Foreign-Affairs
Expecting evacuation of Bangladeshis in Sudan by this month or early next month: Chief of Mission
Chargé d'affaires at Bangladesh Mission in Sudan, Tareq Ahmed, has said the safety and security situation in the area where the Bangladesh Embassy and Bangladesh House are located, is still volatile.
"Our staff were unable to get access to the embassy premises as of today," he told UNB early today.
The chief of Bangladesh mission said they are organising evacuation of expatriate Bangladeshis in Sudan.
Also Read: Bangladesh to evacuate nationals from Sudan through other countries: Shahriar Alam
"Nothing is final though, we are expecting it to be carried out by this month or early next month. We are compiling information of our expatriates interested to be evacuated now," he said.
Also Read: MoFA advisory out against travelling to Sudan
Responding to a question, the envoy said all the western countries have relocated their embassy officials, but embassies of India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and a few others, including Bangladesh, are still operational.
Also Read: Sudan conflict: 91 including Bangladeshis evacuated
"We, all the officials and their families, are outside capital at a safe place," he said, adding that the situation remains unpredictable in Khartoum, although they are receiving some information of some improvement in a few areas.
Bangladesh to evacuate nationals from Sudan through other countries: Shahriar Alam
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam has said a decision has been made to evacuate Bangladeshi nationals from Sudan through other countries.
“The Bangladesh Embassy in Khartoum has already started spreading this message among the Bangladeshis living there,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
Read more: Sudan conflict: 91 including Bangladeshis evacuated
The situation in Sudan will dictate how the evacuations will be carried out, he said.
The state minister urged the Bangladeshi nationals in Sudan to follow the instructions provided by the embassy and complete registration.
He also urged the media to not contact the embassy regarding the evacuation route as it will be confidential given the situation in Sudan.
Read more: MoFA advisory out against travelling to Sudan
Meanwhile, a number of Bangladeshi nationals were evacuated by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued a notification advising Bangladeshi nationals not to travel to Sudan due to uncertainties caused by the current situation there.
According to the notification, it is not safe for Bangladeshi nationals to travel to Sudan now as the conflict continues in Khartoum and various parts of the country, including Khartoum airport.
More than 420 people, including at least 291 civilians, have been killed and over 3,700 wounded since the fighting erupted between Sudanese military and the country’s largest paramilitary force last week, AP reports.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the situation a “catastrophic conflagration” that could engulf the whole region.
PM Hasina reaches Tokyo to begin four-day official visit to Japan
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived here in Tokyo this afternoon local time at the start of her four-day official visit to Japan.
Tokyo is the the first stop during the PM's two-week three-nation official visit that will also take her to the USA and the UK.
A VVIP chartered flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the prime minister and her entourages landed in Haneda International Airport, Tokyo at 4:45pm (Japan time).
Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Takei Shunsuke welcomed her at the airport.
She was given static guard of honour in the airport.
Earlier, the aircraft carrying the premier departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 7:56am.
Hasina is visiting Japan from April 25 to 28, at the invitation of Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio.
Read: PM Hasina off to Tokyo on first leg of a two-week official visit to Japan, USA and UK
As per the foreign ministry officials, during her visit Bangladesh and Japan are likely to sign eight memorandums of cooperation (MoCs) or agreements including one on defence cooperation without purchase.
The MoCs or agreements would be signed during a meeting between the two Prime Ministers (Sheikh Hasina and Kishida Fumio) of the friendly countries on April 26.
Eight MoCs or deals are likely to be signed between the two countries in the sectors of agriculture, metro-rail, industrial up-gradation, ship recycling, customs matters, intellectual property, defense cooperation, ICT and cyber security cooperation etc in presence of the two leaders after the formal bilateral meeting between the heads of government of the two countries at the Prime Minister's Office of Japan.
Sheikh Hasina will have a courtesy call on Emperor of Japan Naruhito on April 26 and a guard of honour will be given to the Bangladesh Prime Minister there.
The formalities of the meeting will conclude with a dinner hosted at the residence of the Prime Minister of Japan in honor of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
This will be the sixth visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan. Earlier, the PM visited Japan in 1997, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2019.
During the visit, the PM is scheduled to attend an investment summit and a community reception along with a few bilateral meetings.
She will also hand over the “Friends of Liberation War Honour” to a few Japanese nationals, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
UK King’s importance as ‘guardian of Commonwealth’ is immense: Momen on PM attending Charles III’s coronation
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit the United Kingdom on May 4-8, after her trips to Japan and the US.
The PM has been invited to attend the coronation of UK’s King Charles III, to be hosted by Buckingham Palace on May 6. She will represent Bangladesh at the ceremony, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said today.
Millions of people across the UK and beyond are preparing to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III – a symbolic ceremony combining a religious service and pageantry.
It will be held at Westminster Abbey on May 6 and the King, who will be crowned along with the Queen Consort, will be the 40th reigning monarch crowned there since 1066.
Earlier on May 5, a reception for the King and Queen Consort would be held at Buckingham Palace.
Also, on the same day, the Commonwealth Leaders' Forum – hosted by the Commonwealth secretary general – will be held at Marlborough House in presence of the King. Prime Minister Hasina will participate in these events.
It is expected that the heads of states or governments of about 130 countries (including the heads of governments of most Commonwealth countries) will participate in the coronation ceremony to be held in UK after 70 years, said Foreign Minister Momen.
The importance of the King of Britain as the “guardian of the Commonwealth” is immense, he said.
On the other hand, strong bilateral relations currently exist between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, Momen said.
The UK is now Bangladesh’s third largest export destination, second largest source of foreign investment, and fourth largest source of remittances, he said.
In addition to these, the relationship between the two countries is becoming stronger in political, development cooperation, culture, education sectors.
In view of this, the prime minister has agreed to represent Bangladesh in these important events, Momen said.
It is expected that the Commonwealth secretary general will have a courtesy meeting with the prime minister during the visit. Some UK ministers may also have courtesy meetings with the PM.
During the visit, Prime Minister Hasina will also attend a civic reception organized at a London hotel and exchange views with expat Bangladeshis and British citizens of Bangladeshi origin.
Momen said the government of Bangladesh is committed to ensuring services to Bangladeshis and British citizens of Bangladeshi origin.
“We are hopeful that the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister to the UK will be successful and fruitful,” Momen said.
The PM is expected to return home on May 9.
Bangladesh a model country for World Bank: Momen briefs media on PM’s US visit
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will attend a programme on May 1, celebrating 50 years of partnership between the World Bank and Bangladesh.
“Bangladesh is a model country for the World Bank. We have a very good relationship. They describe Bangladesh’s impressive development as a model to other countries due its leadership’s commitment,” Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
On the occasion of 50 years of partnership between Bangladesh and the World Bank, its President David R. Malpass invited Prime Minister Hasina to attend a programme organized at the World Bank headquarters in Washington DC on May 1.
PM’s Tokyo trip: Defence cooperation to figure among 8 docs likely to be signed
Bangladesh and Japan are likely to sign eight memorandums of cooperation (MoCs) or agreements, including one on defence cooperation without purchase, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will hold a summit meeting with her Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio in Tokyo on April 26.
The prime minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka for Tokyo at 7:45 am on April 25 by a special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and will land in Tokyo at 5 pm (Japan time) the same day.
Eight MoCs or deals are likely to be signed between the two countries in the sectors of agriculture, metro rail, industrial upgradation, ship recycling, customs matters, intellectual property, defence cooperation, ICT and cyber security cooperation etc. in presence of the two leaders after the formal bilateral summit meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Japan.
Bangladesh announces its Indo-Pacific Outlook
Bangladesh today formally announced its ‘Indo-Pacific Outlook’, noting that it considers stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific to be a “crucial factor” in realizing the country’s Vision 2041.
Being a littoral state of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh aims to be a modern, knowledge-based, developed country by 2041.
The Indo-Pacific area’s collective share in global GDP, preponderance in international trade, enhanced climate action and growing technological dynamism can be key determinants for ensuring Bangladesh’s long-term resilience and prosperity.
"Bangladesh, therefore, envisions a free, open, peaceful, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific for the shared prosperity for all," the outlook reads.
Also read: Dhaka studying US Indo-Pacific Strategy: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin were present at the briefing where the outlook was announced in addition to briefing the media on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming tri-nation visits.
Guiding Principles:
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s foreign policy dictum ‘Friendship towards all, malice toward none.’
Constitutional mandate on the conduct of international relations based on the principles of respect for national sovereignty and equality, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of international disputes, as well as respect for international law and the principles enunciated in the United Nations Charter; and striving for renunciation of the use of force in international relations and for general and complete disarmament.
Adherence to the relevant UN treaties and international conventions, as applicable, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Constructive regional and international cooperation for sustainable development, international peace and security, humanitarian action, and fundamental rights and freedoms.
Objectives:
Consistent with the above-mentioned principles, the following objectives will guide Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific outlook and engagements:
Strengthen mutual trust and respect, forge partnerships and cooperation, and promote dialogue and understanding with the aim of ensuring peace, prosperity, security and stability for all in the Indo-Pacific.
Strengthen existing mechanisms on maritime safety and security in the Indo-Pacific, including response to emergencies at sea and conduct of search & rescue, and uphold the exercise of freedom of navigation & over-flight, in accordance with international law and relevant international conventions, including UNCLOS, 1982.
Maintain meaningful and value-driven contribution to international non-proliferation, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and counter-terrorism efforts, including with partners in the Indo-Pacific.
Support regional and international efforts towards combating transnational organized crimes in the Indo-Pacific through both normative and practical actions.
Expand global lead on the flagship agenda of a ‘culture of peace’, enhance focus on the ‘women, peace and security’ agenda, promote interfaith harmony and work towards building peaceful, just and inclusive societies in the Indo-Pacific.
Promote open, transparent, rules-based multilateral systems that enable equitable and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific and beyond through inclusive economic growth, right to development and shared prosperity for all.
Enhance physical, institutional, energy, digital and human connectivity, facilitate movement of goods, services, capital, and people in a systematic manner, and promote technology transfer, access to innovations and responsible behavior in open and secure cyberspace and outer space.
Leverage the domestic agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors towards building resilient regional and global value chains to better manage future crisis and disruptions and to promote unimpeded and free flow of commerce in the Indo-Pacific.
Promote conservation, sustainable use and management of oceans, seas, and marine resources in the Indo-Pacific in pursuance of SDG-14 and other relevant internationally agreed development commitments.
Engage proactively in promoting food security, water solidarity, and disaster risk reduction in the Indo-Pacific, including through disseminating home-grown good practices.
Continue tangible work towards addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, marine pollution, and other significant and harmful impacts on the environment in line with relevant international conventions and commitments.
Foster cooperation among Indo-Pacific countries to ensure energy security for all, including through investment and technology transfer on renewable energy.
Work towards developing coordinated response to future pandemics and ensuring health security, including through access for all to global public goods like vaccines, diagnostics and other treatments.
Collaboration with sub-regional partners and relevant organizations towards bolstering regional cooperation and enhancing mutually beneficial complementarities.
Strengthen collaboration and cooperation in science, technology, research and innovation for shared benefits of all, in keeping with the vision of 'Smart Bangladesh'.
Xi Jinping sends letter to Shahabuddin, stands ready to work with the Bangladeshi president
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to Muhammed Shahabuddin on assuming office as the President of Bangladesh.
On behalf of the Government of People’s Republic of China and its people as well as in his own name, Xi Jinping conveyed his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to President Shahabuddin.
Xi Jinping noted that China and Bangladesh are traditionally friendly neighbours. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals, and supported each other on issues concerning core interests, which has set an example of friendly coexistence and win-win cooperation between the countries.
The Chinese president said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations, and stands ready to work with President Shahabuddin – to carry forward the time-tested friendship between the two countries, jointly enhance the Belt and Road Initiative, and keep promoting strategic partnership to better benefit the two peoples.
Xi Jinping also expressed his wishes for prosperity and happiness of the people of Bangladesh in the letter.
Sudan conflict: 91 including Bangladeshis evacuated
The Royal Saudi Naval Forces with the support of various branches of Armed Forces have been able to evacuate 91 people including Bangladeshis from Sudan, said the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a message issued on Saturday, Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said “In the implementation of the direction of the Kingdom Leadership, we are pleased to announce the safe arrival of the citizens of the Kingdom who were evacuated from the Republic of Sudan as well as several nationals of brotherly and friendly countries, including diplomats and international officials.” The number of citizens who were evacuated reached 91 citizens, while the number of people who were evacuated from brotherly and friendly countries reached approximately 66, representing the following nationalities—Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, the Philipines, Canada and Burkina Faso, it said.
Also read: Biden says US embassy evacuation in Sudan has been completed Earlier, the Bangladesh government advised its nationals not to travel to Sudan due to uncertainties caused by the current situation there.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a notification in this regard on Saturday, . Fighting between forces loyal to rival generals in Sudan has so far left 300 people dead, reports AP.
MoFA advisory out against travelling to Sudan
Bangladeshi nationals have been advised not to travel to Sudan due to uncertainties caused by the current situation there.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a notification in this regard on Saturday.
According to the notification, it is not safe for Bangladeshi nationals to travel to Sudan now as the conflict continues in Khartoum and various parts of the country, including Khartoum airport.
All Bangladeshi nationals are therefore advised not to travel there until further notice.
This was also informed to the concerned ministries and agencies of the Bangladesh government.
Bangladeshi nationals living in Sudan are also being advised by the embassy in this regard, it added.
Fighting between forces loyal to rival generals in Sudan has so far left 300 people dead, reports AP.