Foreign-Affairs
Argentine foreign minister likely to visit Bangladesh next March: Momen
Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Santiago Andrés Cafiero is likely to visit Bangladesh in March next year, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said on Thursday.
The decision of opening Argentina’s embassy in Dhaka will be made during the FM’s visit, the minister told reporters after an event of book launch in the capital.
Read more: Argentina will open embassy in Dhaka next year: Country’s President writes to PM Hasina
Momen said the Argentine side has informed the foreign ministry that their foreign minister will visit Bangladesh in March.
“There is a good relation between the two countries,” he said, hoping that it will be stronger in future.
Meanwhile, Argentine President Alberto Fernández today (Thursday) said his country is working to reopen a diplomatic mission in Dhaka next year.
Read more: “Hearts of the people of Bangladesh and Argentina are dearly united by football”
“We’ve watched closely the celebrations of the friendly people of Bangladesh in support of the (Argentina) team,” he said in a letter to PM Hasina.
People and the president of Argentina were overwhelmed by the massive, heartfelt public support and celebration in Bangladesh for team Argentina throughout the World Cup and following their victory in the final.
Argentina will open embassy in Dhaka next year: Country’s President writes to PM Hasina
Argentine President Alberto Fernández today said his country is working to reopen a diplomatic mission in Dhaka next year.
He also thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for greeting the Argentina football team on its FIFA World Cup 2022 victory, according to a press release from PM’s Press Wing.
Also read: ‘Let’s deepen this link’: Argentina’s president thanks Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh
“We’ve watched closely the celebrations of the friendly people of Bangladesh in support of the (Argentina) team,” he said in a letter to PM Hasina. Sports is a powerful tool of engagement between people, the letter added.
The Argentine president said his country is grateful for the Bangladeshi enthusiasm for the football team’s success and that it confirms the path of friendship between the nations.
Read More: Argentina’s foreign minister says will open embassy in Dhaka: Media report.
The letter also mentioned that both countries have completed 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
“I reaffirm to you our commitment to the consolidation of the friendship ties which unite us, being the establishment of diplomatic missions in the respective capitals the right way in this regard,” he wrote.
“On this, we will remain working for the next reopening of our diplomatic mission in Dhaka during the year 2023, as confirmation of the path we have decided to take in our bilateral relations,” Argentina President Alberto Fernández wrote in his letter.
UN Security Council adopts first-ever resolution on Myanmar; China, Russia and India abstain from voting
The United Nations Security Council has adopted its first-ever resolution on “situation in Myanmar”, placing an important focus on the Rohingya crisis and its sustainable solution.
Referring to the ongoing political unrest in Myanmar, continuous deterioration of its democratic institutions and arbitrary detention of political leaders, the resolution, among others, urges for ending violence and inclusive political dialogue.
As the penholder of the Myanmar situation in the Security Council, the United Kingdom tabled the resolution which was adopted by 12 votes in favour.
While no members of the Security Council voted against or used veto power to block its adoption, China, Russia and India abstained from voting, according to the Bangladesh Permanent Mission in New York.
Read More: US diplomat for ‘comprehensive approach’ to deal with Rohingya crisis
In the context of multifaceted global challenges including Russia-Ukraine conflict, the resolution is a demonstration of the UN’s supreme body’s determination towards resolving the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
This resolution will further renew the attention of the global community towards the Rohingya crisis.
Since the exodus of Rohingyas in Bangladesh in 2017, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the position of Bangladesh clear to the international community — that they must return to their homeland in Myanmar from their temporary shelter in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is now hosting more than 1.2 million Rohingyas out of humanitarian consideration.
Read more: Rights group urges UN Security Council to impose binding arms embargo on Myanmar
The resolution commends Bangladesh’s efforts for hosting and providing humanitarian support to the Rohingyas.
It also recognizes the implications of the current political situation in Myanmar on the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar and on regional security.
It underscores the need to address the root causes of the crisis in Rakhine State, and to create conditions necessary for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees.
The resolution also puts significant focus on ASEAN's role in implementing its Five Point Consensus agreed on in 2021.
Read More: Requested US, UK, Japan to take Rohingyas from Bangladesh: FM
As an immediate action, the resolution requests the UN Secretary-General and his Special Envoy on Myanmar to submit a report, on the possible support from UN on the implementation of ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus, by March 15, 2023 to the Security Council.
The adoption of the resolution will serve as a first step to the regular discussion of the Security Council on Myanmar.
It will also strengthen Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts towards sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Bangladesh Permanent Mission in New York made "significant contribution" to the negotiations of the resolution, Bangladesh said.
Read more: UN adopts resolution on human rights of Rohingya, other minorities in Myanmar
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York, Muhammad Abdul Muhith, held several bilateral meetings with the strategically important members of the Security Council and ensured that issues specific to Bangladesh’s interest were included in the resolution.
This resolution bears the testimony of Bangladesh’s milestone success in multilateral efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
US Embassy Dhaka wants to know if Russian 'principle of non-interference' applies in Ukraine
The US Embassy in Dhaka took to Twitter Wednesday to respond to the Russian mission's comment that they are against interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.
"Does this (principle of non-interference) apply to Ukraine?" asked the US mission. It also expressed solidarity with Ukraine saying: "Stand with Ukraine."
Russia Tuesday said it is "invariably committed" to its principle of not interfering in the domestic affairs of other countries, including that of Bangladesh.
"States like Bangladesh, which shape their foreign and internal policy to serve their own national interests instead of following the lead of external powers, take the similar approach," the Russian Embassy in Dhaka said in a statement.
Under the pretext of protecting "democratic values," work is underway to interfere in the internal affairs of those who are out of favour with the states that consider themselves "rulers of the world," the mission added.
"Such policy evidently results in undermining the sustainability of the world order, brings chaos and havoc. The incomplete list includes Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan," it said.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a summit with President Joe Biden and an address to Congress to shore up support for his country and send a defiant message to Russia, reports AP.
Read more: Russian military to reach 1.5M; Putin vows to win in Ukraine
Zelenskyy said on his Twitter account before his arrival that the visit, his first known trip outside Ukraine since the war began in February, was "to strengthen the resilience and defence capabilities" of Ukraine and to discuss cooperation with the US.
The highly sensitive trip was taking place after 10 months of a brutal war that has seen tens of thousands of casualties on both sides and devastation for Ukrainian civilians. Just before his arrival, the US announced its largest single delivery of arms to Ukraine, including Patriot surface-to-air missiles, and Congress planned to vote on a spending package that includes about $45 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine.
Read more: Russia committed to ‘not interfering in the domestic affairs’ of Bangladesh: Embassy statement
Canadian envoy explains Ottawa's Indo-Pacific Strategy to Masud Bin Momen
Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Lilly Nicholls met Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen in Dhaka Wednesday and briefed him about her country's Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present at the meeting.
On November 27, Lilly Nicholls said Bangladesh is a key part of Canada's just launched Indo-Pacific strategy.
The high commissioner said the new Indo-Pacific strategy recognises Bangladesh in the Indo-Pacific at large and is absolutely critical for Canada and Canadians.
As a Pacific nation, Canada recognises that the Indo-Pacific region is critically important for the long-term prosperity, health and security of Canadians.
Read more: Indo-Pacific strategy just launched by Canada to usher in new era: Lilly Nicholls
Russian House in Dhaka observes Bangladesh's 51st Victory Day
The Russian House in Dhaka recently observed the 51st Victory Day of Bangladesh Friday through a meeting.
Freedom fighters, members of the Bangladesh-Russia Friendship Society, including its General Secretary Professor Md Shahidullah Sikder, and representatives of other organisations were also present.
Read more:‘Armed Forces being strengthened not to fight war, but to ensure peace and protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty’
Maxim Dobrokhotov, head of the Russian House, congratulated everyone on Victory Day and paid tribute to those who laid down their lives for Bangladesh's independence.
The participants of the programme thanked the then USSR for its decisive contribution to Bangladesh's struggle for independence.
The co-organiser of the programme, the Liberation War Academy Trust, and its Chairman Abul Kalam Azad showcased updated materials on the history of those days, as well as a special issue of their magazine "Joy Bangla!."
The participants also emphasised the continuity of Russian engagement for the development and prosperity of Bangladesh.
Read more: Russian House in Dhaka hosts discussion on "Past-Present-Future."
Visit Bangladesh-2022: 13 foreign personalities witness country’s culture, heritage & progress
Thirteen foreign personalities have completed visiting different places to observe the history, tradition, art, culture and socio-economic development in Bangladesh under the “Visit Bangladesh 2022” programme.
They were from 11 countries – Algeria, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Vietnam, according to a media statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Following the visit, they also pledged to project a positive image of Bangladesh through their writings for the expansion of trade and investment with Bangladesh.
Read more: Visiting foreign personalities to become Bangladesh’s goodwill envoys, ministry hopes
They also expressed their gratitude regarding the hospitality of Bangladesh.
The six-day programme, under the supervision of the public diplomacy wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, began on December 15 with separate meetings with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam.
They briefed the participants on the evolution of independent Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, foreign policy priorities, economic progress and development, role of free media, and the Rohingya issue.
Momen urges PUIC delegation to work for repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has urged the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) delegation members to enhance diplomatic efforts with major powers and ensure safe, dignified and sustained repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.
An 11-member delegation of the PUIC, including members of parliaments from Tukiye, Iran, Uganda and Secretary-General of PUIC, led by Prof Dr Orhan Atalay met Foreign Minister Momen at the State guesthouse Padma on Wednesday.
Read more: Bangladesh considering ‘pros and cons’ of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework: Momen
During the meeting, the foreign minister deeply appreciated the contribution of the Committee on Muslim Communities and Minorities for portraying the picture of the persecuted Rohingyas to the members of the OIC.
The visiting PUIC delegation thanked the Government of Bangladesh for hosting persecuted Rohingyas on humanitarian ground, and reaffirmed their continued support for settlement of the Rohingya crisis.
Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar district and Bhasan Char.
The visiting PUIC delegation met Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on December 19.
Read more: ‘No reason to worry’ about new US sanctions: Momen
The PUIC delegation also visited Rohingya Camps in Cox’s Bazar and had interaction with the Rohingyas as well as related stakeholders on December 20.
Russia committed to ‘not interfering in the domestic affairs’ of Bangladesh: Embassy statement
Russia has said it is “invariably committed” to its principle of not interfering in the domestic affairs of other countries, including that of Bangladesh.
“States like Bangladesh, which shape their foreign and internal policy to serve their own national interests instead of following the lead of external powers, take the similar approach,” the Russian Embassy in Dhaka said in a statement today.
Read more: Media pursues diplomats to speak on Bangladesh’s internal affairs: Momen
The embassy said Russia fully supports the aspiration of countries to independently determine the ways of their further development and constitute a system not subject to neo-colonial methods.
According to the UN Declaration on the Inadmissibility of Intervention in the Domestic Affairs of States and the Protection of their Independence and Sovereignty, dated 1965: “No State has the right to intervene, directly or indirectly, for any reason whatever, in the internal or external affairs of any other state.”
Unfortunately, the statement said, in recent years (especially, after the Cold War ended), the issue of violating the principle of non-interference has become particularly relevant – as many believe that they can infringe on said principle for the sake of their own interests.
“The hegemonic ambitions are most vividly displayed by the countries, which identify themselves as developed democracies,” said the Russian embassy.
Not only they indulge in intervening in internal affairs of sovereign UN member states, but also resort to blatant blackmailing, illegal restrictions, etc., reads the statement.
Read more: Diplomats’ interference in country’s internal affairs not acceptable: Agri minister
The sovereignty of many countries is exposed to unprecedented risk, the Russian embassy said, adding: “There are various ways of interfering in domestic affairs, as evidenced by the Ad Hoc Commission on Protecting State Sovereignty of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation in its 2017 report.”
Such measures are manifold and include establishing or supporting controlled non-commercial organizations, working with educational institutions, use of media and social networks to shape public opinion, inciting protests and meddling in federal or regional elections, according to the statement.
There are other instruments, which come in handy to counter the countries maintaining strategic independence and sovereign vision of a fair world order, it reads.
Under the pretext of protecting “democratic values”, work is underway to interfere in the internal affairs of those who are out of favour with the states that consider themselves “rulers of the world,” said the Russian Embassy.
“Such policy evidently results in undermining sustainability of the world order, brings chaos and havoc. The incomplete list includes Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan,” the statement reads.
Take up emerging challenges in energy sector: Nasrul tells officials, employees
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has urged the officials and employees of his ministry and its subordinate bodies to take emerging challenges to ensure energy security of the country.
"Every day new types of challenges are coming up in the energy sector. You have to take up those challenges with sincerity and honesty,” he said while addressing the annual performance contract (APC) signing ceremony at the Energy and Mineral Resources Division on Tuesday.
Read more: If BERC delays decision on retail power hike proposals, govt to decide: Nasrul Hamid
In the function, different orginisanisations and officials and employees were awarded in recognition of their best performances on individual and organisational categories.
Nasrul Hamid said the energy sector has to deal with new challenges constantly.
"Efforts must continue to address existing and emerging challenges through concerted and joint initiatives", he added.
He said that the power and energy sector has successfully overcome a very hard situation due to the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
"If there is hard team work and sincerity in any job, success must come".
He hoped that the awards will definitely cheer up the hardworking and dedicated officers and employees as well as encourage others to be competitive with a positive outlook.
Read more: Geo-scientific data should be used in developing sustainable infrastructures: Nasrul Hamid
Petrobangla, Hydrocarbon Unit and Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) have been awarded in recognition of their efficiency in the implementation of the annual performance contract during the financial year 2021-22.
Nazmul Ahsan, the former chairman of Petrobangla, from the heads of departments and organizations, deputy secretary (planning-1) Shakeel Ahmed, administrative officer Md Abdur Rahim Azad and office assistant Begum Azizun Nahar of Energy and Mineral Resources Division received the awards.
Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (Bapex) and Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL) also received awards in the organization category for special contribution and innovation in the energy sector on the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.