Foreign-Affairs
Sanctions were ‘unilateral’, not by the UN: Chinese Ambassador
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (January 23, 2023) said China supports any global initiative if it remains conducive to common development worldwide and avoids division or confrontation.
He said any initiative by a country should be “open and inclusive” instead of being exclusive to a particular country or against any country.
The Chinese ambassador made the remarks when a reporter wanted to know his views on various global initiatives including the Indo-Pacific strategy.
Ambassador Wen had a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also read: Outgoing Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming hopes Rohingya repatriation will start next year
Responding to a question on sanctioned Russian ship heading towards China, the ambassador said he saw the media reports and hoped that any sort of sanction would not affect ordinary people and cooperation with any country.
He also said that those were “unilateral sanctions”, and not by the United Nations.
Bangladesh has conveyed to the Russian side that they can send any ship except those 69 sanctioned ones carrying equipment for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
Sanctioned Russian ship Sparta III (Ursa Major) was scheduled to dock at Mongla port in Bangladesh at the end of December last year and unload cargo destined for the Rooppur power plant in Pabna.
Read more: Bangladesh won’t accept those Russian ships which are under sanctions: FM
But the authorities denied the ship permission to dock at the port after officials got a letter from the US Embassy in Dhaka, saying that the ship was on a list of Russian vessels sanctioned by the US.
The ship is en route to the port of Shanghai, China, sailing at a speed of 10.4 knots and expected to arrive there on January 31, according to vesselfinder.com which provides real-time vessel data.
Asked about the sanctioned ship's location, Foreign Minister Momen said they do not know anything further about the ship but reiterated that Bangladesh will not allow any sanctioned ship.
Regarding the situation along the border with Myanmar, he said the relevant ministries are working and they are also in touch with the Bangladesh mission in Myanmar.
Read More: Shipments for Rooppur plant and Bangabandhu Rail Bridge arrive at Mongla port
"The situation is not good," said the foreign minister, noting that people are moving from one place to another out of panic.
He said that no new entry from Myanmar will be allowed amid conflicts between two groups on the Myanmar side.
Japan provides Tk 6.9 million to JUAAB
The Embassy of Japan has decided to extend grant assistance worth US$ 66,216, or approximately Tk 6.9 million to Japanese Universities Alumni Association in Bangladesh (JUAAB) for improving the facilities of Japanese Cultural Center under the scheme of Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects (GCGP).
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori signed the “grant contract” for the project at his office in presence of Professor Dr M.A.M Yahia Khandoker, President of JUAAB.
Senior executive members of JUAAB also graced the occasion held at the Embassy on Monday.
Japanese Universities Alumni Association in Bangladesh (JUAAB) is the association of the people who obtained their Bachelor, Master or PhD degrees from Japanese universities.
JUAAB was established in 2000, on the historical occasion of the 30th anniversary of Japan’s diplomatic recognition of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
The association has been fostering friendship between the people of Bangladesh and Japan by facilitating academic exchanges, socio-cultural understanding and promoting mutual appreciation of our two nation’s heritage.
JUAAB is operating a Japanese Language School since 2001 and has been a premier Japanese language school in the country.
The organization also has an Ikebana school in operation.
Since 2002, JUAAB is organizing Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in cooperation with Japan Foundation and Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh.
Moreover, JUAAB has been organizing Japanese Language Speech Contest every year since 2008, under the financial support from the Japan Foundation.
Association presently has more than 700 members.
Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh hopes to further promote Japanese language and culture in Bangladesh through this grass-root project.
Switzerland to work with all Bangladeshi stakeholders for a ‘smooth, inclusive, sustainable’ LDC graduation
Outgoing Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard has said that as a “solid and agile” development partner, Switzerland will work with all stakeholders in Bangladesh and its multifaceted cooperation will take on crucial issues to make the latter’s graduation from least-developed status “smooth, inclusive and sustainable”.
“The country is now at a crossroads with the upcoming graduation from the LDCs group. Switzerland welcomes this exciting development,” she told UNB in an exclusive interview.
Nonetheless, the ambassador said, this graduation carries with it both opportunities and challenges, and it will be essential to prepare for post-graduation scenarios – leaving no one behind, addressing structural issues and making the private sector more competitive.
“Being a country vulnerable to climate change, managing climate and disaster risks is another pressing challenge,” she said.
Read more: Switzerland will continue to be a reliable partner for Bangladesh: Nathalie Chuard
Evaluating the bilateral relations today, the Swiss envoy said 50 years is quite a long time but it is also only the beginning.
“Since the birth of your nation, we have grown a solid, diversified and robust partnership. This relation has evolved, and I am really glad when I see where we are today and also where we are heading,” she said.
During the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the bilateral ties last year, Ambassador Chuard said they were able to showcase the scope and diversity of the partnership.
“We launched our new Bangladesh Country Program that is aligned on the objectives of the Agenda 2030 and aims at supporting your country’s development for the years to come,” she said, adding that they danced to the songs of “Nodi Rocks”, an initiative for the youth to raise awareness on climate change and protecting rivers through music.
Read more: Switzerland a serious global player, reliable partner of Bangladesh: Ambassador Chuard
Together with other partners, the envoy said, they held exhibitions in Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar to underscore the significance of humanitarian principles.
“For the first time, our bilateral trade also crossed the significant milestone of US $1 billion in 2022. I think all these aspects show how diverse and multifaceted our relations have become. While I look back, I am really proud of what we have accomplished together, and looking forward to the next steps of our common journey,” she said.
Responding to a question, Ambassador Chuard said Bangladesh is a beautiful country, boasting a colourful and vibrant society always full of energy.
“I have been lucky enough to travel widely throughout Bangladesh – from the chars in Gaibandha to the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the Sundarbans. Far away from Dhaka’s hustle and bustle, experiences such as a motorbike ride in a far-flung Char has surely given me another perspective of this country, and I have loved doing it! The people here are amazing and exceptionally resilient.”
Read more: Swiss Ambassador Chuard sees “massive potential” to boost trade, investment with Bangladesh
She also said, “Whether we talk about climate change or economic development, Bangladesh is everything from the chars, the agriculture to the busy ports or urban centers and its readymade garment factories, and it has been important for me to experience it firsthand. It is about the diversity of your country. It is also in all these fields, and many more, that Switzerland has worked with Bangladesh on its journey.”
Wherever she has been, Ambassador Chuard said, she has always felt welcome. “What maybe has impressed me the most are the women and the role they have played in the country's socioeconomic advancement.”
Switzerland has also supported numerous projects towards women’s empowerment and participation, including in the political arena, Chuard said.
On that note, the ambassador mentioned that Bangladesh is preparing for its next national election, expected to be held in January 2024.
Read More: Newly appointed Bangladesh envoy Sufiur presents credentials to Swiss president, seeks better relations
“We call on all stakeholders, including political parties, to uphold and ensure citizens’ voting rights and I hope that these elections will be free, fair and credible. This is an important signal for Bangladesh and its citizens,” she said.
The ambassador said the two countries are working on an air service agreement and one MoU regarding knowledge partnership.
“While these are still under negotiation, I am confident that these agreements will pave the way for broadening the horizon of our future relations,” she said.
The Swiss envoy said, “I find that there is another positive development and it is related to the area of exchanging banking information.”
Read More: Switzerland, UNDP sign deal to promote peaceful, inclusive societies for sustainable development
Switzerland is one of the world’s leading financial centers, they have made substantial contributions to international standards, and are committed to their effective enforcement.
“My country has been very dedicated to continue cooperating with Bangladesh on this topic in accordance with globally recognized procedures. In this regard, I am encouraged by the discussions that have taken place, following our proposals to tackle illicit financial flows,” Ambassador Chuard said.
GLOBAL CRISIS AND DIPLOMACY
Asked whether diplomacy is always effective in solving major global issues like the Rohingya crisis, the Swiss envoy said, “Obviously, as a career diplomat, I strongly believe in diplomacy… There is no doubt that solutions are found in diplomacy.”
To prevent conflict, she said, all parties need to talk together in order to find solutions and common ground. “Diplomacy is a highly powerful and effective tool for nations and stakeholders to communicate and develop mutually accepted solutions.”
Read More: Info Exchange: Bangladesh, Switzerland to discuss ways to develop mechanism
The ambassador said the world is facing numerous crises at the same time, and people are very worried and affected in various ways.
“With the recovery from the pandemic, the aggression against Ukraine and the omnipresent climate change, none of us really knows how it will play out,” she said.
“If there is one thing that these global challenges have taught us, it is the importance of reaching consensus, defending a rules-based order, pushing for global peace and prosperity and strengthening multilateralism. Diplomacy and bringing stakeholders together are more important than ever, particularly for countries like Bangladesh and Switzerland,” Chuard said.
Since the first of January and for the next two years, Switzerland is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Read More: Switzerland keen to work with Bangladesh to increase farmers’ socio-economic resilience against climatic risks
“Our entry to this important UN body stems from my country’s strong affinity for multilateralism and willingness to play its role to stand up for a just and peaceful international order,” she said.
The membership to the UN body is also a great opportunity to collaborate closely with Bangladesh on vital global peace, security and development challenges, Chuard said.
“For my country, it is very important that the Rohingya crisis is not forgotten and that a lasting and sustainable solution is found. And until the conditions for the return of the refugees are met, we will continue to stand next to Bangladesh to support the response to the crisis,” said the envoy.
Responding to a question, Ambassador Chuard said diplomacy is a continuous process and requires not only skills but also convictions.
Read More: Nagad, Swisscontact team up to enhance financial inclusion of RMG workers
“It is a means to an end rather than an end in itself. One must remain persistent and continue working on pending topics and challenges. And if someone tells you that diplomacy does not work, that means that we should try harder,” she said.
DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
Switzerland is an “effective, innovative and committed” development partner of Bangladesh and development cooperation has traditionally been a foundation of the bilateral ties, the ambassador said.
Over the last five decades, Switzerland has supported Bangladesh with over $1 billion in development cooperation and humanitarian aid.
“The modalities of our cooperation with Bangladesh have evolved over time and our current ongoing cooperation programme aims to assist the sustainable graduation of Bangladesh from the LDC group, develop a more prosperous, just and resilient society, and foster peaceful coexistence,” she added.
Read More: Switzerland keen to invest in Bangladesh’s disaster-prone areas
“Switzerland will invest around Tk 1450 crore to implement this program by 2025. In close partnership with all stakeholders, our program complements the support for more trade and direct foreign investment with the promotion of the Swiss key values of good governance and respect of human rights to ensure sustainability, including for economic growth,” said Ambassador Chuard.
ECONOMIC COOPERATION
The Swiss envoy said economic cooperation has become another strong pillar of the bilateral relations between the two countries.
“Since my arrival in 2020, I have observed the great potential and a shared goal with our counterparts here to increase trade and investment between our countries,” she said, adding that the situation seems promising, taking into account the trend over the last period.
The bilateral trade crossed the landmark $1 billion threshold in 2022, for the first time ever.
The envoy said, “And for us, a country with roughly the same population as Chattogram, this is a significant outcome, making us one of Bangladesh’s most active trading partners!”
She said Swiss investors have a strong and diverse footprint in the country and they provide cutting-edge and essential products, technologies and services in many crucial economic sectors.
“My impression is that our companies are increasingly becoming advanced technology suppliers for the local market and businesses, enabling the expansion of the latter. I am confident that more technological partnerships and Swiss investments will follow, including green technologies, if we can tap more into the diversity of trade and investment promotion tools on each side,” she said.
INVESTMENT CLIMATE
The Swiss envoy said the level of foreign direct investment remains relatively low in the country and climate-related issues therefore frequently feature in many of her meetings with Bangladeshi decision-makers.
Read More: Swiss Ambassador Chuard sees “massive potential” to boost trade, investment with Bangladesh
“I welcome the several measures that the government has undertaken in recent years to attract new investments and improve the ease of doing business. In my view, it is clearly a win-win since foreign investments are also crucial to take Bangladesh to its next level of development,” she said.
“In this context, I would like to mention that if you take care of them well, the existing investors can become your country’s best ambassadors for attracting more FDIs,” she added.
NEXT DESTINATION
“As a diplomat, I have been to many countries and I put my heart where my mission is. Bangladesh is no different. As of the first of March, I will be the new director of the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF),” said the envoy.
DCAF has programs that touch on more than 70 countries and facilitates, drives and shapes security sector reform policy and programming worldwide.
Read More: Bangladesh, Switzerland discuss celebration of 50 years of ties in Davos
“I am glad and honored to take on this new challenge at such a crucial time and find it very motivating to lead an organization that makes states and people safer, and promotes good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights,” she said.
“This is at the core of what my country stands for and so close to my heart. As a Swiss diplomat, I am also proud to soon be part of “International Geneva” and promote its vision of a world of peace, rights and prosperity,” the Swiss envoy mentioned.
Ensuring young women's equal access to education central to gender equality: US
The US has said ensuring young women's equal access to education is central to gender equality.
Women and girls have the right to learn, innovate, compete, and succeed in the global economy, it added.
The US is working to make this vision a reality through its Global Women's Economic Security strategy.
From January 21 to 22, US Senior Official to the Secretary of State in the Office of Global Women's Issues Kat Fotovat participated in the 10th Commencement Ceremony of the Asian University for Women (AUW) in Chattogram where she delivered remarks and met with students and faculty.
Read More: FBCCI signs MoU with AUW to award scholarships to 30 students annually
NCGG working to create pool of well-trained civil servants to address emerging challenges
The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), an apex autonomous institution of the Indian government, is expanding and scaling up its activities following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayaas to improve the quality of people's lives in the country and its neighbourhood.
A two-week capacity-building programme for the civil servants of Bangladesh, the Maldives and Arunachal Pradesh state was held from January 9 to 20.
Eighty-seven officers – 39 civil servants from Bangladesh (56th batch), 26 from the Maldives (20th batch) and 22 from Arunachal Pradesh (1st batch) – joined the programme.
At first, officers from Arunachal Pradesh were trained at NCGG, both at Mussoorie and New Delhi.
This is in furtherance to further improve the governance and public service delivery in northeast and border states as directed by Jitendra Singh, minister of state, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with NCGG in 2022 to train 500 officers of Arunachal Pradesh over the next five years, according to NCGG.
Upholding the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Neighbourhood First" policy, NCGG in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs of India has been "helping" neighbouring countries among others, in building capacities of their civil servants.
NCGG designs and implements capacity-building programmes that focus on various aspects of good governance and transparent administration for "assured public service delivery."
For the first time, sessions were held jointly to facilitate intellectual interactions and deliberations among participants from three countries.
The two-week capacity-building programme was scientifically tailored by the NCGG team and included the exchange of vast information, knowledge, new ideas, and best practices that promote citizen-centric governance.
The sessions for each training programme were firmed up by the NCGG faculty based on the needs of the respective countries and in consultation with Indian missions.
This capacity-building programme is expected to help civil servants in putting up dedicated efforts to fill in the gaps between policies and implementation in their respective countries or states.
In this two-week programme for the civil servants of Bangladesh, the Maldives and Arunachal Pradesh, participants interacted with domain experts on diverse topics – namely, e-governance, the vision of India@2047 and the role of civil servants, decentralised municipal solid waste management, digital India, potential and challenges of the power sector in Arunachal Pradesh, approach to SDGs by 2030, health governance in India, climate change and its impact on biodiversity – policies and global practices, anti-corruption practices, LiFE, and circular economy.
The valedictory session was held on January 20 and was graced by SK Jaiswal, director of CBI. In his valedictory address, he emphasised the decisive and multi-pronged action taken against corruption in India.
He discussed how a number of preventive steps were taken by the government with the massive use of information technology and emphasis on ensuring transparency, to root out corruption with huge success.
Transparency, accountability, and centrality of citizens have become the hallmark of today's governance in India, he added.
He also congratulated Shri Bharat Lal, DG, and his team for imparting such a "meaningful programme" for the civil servants of the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Arunachal Pradesh.
As the role of government and the future of public service delivery is constantly evolving, so does the role of civil servants.
Considering all the challenges NCGG designs a capacity-building programme that further helps in improving the quality of life of people.
In his address, Bharat Lal gave actionable advice to the participants to translate their learnings by preparing a plan of action and implementing the same to improve the quality of life of their citizens.
He emphasised that the capacity-building programmes designed by the NCGG are in consonance with Narendra
Modi's Neighbourhood First policy and uphold the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam."
He urged the civil servants to create an enabling environment for citizens to help them realise their full potential and ensure that no one is left out. "In today's India, all programmes/schemes are all-inclusive and focused on improving the quality of life of people."
The needs of the poorest of the poor are addressed by the government in a transparent way and without leaving anyone.
On the last day of the session on anti-corruption strategy, Pravin Sinha, special director, Shri Anurag, joint director, of CBI and Shri P Daniel, secretary of Central Vigilance Commission, along with other officers took sessions about preventive steps, transparency and on use of technology to root out the corruption and ensure good governance.
The capacity-building programme was conducted with the efforts of the course coordinators – AP Singh (the Maldives), BS Bisht (Arunachal Pradesh) and Mukesh Bhandari (Bangladesh), and also assisted by the NCGG team.
In partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, NCGG has imparted training to civil servants of 15 countries, so far – namely, Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Gambia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Vietnam, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
Known for content and delivery, the capacity-building programme is "highly sought after" and NCGG is expanding its capacity to accommodate a higher number of civil servants from various countries as well as various states or union territories of India as per their requirements.
UN expert lauds Bangladesh's role in global discourse on safe, orderly, regular migration
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights on Migrants Felipe Gonzalez Morales on Sunday appreciated Bangladesh's proactive role in the global discourse on safe, orderly and regular migration.
The UN special rapporteur, who will be in Bangladesh till January 31, met Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and discussed issues of mutual interest.
During the meeting, the foreign secretary briefed the special rapporteur about various measures undertaken by the government to ensure the welfare of Bangladeshi migrant workers abroad.
The two sides also discussed various aspects and challenges, including irregular migration, climate-induced displacement, skill development and matching, and migrant workers in Bangladesh.
Pilot project of Rohingya repatriation to be executed at an early date, hopes Shahriar
Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has expressed optimism that the “pilot project” of Rohingya repatriation would be executed at an early date.
He thanked China for its “active role” in a trilateral initiative among Bangladesh, Myanmar and China to provide a platform for dialogue to promote the early return of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Newly appointed Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen met the State Minister for Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (January 22, 2023) afternoon and discussed the issues of mutual interest.
Responding to a question on Rohingya repatriation, Ambassador Wen said they have a common objective with Bangladesh regarding repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland.
Also Read: Will continue to work toward resolution of Rohingya issue: Japan
He recognised Bangladesh's "sacrifice" in hosting the huge number of Rohingyas and assured of playing its role for their repatriation.
“We discussed the issue. You pay a lot. You suffered a lot. You sacrificed a lot. We have the common objective (repatriation),”said Ambassador Wen.
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char and not a single Rohingya has been repatriated over the last six years.
The State Minister also highlighted the importance of establishing direct air connectivity and requested the Chinese Ambassador to consider Bangladesh as a suitable place for industry relocation from China, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also Read: Over 3,500 desperate Rohingya attempted deadly sea crossings in 2022
The Chinese Ambassador showed interest to conclude a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on PPP for the growth of bilateral trade and commerce.
State Minister Alam hoped that the bilateral relations between the two countries would reach new heights during the tenure of the new Ambassador.
Both sides cordially exchanged views on bilateral and multilateral cooperation of mutual interests, including trade and investment, infrastructure development, connectivity and Covid situation.
Congratulating the new Ambassador on the Chinese New Year’s Day, the State Minister thanked China for being the largest bilateral trade partner of Bangladesh.
Read More: China will remain engaged in Bangladesh’s next stage of development journey: Momen
During the meeting, he also thanked the Chinese government for its support in dealing with Covid-19 pandemic and the repatriation of Bangladeshi students from China and their subsequent return to China to continue their higher studies.
He wished Ambassador Yao successful tenure in Bangladesh and assured him of full cooperation in discharge of his duties.
Dr Fahmida recommends market monitoring by government
Emphasizing the issue of market distortion, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun has recommended market monitoring by the government and claimed that a significant group of people manipulates the market.
She pinpointed the ongoing economic instability globally and locally, addressing the issues of outrageous price rise of commodities, banking health, fiscal policies and external factors affecting the local economy.
Dr Fahmida, while speaking at a roundtable on Saturday, also discussed the dependence of Bangladesh on fuel imports and fuel price hikes affecting the production level. The Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) hosted the monthly roundtable titled, ‘War, Famine and Turbulence: Global Trends 2023’ featuring three speakers - Dr Fahmida
Khatun, former Ambassador Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Mahmud Hussain and security analyst Shafqat Munir.
Also read: CPD's Fahmida made member of UNCTAD’s advisory board
The roundtable was moderated by BIPSS President Major General (Retd) ANM Muniruzzaman. The moderator initially highlighted the post-Covid issues being faced by the current world today, such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict, possibilities of an accidental escalation, economic downturns, food security, geo-political competition, climate security, elections in South Asia, disruptive technology, metaverse and the brand new front of artificial intelligence (AI).
Mahmud Hussain mentioned that the current Ukraine-Russia war would empty Europe’s energy storage if further escalation occurred.
The former ambassador and expert recommended institutional developments for Bangladesh to ensure sustainable preparedness in the future.
He stated that further worsening of the war would lead to a global price rise of fuel, putting a strain on Bangladesh's energy security.
Security analyst Shafqat Munir tapped into the untapped aspects of global affairs like geo-political competitions and confrontations.
He stated that further studies are required on geo-political competition and confrontations nearby, which may directly impact Bangladesh due to its geographical location.
Furthermore, he said, the interconnection between technology and security was discussed, along with the importance and vitality of disruptive technology, 3D printing, artificial intelligence and metaverse.
According to the security analyst, these technologies, if they land in the wrong hand, could create new security challenges for the country.
Munir opined on the question of national security that all Bangladeshis should speak in one voice. He mentioned the possible accidental escalations in the global arena.
It is high time to work together on more projects, investment areas: Chinese Envoy
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said it is high time to work together to have more projects and investment from China overcoming the common challenges ahead.
"We find that there is a great potential to work together on high level visits and economic development," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ambassador said China can do a lot and the two countries can work together for a better future.
“That is something China can do together to overcome common challenges faced by the two countries,” Ambassador Wen said, referring to the challenges of Covid-19 and also problems that emerged amid the situation in Ukraine.
Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision for 2041, the Chinese envoy said Bangladesh is now stepping into Smart Bangladesh from Digital Bangladesh and assured of his country’s support to that end.
Also Read: Gate of Dhaka-Beijing cooperation opens wider: Ambassador Wen
“I am confident that during my tenure I can work together with Bangladesh. China can do a lot. We can support each other. We can work together for the better future of our bilateral relationship,” he said.
Responding to a question on Rohingya repatriation, Ambassador Wen said they have a common objective with Bangladesh regarding repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland.
He recognised Bangladesh's "sacrifice" in hosting the huge number of Rohingyas and assured of playing its role for their repatriation.
“We discussed the issue. You pay a lot. You suffered a lot. You sacrificed a lot. We have the common objective (repatriation),”said Ambassador Wen.
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char and not a single Rohingya has been repatriated over the last six years.
Earlier, the Chinese Ambassador had separate meetings with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and discussed the Rohingya issues apart from other bilateral issues.
“We discussed ways to expand bilateral ties,” said the Ambassador.
Bangladesh won’t accept those Russian ships which are under sanctions: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said Bangladesh will not accept those Russian ships which are under sanctions, noting that Bangladesh has developed a good relationship with the United States of America (USA).
“It is surprising that Russia knowingly sent a sanctioned ship by changing its name. We did not expect it. Now, we expect that Russia will send things by non-sanctioned ships,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Momen said Russia has hundreds of ships and there are 69 Russian ships which are under sanctions.
Bangladesh has conveyed to the Russian side that they can send any ship except those sanctioned 69 ships carrying equipment for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
Momen hoped that Russia would now send non-sanctioned ships carrying required materials.
Sanctioned Russian ship Sparta III (Ursa Major) was scheduled to dock at Mongla port in the southwestern part of the country at the end of December last year and unload cargo destined for the Rooppur NPP in Pabna.
Also read: Bangladesh's growing economy entices US to maintain good relations: FM
But the authorities denied the ship permission to dock at the port after officials got a letter from the US Embassy in Dhaka saying that the ship was on a list of Russian ships sanctioned by the US.
The vessel is en route to the port of Shanghai, China, sailing at a speed of 10.4 knots and expected to arrive there on January 31, according to vesselfinder.com which provides real-time vessel data.
Border Issues
Responding to a question on the situation along Bangladesh-Myanmar border, the Foreign Minister said what happened in the zero line is very unfortunate.
"We protect our border. We remain alert. Naturally there is panic on our side amid fighting," he said.
At least one person reportedly belonging to a separatist group was killed and several others were injured in an hours-long gun battle between two armed militant forces inside Myanmar along the border with Bangladesh on Wednesday, media reported.
The fighting took place near the no-man’s land at Ghumdhum-Tumbru frontline in Bangladesh’s southeastern border district of Bandarban on Wednesday.
Momen said they are in discussion at various levels but they do not discuss with rebels. "We are protecting our own areas."
Responding to a question, the Foreign Minister said the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen will meet him tomorrow (Monday) and the situation along Bangladesh-Myanmar border is likely to come up for discussion.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh did not allow anyone to enter afresh amid conflicts on the Myanmar side.
He said Bangladesh remains vigilant so that the country does not face any problem. “We want to see that this conflict is stopped. But it is up to two conflicting groups there,” Momen said, noting that there is weakness on the Myanmar side to deal with the situation.
Asked whether Bangladesh will seek China’s support to keep border areas peaceful, the Foreign Minister said Bangladesh always seeks support from China as China has enough leverage on Myanmar. “We keep them informed.”
The Chinese Ambassador had separate meetings with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Sunday.