Foreign-Affairs
Tourism emerging as vital to Bangladesh-Malaysia relations
Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haznah Md. Hashim has said the tourism sector has emerged as a vital component of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia.
"This is acting as a bridge to bring our people closer and allowing us to experience the unique beauty and diversity each nation has to offer," she said while speaking at a B2B networking dinner on Sunday at a Dhaka hotel.
Marking the "Roadshow to Bangladesh", the High Commissioner said Malaysia registered more than 10 million tourists’ arrivals in 2022.
"This shows that Malaysia is on track to gain back 26 million tourists’ arrivals. Out of 10 million tourists in 2022, about 59,000 were originated from Bangladesh," she said.
With respect to Bangladeshi tourists, leisure tourism plays a significant role in attracting them to Malaysia.
The High Commissioner said Malaysia, Truly Asia, offers the Bangladeshi travellers a perfect blend of natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage – which is a multitude of experiences for every traveller.
PM’s 2nd visit to Qatar in 3 months bears sign of Bangladesh's visible presence in int’l arena: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday (May 22, 2023) said the two-time visits by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Qatar within three months this year bear the sign of Bangladesh's visible presence in the international economic arena as well as its close friendly relations with Qatar.
He made the remarks at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hours ahead of the Prime Minister’s departure for Doha to attend Qatar Economic Forum-2023. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin, among others, was present.
This forum will focus on nine important contemporary issues, Dr Momen said.
These issues include energy security; technology and innovation; changing market systems; innovation in the health sector; climate finance; trade strategies and arrangements; manpower in the fourth industrial revolution; sports in the digital world; and the future of foreign investment, he said.
Read more: ‘Very strange, no source mentioned’: Momen on report claiming new sanctions are coming
According to the organizers, prominent economists and leading business leaders of the world will participate in the discussion on these issues.
In addition to Minister Momen, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Private Industry and Investment; State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources along with senior government officials will participate.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka for Doha on Monday afternoon on a three-day official visit to attend the Qatar Economic Forum 2023 at the invitation of Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airline, carrying the premier and her entourage, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:13 pm.
Read more: Qatar Economic Forum 2023: PM to leave for Doha this afternoon
The flight is scheduled to land at Hamad International Airport at 6:00pm local time (9:00pm Bangladesh Time).
The Prime Minister will attend the Forum titled “3rd Qatar Economic Forum: A New Global Growth Story” to be held on May 23-25.
The Qatar Economic Forum is the Middle East's leading voice dedicated to global business and investment.
The main objective of this forum is to find a solution by increasing mutual cooperation among the international community to deal with the multi-faceted challenges and crises going on globally and the adverse economic consequences arising from them.
Read more: PM Hasina to leave for Doha on Monday to attend Qatar Economic Forum 2023
On May 23, Hasina will join the opening session of the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum, address the students of Qatar University in Doha, and hold meetings separately with Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi and Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia Khalid A. Al-Falih.
On May 24, the PM will join the forum, have a meeting with the emir of Qatar at Amiri Diwan and visit Awsaj Academy (a specialized school).
PM Hasina is expected to return home in the morning of May 25.
Read more: PM Hasina likely to attend Qatar Economic Forum May 23-25
Netherlands lauds Bangladesh’s continued progress despite global uncertainties
The Netherlands has appreciated Bangladesh’s continued social and economic progress despite global economic slowdown and uncertainties.
The country noted appreciable ways the ties strengthened and contributed to Bangladesh’s sustainable graduation as a developing country in 2026.
The relationship is increasingly focusing on mutual trade, investments and knowledge exchange.
Bangladesh and the Kingdom of the Netherlands held the Fifth Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Dhaka on Sunday.
The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.
The delegation of the Netherlands was led by the Secretary General of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Paul Huijts.
Both sides shared perspectives on increased economic collaboration in a broad range of sectors, to create a diversified economy that is shock-resistant after the LDC graduation.
The Dutch side noted the progress that the RMG industry in Bangladesh has made, especially in workers’ safety and labor conditions since the Rana Plaza incident.
The Dutch side confirmed their commitment to continue to work together with the Bangladesh authorities and industry to further improve the environmental standards, labor conditions and workers’ rights.
Engaging the private sector in Bangladesh and the Netherlands was widely discussed.
Both sides recognized that entrepreneurs, SMEs and businesses can engage in mutually gainful collaboration on knowledge – innovation – based solutions robustly in wide-ranging areas like water efficiency, digitalization, circularity, energy, climate adaptation, maritime, design thinking and sustainability, and agriculture.
They agreed on deepening focus on agriculture and digitalization, in particular, and noted the market scans on Bangladesh agriculture as a stepping stone for deepening bilateral economic ties.
They welcomed the Dutch Agro-Trade Mission to Bangladesh in June 2023 and encouraged all stakeholders in business and government to conduct such structured business interactions at regular intervals.
Recognizing the potential to spur entrepreneurship in Bangladesh youth, they welcomed commencement of the first Asian hub of the Orange Corners in Bangladesh (February 2023).
The Dutch side underlined the importance of further improvements in business climate to encourage foreign investment and trade in keeping with relevant global practices and standards and in attracting more foreign investment and business to Bangladesh.
Underlining that the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 should serve as a key vehicle and a process of mutual learning in securing sustainable development of Bangladesh society, economy and ecology, they welcomed commencement of its Phase II (2022-2032).
It was emphasized that the Plan should drive integrated efforts in making manufacturing, agriculture, urbanization, transport logistics and energy systems in Bangladesh future-proof while building resilient water infrastructure.
Noting the current and future growth scenarios in Bangladesh, regional developments including the war in Ukraine, and transition in global supply chains, the two sides recognized the scope for deepening economic collaboration in longer term based on mutuality of interests.
The two sides discussed developments in the region, including the importance of increasing cooperation and connectivity between the EU and the Indo-Pacific region and opportunities for strengthening Bangladesh-Netherlands cooperation in multilateral fora.
They also exchanged views on political developments in both countries, the upcoming elections in Bangladesh and recognized the issues of human rights and rule of law.
The Netherlands expressed deep sadness for the affected people in Bangladesh in the aftermath of the Cyclone Mocha.
The Netherlands registered its gratitude for Bangladesh’s hospitality towards hosting around 1.2 million Rohingyas, and recognized the importance of the ongoing international efforts on securing justice and accountability for human rights violations committed in Myanmar.
Both parties remain committed to working with the international community on a safe, sustainable, dignified and voluntary return of the Rohingya to their homeland.
Bangladesh and the Netherlands continue to maintain a long-standing and mutually beneficial friendship for more than five decades now.
The Netherlands has been a development partner in Bangladesh’s early societal and economic journey, for instance in water infrastructure development, food security, skills development, women empowerment, human rights and the RMG sector.
The Foreign Office Consultations underlined the willingness of both countries to engage in and explore possibilities to further deepen bilateral ties.
‘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.