Foreign-Affairs
Not endorsing one political party vs another in Bangladesh: US State Dept says
While reiterating that any abuser of human rights should be held accountable, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State Vedant Patel has said, “Broadly, the U.S. supports the principle of free and fair elections in Bangladesh and around the world, but I’m not here to endorse one political candidate or party versus another.”
He was speaking at a regular briefing in Washington.
"It’s our immense hope that the Bangladesh Government does look into the contents of this article and video (DW documentary on RAB)," Patel said.
He said as per their assessment, the Digital Security Act is "one of the world’s most draconian laws" for journalists.
Read: US State Department ‘deeply concerned over use of Digital Security Act’
World Press Freedom Index ranked Bangladesh 162 out of 180 countries, a drop of 10 places from the previous year, Patel said.
"And we have made our concerns about this law quite clear. A free press and an informed citizenry are key for any nation and its democratic future," he said.
The US Embassy in Dhaka shared updates on the briefing today.
Read: PM Hasina to visit Japan on April 25-28
Petal said they want to and are looking forward to deepening their relationship with Bangladesh.
That’s why, he said, Secretary Blinken met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
"We, again, are looking forward to deepening our relationship with Bangladesh as a whole," he added.
Read more; Pranay Verma highlights “deep bonds of friendship, cooperation” with Bangladesh
5th Japan-Bangladesh Public-Pvt Joint Economic Dialogue held online with calls for more investment
Bangladesh has invited Japan to invest in the country, including in Maheshkhali Economic Zone, while assuring of providing all kinds of cooperation from the government’s side.
Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority extended an invitation to Japanese investors in this regard.
The invitation was given at the 5th Japan-Bangladesh public-private joint economic dialogue that was held online today.
By turn, Japan was the host country for this economic dialogue. Considering the current global economic condition, the dialogue was held online.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Md. Tofazzel Hossain Miah, led the Bangladesh delegation.
HIRAI Hirohide, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry led the Japan delegation.
Both Bangladesh and Japan discussed future plans in expanding the businesses of Japanese investors in Bangladesh and expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the activities of Bangladesh Special Economic Zone in Araihazar upazila of Narayanganj district based on G2G model.
The Japanese side made comments on the existing investment in Bangladesh as well as on the future plan of investment and cooperation in different sectors of Bangladesh on priority basis.
At the same time, they briefed on different measures that can be taken by Bangladesh to expand Japanese investment.
Bangladesh assured Japan that it will provide all kinds of cooperation from the government side to attract and expand Japanese investment in the country, and informed the Japanese side about the progress in areas that were previously highlighted by investors from the country.
Japan has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the programs implemented in Bangladesh and has expressed hope that this progress will continue in the future without interruption.
The meeting discussed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Japan in 2014 marked the beginning of a new horizon of economic relations between the two countries.
National Board of Revenue chairman; senior secretaries and secretaries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Power Division, Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Prime Minister's Office; executive chairmen of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA); deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank; ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan; and director generals of Prime Minister's Office joined the dialogue.
From the private sector, presidents/representatives of FBCCI, BGMEA and JBCCI were present.
IWAMA Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh; KOKUBU Fumiya, Chairman of Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Co-operation of Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industries; representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and other ministries and heads of Bangladesh offices of JICA and JETRO were also present in the dialogue.
In the dialogue, secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and director general (Executive Cell and Private EPZ), Prime Minister's Office pointed out the policy support and the incentives provided from the government in agribusiness and logistics sector respectively.
Dr. F.H. Ansarey, president, Agribusiness Division of ACI Limited, and Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, presented on immense opportunities of Japanese investment in agribusiness and logistics sector of Bangladesh respectively.
Both parties concluded 5th Japan-Bangladesh public-private dialogue, expressing hope that through the upcoming visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh to Japan the economic relations between the countries will reach a new height.
European Parliament member Valerie meets Shahriar
Valerie Hayer, member of the European Parliament, met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Monday at his office and discussed issues of mutual interest.
The two sides discussed Bangladesh-EU trade relations, sustainability issues related to the apparel sector in Bangladesh, renewable energy and climate change.
Valerie is on a five-day visit to Bangladesh and will go to companies and meet workers, authorities, industrialists and civil society.
US wants Bangladesh to set a strong example of free, fair election
The United States has reiterated its desire to see a free and fair election in Bangladesh, noting that the world will be observing Bangladesh’s next national election.
“Of course, we’re looking – the world is looking – to Bangladesh for its next election, to make sure that they set a strong example of free and fair election for the region and for the world,” US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken said during his meeting with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in Washington on Monday afternoon (US time).
Appreciating Bangladesh’s engagement with the USA, Blinken said they are committed to working together to find ways to further “strengthen and deepen” the robust relationship, and to address economic development and human rights as well.
He said the US deeply appreciates Bangladesh’s remarkable generosity in hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in the country and assured to continue work towards repatriation of the Rohingyas.
The Secretary of State highlighted the nearly $2.1 billion in US humanitarian assistance since 2017, which includes $23.8 million in new assistance to the World Food Programme to deliver urgent food and nutrition services to Rohingya refugees.
He reiterated US’ commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth, free and fair elections, human and labor rights, and freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
Additionally, Secretary Blinken expressed concerns about violence against and intimidation of the media and civil society, including under the Digital Security Act, said Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel.
He underscored that free and fair elections and respect for human rights in Bangladesh are critical as they seek to deepen our bilateral relationship.
While briefing the media after the meeting, Momen said Bangladesh, like the US, also wants a free, fair and ideal election.
“Democracy is in our blood. People gave blood to uphold democracy, justice and human dignity,” he said, seeking help from the US for a free and fair election.
Momen highlighted the independent Election Commission and measures taken for holding the election transparently.
The foreign minister agreed with his US counterpart on the importance of a free and fair elections and reaffirmed the commitment of Bangladesh government in this regard.
He said Bangladesh welcomes US observers but not any “partisan observers”.
“All opposition parties must come forward to help in holding a free and fair election. We are creating an environment for a free fair election.”
Momen said he handed over a letter from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina — addressed to US President Joe Biden — to Secretary Blinken.
“We are proud of the partnership,” he said, adding that he is in Washington to strengthen and solidify the relationship.
Momen said Bangladesh wants to improve its ties with the United States towards a stronger trade relationship in the next 50 years.
“Bangladesh has a multifaceted, dynamic and wide ranging relationship with the US. Over the last 50 years we have done very well. We look forward to the next 50 years,” he said.
“We achieved all with your support and active partnership and we are proud of your partnership and we look beyond, so that we can have better days in future. I am here to strengthen and solidify our relationship,” Momen added.
Bangladesh raised the issue of Rashed Chowdhury, a convicted killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who lives freely in the United States.
Momen hoped that the US will not be a shelter for killers and will hand over Rashed to Bangladesh as it wants to establish the rule of law in the country.
Blinken said the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States has grown tremendously over the last 50 years, particularly in the economic aspect.
He also mentioned people-to-people ties and said the two countries have been doing more together recently — from climate change to health.
Foreign Minister Momen called upon the United States to take advantage of the generous investment regime of Bangladesh and encourage the US private sector to invest in special economic zones and hi-tech parks in Bangladesh.
Momen thanked the US government for their generous support in combating COVID-19 pandemic and continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh.
He stressed the need for sustained international pressure on Myanmar for creating environment for voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Bangladesh and the United States have expressed their eagerness to further bolster bilateral ties for the next 50 years, building on the solid foundation of the past 50 years.
Terming Bangladesh-US relationship wide-ranging, dynamic and multifaceted, Momen hoped to develop, strengthen and solidify the ties.
He thanked President Joe Biden for his warm message to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of the Independence Day of Bangladesh, which the US President ended with “Joy Bangla”.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various bilateral and other issues of mutual interest, including strengthening and diversifying economic partnership, addressing Rohingya crisis and climate change, labour rights, civil liberty, and elections.
Apprising the US secretary of state of the ongoing and completed works in labour sector reforms in Bangladesh, the foreign minister hoped that these efforts would be duly acknowledged and appreciated through stronger economic partnership between the two countries.
Blinken lauded the ongoing US-Bangladesh consultative process in improving labour situation in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran, Deputy Head of Mission Ferdousi Shahriar, Director General (North America) Khandker Masudul Alam, and officials of the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the meeting.
Counselor Derek Chollet, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Ms. Julieta Valls Noyes, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Ms. Kara McDonald, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Afreen Akhter accompanied Secretary Blinken in the meeting.
US urges other donors to join them to help Rohingyas with additional funding
Announcing an additional $23.8 million, the United States (US) has urged other donors to join them in providing additional assistance to meet the needs of the Rohingyas living in Bangladesh.
“The United States remains committed to delivering assistance to refugees and impacted communities in Bangladesh, but much more is needed,” said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Monday.
The US also urged the government of Bangladesh to allow the Rohingya population to engage in more sustainable livelihood-building activities, enabling them to reduce their dependence on humanitarian aid.
The US is providing an additional $23.8 million in humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh to deliver urgent food and nutrition assistance to Rohingya refugees.
With this new funding, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will work with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to provide critically needed food and nutrition, including electronic vouchers to purchase staple and fresh foods, feeding 925,000 refugees, with a focus on children and pregnant and lactating women in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
BGMEA donates part of money budgeted for iftar programme to old-age home
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has decided to donate the money budgeted for an iftar programme for its members to an old-age home and other social organisations which take care of the underprivileged and destitute people.
Earlier, the BGMEA cancelled its scheduled iftar programme following the devastating Bangabazar fire.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan Sunday paid a visit to an old-age home, Apon Bhubon, where he spent time with its residents.
During the visit, he made a financial contribution to Apon Bhubon for the well-being of the senior citizens and presented them with clothes, food and other gifts.
Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Trade Fair Mohammed Kamal Uddin and Director of Giant Group Sharmeen Hassan Tithi were also present.
Bangladesh to play vital role in Japan's vision for Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Ambassador
Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori hopes that Bangladesh would play a vital role in materialising its new Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision announced by Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on March 20 this year.
Iwama and his wife hosted a reception at Chittagong Club Sunday to strengthen relations with Chattogram communities following a goodwill port visit by JS URAGA (Mine Sweeper Tender) and JS AWAJI (Mine Sweeper Ocean) units of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the country's navy.
Rear Admiral Abdullah Al Mamun Chowdhury, commander of Chattogram Naval Area, Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, commander of Bangladesh Navy Fleet, Mahbubul Alam, president of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Captain Nakai Eiichi, commander of Minesweeper Division One, were present.
The visit is an example of practical cooperation between Japan and Bangladesh to realise the FOIP for ensuring a rules-based international order to bring stability and prosperity for every country as well as to secure peace and prosperity in the region, Ambassador Kiminori said.
Momen to meet Blinken in Washington Monday
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken are scheduled to have a bilateral meeting in Washington Monday to discuss ways to advance the Bangladesh-US ties on key fronts.
Momen is scheduled to reach Washington from New York Sunday, said a senior official, adding that the meeting is likely to be held at 2pm US time.
During the meeting, Bangladesh will seek efforts to enhance relations on trade and investment fronts, reiterate its call for the return of the killer of Father of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, withdrawal of sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion(RAB) and discuss issues of mutual interests.
The two sides will also focus on their ongoing cooperation to deal with the climate crisis, meet the needs of Rohingyas, their safe return to Myanmar, and promote regional security through UN peacekeeping operations.
The US is likely to raise issues related to democracy and human rights, said a diplomatic source.
On April 4 last year, Blinken met with Momen to celebrate and reflect on the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-US relations.
They discussed the "tremendous economic potential" of the relationship and reflected on the ways the two countries collaborated over the last half century – including in growing people-to-people ties with vibrant Fulbright exchanges.
Blinken reaffirmed the importance of protecting human rights, the rule of law, and freedom of religion as the basis for safe and prosperous democratic societies.
Talking to reporters on Wednesday, Momen said: "I'd say we're lucky because the American secretary of state doesn't give invitations frequently. We got three in a row. America is paying much attention to our journey on the highway of development."
Momen said the US is the only country which provided a large number of vaccines to Bangladesh for free during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The US helped Bangladesh manage Covid very efficiently, he added.
"They even supported us the most after the Rohingya influx. Other countries helped us as well. I'll express our gratitude when I meet him (Blinken)," Momen said.
Asked what will be discussed in the meeting with the US secretary of state, Momen said the Rohingya and bilateral trade issues will come up.
About the US concern regarding democracy in Bangladesh, the foreign minister said: "We fought for democracy. Three million people gave their lives to uphold democracy and human rights. So, we don't need lessons on democracy."
"We want a fair election. America also wants a fair election; we don't disagree with that. We have already made necessary institutional arrangements to ensure a free and fair election."
The foreign minister is scheduled to return home on April 13.
2 vessels of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force arrive at Chattogram Port
Two vessels, JS URAGA (Mine Sweeper Tender) and JS AWAJI (Mine Sweeper Ocean) of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) arrived at Chattogram Port on Sunday for a goodwill port visit.
They will stay in Chattogram till 11 April 2023.
Captain NAKAI Eiichi, Commander, Minesweeper Division One, and his officers were received by Captain Mohammed Faizul Hoque, Chief Staff Officer to Commander, Chattogram Naval Area (COMCHIT) and greeted by IWAMA Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh.
UN chief appoints Professor Yunus as member of advisory board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste
Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has been appointed by UN Secretary General António Guterres as member of the Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste.
The appointment was made in accordance with the United Nations General Assembly resolution on Zero Waste (77/161) adopted on 22 December 2022.
In a letter addressed to Professor Yunus, the UN Secretary General said, "As a board member, I trust that I can count on your knowledge, experience, and expertise to promote zero-waste initiatives." and that" The Board has an important role to play in supporting zero-waste initiatives in the context of sustainable development. "
Given that the concept of “zero waste” is gaining attention worldwide as a sustainable solution to reduce waste, redesign material use and production, promote a circular economy and inform consumer choices, the Secretary General expects that the multi-partner and multidisciplinary, regionally and gender balanced Board will work to publicize best practices and success stories and raise awareness to promote local and national zero-waste initiatives.
Read More: Why advertisement for Dr Yunus using 40 names: PM questions
The Advisory Board will consist of 13 eminent persons, including Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of Türkiye (Serving as Chairperson), Jose Manuel Moller, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Algramo, Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, Co-founder and Chairman, Yunus Environment Hub, Carlos Silva Filho, President International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), Laura Reyes, Directora Ejecutiva Cempre – Economía circular, Lara van Druten, Chief Executive Officer The Waste Transformers, and Professor Saleem Ali, Professor, Energy and the Environment at the University of Delaware, USA.
The advisory board will prioritize publicizing best practices and success stories, through various means including reports, social media, and website articles, to raise awareness and disseminate relevant information on a regular basis, and especially during the global celebration of the International Day on Zero Waste, on 30 March of every year. and promoting local and national zero-waste initiatives, through advocacy and technical reviews of zero.
The UN Secretary General announced the advisory board on eminent persons on March 30, 2023, the first International Day of Zero Waste, said a media release on Sunday.
As convenor of the Advisory Board, the Secretary General looks forward to to undertake with fellow Board Members to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with support also of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Read more: World leaders' open letter on Yunus is an advertisement, not statement: Hasan Mahmud
The board is expected to meet in September 2023 in New York City together with the UN Secretary General.