Foreign-Affairs
Govt to offer alternative facilities by Ansar to foreign missions: FS
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Tuesday said the government will offer the services of the Ansar – a paramilitary auxiliary force – to the foreign missions in Dhaka as alternatives as the withdrawal of “additional security escort” for four diplomats came into effect.
Talking to reporters, the foreign secretary said they are likely to hold a meeting with the Director General of the Ansar on Wednesday to know about the facilities they can offer and build a connection with those missions who are willing to take this service.
“We will talk to Ansar and will let the missions know officially,” Masud Momen said, adding that additional escort was mainly used for traffic clearance purposes.
Read more: As per Vienna Convention, host country must ensure protection of all diplomatic personnel: US State Dept
Responding to a question, the FS said the government is aware of the responsibilities as a host country under the Vienna Convention and regular security measures for foreign missions and their personnel remain unchanged.
Momen said they don’t see any security deficit in the country and militancy and the law and order situation is fully controlled.
He also said there is shortage or constraint of police personnel.
Asked about using flags by the diplomats in their vehicles, he said this is something that depends mainly on individual’s discretion and he thinks the diplomats have the sense where they will use flags or not.
Read more: No additional security escorts for foreign diplomats with taxpayers’ money: Momen
Sharing his own experience as a diplomat, Momen said there were no systems to use flags when he was in New York but in many countries flags are used while attending any state function.
“If I go to a market or a personal event of a colleague I will not use the flag at that time. It depends on the individual.”
Earlier, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday said, “If they (foreign missions) want it, they can get it on payment. We won’t provide this extra (security) escort service with taxpayers’ money.”
“In developed countries, no government provides such extra facilities,” the foreign minister said.
The minister said there has been no deterioration of the law and order situation that such service is required.
The United States has said the safety and security of their diplomatic personnel and facilities are of utmost importance.
“So, I’m not going to get into the specifics about security details concerning the U.S. embassy or its personnel,” Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State, said during a press briefing on May 15 (US time) at the State Department while responding to a question.
Read more: US says it wants to deepen relationship, cooperation with Bangladesh
He, however, noted that as per the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, any host country “must uphold its obligations to ensure the protection of all diplomatic mission premises and personnel and take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on personnel.”
Patel made the remarks after Bangladesh decided not to provide additional security escorts for a number of foreign diplomats, including the US and UK envoys, in Dhaka.
He said the United States is looking forward to deepening relationship and cooperation with Bangladesh on a number of key issues, “regardless of political party or candidates.”
PM Hasina likely to attend Qatar Economic Forum May 23-25
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to attend the Qatar Economic Forum, the Middle East's leading voice dedicated to global business and investment, to be held in Doha on May 23-25.
However, there is no official announcement yet regarding the visit.
Strategically located in Doha, the Forum draws on Qatar’s ability to link Asia with Africa and beyond, as well as its position as a key global diplomatic hub and a leader in LNG energy technologies.
Also Read: Economic cooperation needed among countries in South and Southeast Asia: PM tells outgoing Korean envoy
The forum features a curated group of global leaders and innovators exploring solutions for some of today’s more pertinent challenges as they draw up a blueprint for our shared future, said the organisers.
Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, Irakli Garibashvili,
Prime Minister of Georgia, Paul Kagame,
President of the Republic of Rwanda, Akbar Al-Baker, Group CEO of Qatar Airways, Khalid A. Al-Falih, Minister of Investment,
Also Read: PM Hasina: Election-time government can include opposition MPs in Parliament
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, State of Qatar, President & CEO of QatarEnergy are among the guests.
The organisers of the event put Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s name as one of the guests among Heads of State and Government.
Qatar Economic Forum 2023 will focus on prominent global challenges that affect societies and economies around the world.
Also Read: PM Hasina: Climate-induced disasters may disrupt Bangladesh’s smooth LDC graduation
The 2023 edition will revolve around global growth and establishing a new roadmap for global growth in this challenging economic environment.
Once finalised, the Prime Minister will be heading for Doha on May 22 and will return home on May 26, says a diplomatic source.
US says it wants to deepen relationship, cooperation with Bangladesh
The United States said it is looking forward to deepening relationship and cooperation with Bangladesh on a number of key issues, “regardless of political party or candidates.”
"Our hope for any election taking place around the world is that they are free and fair and accessible," Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State, said during a press briefing on May 15 (US time) at the State Department while responding to a question.
But beyond that, he said, he has nothing else to offer insight on when it comes to “political parties or candidates or anything like that.”
Also Read: As per Vienna Convention, host country must ensure protection of all diplomatic personnel: US State Dept
He said, last year the two countries celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Earlier, US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter visited Bangladesh and attended the 6th Indian Ocean Conference on May 12-13.
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to learn more about Bangladesh’s struggle for freedom and democracy," she tweeted, mentioning that the Liberation War Museum movingly conveys what Bangladeshis experienced during that time.
Also Read: US doesn’t endorse one political party over another in Bangladesh: State Department.
As per Vienna Convention, host country must ensure protection of all diplomatic personnel: US State Dept
The United States has said the safety and security of their diplomatic personnel and facilities are of utmost importance.
“So, I’m not going to get into the specifics about security details concerning the U.S. embassy or its personnel,” Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State, said during a press briefing on May 15 (US time) at the State Department while responding to a question.
He, however, noted that as per the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, any host country “must uphold its obligations to ensure the protection of all diplomatic mission premises and personnel and take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on personnel.”
Read: US doesn’t endorse one political party over another in Bangladesh: State Department
Patel made the remarks after Bangladesh decided not to provide additional security escorts for a number of foreign diplomats, including the US and UK envoys, in Dhaka.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen yesterday (May 15, 2023) said, “If they want it, they can get it in exchange for payment. We won’t provide this extra (security) escort service with taxpayers’ money.”
“In developed countries, no government provides such extra facilities,” Momen said.
Read more: US calls upcoming national election an 'internal' affair of Bangladesh
The minister said there has been no deterioration of the law and order situation that such service is required.
Vibrant startup scene in both countries can enhance cooperation: Indian HC
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma has highlighted the vibrant startup ecosystems in Bangladesh and India, linking it to both countries’ growing emphasis on innovation and technology.
He underlined the potential for the Bangladeshi startups to tap into the Indian markets, especially in the north-eastern states, and also benefit from the geographical proximity of the two countries.
The High Commissioner emphasised that the startup community in both India and Bangladesh had the opportunity to enhance cooperation, as the two countries explored ways to further enhance ease of doing business, including trade settlement in local currencies and collaboration on digital payment platforms.
Pranay Verma held an interactive session on May 14 with a group of ten Bangladeshi startups, who just returned home after completing a successful five-day visit to India from May 8-12.
These ten startup companies were the first set from Bangladesh whose visits were arranged under the framework of “India-Bangladesh 50 startups Exchange Programme,” an outcome of discussions held during the two prime ministers' most recent bilateral summits.
During the interactive session, the startups outlined the utility of these entrepreneurial exchanges and expressed appreciation for the opportunity this exchange provided them to understand the Indian startup ecosystem. They also got an opportunity to interact with angel investors from India and discuss long-term business partnerships.
The first cohort of ten startups from Bangladesh that visited India were Chaldal, Grit Technologies Limited, SKOOT Ltd, Eduhive, Zantrik, Moner Bandhu, Hello Task, Prescription Bangladesh, Abedok, and My Fuel Pump Ltd.
These startups belong to sectors spanning e-commerce, health, transport and logistics, energy, education and skill development.
In India, they were hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. During their stay, they had an opportunity to be introduced to the “Startup India” initiative and participate in interactive sessions focused on establishing a startup and business model creation process, role of incubator, marketing of projects and services, cyber security and artificial intelligence, including data protection, startup evaluation and methods to secure funding.
This first visit has kickstarted the 50 startups exchange programme between India and Bangladesh, which has the potential of augmenting cooperation in new and emerging areas, cutting edge technology, and flourishing entrepreneurship and innovation.
Under this programme, 50 startups from each of the two countries will visit the other in batches such as the just-returned Bangladeshis.
The visits will not however be about sightseeing or food vlogging - rather there will be a clear-eyed focus on exploring partnerships, expanding business relations, sharing experience and knowledge and expanding youth and entrepreneurial cooperation.
No additional security escorts for foreign diplomats with taxpayers’ money: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today said the government does not want to discriminate in terms of providing additional security escorts to any foreign diplomat in Dhaka, but they can avail such facilities in exchange for payment.
Envoys from a number of countries, including the US and UK, receive such additional security services. Such services availed by four diplomats have been withdrawn.
"If they want it, they can get it in exchange for payment. We won't provide this extra (security) escort service with taxpayers’ money," the foreign minister told UNB over phone this evening.
Also read: Steps taken to prevent foreign diplomats from talking about internal matters, Momen tells JS
Responding to a question, Momen said five to six diplomats receive such service and more diplomats want this. "This is becoming difficult for us," he said.
The foreign minister said the government is not willing to spend additional money as regular security service is in place.
“In developed countries, no government provides such extra facilities,” Momen said.
Also read: Govt will guarantee full protection of all diplomats, says F
The minister said there has been no deterioration of the law and order situation that such service is required.
Climate Change: Leaders gather at annual UN policy forum in Bangkok to tackle the most daunting threat
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its 79th session in Bangkok on Monday with global and regional leaders calling for urgent action to combat climate change and its dire impacts.
They urged countries in the region to meet their nationally determined contributions, intensify development of climate-sensitive technology, nurture policy environments supporting both industrial diversification and low-emission transport, as well as increase investments in renewable energy infrastructure.
“Asia and the Pacific can set the pace of climate action in the decades to come. Most countries in the region have already pledged carbon neutrality goals towards mid-century. But we need to accelerate action, with steep reductions in emissions within the next few years,” said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his opening message.
Also Read: PM Hasina: Climate-induced disasters may disrupt Bangladesh’s smooth LDC graduation
Climate change poses major challenges to all strands of sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.
The region includes 13 of the 30 countries most vulnerable to climate impacts and without concerted action, it could see an additional 7.5 million people fall into poverty by 2030.
“Each one of us and every aspect of our world is being affected. Those who are most exposed and have the fewest resources to respond to climate change, however, are the most vulnerable,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.
She added that the integrated nature of climate change calls for holistic, multisectoral solutions as well as targeted support.
Fekitamoeloa Katoa ʻUtoikamanu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Tourism of Tonga who was elected Chair of the 79th session, underscored that inclusive intergovernmental platforms such as ESCAP are a lifeline for the Pacific. “While the Pacific small island developing states contribute less than 0.03 percent of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, they are amongst the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In this regard, ESCAP is an important platform to advocate for regional and global action to achieve their climate goals.”
“The IPCC clearly demonstrates that the lower the emissions in 2030, the lower the challenge in limiting global warming to 1.5°C after 2030. Integrated planning, coherent policies, and economic stimulus investments designed to meet both the Sustainable Development Goals and climate challenges can generate significant co-benefits and speed up progress,” said Lachezara Stoeva, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
“We used to say that the choices we make will define the future for the generations after us. Now we have to say that the choices we make will decide whether there will be a future for the generations after us,” shared Csaba Kőrösi, President of the United Nations General Assembly. He added, “We are not lacking in ideas and plans; it is high time we realized them.”
Heads of states and governments from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mongolia, Palau, the Philippines, Samoa, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands also addressed the opening session.
While voicing grave concerns about the complexities and growing threats of climate change on sustainable development, they expressed their optimism for shared solidarity and cooperation towards building a resilient, sustainable and prosperous future for all.
More than 880 participants from 61 member States, associate members and permanent observers as well as representatives from academia, international organizations, youth, business and civil society are attending the session this week.
It is expected to culminate on Friday with the adoption of ten resolutions covering, among others, recommendations for accelerated climate action, ocean protection, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, supporting countries in special situations, promoting digital cooperation and inclusion, the use of space applications for sustainable development, advancing sustainable urban development and launching a new decade of persons with disabilities.
Australia wants an Indo-Pacific region where 'no country dominates, and no countries are dominated'
Welcoming Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook, Australia has said it seeks a region where “no country dominates, and no countries are dominated,” and the country thinks building a region like that requires efforts by all countries in the region.
“We welcome the Bangladesh government’s Indo-Pacific Outlook in that context. I particularly welcome the point in the Indo-Pacific Outlook that argues for an inclusive region,” Australian Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts said while responding to a question from UNB in a group session.
He laid emphasis on a “strategic equilibrium” where each country is able to make its own choices about its future -- “free from coercion”, and where sovereignty is respected. Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook echoes many of Australia's shared principles for the region, he said.
Watts said Australia's vision for the Indo-Pacific and the Indian Ocean region is “peaceful, prosperous, and resilient” -- a region that is governed by rules, norms and international law.
“I think that reflects the Australian government's desire for a region where the interests of small nations are respected, and where all countries can make decisions for themselves, and where their sovereignty is respected,” he said.
Also Read: A seamless transition into an Indo-Pacific is to our collective advantage: Jaishankar
Bangladesh, Vietnam eye FTA to boost economic relations
Bangladesh and Vietnam have agreed to explore possibilities of concluding a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) in order to add further substance to the steadily increasing bilateral trade and economic relations between the two regional countries, particularly in context of the LDC graduation of Bangladesh.
The issue was discussed at the second Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held between Bangladesh and Vietnam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Sunday.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen led the Bangladesh delegation, while a nine-member Vietnamese delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam Hung Viet.
Highlighting the lucrative incentives and facilities offered by Bangladesh for the Foreign Direct Investment, the Foreign Secretary encouraged the Vietnamese business community and entrepreneurs to avail the opportunities, particularly in the Economic Zones of Bangladesh, for mutual benefit.
The two sides stressed the importance of maintaining the momentum through regular exchange of high-level visits and agreed to organize the Joint Trade Commission meeting in Dhaka this year, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bangladesh also proposed formation of the Joint Commission at the Foreign Ministers’ level for comprehensive cooperation.
Both sides stressed the importance of direct air links for facilitating trade, commerce and investment and for accelerating tourism and people-to-people contacts.
Both Dhaka and Hanoi agreed to explore the possibilities for initiating direct flights at the earliest.
Foreign Secretary Masud Momen requested Vietnam to play a more proactive role bilaterally and within the ASEAN framework for an expeditious repatriation of the Rohingya people from Bangladesh to their homeland in Myanmar.
He also sought an expeditious inclusion of Bangladesh as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
Both Head of delegations recalled with gratitude the historic event of establishment of Diplomatic ties between two countries in 1973.
As this year marks the Golden Jubilee of Diplomatic ties between the two friendly countries, the meeting appreciates the joint celebration of the watershed event with commemorative programmes in Dhaka and Hanoi.
Both sides welcomed regular dialogue and meetings of bilateral mechanisms.
The head of delegations hoped that this second FOC would help inject further vigour and momentum into the existing excellent bilateral relations for making it more collaborative and constructive and fruitful.
The next FOC will be held in Vietnam on a mutually convenient date, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The entire gamut of the bilateral relations, including cooperation in the areas of trade and commerce, investment, energy, halal trade, tourism and culture, education, health, defence and security, agriculture, fisheries & livestock, ICT and telecommunication, direct air link came under discussion.
They also exchanged views on issues of mutual interests in the regional & international arena.
Both sides expressed optimism that the consultations, held after a hiatus of almost six years, would contribute significantly to adding further impetus and momentum to the existing bilateral engagements.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the current level of bilateral cooperation and stressed on further deepening the synergies through prudent utilization of the available complementarities.
Bangladesh–Nepal meeting on energy & power sector cooperation starts Monday
A two-day meeting of the joint steering committee (JSC) and joint working committee (JWC) on Bangladesh – Nepal power and energy sector cooperation is set to start in Bangladesh on Monday with a target to address the transmission bottleneck in regional electricity trade.
The JWC meeting is scheduled for May 15 while the JSC meeting is set for May 16 at the same venue at Payra power plant in Patuakhali, official sources said.
Ahead of the meetings, Nepalese Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud in a meeting on Saturday urged Bangladeshi private and public sector companies to invest in the hydropower sector in the Himalayan nation which holds about 60,000 MW of clean energy potentials.
“There is huge potential in the Nepal hydropower sector. India is investing in our country and we also welcome Bangladesh to invest in Nepal,” he said at an event titled: “Realizing Energy Cooperation between Nepal and Bangladesh” at the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka.
“We want to export power to Bangladesh from Nepal as there is an unlimited market,” he said.
Responding to a question from reporters on impediments in cross border transmission facilities, he said Nepal hoped to resolve the issue as the Nepalese Prime Minister is expected to visit India soon.
“We’re discussing and negotiating with India to resolve the issue. India is now positive in this regard. We’re looking positively to address the issue during the coming tour of the Nepalese Prime Minister to India,” he said.
Official sources in Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) said that Bangladesh has a plan to import 500 MW of electricity from Nepal where Indian company GMR Upper Karnali Hydropower is building a 900 MW hydro power project.
But so far, no breakthrough was made in resolving issues on transmission facilities due to Indian lack of clearance, said a top BPDB official UNB spoke to.
Preferring anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue, he said Bangladesh and Nepal were trying to persuade India to agree a regional arrangement to build a cross border transmission facility to facilitate electricity trade.
“But India always prefers to settle such issues on a bilateral basis”, he added, "Bangladesh and Nepal prefer a tripartite or regional agreement”.
Explaining the matter he said, If Bangladesh wants to import power from Nepal, it has to first sign a deal with India, not directly with Nepal. Then Nepal will sign a separate deal with India, each deal will be bilateral basis.
In this case, Bangladesh has to import electricity from Nepal through an Indian company. Currently, Bangladesh is importing electricity from India through a similar arrangement where Indian company NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) is importing power for BPDB.
As there are no adequate transmission facilities in place, Bangladesh is now trying to start electricity import by 50 MW through the existing limited facilities. But still such a plan is not getting clearance due to lack of Indian approval, said the BPDB official.
Meanwhile, the meeting of the Bangladesh-India Joint Steering Committee on Power Sector Cooperation was held in Khulna on May 4.
Joint development of cross-border trade and relevant projects and projects on energy efficiency in Bangladesh were discussed, a press release of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources had said at that time.
It also had mentioned that the meeting also discussed India-Bangladesh interconnection link for electricity import, the signing of a proposed agreement to import 500 megawatts of hydroelectricity from Nepal by Indian company GMR to Bangladesh through India, tripartite investment of Bangladesh, India and Bhutan in hydroelectricity project in Bhutan and also the importing of electricity from the project to Bangladesh.