBC and Chief Representative, Commerzbank AG Tawfiq Ali.
Managing Director and CEO of Mutual Trust Bank Ltd Syed Mahbubur Rahman and Chairman and founder Trustee, GBC and Managing Director and Chairman of BASF Bangladesh Ltd Sazzadul Hassan spoke as panel discussants.
"It's an amazing growth trajectory...we still do encourage people to come here and raise the issues of investment," said the German diplomat, adding that it is good time for Bangladesh when it comes to investment climate and ease of doing business.
Highlighting changes and reforms, he said they will not decouple from China but many companies are thinking about risk analysis about how to organize their businesses.
Read more: Bangladesh, India can cooperate in dev initiatives related to millet: High Commissioner
"Our economy emerged much more robust and healthy," he said, adding that Bangladesh can gain from it.
Talking about the topic of the discussion, Dr Ahsan Mansur said this is an issue that each country is facing, not just Bangladesh.
He laid emphasis on effective measures to control the inflation through a "soft landing" approach.
The economist said the government is still burning the fuel instead of landing, noting that reserves of the country need to be protected. "Don't let the reserves go down further."
Issues related to difficulties in issuing LCs and slow import of machineries also came up for discussion.
They discussants said they are all struggling and facing the same challenges, specially they said 2023 started with huge challenges.
Janowski lauded the close cooperation between GBC and the German Embassy.
He greeted the participants on an optimistic note, referring to Bangladesh’s vast potential and proven track record of resilience in overcoming grave challenges.
Representatives of the delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, leaders of German firms in Bangladesh and members of the development organisations were present.
Bangladesh, India can cooperate in dev initiatives related to millet: High Commissioner
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma has highlighted the important role of millet in ensuring food security, popularizing nutritional diet, promoting sustainable agriculture, and securing financial empowerment of farmers.
He noted that Bangladesh and India have immense scope to cooperate in the exchange of knowledge, sharing of best practices, and in the research and development initiatives related to millet.
The Indian High Commissioner inaugurated an exhibition on “Food Security and Importance of Millets” at the Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka on May 21.
US wants to advance 'deep ties' with Bangladesh: Embassy
The United States has said that they maintain a "broad and deep" relationship with Bangladesh, and that they also want to advance the ties.
"The United States maintains a broad and deep relationship with Bangladesh that we seek to advance," an official at the US Embassy in Dhaka told UNB.
Read more: PM Hasina: Bangladesh won't buy anything from those who impose sanctions against it
The response came when the US Embassy's attention was drawn to a media report that claims more US sanctions could be coming.
Bangla New Year 1430 celebrated in Rome
To celebrate and welcome the Bengali New Year, a discussion session and cultural programme were organized at the Bangladesh Embassy in Italy on May 18 - just over a month into the year 1430 on the Bangla calendar. The culture and long heritage of Bangladesh were highlighted at the event showcasing traditional pitha (cake),melodious songs, spectacular dances and culinary traditions, said a press release.The event was attended by high-ranking officials of Italian foreign and other ministries, ambassadors/permanent representatives of various countries, senior managers of the UN system, representatives of Italian civil society, journalists, artists and Honorary Consuls of Bangladesh as well as officers and officials of the Embassy and Consulate General in Milan.Ambassador Md Shameem Ahsan and his wife Pandora Chowdhury welcomed the guests with traditional Boishakhi scarves (uttorio) and exchanged New Year greetings with them.In his welcome remarks, the ambassador highlighted the richness of Bengali culture and mentioned the recognition of Mangal Shobhajatra by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind” as a result of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's diplomatic initiative and said it adds a new dimension to Bangla New Year celebrations.The Ambassador recalled with deep respect the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for the recognition of Pahela Baishakh as a public holiday and initiating observance of the day with celebratory activities.Minister Alessandra Schiavo, Central Director of the Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, was present at the event as "Guest of Honour".In her speech, she praised the Bangladesh community in Italy and highlighted the importance of the integration of the Bangladesh community in Italy with the Italian language and culture while underlining retention of their own cultural identities and practices.Schiavo further mentioned that the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy are making appreciable contributions to the social and economic sector of Italy, said the release.Dr Francesco Zanini, a professor of Lumsa University, Rome presented the keynote speech in the discussion session.
First ever Bangladeshi envoy to Bahamas presents his credentials
Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh High Commissioner in Canada, has presented his credentials as non-resident High Commissioner in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to Cornelius Alvin Smith, the country's Governor General, at his office in Nassau, the country's capital.
Following the presentation of the letters of credence, a long tête-à-tête meeting was held with the Governor General over the entire gamut of bilateral relations in the presence of the Secretary to the Governor General and the Permanent Secretary and the Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas, said a press release.
The Governor General praised the national development plan, including Vision 2041, crafted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government and showed intent to work together in the areas of shared concerns, including the challenges of climate change, it said.
Smith also highlighted the history of Bangladesh and The Bahamas in supporting each other in the multilateral platform, including in the UN Human Rights Council.
Lauding the strides made by Bangladesh in women empowerment and gender equity, Governor General said, The Bahamas eagerly looks forward to receiving a delegation from Bangladesh in Nassau when they will host the Commonwealth Women Ministerial Meeting in August 2023.
He also invited the Khalilur to the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of The Bahamas on 10 July 2023.
Responding to the Governor General's remarks, the High Commissioner Khalilur said he has been appointed as the first-ever High Commissioner of Bangladesh in The Bahamas due to the firm intent of Bangladesh’s government to strengthen and expand bilateral relations between the two countries. He also highlighted the potential for collaboration in the areas of shipbuilding, financial services and tourism, which can mutually benefit both countries, the release also said.
After the presentation of the letters of credence, the High Commissioner met Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis KC MP and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper to discuss prospective issues of mutual interests.