Foreign-Affairs
Indian HC Pranay Verma visits Commonwealth War Cemetery in Chattogram
High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Tuesday visited the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Chattogram.
During his visit, the High Commissioner was accompanied by the commanding officers of the visiting Indian Coast Guard Ships ICGS Shaurya and ICGS Rajveer.
The cemetery originally had about 400 burials.
Read more: Indian war veterans to join Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations in Dhaka
E-governance a shared priority for EU, Bangladesh in coming years: Ambassador Whiteley
A consultation workshop on ‘Supporting Transparent E-Governance Policies in Bangladesh’ was held in Dhaka today which is seen as a “shared priority” for the European Union (EU) and Bangladesh in the coming years.
State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak spoke at the workshop as the chief guest while ICT Division Senior Secretary N M Zeaul Alam spoke as special guest.
“Much appreciated the very active participation by ICT State Minister Palak at consultation workshop on e-governance – a shared priority for the EU and Bangladesh in the coming years,” Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, Ambassador Charles Whiteley, who delivered the closing remarks, tweeted.
The EU Ambassador said they appreciate the vision of 'Smart Bangladesh' by 2041. “We are really with you (Bangladesh). It’s a really important area for us.”
He said they want to support “transparent, responsive, accountable and timely” delivery of services, something they aspire for their own people, too.
“Let’s focus on capacity-building and responding to those needs,” said the EU ambassador, adding that they want to do more on non-traditional areas of cooperation.
To transform Bangladesh into a knowledge-based economy by 2041 (‘Smart Bangladesh Vision’), the government of Bangladesh’s ‘Digital Bangladesh Vision’ (launched back in 2009) views digital development as core to its overall economic development strategy.
The government’s “E-government Master Plan” of 2019 provides a strategic guideline for government innovation using Information Communications Technology (ICT).
With its digital transformation policy, the European Union (EU) has extensive experience in public sector digitalisation.
Additionally, Bangladesh is part of the EU's recent “Strategy for the Indo-Pacific” (2021), in which digital governance and partnerships are defined as a key priority.
According to the 8th Five Year Plan, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) views digital development as core to its overall development strategy and aims to transform Bangladesh into a digital economy by 2021 (‘Digital Bangladesh’) and to a knowledge-based economy by 2041 (‘Smart Bangladesh’).
The European Union (EU) has also identified digitalisation and e-governance as one of its current and future policy and programme priority areas.
In this context, the EU has prepared, with the support of a team of external consultants, a report, which identifies policy initiatives where the EU can concretely support GoB with their digital transformation plans considering existing opportunities and constraints and following a sustainable and citizen-centric approach.
The consultation workshop discussed and validated the preliminary findings of the ‘Bangladesh Digital Readiness Assessment’ draft report developed with the support of a team of external experts as part of the European Union’s support to the government of Bangladesh’s digital transformation policies.
The workshop aimed to prepare a list of recommendations on priority policy areas and initiatives by gathering relevant digitalisation and e-governance stakeholders.
Bangladesh, Vietnam can thrive together in RMG, says Pham Viet Chien
Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Pham Viet Chien has said Bangladesh and his country can complement each other for the development of the apparel industry and reap mutual trade benefits.
Pham called on Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan in Dhaka Monday (January 16, 2023).
Read more: Bangladesh, Vietnam eye $2 billion trade in 2023
They discussed the present market situation in readymade garments (RMG), global trends and opportunities while sharing how both countries were addressing their challenges.
Pham and Faruque also talked about possible avenues of working together to unlock mutual trade potential through meaningful collaboration.
They emphasised the exchange of experience and expertise in the apparel industries of Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Read more: Vietnam honours three Bangladeshis for promoting people-to-people ties
Pham and Faruque showed interest in facilitating the sharing of knowledge and expertise in the apparel and textile industries through collaboration between the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) and Vietnamese apparel trade associations and fashion institutes.
Bangladesh, Rwanda sign air connectivity agreement
Bangladesh and Rwanda have signed an air services agreement to enhance connectivity, trade and people-to-people ties.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to New Delhi Mustafizur Rahman and Rwanda High Commissioner to Bangladesh with residence in New Delhi Jacqueline Mukangira inked the deal in the Indian capital Thursday.
The agreement will facilitate the movement of people and goods between Bangladesh and Rwanda using the air route.
Read more: DCCI urges Rwanda to import more Bangladeshi products
The air connectivity agreement is also expected to contribute largely to the economic growth between Bangladesh and Rwanda.
Bangladesh has taken initiatives to forge cooperation with Rwanda in different sectors, including agriculture, food processing; promotion and protection of investments, foreign office consultations and cooperation between the foreign service academies of the two countries. Both sides are having discussions to sign agreements in these areas.
Read more: Momen leads Bangladesh to Commonwealth Heads of Government in Rwanda
Initiatives have also been taken to organise a bilateral visit from Bangladesh to Rwanda and hold bilateral consultations between the foreign ministries.
British offshore patrol vessel docks at Chattogram
The Royal Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS TAMAR has arrived at the naval base in ChattogramThe vessel was received by Chief Staff Officer to the Commander, Chattogram Naval Area, Capt M Faizul Hoque.The deployment of HMS TAMAR emphasises the UK’s commitment to defence cooperation with Bangladesh, and to an open and resilient international order for open societies and economies to flourish.
Switzerland will continue to be a reliable partner for Bangladesh: Nathalie Chuard
Outgoing Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard has said her country will continue to be a reliable partner for Bangladesh in the days ahead.
She paid a farewell call to Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen Monday (January 16, 2023) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Momen congratulated Nathalie on her successful tenure in Bangladesh and appreciated her efforts to further strengthen and broaden Bangladesh-Switzerland ties.
Read more: Switzerland a serious global player, reliable partner of Bangladesh: Ambassador Chuard
Highlighting the similarity of the foreign policies of the two countries, the foreign minister recalled Bangabandhu's vision of turning Bangladesh into the "Switzerland of the East."
The Swiss ambassador expressed her satisfaction at the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of trade and investment and development cooperation.
The foreign minister invited more Swiss investment into Bangladesh, particularly in the advanced manufacturing sector.
Read More: Newly appointed Bangladesh envoy Sufiur presents credentials to Swiss president, seeks better relations
Also, Momen hoped that as a member of the United Nations Security Council for 2023-24, Switzerland would further contribute to global peace and security.
He sought Switzerland's continued support towards the early repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to their country.
Robust leadership, political trust fortified Dhaka-Ankara economic, defence ties: Turan
Outgoing Turkish Ambassador Mustafa Osman Turan has credited “very strong leadership” on both sides and deep political trust for the significant progress in Dhaka-Ankara relations in recent times – with growing economic and defence cooperation hand in hand.
“I think there are a couple of factors. One is the fact that both countries – Turkey and Bangladesh – are growing economies; and they have high growth rates and very strong leadership on both sides,” Turan told UNB in an exclusive interview.
The Turkish envoy, who is set to complete his tenure later this month, said they have found the opportunity to increase their trade and investments.
“I think Bangladesh and Turkey have very complementary economies; we can diversify our trade and increase the volume up to $2 billion in the years to come. Currently, it’s around $1.2 to $1.3 billion,” Ambassador Turan said.
The two countries were aiming for $1.5 billion trade annually but it slowed down because of the current global economic crisis.
“But I am confident that we can increase our trade to $2 billion easily in the next one or two years,” he said.
Read more: PM seeks cooperation from Turkey in defence sector
GROWING DEFENCE COOPERATION
Turan said there is a “political aspect” which he sees as a “political factor” behind the stronger bilateral ties between the two countries.
Turkey is now considered as one of the most reliable partners of Bangladesh, he said. “We can safely say this.”
The ambassador explained that the two countries maintain cooperation in defence.
“We were able to sign some contracts recently, in the past one year in particular. This shows and proves that the relations between our countries at the political level are based on mutual trust,” he said.
Ambassador Turan referred to his recent farewell meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and said she confirmed that the “defence cooperation will continue” between the two countries.
“We are hoping that after the economic troubles everywhere around the world are over, we will enhance our defence cooperation. So, that’s a very good indication,” he said.
Politically speaking, the Turkish envoy said, they are hoping that after the elections in both countries, respective leaders will have high-level visits.
Turkey will hold presidential and parliamentary elections in mid-2023 while Bangladesh will hold the next national election in January 2024.
BANGLADESH-TÜRKIYE BUSINESS FORUM
At the end of his three years tenure in Bangladesh, Ambassador Turan said he is confident that the upward trend in relationship will continue and their trade and investments will be diversified.
ICT and pharmaceutical industries appear as promising fields of cooperation as well as agro-industry and light engineering, he said.
Bangladesh can also benefit from growing interest of the Turkish contracting companies to participate in infrastructure and transport projects.
Read more: Energy supply to Bangladesh: Turkey will be “more than happy” to be a transit country, says ambassador
As a result of growing interactions between businesses and entrepreneurs, the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka took the initiative to encourage and support the establishment of ‘Bangladesh-Türkiye Business Forum’ (BTBF).
Led by Dr. Rubana Huq, Managing Director of Mohammadi Group, and Salahuddin Kasem Khan, of A.K. Khan and Company Ltd, BTBF brings together 13 Bangladeshi conglomerates and 6 Turkish companies operating in Bangladesh.
BTBF will be launched officially as a trust on January 17, following inauguration of its office in Dhaka’s Gulshan.
“Now, we have a leadership of the business forum and there will be a legal status as it will be formed as a trust,” said the Turkish ambassador.
With this business forum, he said, there are three objectives. One of the objectives is to promote trade and investments in both countries. The second is to facilitate business partnerships and the third is to rebrand Bangladesh in Turkey and rebrand Turkey in Bangladesh through exchanges, said Ambassador Turan.
He also highlighted the importance of cultural exchanges because the two countries have a strong shared cultural history and values. “The Business Forum would bring to light historical facts about our countries.”
Read more: Election Bangladesh’s own issue, not foreigners’ concern: Turkish Ambassador
PROMOTING BANGLADESH IN TURKEY
The Ambassador said they have tried to promote Bangladesh in Turkey because their business community does not know enough about the country and the opportunities it offers. “I think here we have done a good job together with the Government of Bangladesh.”
“I think the level of awareness in Turkey about the opportunities and potential in Bangladesh is increasing day by day,” he said, adding that another factor – people to people contacts – also contributed to growing relations.
The ambassador said he suggested to the Bangladesh PM that the two countries can establish cultural centres reciprocally. “We will look into that possibility. I think she was positive because she really likes our culture. I gave her a culinary book on Turkish cuisine because I know she likes to cook. She really appreciated the gift.”
The ambassador said the two countries can also increase cooperation between universities. “Education is a very important area; we can do more in this field.”
Responding to a question on Rohingya repatriation, Ambassador Turan said Turkey has been supporting Bangladesh but the problem is that the key goal for safe repatriation is yet to be realized.
“Of course, repatriation is the real solution to this issue. But it requires the Myanmar government to prepare the favourable conditions for repatriation. They need to be willing to receive their own people. And it must be a safe, voluntary and dignified return,” he said.
Ambassador Turan said he will always remember the scenic beauty of Bangladesh. “I had an opportunity to fly over Bangladesh by helicopter. And when you fly by helicopter, you can see more because it’s close to the ground – how beautiful it is.”
He said he is hoping that there will be more tourism in Bangladesh to highlight the natural beauty of the landscape.
Read more: "We will be stronger in every field", says Turkish Ambassador Turan seeking broader partnership
TAKING A PATHAO RIDE TO AVOID DHAKA TRAFFIC JAM
“Yes, I wanted to try Pathao, because one of the important memories I have here is that I interacted a lot with young entrepreneurs and start-ups. Pathao is one of them,” said the Ambassador, adding, “And I wanted to see how it works. It worked really well and helped me arrive on time at my farewell dinner hosted by the Palestinian ambassador!”
US will condemn violence – from opposition or govt security forces in Bangladesh: Donald Lu
US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu has emphasised the government and the opposition “working together peacefully” to ensure the freedom of assembly as Bangladesh moves towards the next national election.
“We as Americans, we will condemn violence when we see it – if it is on the part of the opposition, or it is on the part of government security forces. At the same time, we are going to focus on whether there is any intimidation during the election… we will say this publicly,” he told Channel 24 in an interview before wrapping up his visit on Sunday (January 15, 2023).
Lu referred to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to a fair election and said US also wants a free and fair election without “violence and intimidation.”
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday conveyed to the United States that they, as a government, want a “free, fair, transparent and credible” election and there should be no doubt about that.
Read more: Civil society voices crucial to upholding people’s right to freedom, dignity in every country: US
Lu also expressed US’ commitment to upholding democracy and human rights. “We will speak when we see problems and when we can offer suggestions. We will stand up for freedom of speech, freedom of expression. And we look forward to working very closely with our partners here in Bangladesh,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Responding to a question, the US Assistant Secretary told Channel 24 that they did not designate more individuals from the Rab to face individual sanctions. “We did not do that because we recognize the progress being made by the government and by the Rab itself.”
Talking to reporters at MoFA, Lu said they had “quite a good discussion” about the Rab. “If you have seen the statement this week by the Human Rights Watch, they recognised and we recognised tremendous progress in the area of reducing extrajudicial killings by the Rab,” he said.
On the security of diplomats, Lu said they take the security of Bangladeshi diplomats in the US very seriously.
Read more: Lu pledges US administration's continuous support, cooperation for all future efforts
“We spend a lot of time making sure that they are safe. We expect the same treatment from Bangladesh,” he said, adding that he was given assurance from every meeting he attended during his Bangladesh visit.
The United States has also said civil society voices in every country are crucial to upholding people’s right to freedom and dignity.
Assistant Secretary Donald Lu and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas hosted a dinner on Sunday night and listened to the work of human rights advocates in Bangladesh.
Lu left Dhaka early Monday (2 am), wrapping up his quick visit with a series of meetings.
Read more: Donald Lu: Issues of participatory polls, CHT discussed over lunch at FSA
Civil society voices crucial to upholding people’s right to freedom, dignity in every country: US
The United States has said civil society voices in every country are crucial to upholding people’s right to freedom and dignity.
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas hosted a dinner on Sunday night listened to the work of human rights advocates in Bangladesh.
Lu left Dhaka early Monday (2am) wrapping up his quick visit with a series of meetings.
Read more: Lu pledges US administration's continuous support, cooperation for all future efforts
Flood responses: UN resident coordinator visits Sylhet to discuss lessons learnt
The UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh Sunday met with the authorities, NGOs, and UN agencies' representatives in Sylhet to discuss the lessons learnt from some of the key projects of the Flash Flood Humanitarian Response Plan implemented following the devastating floods that hit the region in summer of last year.
In support of the government, the UN and NGO partners launched the Flash Flood Humanitarian Response Plan in July 2022 to provide lifesaving support to vulnerable communities in the five worst-hit districts.
Among the themes discussed at the meetings were the implementation of the risk information and early warning system, information management, food security and livelihoods, and the protection of vulnerable people.
The Humanitarian Response Plan aimed to mobilise efforts to tackle the consequences of the floods has been produced by the Humanitarian Coordination Task Team jointly headed by the UN resident coordinator and Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md Kamrul Hasan.
A total of $20.45 million have been provided for the essential needs of those affected by floods. And 468,408 people in five heavily impacted districts of Sunamganj, Netrokona, Sylhet, Habiganj, and Moulvibazar were reached, the UN said.
An estimated 7.2 million people have been affected by flooding and water congestion in the nine northeastern districts of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrakona, Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria, Mymensingh, and Sherpur.
The extent of the flooding surpassed any in previous decades, including the ones in 1998 and 2004.