Foreign-Affairs
US concerned about reports of intimidation, political violence in Dhaka
The US Embassy in Dhaka has expressed its concern about reports of intimidation and political violence in Dhaka and call on everyone to respect the rule of law.
"We are concerned about reports of intimidation and political violence in Dhaka and call on everyone to respect the rule of law and to refrain from violence, harassment, and intimidation," US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas said in a message through verified Facebook page of the Embassy on Thursday.
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He said they encourage government authorities to investigate these reports of violence and to protect the fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
The US Embassy also extended its condolences to the families of those killed and injured yesterday in Dhaka.
Speakers for recognising contribution of expatriates to Bangladesh economy
Speakers at a session of exchange of views in Lisbon have stressed the need of recognising the contribution of the expatriates to the economy of Bangladesh.
They also demanded removal of harassment and constraints that the expatriates face at the airports of Bangladesh and asked for more funding for expatriate’s dead body repatriation and financial assistance for needy expatriates and their families on their return to Bangladesh.
Remarking that expatriates contribute to building of foreign currency reserve in Bangladesh, the speakers called on the Bangladesh government to keep an eye on the reserve lest it be leaked or wasted.
As regards increasing remittance to Bangladesh, some of them urged the expatriate Bangladeshi businessmen to recruit more Bangladeshi workers in their businesses.
Bangladesh Embassy in Lisbon arranged the event with the members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community in Lisbon on December 7 on ways to increase remittance from Portugal to Bangladesh. The session was held at the auditorium of the Chancery building of the Embassy.
Leaders, businessmen, entrepreneurs, journalists and other members of the Bangladeshi community from Lisbon, Porto and other parts of Portugal attended the session.
At the outset of the session, Bangladeshi expatriates were invited to express their ideas and recommendations on how to enhance the flow of remittance to Bangladesh through legal channels.
Several community leaders, businessmen and general expatriates spoke.
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The speakers expressed the feeling of satisfaction that expatriates had been playing a role in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh through their remittance. The speakers also acknowledged the importance of sending their remittance through banking channels.
They also felt the need of formation of a Bangladeshi business association in Portugal. If formed, the association could play a critical role in pursuing their interests with the Portuguese authorities, they remarked.
Some speakers also indicated that a ceiling set by the Portuguese government on the amount of remittance in a given period of time is hindrance to remittance of bigger amount through banking channel.
They requested the Embassy to take up this matter with the Portuguese government to relax this ceiling.
Ambassador Tarik Ahsan commended the Bangladeshi expatriates for sending to their dear ones in Bangladesh their hard-earned money that also helps development of the nation.
He acknowledged their contribution to the economy of Bangladesh, particularly in maintaining external balance of payment.
Ambassador Tarik mentioned that Bangladesh was currently the seventh largest remittance receiving country in the world.
He said although Bangladesh received 24.78 billion USD in the financial year 2020-21, it was reduced to 21.03 billion USD in the last financial year 2021-22.
He indicated that, in the current financial year, remittance flow declined in September and October, but picked up again in November.
The Ambassador said if remittance-to-GDP ratio of Bangladesh, which is now 6%, could be at par with that of some of her neighbours, which is at least 9 %, Bangladesh annual remittance could reach 40 billion USD.
Read more: Ensuring wellbeing of Bangladeshi expats is govt duty: PM
He called upon the Bangladesh’s expatriate community to come forward to make Bangladesh a top remittance receiving country in the world and make Portugal a significant remittance sending country to Bangladesh.
Ambassador regretted that sending remittance through non-banking channels helps money laundering from Bangladesh to foreign countries.
He also remarked that transaction through illegal channels may give a better rate, but ultimately it does not benefit the recipients much.
He argued that such illegal transactions lead to shortage of hard currency and consequent devaluation of Bangladeshi Taka, which leads to increase of cost of living in the country.
He said that Bangladesh government has taken many steps to encourage remittance through banking channels.
If necessary, more measures would be taken. However, he also stressed the need of consciousness of the expatriates to accept a little sacrifice in terms of lower rates of exchange for the greater interest of the nation.
The Ambassador said that aftermath of covid19 pandemic, Ukraine War and sanctions have caused a crisis of price rise of food, energy and raw materials worldwide and Bangladesh is not aloof from this global crisis.
He expressed the resolve that resilient people of Bangladesh including the expatriates, under the far-sighted leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, will overcome the challenges and make Bangladesh come out stronger.
Ambassador declared that the Embassy of Bangladesh in Lisbon would like to honour the remittance senders of Portugal through a programme of conferring accolades on some remittance senders selected on the basis of some criteria.
Resettlement of only a few Rohingyas in the US not a solution: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said resettlement of a few Rohingyas in the US is not a solution; rather the solution is repatriation to their homeland in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
“…this is not the solution. The key solution is that they will have to return to their homeland. It’s a process,” he told reporters in Cox’s Bazar after attending a programme there.
Momen said the United States is taking a few Rohingyas as a follow up to his discussion with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
There has been a list of 62 Rohingyas and 24 of them are being taken to the USA in the first batch, said the Foreign Minister.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh is requesting big countries to take at least 100,000 Rohingyas each, to share Bangladesh’s burden.
“Some of them are going as part of family reunification. They have their relatives there. I think that’s how the list of 62 came. But it is up to them,” Momen said.
The Biden administration announced on September 27 that the cap on refugee admissions for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 would be 125,000—the same as the cap for FY 2022.
Read more: Outgoing Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming hopes Rohingya repatriation will start next year
The admission of up to 125,000 refugees to the United States during Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 is justified by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest, according to the White House.
The admissions numbers shall be allocated among refugees of special humanitarian concern to the United States in accordance with the following regional allocations – Africa -40,000, East Asia 15,000, Europe and Central Asia 15,000, Latin America/Caribbean 15,000, Near East/South Asia 35,000 and unallocated reserve 5,000.
The 5,000 unallocated refugee numbers shall be allocated to regional ceilings, as needed.
US Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, Julieta Valls Noyes, on Tuesday met Foreign Minister Momen and discussed a “comprehensive approach” to the protracted Rohingya crisis with international support.
Momen said the Bangladesh government wants a better life for the Rohingyas.
Asked about relocation of some Rohingyas in the United States, Momen said it is “just a drop in the ocean”, as Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas.
He said the US did not mention any exact number but he hinted the number could be 62 only in the beginning.
Read more: US diplomat for ‘comprehensive approach’ to deal with Rohingya crisis
“The United States is proud to be able to support resettlement in our country of the very vulnerable Rohingya. This is a priority of President Biden. We are discussing with other governments and with other partners. We will be working together with the international community,” US Assistant Secretary Noyes said, thanking Momen for Bangladesh’s life-saving support for the Rohingyas.
Korean Community in Bangladesh to host ‘Korean Night 2022’ Friday
The Korean Community in Bangladesh will hold ‘Korean Night 2022’ at the backyard of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea on December 9.
This annual event has been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be resumed for the first time in three years.
This time, it is not only to show the harmony and unity of the Korean community in Bangladesh, in particular on the occasion of the year-ending season, but also to celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and Bangladesh which is due in 2023, said the organisers on Thursday.
The Korean Community in Dhaka, in close copperation with Korean Embassy, has prepared a variety of programs at this Korean Night such as K-pop performances, concert by invited professional Korean singers, appreciation-award giving, lucky draw and games.
Read more: Republic of Korea to celebrate its National Day virtually in Dhaka
About 500 Korean residents across Bangladesh are expected to come and join.
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun and leaders of the Korean community in Bangladesh will deliver congratulatory messages hoping that this event brings harmony and unity not only among the Korean communities but also among the Koreans and Bangladeshis.
It will also provide an opportunity for sharing creative ideas on various diplomatic, economic, political, and cultural programs for the next year when the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, said the organisers.
Besides, the Korean Community will also hold a Charity Bazzaar for the underprevileged people at Dhaka Korean Church on December 9.
Read more: 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2023 will take Bangladesh-South Korea relations to new height: Envoy
Currently 1,500-2,000 Koreans reside in Bangladesh, mostly engaging in investment and business activities in particular in ready-made garment(RMG) sector. Koreans in Bangladesh, many of them are long-time residents in the country, have been playing a vital role in contributing to developing Bangladeshi human resource, accelerating economic prosperity and sterengthening the bilateral relationship between two countries.
Bangladesh Head of Mission to EU addresses what he called “disinformation campaign” at European Parliament
Bangladesh Ambassador to Belgium and Head of Mission to the European Union, Mahbub Hassan Saleh, has addressed what he called “a wave of disinformation campaign” over rights issues during a “Briefing on the Human Rights Situation in Bangladesh” in Brussels.
The session was hosted by Fabio Massimo Castaldo, Member of the European Parliament, with participation of Michael Polak, a barrister and lawyer for victims of enforced disappearances, human rights expert Abbas Faiz, Ambassador Saleh, and Tasneem Khalil, editor in chief of Netra News.
On the issue of cancelling the registration of rights organization Odhikar – whose claim of 61 victims in its report “Assembly of Hefajat-e Islam Bangladesh and Human Rights Violation” was heavily contested by mainstream media as “half-truth, biased and one-sided presentation” – Ambassador Saleh referred to financial irregularities on part of the NGO, as clarified by concerned authorities.
“The move that caused the closure of Odhikar stemmed from financial irregularities – the organization’s refusal to submit their report of financial audit,” explained the ambassador.
In reference to that particular Odhikar report, the ambassador said, “The 2013 report, immediately afterwards that drive, claimed 61 people were killed by the security forces. They were repeatedly requested to provide the names (of victims), but till date they have not done that.”
Leading national media outlets later came up with independent investigations, finding that Odhikar “blew up” the number of casualties.
At the time, several leading rights activists questioned the neutrality of Adilur Rahman Khan, secretary of Odhikar.
Ambassador Saleh said, “Adilur was the deputy attorney general during the BNP-Jamaat regime (2001-2006). So trying to portray him as an ‘independent, civil society individual’ is grossly incorrect. He has a definitive political alignment with a particular political party.”
In response to the Bangladeshi ambassador, Tasneem Khalil said he was abducted and tortured in 2007, when the country was ruled by the military-backed caretaker government.
Offering a lesson of history, the ambassador said, “I am surprised that none of the speakers mentioned a single word about August 15, 1975, and August 21, 2004. In 1975, on August 15, the country’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with 18 family members, was brutally assassinated, and the successive military regime introduced indemnity ordinance to protect the killers and rewarded them with diplomatic jobs.”
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“The current PM was not allowed to return to her country for six years. She lived as a refugee. When she returned, she was not allowed to go inside her parents’ house; she prayed on the streets for her deceased family members… I believe she also has human rights,” he added.
“In 2004, Sheikh Hasina was the opposition leader, and during a rally in the capital, a grenade attack was launched to kill her and her party colleagues… 23 were killed as they formed a human shield to protect her. I believe, for the sake of fairness, these incidents also need to be referred to by the speakers as you discuss a particular situation in Bangladesh. Unfortunately, that was not the case,” the ambassador said.
Khalil, in his speech, claimed that the “problem of enforced disappearance was not there” between the return of democracy and when Awami League assumed office in 2009.
It should be mentioned that Bangladesh saw a surge in terror activities during the BNP-Jamaat government in 2001-2006. A US Embassy cable to Washington in 2008, from former ambassador to Bangladesh James Moriarty, deemed Tarique Rahman “a symbol of violent politics”.
Read more: UN reminds Bangladesh of commitments to free expression, peaceful assembly
Momen bids farewell to Li Jiming
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming had a farewell meeting with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the capital Wednesday.
During the meeting, the foreign minister expressed his deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies over the death of the former president of China Jiang Zemin.
Momen appreciated Jiming's efforts and contributions to strengthening Bangladesh-China ties.
Also, he recalled the visits of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to China in 1952 and 1957 and referred to Bangabandhu's impression of the "New China," in his book "Amar Dekha Naya Chin" on his 1952 visit.
The foreign minister lauded the support of the Chinese government and the Chinese ambassador in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic in Bangladesh, particularly for the gift of over 5 million doses and for opening the commercial supply line of 77 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Bangladesh at the most critical time of the pandemic, and good progress of the China-assisted mega projects in Bangladesh.
Both sides exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in different multilateral fora on SDGs, climate change, and South-South cooperation.
Read more: Shahriar bids farewell to Li Jiming
Reiterating Bangladesh's position on the "One China Policy," the foreign minister said Bangladesh shares the vision for a free, open, peaceful, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, based on international law and with shared prosperity for all.
He hoped that China would continue to extend support towards the repatriation of the Rohingyas from Bangladesh to Myanmar at an early date for peace and security in the region.
New UAE ambassador meets Shahriar
New Ambassador of the UAE to Bangladesh Abdullah Ali Al Hamoudi called on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka Wednesday.
The ambassador appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the unprecedented development and progress of Bangladesh.
The state minister said the relations between Bangladesh and the UAE are becoming stronger day by day. He hoped that during the tenure of the ambassador the bilateral relations would expand further to ensure mutual interest.
The ambassador highlighted cooperation in enhancing trade and investment, air and shipping connections; and on agriculture, food security, floating-based solar energy, pharmaceuticals, IT, afforestation, and alliance for mangrove forests.
Read more: 'Mutual visits and increasing economic, cultural exchanges indicators of powerful Bangladesh-UAE ties'
He requested the support of Bangladesh during the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) to be held in Dubai in 2023.
He also sought the cooperation of the Bangladesh government for the operation of Abu Dhabi-based Wizz Air between Abu Dhabi and Dhaka/Chittagong as a low-cost airline.
The state minister emphasised strengthening cooperation for food security and energy security between Bangladesh and the UAE.
UN reminds Bangladesh of commitments to free expression, peaceful assembly
UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis Wednesday said they remind Bangladesh of its commitments, as a UN member state, to "free expression, media freedom, and peaceful assembly" among others written in the Declaration as the country is coming closer to its national election next year.
"We reaffirm the UN's full support to Bangladesh in upholding its commitments," she said in a media statement celebrating Human Rights Day 2022 which falls on December 10.
Gwyn Lewis said: "Ours is a shared humanity rooted in universal values. A threat to the rights of one person is a threat to the whole of society."
"Celebrating Human Rights Day is an opportunity to reflect on what they have in common with each other and what that binds them together."
Read more: Gwyn Lewis of Ireland appointed UNRC in Bangladesh
International Human Rights Day is the day on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, entitling everyone, regardless of race, colour, sex, religion, political or other views to inalienable rights.
"This year we have seen the consequences of crises driven by the Covid-19 pandemic, the devastating Ukraine war and climate change that have disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable across the world, impeding their access to basic services, to be protected and their right to live in peace," said Gwyn Lewis.
Read more: Climate-impacted countries like Bangladesh need financial, tech support: UN Resident Coordinator
Remembering the Declaration that says that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights," the UN in solidarity with all Bangladeshis, recommits itself to upholding the core values of dignity, equality and liberty, including thought and conscience.
US Embassy issues alert for its citizens in Bangladesh
The US Embassy in Bangladesh on Wednesday issued an alert for its citizens living here asking them to avoid demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings.
“U.S. citizens should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Review personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates,“ it said in a statement.
The next general election in Bangladesh is anticipated to be held before or during January 2024, and political party rallies and other election-related activities have already commenced, it added.
Read more: US Trade Show in Dhaka to demonstrate “commitment to support Bangladesh”
“Political rallies and demonstrations may be held with increasing frequency or intensity as the general election draws nearer. Two of Bangladesh’s largest political parties have announced rallies in different areas of Dhaka for December 10, 2022, “ said the statement.
50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2023 will take Bangladesh-South Korea relations to new height: Envoy
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun on Wednesday said the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties will be a "springboard" to take Bangladesh-South Korea relations to a new height.
Stressing that 2023 will be a milestone to elevate Bangladesh-South Korea partnership to a new height with a series of events, Ambassador Lee wished "wide and active participation" of the citizens of the two countries.
"Let’s celebrate it together, let’s make it together and let’s work together for the brighter future of the Korea-Bangladesh ties," he said.
The Ambassador was speaking at an event unveiling the 50th anniversary logo which signifies the friendship between Bangladesh and South Korea.
Read more: Dhaka, Seoul to explore untapped potential for brighter future: Ambassador
The government of the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh unveiled the official logo for the 50th anniversary of Korea-Bangladesh diplomatic relations in 2023 at the award-giving ceremony of the logo design contest at the premise of the Korean Embassy.
Through this event officially a year-long celebration of the 50th diplomatic anniversary began.
Mashfee Binte Shams, Secretary (East), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, joined the occasion as the chief guest and congratulated the winners.
Saber Hossain Choudury, MP, Ryu Young-oh, President of the Korean Community in Bangladesh, among others, were present.
Korea recognized the newly independent Bangladesh in May 1972 and established consular relations in September 1973 and finally diplomatic relations in December 1973.
"It is from today that we'll start the year-long celebration of our diplomatic anniversary. There will be many programs and events for the next one year to celebrate our anniversary. Today this ceremony is the start and the first official ceremony for the celebration," said Ambassador Lee.
Sharing the three goals or wishes he is having in mind to celebrate this diplomatic year, the envoy said, "First, I wish to document the story and history of our relations during the past five decades."
He hoped that this anniversary is not just for the government but for all the people of Korea and Bangladesh.
"I do wish that all Bangladesh and Korean people will actively join in our celebration. And it is the very reason why we have implemented this logo design contest," he said.
The Ambassador said he is planning to work closely with the Korean community in Bangladesh in line with the celebration.
"Already, the Korean community in Bangladesh declared the first week of March as Korean Week and plans to host several celebration events. There will be K-pop performances, a business fair and Korea Cup Golf Tournament," he said.
Read more: South Korea opens infrastructure cooperation center in Dhaka