Foreign-Affairs
PM Hasina takes country to a unique height in world: Bangladesh envoy
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran has said following the Father of the Nation’s pragmatic and time-befitting policies and guidelines, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken Bangladesh to a unique height in the world by transforming the country into a role model of development.
The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC celebrated the Bangla Nabo Barsho (Bangla New Year-1430) on Saturday (May 6) with much enthusiasm and fanfare. It also organized an “Open House” program as part of the “Passport DC’s Embassy Tour 2023”.
To celebrate the Bangla Nabo Barsho, a "Mongal Shobhajatra" (a rally of well-being) was brought out from Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Embassy. The traditional procession ended on the Chancery premises after parading the nearby streets of the US capital.
Paying deep respect to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Ambassador Imran said the spirit of the day reflects the philosophy, belief and aspirations of the great leader who dreamt of building a hunger-and-poverty-free developed and prosperous Sonar Bangla (Golden Bangladesh) as well as secular and inclusive society.
Led by Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran, Embassy officials and employees and their family members and invited guests took part in the rally carrying indigenous musical instruments, drums, masks and various traditional items.
Ambassador Imran delivered the welcome address at the function, while Afreen Akhter, Deputy Assistant Secretary, the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) at the US State Department was present as the guest of honor. Officials of the US Government and State Department also joined the joyful event.
WaterAid launches second phase of WASH4UP to benefit thousands of people
WaterAid Bangladesh, in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, has launched the second phase of their "WASH for Urban Poor (WASH4UP) project” called WASH4UP Phase II project, aiming at improving the environmental health and resilience of certain urban regions in Bangladesh.
Maria Stridsman, Head of Development Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Sweden in Dhaka, and Hasin Jahan, WaterAid’s Country Director in Bangladesh, signed the agreement on behalf of the respective organizations on Wednesday at the Embassy of Sweden located in Gulshan, Dhaka, said a press release issued on Sunday.
The three-year project will be implemented in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Paikgachha, Sakhipur, and Saidpur, and will focus on institutionalizing best practices already established in previous years.
The project aims to reduce WASH deprivation among the target communities through increased WASH awareness and access to climate-resilient and inclusive WASH.
The WASH4UP-Phase II project will benefit 50,000 people who will have access to safe water at communities and institutions, and 46,000 people who will have access to improved sanitation facilities at communities and institutions, said the press release.
Additionally, 90,000 people will receive motivation to change their hygiene behavior at communities and institutions.
Furthermore, the project will have a significant impact on commuters, with 9,500,000 users of public sanitation facilities, and 18,000 sanitation and waste workers, community people, and their family members will have access to better health services.
Additionally, 15,000 people will receive safely managed sanitation services through fecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP), and 16,500 people will receive door-to-door solid waste management support.
Speaking about the project, Hasin Jahan, WaterAid's Country Director, said, "We are delighted to extend our collaborative efforts with the Embassy of Sweden for the second phase of the WASH4UP project in Bangladesh. Our efforts to improve WASH facilities and community awareness have already shown significant impact, and we are committed to building on this progress to further improve the lives of people in Bangladesh".
Maria Stridsman, Head of Development Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, added, “We are pleased that the second phase of the WASH4UP project will continue to prioritize the needs of vulnerable people, including women who often bear the burden of fetching water for extended periods. Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene is a basic human right, and this project aims to ensure that all people, especially the most vulnerable, have equitable access to these essential services.”
WaterAid Bangladesh and the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh's WASH4UP Phase II project underscores their commitment to improving the environmental health and resilience of WASH-deprived urban poor living in slums and low-income settlements, and the beneficiaries of the project will undoubtedly benefit from the increased WASH awareness and access to climate resilient and inclusive WASH.
Despite many challenges, Bangladesh remains one of the fastest growing economies in Asia-Pacific: Visiting IMF team
The visiting team of International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that despite many challenges, Bangladesh’s growth is progressive.
In a statement released on Sunday, Rahul Anand, IMF Mission Chief for Bangladesh, said: “Against a challenging economic backdrop, Bangladesh remains one of the fastest growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region. However, persistent inflationary pressures, elevated volatility of global financial conditions, and slowdown in major advanced trading partners continue to weigh on growth, foreign currency reserves, and the Taka.”
Also Read: IMF satisfied with progress of BBS’ GDP and inflation data updated under new method
The team led by Anand arrived in Dhaka on April 25 to discuss recent macroeconomic and financial sector developments. The delegation also went over the progress made towards meeting key commitments under the IMF-supported program.
Also Read: Bangladesh’s GDP growth rate will overtake China’s in current fiscal year, IMF predicts
“This will be formally assessed in the first review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) / Extended Fund Facility (EFF) / Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangements, which is expected to be undertaken later this year,” Anand’s statement said.
Also Read: Preparing next budget a daunting task amid IMF pressure, global economic slowdown, speakers tell ERF workshop
During the visit, the IMF team held meetings with Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder, Finance Secretary Fatima Yasmin, and other senior government and Bangladesh Bank officials. The delegation also met with representatives from the private sector, bilateral donors and development partners.
Bangladesh's next general election will be fair, PM Hasina tells UK
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has once again said that her country's upcoming general election will be free and fair.
She made it clear after UK Foreign Minister James Cleverly during a meeting with her on Saturday (May 06, 2023) said that Britain wants to see a fair national election in Bangladesh in the coming days.
Bangladesh is likely to hold the next general election either end this year or early next year.
Cleverly called on Hasina at the Claridge Hotel where the visiting prime minister is staying on her official UK visit.
Read: US wants Bangladesh to set a strong example of free, fair election
Hasina urged cooperation from all to make the next polls free and fair, according to Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen who briefed the media after the meeting.
“We want a fair election to be held. My party has always maintained democracy in the country. We have given the country’s democracy a strong footing,” she said.
The PM further said that her government is committed to holding a fair election which requires participation of all.
"I want cooperation from all to hold a fair election,” Hasina said.
Read more: Awami League alone exercises democracy and holds fair polls in Bangladesh: PM Hasina
She stated that the AL government had done everything required to hold a fair election. She mentioned introduction of a voter list with photographs of voters and making ballot boxes transparent so that none can manipulate the vote.
“We have created a strong state of democracy in Bangladesh," she said.
On the contrary the BNP during its rule had prepared a voter list with 1.23 crore fake voters for rigging votes, she said.
“We have made the Election Commission (EC) as independent and powerful enough alongside bringing institutional frameworks to hold a fair election,” she said.
Read More: Election is Bangladesh’s internal affair, would refrain from commenting: Japanese Ambassador
The Prime Minister said they believe in Westminster like democracy following which Bangladesh has introduced a question-answer session in the Parliament.
During the talks, several bilateral issues like climate change, trade and commerce alongside the Rohingyas came up prominently, Momen said.
The UK foreign minister highly praised the humanitarian role of Bangladesh premier in sheltering a huge number of Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
“Britain will remain beside Bangladesh for quick repatriation of Rohingyas,” Cleverly said.
Read More: BNP not to join polls under AL: Fakhrul
Momen said the British government introduced a resolution before the UN Security Council on the Rohingya issue and played an effective role for its adoption.
Cleverly also expressed his gratitude towards Bangladesh premier for joining the coronation of King Charles III.
PM Hasina invites Bhutan to get an economic zone in Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has invited Bhutan to build an economic zone in Bangladesh for mutual benefits of the two neighbouring countries.
“We’re establishing economic zones in Bangladesh. You can build an economic zone in our country which will be known as Bhutan Economic Zone,” she said.
The premier made the offer when Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema met her on Saturday at the Claridge Hotel where she is staying during her UK visit.
Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana received the Bhutanese king and the queen on their arrival at the hotel.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen briefed the reporters after the meeting that lasted 50 minutes.
Hasina informed the Bhutanese king that Bangladesh has already given economic zones to India, Japan and South Korea.
“If you want, we can give you an economic zone in Kurigram,” she said.
Hasina made the offer as the Bhutanese king said he wanted to build an administrative economic zone in his country keeping the environment unharmed.
The PM said that Bangladesh has been developing communication with neighbours in every way, including railways.
Read more: Bangladesh's role in Bhutan’s socio-economic dev immense: Envoy
“Bangladesh is a connectivity hub. Bhutan can use Bangladesh’s two ports and the Syedpur International Airport as we make those open for this purpose,” she said.
The Bhutanese royals highly praised the economic advancement of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of Hasina, said Momen.
The king expressed his desire to get his Himalayan nation's direct transit through Bangladesh and another one through India.
The Bangladesh prime minister welcomed the Bhutanese eagerness, saying, “If necessary, we will talk to India over the matter.”
The Bhutanese monarch said his country’s prime minister and foreign minister have a special attachment with Bangladesh as both of them studied in Bangladesh.
He said both Bhutanese leaders have wanted to visit Bangladesh privately.
Welcoming it, Hasina said, “My door is open for you people.”
They discussed various family matters as the Bhutanese king and the queen consider the prime minister as their maternal aunt, Momen said.
PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, PM’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, PM’s Speechwriter M Nazrul Islam and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem were present at the meeting.
Read more: Bangladesh, Bhutan sign agreement on movement of traffic in transit
Sylhet gets its first border haat, expected to boost trade
The first-ever border haat in Sylhet division along the India border was on Saturday.
Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad and Indian High Commissioner in Sylhet Niraj Kumar Jaiswal jointly inaugurated a border haat that is located between East Khasi Hills of India’s Meghalaya and Sylhet’s Bholaganj in Companiganj upazila.
Minister Imran said the bilateral relationship between the countries will strengthen through establishing the border haat as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina loves friendship.
More haats will be set up on border areas once something good from the haat comes as it is on test, he said.
The minister directed police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to remain vigilant so that no smuggling and misdeeds occurred at the haat.
High Commissioner Jaiswal said both the countries will benefit from the haat through exchanging locally-made products.
The Indian high commissioner said the Bangladeshis who have relatives in India will get a chance to meet them at the haat without visa.
Echoing Bangladeshi minister, he announced that more haats to be set up in the district in the days to come while a process is underway to launch the border haat in Sunamganj.
Lushi Kant Hajong, upazila nirbahi officer at Companiganj, said they selected 24 people through a lottery to sell their products from the Bangladesh side. Later the rest who applied for selling at the haat will be given the opportunity.
The Haat Management Committee’s Chairman and district’s Additional Magistrate has already distributed the buyer cards to the people who applied for it, he said, adding that the visitor cards will be given to freedom fighters and journalists later.
The UNO said a buyer will be able to take products of a maximum of worth $200 dollars by paying an entry fee of Tk 30 while a seller will have to pay Tk 70 for a day. All the money will be used for renovation and development works of the haat.
Read more: Border haat in Feni’s Chhagalnaiya to reopen after three years
Bangladesh’s ties with EU a multidimensional strategic partnership: EU
European Trade Commissioner and Executive Vice-President of the European Parliament Valdis Dombrovskis has recognised Bangladesh-EU relations as a multi-dimensional strategic partnership, and reiterated EU’s political commitment in this regard.
On his last leg of an intense four-day visit, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam met the European Trade Commissioner at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels May 5.
Commending Bangladesh as the biggest beneficiary of the EU’s EBA scheme, the European Trade Commissioner expressed EU’s support for a smooth graduation of Bangladesh out of LDC status and for Bangladesh to apply for GSP+ concessions.
He highlighted EU-Bangladesh Business Climate Dialogue and EU-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce as important platforms for European and Bangladeshi businesses to come together meaningfully.
The Trade Commissioner appreciated Bangladesh’s adaptation of the National Action Plan on the Labour Sector.
The EBA scheme removes tariffs and quotas for all imports of goods (except arms and ammunition), coming into the EU from least developed countries (LDCs).
On his last leg of an intense four-day visit, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam met the European Trade Commissioner at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels May 5.
The State Minister gratefully recognised the role of the EU in the country’s development since independence as Bangladesh and the EU celebrate 50 years of partnership.
He apprised the EVP of steps being taken by the government to diversify the economy and prepare for graduation and the much bigger role of the EU envisaged in future.
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.
The EU side was apprised of the people centric policies being adopted by the government, including creating and sustaining conducive working conditions in the manufacturing sector.
Practicalities which limit ongoing efforts to implement the National Action Plan on the labour sector of Bangladesh were also conveyed.
Earlier in the morning, State Minister Alam held an interactive conversation on Bangladesh’s foreign policy and geopolitical role in the Indo-Pacific region, EU-Bangladesh relations, impact of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, global peace, Rohingya crisis, climate change and more at the event titled ‘EPC Talks Geopolitics’ at the European Policy Centre in Brussels.
On May 4, the State Minister met Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Kris Peeters and discussed EIB offers for investing in infrastructure development, climate-friendly technology and renewable energy in the country.
Read more: Bangladesh hopes for early launching of “Partnership Cooperation Agreement” for elevated relations with EU
Opportunities to harness the EU’s Global Gateway initiative were discussed, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The State Minister also held a comprehensive meeting with Stefano Sannino, Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS).
Early launching of the Partnership Cooperation Agreement between both sides was discussed. Sannino welcomed Bangladesh’s unveiling of the Indo-Pacific outlook.
Other issues of discussion included climate change, Rohingya crisis, scope for skilled workforce from Bangladesh filing job market needs in Europe and food and energy crisis due to the war in Ukraine.
Bangladesh Member of Parliament Nahim Razzaque, Bangladesh Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU, Mahbub Hassan Saleh, and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy were present during the meetings.
On May 3, Shahriar Alam joined a reception hosted by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Brussels to mark the 52nd Anniversary of Independence and National Day at the prestigious Cercle Royal Gaulois in Brussels.
The State Minister thanked Belgium and the EU for their support to Bangladesh, which enabled the country to anchor its relations with these two partners on trade, rather than aid.
Commending the EU’s role in Bangladesh’s socio-economic developmental journey in the last 50 years, Ambassador Mahbub Hassan Saleh, termed it a proud moment in history to be engaging with the EU at a time when Bangladesh is on the threshold of graduating.
Deputy Secretary General of the EEAS Enrique Mora and Director General of Bilateral Affairs of the Belgian Foreign Ministry Jeroen Cooreman were present as guests of honour.
High level officials from Belgian, Luxembourg and the EU institutions, as well as members of the Bangladesh community, media, academia and think tanks joined the gala reception.
State Minister Shahriar Alam left Brussels on Saturday after completing his “engaging” visit to Brussels where he had meetings with EU Commissioners and Members of the European Parliament.
PM attends coronation of King Charles III
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the coronation of UK’s King Charles III in London on Saturday morning (local time).
Buckingham Palace hosted the coronation of the King and the Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey.
The King, who is being crowned, is the 40th reigning monarch crowned there since 1066.
Earlier on Friday, the Bangladesh Prime Minister attended the King's reception for heads of states, governments and overseas representatives at Buckingham Palace in advance of the coronation of the King and the Queen Consort.
Read more: PM Hasina arrives in London to attend coronation of UK’s King Charles III
Besides, Sheikh Hasina had interaction with UK King Charles III and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as well as she attended the Commonwealth Leaders Event at the Commonwealth Secretariat on Friday.
Bangladesh high commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem on Saturday told a news briefing that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had interactions with Presidents of Egypt and Rwanda, Prime Ministers of Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Gambia, Namibia and Uganda in the coronation programme of King Charles III.
During the interactions, they praised Bangladesh Premier's continued leadership.
The PM is expected to return home on May 9, concluding her 15-day three-nation visit to Japan, the USA and the UK.
China "unswervingly mediating" between Bangladesh, Myanmar to promote Rohingya repatriation: Ambassador Yao
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Saturday (May 06, 2023) said China, as a responsible major country, has been "unswervingly mediating" between Bangladesh and Myanmar to promote the repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland.
"A local friend once told me sincerely that many people provide lip-services, but only China is actually doing practical things to proceed with the repatriation," he said.
The ambassador was delivering keynote speech at a symposium as part of the Cosmos Dialogue Ambassadors’ Lecture Series entitled "Bangladesh-China Relations: Prognosis for the Future" at hotel in Dhaka.
The discussion was chaired and conducted by President, Cosmos Foundation and former foreign affairs advisor Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury.
Chairman of Cosmos Foundation Enayetullah Khan delivered the welcome remarks.
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char.
A 27-member delegation including 20 Rohingyas visited Myanmar’s Rakhine on Friday to see the preparation to resettle the possible returnees. They visited 15 villages and other infrastructure built for the Rohingyas.
Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, also the leader of the delegation said, “We returned with 20 Rohingyas after visiting the arrangements made for them around Maungdaw town. I have seen the goodwill of the Myanmar government regarding repatriation. We want to start repatriation.”
Also Read: Momen sees hope for Rohingyas' repatriation in latest Chinese initiative
Responding to a question, Ambassador Yao said the Rohingya issue is a humanitarian tragedy and it should never happen again.
Dhaka, Beijing should "deepen strategic partnership" to explore new growth points: Ambassador Yao
Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Saturday said Bangladesh and China "should deepen the strategic partnership" for cooperation and explore new growth points.
"China is willing to work with Bangladesh to continue exploring cooperation opportunities under the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI)," he said.
In particular, the ambassador said, they are willing to promote upgrading of industries and digitalization process in Bangladesh, and to improve the quality and competitiveness of “Made in Bangladesh”.
He was delivering keynote speech at a symposium as part of the Cosmos Dialogue
Ambassadors’ Lecture Series entitled "Bangladesh-China Relations: Prognosis for the Future" at a hotel in Dhaka.
The discussion was chaired and conducted by President of Cosmos Foundation and renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury.
While delivering the welcome remarks, Chairman of Cosmos Foundation Enayetullah Khan said Bangladesh and China are moving closer together as friends on the international stage.
The ties received a major boost during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China in 2019 and the watershed point of this transformation was President Xi Jinping’s all-important visit to Bangladesh in 2016, he said, adding that this heralded the beginning of the “strategic partnership”.
"It is a great source of inspiration to Bangladeshis as we witness China’s peaceful rise. We know from President Xi that the Chinese people have a dream; so do we in Bangladesh as we strive to achieve middle-income status, of which we are on the cusp," Khan said.
"It is my firmest conviction that ties with China will continue to form the bedrock of our efforts to fulfill these aspirations," he added.
Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury said it appears to all of them that China is rising; and the Chinese saw this as a peaceful rise.
“Now, being even more careful, they no longer talk of ‘peaceful rise’ but only peaceful development,” he said, adding that established global powers, of course, see this as a threat.
Referring to PM Hasina’s visit to Beijing in 2014 and President Xi’s visit to Bangladesh in 2016, he said these visits saw an “all-weather” friendship elevate to a strategic partnership.
Dr Iftekhar said Bangladesh-China relations are, therefore, emerging as an equation in the diplomatic calculations in Asia that will not fully show for itself tomorrow, nor the day after but in the long run in a continent where time for many is not the essence.
Also Read:Momen sees hope for Rohingyas' repatriation in latest Chinese initiative
Ambassador Yao said his country has noticed the “Indo-Pacific Outlook of Bangladesh” released recently, and believes that many of its ideas are similar to those of China.