Foreign-Affairs
Foreign diplomats lament rate of women's economic participation while lauding Bangladesh's progress in empowering them
Foreign diplomats Wednesday lauded Bangladesh's progress in women empowerment but lamented that a large number of the women are still out of economic activities.
They said a country cannot move forward leaving half its population out of economic activities.
The diplomats recommended that the poor and vulnerable women should be provided with opportunities for education, skill development and economic activities.
Ambassadors of France, Germany, Canada and Sweden made these observations in two different events – one organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Jatiya Press Club and the other by the French-German Embassy at its premises in the city – marking International Women's Day.
At the DCAB event, Swedish Ambassador Alexander Berg von Linde said digital technology is going to be an important factor in the coming days. "It can open doors for many, but also deprive others."
Lots of hatred and sexual abuses are committed through digital media, she said, adding that the authorities must create opportunities for all so they make the best use of the digital space and it is not used for harassing women.
"Opportunities for education and digital skills for the poor and vulnerable women must be ensured," Linde said.
Canadian High Commissioner Lilly Nicholls said as the media plays a critical role in creating awareness, participation of women in journalism needs to be increased.
Bangladesh signs MoU with Qatar Fund for Development
Bangladesh has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) under the Education Above All Foundation project.
The signing of the MoU is considered a milestone in accessing finance to the QFFD.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and QFFD Director General Khalifa Bin Jassim Al Kuwari signed the MoU during the sideline event of the LDC5 Conference in Doha Tuesday at the Qatar National Conference Center.
According to the deal, Qatar will channel funds through the QFFD to support the education sector in Bangladesh by expanding opportunities for 6.5 lakh out-of-school children at the primary level with $12.68 lakh.
The project would be conducted by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.
Momen was delegated to sign the contract on behalf of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.
Education Above All is an outreach program conducted in some countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia under the QFFD having an annual budget of $600 million.
Qatar aims to provide this assistance to the LDCs to fulfil their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of its commitment to international cooperation under the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Qatar Charity, another humanitarian organisation, conducts some humanitarian assistance and relief support to the Rohingya and marginalised people in various places in Bangladesh.
Embassies of France, Germany celebrate International Women's Day 2023
The French and German embassies in Dhaka observed International Women's Day 2023 Wednesday in honour of the influential and successful women in the society at their shared building in the capital's Baridhara.
Several prominent women personalities from different sectors, including politicians and policymakers, cultural personalities, dignitaries from home and beyond, artists, and media professionals, joined the event.
Hosted by French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy and German Ambassador Achim Tröster, the event was joined by internationally acclaimed eminent Bangladeshi fashion designer Bibi Russell, Ekushey Padak 2023 winner artist Kanak Chanpa Chakma, actress Azmeri Haque Badhan, Friendship Executive Director Runa Khan, actress-choreographer Naila Azad, Diana Award 2021 winner Sidratul Moontaha Chowdhury, Alliance Française de Dhaka Director François Grosjean and others.
Japan extends BDT 5 million to Bangladeshi NGO ‘Friendship’
The government of Japan extended a grant to a Bangladeshi NGO, Friendship, which is implementing medical support for Rohingya refugees in Bhasan Char.
IWAMA Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, signed the ‘Grant Contracts’ for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) at the Embassy of Japan with the organization on Wednesday.
Friendship has been awarded USD 46,299 as grant for the Project for Procurement of Medical Equipment for Pathological Tests and Dental Care in Bhasan Char Island, Noakhali District, reads a press release.
“Friendship is implementing various programmes on health, gender-based violence, mental health and education across Bangladesh, as well as health and education programmes for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar. With the assistance of the GGHSP funding, Friendship will install medical equipment for pathological tests, dental care and hospital in Bhasan Char. The project will provide high quality medical services to the residents and improve the medical environment of the island,” it said.
Read more: Friendship celebrates 20 years of transforming lives in remote, unaddressed communities
“During my visit to Bhasan Char last month, the tireless efforts by the Government of Bangladesh, the UN agencies, and several NGOs for refugees impressed me. We will continue to engage in the solution for a safe and sustainable return, and will cooperate with such organizations, to achieve better living conditions for refugees. Also, I recognized the need for continuous support for them, and we will commit to that.” said Ambassador IWAMA.
Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico observes historic March 7
With due respect and fervor, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Mexico City observed the historic March 7. The day commenced by hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Abida Islam to the tune of the national anthem and placing a wreath at the bust of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in presence of the members of the Bangladesh community as well as all the embassy officials.
It was followed by reading out the messages of the President and Prime Minister given on this occasion.
The historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu was read out by the local staff members of the embassy, both in English and Spanish languages.
A special documentary titled ‘The Historic 7th March speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’ and a short film based on the Liberation War of Bangladesh, ‘Omar Faruker Ma’ directed by Zahidur Rahman Biplob, were screened at the event.
Also read: Historic March 7 observed at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC Ambassador Abida Islam in her speech paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as well as to all the valiant freedom fighters.
In her speech, she elaborated the significance of the March 7 speech and its contribution in the war for independence in 1971.
Rohingya repatriation top priority in JRP 2023, US$ 876m sought
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam has called for robust international efforts to expedite repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh to their homeland Myanmar.
With its limited resources and inadequate external support Bangladesh has to continue the humanitarian operation until the repatriation process for over one million Rohingyas is complete.
In this context, the State Minister urged the international community to contribute generously to the humanitarian aid fund for them.
He made the appeal while addressing the launching of Joint Response Plan (JRP) 2023 for Rohingyas in Geneva on March 7.
Also Read: JRP 2023 launched: IOM in $125m appeal for Rohingyas, hosts
The State Minister also requested all humanitarian partners to prioritize sectors covering the basic necessities like food, health, site management and shelter, etc. in their assistance.
Recalling that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had opened the borders of Bangladesh to save the lives of Rohingyas back in 2016 and 2017 despite its serious ramification on the economy, environment, security, and socio-political stability of Bangladesh, State Minister Alam briefed the audience of Bangladesh’s numerous efforts, including development of Bhasan Char with its own resources to improve the living standards of the Rohingyas, ensure their education, and skills development opportunities.
Mentioning that Bangladesh is the largest donor, spending around 1.69 billion USD last year for the massive humanitarian operations for Rohingyas, ensuring safety and security in and around camps, restoration of the environment, and mitigation of sufferings of the Rohingyas and the host community, State Minister Alam warned that the impasse over commencing return of the Rohingyas to their home country might affect the security and stability of the entire region and jeopardize development initiatives.
Repatriation has been mentioned as the top priority in JRP 2023.
Also Read: UNHCR, partners seek $876m for Rohingyas facing uncertainty, Bangladeshi hosts
Under JRP 2023 an amount of USD 876 million has been sought and a chapter on Bhasan Char has been added.
The State Minister recalled that 62.7% of the pledged amount under JRP 2022 was funded and it was quite challenging to meet the needs of the growing Rohingya population and mitigate the sufferings of the host community in Bangladesh with the received donation.
He also said that the Ukraine War and other multiple crises have worsened the funding crisis for Rohingyas.
The State Minister expressed concern over the disinformation or biased projection of the government’s efforts to arrange education, skill development initiatives and even improve the security situation for the Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
Read More: US announces $26m more in assistance for Rohingyas, host communities
He also remarked that uncertainty to commence repatriation is often being used as a domestic political tool by opposition parties in Bangladesh, projecting it as a failure of the present government.
The State Minister urged all to check the ground reality prevailing in Bangladesh and talk to the government before relying on those “concocted stories”.
Co-sponsored by the UNHCR and IOM, the JRP for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis was attended by ambassadors/permanent representatives of member states of the UN, representatives of NGO, INGOs, media, academician, and officials of UN bodies.
Appreciating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s generosity in allowing Rohingyas to take shelter in Bangladesh and various efforts of Bangladesh including education for forcibly displaced Rohingyas, UN High Commissioner for Refugees and Director General of the International Organization for Migration also called upon the international community to provide increased humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas in their dire need.
Read More: Rohingya crisis not forgotten: EU high representative
They also acknowledged that repatriation is key to resolving the Rohingya crisis and Myanmar has to demonstrate political will to that end.
The EU, US, Norway, Switzerland, Australia and some other donor countries announced their respective contributions for the Rohingyas for 2023 in the JRP event.
The State Minister also met with High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk at the UN Office in Geneva and briefed him of the efforts made by the government under the dynamic leadership of Sheikh Hasina to promote and protect human rights of all. He reiterated the government’s commitment to consistent engagement with the UN human rights mechanisms.
The State Minister briefed the High Commissioner about Rohingya camp situations in Cox’s Bazar and the newly built Bhasan Char shelter.
Read More: BURMA Act: Military support to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar 'may undermine' Bangladesh’s security
He emphasized burden sharing by the international community and its stronger commitment to their right to return and to ensuring justice and accountability for them.
High Commissioner Volker Turk applauded Bangladesh’s outstanding advancements in socio-economic arena, and its engagement with UN mechanisms. He praised Bangladesh’s humanitarian leadership in sheltering Rohingyas and efforts to advance world peace.
Historic March 7 observed at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC
The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC observed the historic 7th March, commemorating Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's landmark speech in 1971, which called the nation to be ready to fight for freedom.
The fiery speech of Bangabandhu on March 7 at a mammoth rally in the then "Race Course Maidan", now Suhrawardy Udyan, inspired the freedom-loving Bangalees to fight and earn the long-cherished independence of Bangladesh in 1971.
The day's program of the Embassy started with the formal hoisting of the National Flag by Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran on the Embassy premises in the morning. Officials and employees of the Mission were present on the occasion.
Later, the Ambassador placed a wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation at the Bangabandhu Corner of the Embassy in the presence of Embassy officials.
After laying the wreath, they stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of the great leader.
Also Read: Historic 7 March observed in Tokyo
The messages issued on the occasion by President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were read out by Minister (Political-I) & Head of Chancery Dewan Ali Ashraf and Counsellor (Political-III) Shamima Yeasmin Smrite.
Later, a video film on the historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu was screened.
Afterwards, a discussion highlighting the significance of the day was organized.
Taking part in the discussion, Ambassador Imran paid deepest homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of the historic March 7 and highlighted different aspects of his epic speech.
He termed March 7 as an unforgettable day in the history of the nation and said on this day in 1971, Bangabandhu delivered the momentous speech at the then Race Course Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan) in Dhaka, effectively declaring the War of Independence.
Realizing the importance of the historic speech, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has included the speech in its Memory of the World International Register, a list of the world's important documentary heritage, he said.
Ambassador Imran called upon all to work unitedly to build a hunger-and-poverty-free happy and prosperous 'Sonar Bangla' (Golden Bengal), as dreamt by Bangabandhu, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The day’s program ended with offering a special prayers seeking divine blessings for eternal peace of the departed soul of Bangabandhu as well as Bangladesh's continued peace, progress and prosperity.
First Secretary Md Ataur Rahman conducted the program.
Extend preferential market access for graduating LDCs for at least 6 years: PM to dev partners
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today placed a five-point recommendation, including at least six-year extension of preferential market access for Bangladesh and other graduating least developed countries (LDCs), before development partners.
“I wish to make five suggestions for our development partners: first, extend preferential market access for graduating LDCs like Bangladesh for at least six years, and support their trade facilitation and capacity building, including through aid-for-trade,” she said.
The premier was addressing an event, titled “Global Partnership for Smooth and Sustainable Graduation: Marching Towards Smart Bangladesh”, held on the sidelines of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC-5) at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) in Doha.
The other suggestions she placed include (second) enhancing FDI flow in graduating LDCs through incentives to the private sector, and updating mutually beneficial investment protection agreements; (third) promoting sustainable industrial growth in graduating LDCs, including by way of supporting their private sector for efficient resource management, to improve industrial relations, and through fair pricing.
The remaining recommendations are: (fourth) developing innovative financing mechanisms so that the cost of borrowing remains sustainable for graduating LDCs during their transition phase; and (fifth) financing viable physical and digital infrastructure projects in graduating LDCs and supporting their continued investment in human capital formation and institutional reforms.
“In the course of our graduation, we know where we want to go and how to get there. Our government will not allow Bangladesh to slide back. In order to graduate with confidence, we need support from our friends in the international community,” said the PM.
She said Bangladesh’s track record in the last fifty-one years has shown that the country has done justice to international cooperation. “As the world’s largest LDC economy, we hope to encourage other LDCs to opt for graduation through our own experience of a smooth transition,” she added.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has qualified for graduation in all three UN criteria. In 2015, the country attained middle-income country status. Bangladesh ranked in the medium bracket of UNDP’s Human Development Index ahead of that.
She said Bangladesh was considered a model for MDG achievement. Her government kept its commitment by building a ‘Digital Bangladesh’ by 2021, she added.
The premier said her government and people attach high importance to Bangladesh’s smooth and sustainable LDC graduation in 2026. “We look forward to building a knowledge-based, developed and smart Bangladesh by 2041. Our private sector and social partners will have to play a prominent role in this journey,” she said.
She hoped to sustain the momentum, including by achieving SDGs. “For us to move forward, we need continuation of some international support measures for LDCs beyond our graduation,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh needs to further build its productive capacity and diversify its manufacturing and exports. It must pursue a low-carbon growth pathway. “We hope to comply with due diligence measures. We must digitize and innovate to stay competitive. We are committed to upholding our people’s right to development,” she said.
Noting that Bangladesh has shown that it can deliver, she said. The economy of Bangladesh grew by 8.15% just before the pandemic. The country has made a fast decline in poverty and hunger.
She said people’s life expectancy in Bangladesh rose to 73 years and literacy rate now stands at 75.2%. Gender parity has been achieved in its schools. The country’s women and girls are making their mark in all parts of society. “Our disaster preparedness and climate adaptation are often taken as examples,” she added.
She said her government has decided to take urban facilities to rural areas through the “My Village, My Town” programme.
The PM said she has urged people to cultivate every inch of land to acquire food security.
She also focused on her government’s success and achievements in different areas particularly primary healthcare services for rural people, social protection support for the disadvantaged people, digitization of public services, implementing mega projects, setting economic zones, export processing zones and hi-tech parks to attract investment.
The PM said, “I dream of our boys and girls taking the lead in artificial intelligence, internet of things, and robotics. Our government is pushing for an innovation ecosystem, with attention to intellectual property. We wish to make good use of our traditional knowledge, genetic resources and blue economy.”
She said Bangladesh will soon have a logistics policy with a view to cutting down cost of doing business. “We are investing in an energy mix, including clean energy,” she added.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is also making international contributions to the extent possible. “We are sharing our e-governance tools with other LDCs under the South-South Cooperation. A regional climate adaptation center has been set up in Dhaka to share our good practices with other countries,” she said.
She said the Bangladeshi NGOs are taking home-grown development models to other parts of the world. “We have offered to share our agricultural good practices with African countries,” she said.
The PM said Bangladesh responds to humanitarian emergencies, while continuing to host 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingya from Myanmar.
Denmark Minister for Development Cooperation Dan Jogensen and high-level representatives from different agencies including WTO, OECD, UNIDO and UNCTAD spoke as the panelists in the side event arranged by the Commerce Ministry of Bangladesh.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi made the closing remarks in the event moderated by Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN offices in Geneva ambassador Mohammad Sufiur Rahman.
Commerce Senior Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh delivered the keynote address.
Historic 7 March observed in Tokyo
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Tokyo observed the historic 7th March 7 on Tuesday commemorating the landmark speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Today’s programme began by placing a wreath at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Embassy early in the morning.
All Embassy officials and a good number of expatriate Bangladeshis attended the event. Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed hoisted the national flag along with rendition of the national anthem.
This was followed by observance of one minute silence in remembrance of the Father of the Nation, his family members and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence.
Later, a special prayer (munajat) was held for the salvation of the souls of the Father of the Nation, his family members, and martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh as well as for the peace, progress and prosperity of the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The messages issued by the President and the Prime Minister on the occasion of “Historic 07 March" were read out by Embassy officials.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmed paid homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and explained the significance of the March 7 speech.
He said March 7 is a glorious and important day in the history of Bangladesh, when Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared his vision of independence. His clarion call conveyed a clear message to his people that it was time to prepare for the ultimate struggle to freedom and attain independence.
Following his call, after the brutal crackdown of the Pakistani military forces on the unarmed Bengalis on the black night of March 25, the whole country joined the Liberation War and after nine-month of war the country became victorious, he narrated.
Ambassador Ahmed termed the March 7 speech as the expression of a deep commitment of Bangabandhu for the nation and extreme love for mass people.
He also said that this speech gained international recognition when UNESCO enlisted the historic speech as 'World's Documentary Heritage' in the "Memory of the World Register” in 2017 as part of a list of the world's important documentary heritage maintained by UNESCO.
A discussion on the significance of the day was held following the address of the ambassador.
In this phase, a significant number of Bangladesh community members took part in a live discussion paying their deep tribute to the Father of the Nation and the role and significance of the historic speech of March 7 in the independence of Bangladesh.
The speakers said the March 7 speech of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave inspiration to the Bengali people in their quest for freedom and emancipation.
They expressed their strong commitment to work together to realise the dream of Bangabandhu to build a ‘Sonar Bangla’ through implementing the vision 2041 of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by contributing from their respective positions.
Finally, a documentary was screened on the historic March 7 speech.
Bangladesh welcomes Ajay Banga as President-designate of World Bank Group
In the context of the long standing friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States of America, the former has endorsed the latter's nominee Ajay Banga for the position of President of the World Bank Group.
"Bangladesh believes that Banga’s vast experience would positively contribute to the works and the future of the World Bank Group," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.
The World Bank plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of many developing countries, including Bangladesh, MoFA said.
"Bangladesh looks forward to working closely with Banga as the future president of the World Bank Group, with a view to further taking forward the mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and the World Bank, as well as to enhance World Bank’s contribution at the global level."