Foreign-Affairs
US appreciates PM Hasina's openness to engage int’l election monitors
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has shared the outline of Bangladesh’s recently released Indo-Pacific outlook.
The US side noted a number of areas of convergence between the two countries’ respective Indo-Pacific documents.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen briefed his US counterpart about various measures taken by Bangladesh’s Election Commission to pave the way for free and fair elections at both regional and national levels.
Read more: Bangladesh a ‘modern miracle, one of the most exciting growth stories’: US Chamber of Commerce SVP
The US side appreciated the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s commitment to free and fair elections as well as openness to engage international election monitors.
The 9th Bangladesh-US Partnership Dialogue was held at the US Department of State headquarters in Washington DC on Wednesday where key bilateral and global issues of mutual interest were discussed.
Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masud Bin Momen and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Ambassador Victoria Nuland led their respective delegations to the dialogue.
Foreign Secretary Momen briefed the US side about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Japan, and later to Washington DC to celebrate the 50 years of partnership between Bangladesh and the World Bank.
Read more: PM Hasina seeks long-term US partnership to build Smart Bangladesh
The Foreign Secretary shared some positive developments in Bangladesh’s recent human rights performance.
He reiterated the call for lifting the sanctions on RAB and extraditing Rashed Chowdhury, a self-confessed killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Nuland acknowledged the Bangladesh Government’s announcement to review the Digital Security Act by this year.
She also emphasized the importance of continuing progress in the labour sector reform in order to attract enhanced investment from the US.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the growing and vibrant business cooperation in a number of critical sectors.
Read more: US doesn’t endorse one political party over another in Bangladesh: State Department
They agreed to continue working further on cyber security and data protection to enhance business engagements by the US tech giants in Bangladesh.
Ambassador Nuland appreciated Bangladesh’s remarkable generosity in hosting the Rohingyas from Myanmar and assured USA’s continued humanitarian support.
Foreign Secretary Momen briefed Ambassador Nuland about the latest situation concerning the funding for Rohingyas as well as the renewed pilot scheme for repatriating a limited number of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Both sides agreed to further scale up the resettlement programme for some of the most vulnerable Rohingyas.
The two sides exchanged their views on the climate change-related issues and discussed areas of cooperation in this regard.
The Foreign Secretary invited Under Secretary Nuland to the 10th round of the Partnership Dialogue which will take place in Dhaka next year.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran and senior officials from relevant ministries and the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington were present at the meeting.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and senior officials from the US State Department, White House and the USAID were present from the US side.
Bangladesh a ‘modern miracle, one of the most exciting growth stories’: US Chamber of Commerce SVP
President of the US-Bangladesh Business Council and Senior Vice President for South Asia at the US Chamber of Commerce, Atul Keshap, has called Bangladesh a "modern miracle, and one of the most exciting growth stories" in the world.
“The nation is set to graduate LDC status by 2026, and on a trajectory to become a trillion-dollar economy in the next 20 years," he said while applauding Bangladesh’s economic performance over the past two decades.
Keshap also remarked on how Bangladesh’s growth under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure has been employment-driven, gender-inclusive, and increasingly underpinned by commitments to environmental sustainability and human development.
Read more: Bangladesh needs PM Hasina’s leadership to achieve prosperity: IMF chief
The US Chamber of Commerce’s US-Bangladesh Business Council (USBBC) hosted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at its headquarters in Washington D.C. for the roundtable, “US-Bangladesh Economic Cooperation" on May 2.
Prime Minister Hasina addressed the roundtable, highlighting the importance of the US-Bangladesh commercial partnership.
“The United States is a major economic and development partner of Bangladesh. Both countries have intensive engagements in many areas, including trade and investment. Our shared aim is to achieve mutual benefit and prosperity for our peoples," she was quoted as saying by the US Chamber of Commerce.
Prime Minister Hasina also underscored that Bangladesh is considered a “role model in socio-economic development” due to its achievements in good governance, rule of law, women’s empowerment and digitalization.
Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Prime Minister Hasina to the US Chamber of Commerce building, and met with her to discuss the private sector’s partnership in Bangladesh’s growth trajectory.
Read more: PM Hasina seeks long-term US partnership to build Smart Bangladesh
The US-Bangladesh Business Council, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Hasina in 2021, has an expanding roster of 40 members — spanning the energy, power, digital economy, financial services and digital payments, insurance, healthcare, aerospace and defence, ridesharing, food and beverages, water, and sustainability sectors.
As part of its efforts to promote free enterprise, competitive markets, rules-based trade and investment around the world, the US Chamber of Commerce is expanding its engagement in Bangladesh and across the Indo-Pacific region.
Steven Kobos, President and CEO of Excelerate Energy, and Chair of the USBBC Board of Directors, recognized the Bangladesh government’s ability to raise living standards and achieve 100% electrification while also demonstrating regional leadership on climate resiliency.
Kobos also stated that “under the Honorable Prime Minister’s steady leadership, Bangladesh has achieved impressive economic growth, graduating from LDC status while lifting millions out of poverty.”
Read more: Many countries can learn from Bangladesh’s approaches to reducing poverty, empowering women, adapting to climate change: WB President
USBBC members discussed opportunities for the private sector to support the Smart Bangladesh goal, with dedicated conversations around cooperation in sectors like digital economy, financial services, agribusiness, aerospace and defence, beverages, support for startups and the launch of the ICT Division’s IT Connect Portal with the United States.
The event was partnered by Excelerate Energy, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Visa, Mastercard, Meta, Uber, Boeing, and Walmart.
Bangladesh calls for immediate end to war in Sudan at OIC meeting
Bangladesh has called for an immediate permanent ceasefire in Sudan and the start of the peace process.Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Permanent Representative and Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr Mohammad Javed Patwary made the call to the Sudan Armed Forces and the Sudan Rapid Support Forces (RSF) at an emergency meeting of OIC’s Executive Committee at its Jeddah headquarters on Wednesday with Saudi Arabia in the chair.At the beginning of the meeting, OIC Secretary General Hissen Brahim Taha gave his views on the situation in Sudan.“Sudan's fight is undermining the Sudanese people's long-standing desire for peace, stability and prosperity. The war has caused extensive loss of lives and property and created an atmosphere of fear, and Bangladesh is deeply concerned about this,” said Javed.“As a result of the war, many people have already been displaced in Sudan in the hope of safe shelter, there is a shortage of food, and widespread looting is going on due to the deteriorating law and order situation - local people and expatriate residents of different countries, including Bangladeshis, are suffering because of it,” he added.The ambassador also said there are about 1,500 Bangladeshi nationals living in Sudan who are waiting for evacuation. The Government of Bangladesh is trying to repatriate them safely from Sudan.
He thanked the Saudi government for its efforts to evacuate foreign nationals, including Bangladeshis, from Sudan.Several other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, are also carrying out rescue operations.
The Bangladesh ambassador called on Sudan's government and opposition parties to create safe return passage for foreigners and safe opportunities for humanitarian assistance. The ambassador also mentioned that the attack on the Bangladesh embassy and the head of mission's residence in Sudan during the war was sad and a clear violation of diplomatic policy.
He urged the Sudanese government and the warring parties to ensure the safety and overall cooperation of the diplomatic mission and its personnel in accordance with the Vienna Convention.OIC permanent representatives from Sudan, Turkey, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Malaysia, Indonesia, Algeria, Iraq, Egypt, Pakistan, Gambia, Mauritania, Cameroon, Djibouti, Chad, Tunisia, Palestine, Libya, Morocco, Lebanon, Jordan and other countries spoke at the meeting.The meeting adopted a joint declaration calling for an end to the war in Sudan, the start of the peace process and various effective steps on other important issues.
Journalism is a public good that must be protected: UNRC
UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis on Wednesday said journalism is a public good that must be protected.
“By supporting freedom of the press, we provide ourselves with a powerful development tool. In celebrating World Press Freedom Day, I thank all journalists in the country who continue to inform people by bringing the truth to light,” she said.
Law Minister Anisul Huq and UN Resident Coordinator discussed media freedom at an event jointly organised by UNESCO, Transparency International Bangladesh and ARTICLE 19 South Asia.
2023 marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. On this day all United Nations member states mark the importance of media freedom and honor journalists who foster dialogue and accountability, empowering people with information.
During the roundtable discussion, the Minister of Law spoke about Bangladesh’s vision for media freedom and answered a series of questions on the country’s Digital Security Act (DSA).
To mark the anniversary, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and Transparency International in Bangladesh organised a roundtable titled "Shaping a Future of Rights” to discuss issues journalism is facing in the country and in the world.
Chairman of National Human Rights Commission Dr Kamal Uddin Ahmed, and Ambassador of Sweden in Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde, Professor Dr. Gitiara Nasreen, Executive Editor of Dhaka Tribune Reaz Ahmad and Barrister Joytirmoy Barua took part in the event held with the support of Transparency International Bangladesh and human rights organisation Article 19.
UNESCO Dhaka office representative Dr Susan Vize said hosting this event was important for UNESCOs work in Bangladesh.
“UNESCO works to promote freedom of expression, a key component of which is press freedom and safety. Today's panel highlights the critical role of press freedom in the achievement of sustainable development and fulfillment of human rights."
The discussion was moderated by Iftekharuzzaman, the Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
Bangladesh hopes for early launching of “Partnership Cooperation Agreement” for elevated relations with EU
Bangladesh expressed hope for an early launching of the “Partnership Cooperation Agreement” which would be an important institutional and legal mechanism to concretise the elevated relations with the European Union (EU).
The EU has commended Bangladesh on its outstanding development journey and hailed the country as a success story.
Bangladesh and the EU have agreed to further deepen their partnership as the two sides celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations.
The two sides discussed the ways of further cooperation during the meetings of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam, MP with the EU dignitaries, including Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič, European Parliament’s Chair of the Committee on International Trade Bernd Lange, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs David McAllister, and EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore on May 2-3 in Brussels.
Bangladesh side gratefully acknowledged the role of the EU in the country’s development since independence, particularly how the EBA has changed the social fabric of the country for the better through its contribution in women empowerment.
The EU was apprised of steps being taken by the government to prepare for graduation and the much bigger role of the EU envisaged in the future, particularly in the areas of post-LDC trade relations, infrastructure development under EU’s Global Gateway initiative, green transition, talent partnership for skilled migration, human rights development, etc.
Bangladesh expressed appreciation of the EU’s political and humanitarian support for the Rohingyas being temporarily sheltered by Bangladesh and sought EU’s support for their early repatriation to Myanmar.
The two sides also shared their views on different regional and international issues of mutual interest and concerns, including climate change, Russia-Ukraine conflict, Indo-Pacific, combating human trafficking and migrants smuggling, etc.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Belgium and the EU along with Nahim Razzaque, MP and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy were present during the meetings.
State Minister Shahriar Alam is on a four-day visit to Brussels and is covering a packed agenda including meetings with Commissioners of the European Commission, Members of the European Parliament, engagements with European think tanks and international media.
Journalism is no crime, say foreign diplomats urging greater media freedom
Foreign diplomats at a discussion on Wednesday highlighted the importance of a free and independent press in any democracy.
They also underscored the importance of press freedom and the value of protecting it.
The US Embassy in Dhaka hosted the discussion titled “Shaping a future of rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights” held at the American Center auditorium to commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2023.
Representatives of member countries of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) in Bangladesh attended the event.
In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 as “World Press Freedom Day.”
It’s the day to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on its independence, and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives practicing their profession.
Charge d'affaires (CDA) at the US Embassy in Dhaka Helen LaFave said freedom of press is vital in any democracy.
Journalism is not a crime, and protecting media freedom benefits society, she said.
“Journalism is not a crime. I repeat journalism is not a crime. Journalists should not be punished or face criminal charges just for doing their job. It is not enough to have a constitutional provision or law that protects journalists on paper,” she said, adding that leaders must demonstrate every day by their words and actions that they truly believe in press freedom.
By protecting media freedom, Helen LaFave said, a society is more prosperous. “A free press promotes transparency, which increases accountability as it helps reduce corruption, and fosters a business-friendly environment.”
“Together, let us uphold the principles of media freedom and allow the light to shine. Let us resist efforts to silence critical voices or limit the scope of the media. Let us work together to build a more just, equitable, and prosperous world,” she said.
Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dr Lily Nicholls said the number of countries regarded as safe where journalists can work in complete security, continues to decline.
Quoting the World Press Freedom Index prepared by Reporters without Borders (RSF), she said journalism is blocked or impeded in 73 percent of the 180 countries they have studied.
Read more: Stop targeting truth, truth-tellers: UN Chief on World Press Freedom Day
The high commissioner said they must acknowledge the important role of women journalists and other marginalized groups in the exercise, promotion and protection of press freedom, and the specific risks they face as they carry out their work.
Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruer, Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Anne van Leeuwen, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis, representatives of the Media Freedom Coalition and senior journalists were present.
Prothom Alo Special Correspondent Rozina Islam, who also spoke at the discussion, said press freedom is essential because it helps create public opinion and brings accountability, empowers journalists to expose corruption.
She urged the government of Bangladesh to ensure safety and security of journalists and to respect freedom of press.
“Journalism is not a crime. Stay with us. Long live journalism,” Rozina said, adding that she is fighting for justice.
Freedom of press is vital in any democracy: CDA Helen
Charge d'affaires (CDA) at the US Embassy in Dhaka Helen LaFave said freedom of press is vital in any democracy.
Journalism is not a crime, and protecting media freedom benefits society, she said at an event at the embassy on Wednesday.
UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis and representatives of the Media Freedom Coalition were present.
The programme began with a video screening that contained comments from diplomats.
A free press is also essential for promoting human rights and social justice, according to a joint article by the embassies and high commissions of Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States.
"Journalists play a critical role in exposing human rights abuses and violations, and promoting accountability. This is true for every country where a free press exists," the article reads.
Journalists can also promote gender equality by ensuring that women's voices are heard, and their experiences represented.
"By ensuring press freedom, a sound basis is set for societies to develop and to improve through open discussions. The members of the Media Freedom Coalition in Bangladesh enthusiastically look forward to continuing this conversation with all parties," according to the article.
Prothom Alo Special Correspondent Rozina Islam also spoke at the programme.
Election is Bangladesh’s internal affair, would refrain from commenting: Japanese Ambassador
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori has said he would prefer to refrain from commenting on Bangladesh’s upcoming election, calling it “an internal affair”.
“I would refrain from making any comments on this. It is an internal affair of Bangladesh,” he said when a journalist wanted to know Japan’s position on the subject after bilateral relationship was elevated to “strategic partnership” during PM Hasina’s recent official visit.
Also Read: US calls upcoming national election an 'internal' affair of Bangladesh
The ambassador was briefing media at the Japanese Embassy on Wednesday on the recent meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida in Tokyo.
Iwama Kiminori made the remark when during the briefing, a journalist referred to the previous Japanese ambassador’s comment in November last year.
At the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Sheikh Hasina made an official visit to Japan and had a summit meeting on April 26.
Read More: Bangladesh, Japan focusing on ‘comprehensive and targeted-oriented’ partnership: Ambassador
Stockholm to host EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum on May 13
To move things forward, the European Union and Sweden, currently holding the EU presidency, will host the second EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Stockholm on May 13.
The meeting, co-chaired by the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tobias Billström, and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, takes place against the backdrop of turbulent international relations.
"The world’s geopolitical architecture and the multilateral systems are under threat, while the global economy is hampered by inflation and stretched supply chains – not to mention the profound impact that the climate crisis has in particular on littoral states such as Bangladesh," said Charles Whiteley, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, and Alexandra Berg von Linde, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, in a joint article.
On April 24, Bangladesh launched its Indo-Pacific Outlook.
The outlook highlights stability and prosperity in the region as essential pillars when it comes to translating the vision of Bangladesh’s future as a modern, knowledge-based developed country by 2041 into reality.
"The text chimes well with the European Union’s (EU) own 2021 Indo-Pacific Strategy, which aims to contribute to the stability, security, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region," the article reads.
Bangladesh and the EU attach importance to the same crucial principles: respect for international law and the UN Charter, freedom of navigation and overflight, maritime security and safety, it says.
In addition, both approaches place great emphasis on connectivity in all its incarnations, including energy, trade and digital.
Furthermore, there is a common understanding of the global environmental challenges related to climate change, biodiversity and disaster risk reduction.
The European Union has a clear interest in engaging in the Indo-Pacific region.
"Together with Indo-Pacific nations we represent a majority of the world’s population, economy, and trade. This gives us the potential to shape global conditions, be it by securing supply chains or by setting up sustainable infrastructure networks," the two envoys wrote.
Bangladesh is among the first countries in the Indo-Pacific region that features a Global Gateway flagship initiative, promoting green energy transition through renewable power generation.
In the security domain, the EU’s CRIMARIO programme, securing critical maritime routes in the Indo-Pacific region, has strengthened cooperation in maritime surveillance by sharing information, building capacity and providing training for its members.
The EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Stockholm will address these key areas and explore opportunities for further cooperation between two of the most dynamic economic areas in the world, according to the article.
"Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook delivers a welcome contribution to these joint efforts and is a very timely initiative indeed: in the current year, which celebrates 50 years of Bangladesh-EU relations, the need for closer relations between the EU and the Indo-Pacific region has never been greater," the envoys wrote.
With the aim of strengthening the partnership between the EU and the Indo-Pacific region, the meeting will bring together around 60 foreign ministers from the Indo-Pacific region and the EU, along with representatives of Indo-Pacific regional organisations and other partners.
“In many ways, the Indo-Pacific region is where the future of our planet and of history will be decided. How the region develops is of direct interest to us. We have a stake in each other’s security and a shared interest in upholding the rules-based international order. Today, both partners are facing similar challenges, not just in security, but in trade and aid. In a globalised world, there is no ‘faraway’ and conflicts cannot be separated,” said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.
“Cooperation between the EU and the Indo-Pacific region is of great geopolitical and economic importance. Growing tensions are putting pressure on trade, technology and foreign and security policy, underscoring the need for Sweden and the EU to deepen partnerships and political dialogues with the Indo-Pacific. It is my hope and belief that this meeting will lead to even stronger cooperation,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström.
The Indo-Pacific region accounts for two thirds of global growth and, together with the EU, 70 percent of global trade.
Discussions during the meeting will centre on common challenges with respect to security, trade, global value chains, digitalisation, the green transition and energy security.
US doesn’t endorse one political party over another in Bangladesh: State Department
The United States has reiterated that it does not endorse one political party or candidate over another in Bangladesh.
"And as we have said, the US supports free and fair elections in Bangladesh as well as around the world, and we do not endorse one political party or candidate over another," Principal Deputy Spokesperson of US Department of State Vedant Patel said in a regular media briefing on May 2.
He also said, "Broadly what I will say is that the US doesn’t consider it interference to have honest dialogue with our friends and partners about concerns that we have and shared interests that we have that may or may [not] impact the bilateral relationship, that may – may or may [not] impact regional concerns and regional priorities.”
Also Read: US calls upcoming national election an 'internal' affair of Bangladesh
Patel said the US embassy in Dhaka acts as an envoy for bilateral relationship with Bangladesh as well as all US embassies around the world do.
"And what I will note – you heard me speak to this yesterday – Bangladesh is a country of great importance to us. It’s a country we are interested in deepening our relationships with," Patel said.
In 2022, the two countries celebrated 50 years of bilateral relationship, and they believe that there are a number of issues in which they can continue to deepen cooperation – not just with the Bangladeshi government, with the Bangladeshi people as well, he said.
Also Read: Stop targeting truth, truth-tellers: UN Chief on World Press Freedom Day
Patel mentioned addressing the threat of climate change, deepening economic ties, and security concerns as it relates to the Indo-Pacific.
Responding to a question, Patel said, "That’s our expectation for any country in the world, is that for elections to take place and for them to happen freely, fairly, and as you said, with neutrality as well, and for them to be conducted with neutrality, as I might add."