Foreign-Affairs
BSEZ can provide investors best possible environment in region: Ito Naoki
Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has said the just-launched Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) at Araihazar in Narayanganj will undoubtedly attract investment not only from Japanese companies but also from other international companies.
He said the BSEZ fully meets the international standard in terms of facilities and infrastructure SEZ has to offer.
Read more: PM opens Japanese Economic Zone: Expected to draw $1.5bn investment, create over 1 lakh jobs
“I expect more than 100 companies will operate here in the future, with US$ 1.5 billion investment in total. BSEZ can provide prospective investors with the best possible environment in the region,” he said on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially opened Bangladesh Special Economic Zone, also known as the “Japanese Economic Zone” at Araihazar in Narayanganj. She joined the event virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka.
There have already been inquiries from approximately 30 Japanese companies and 10 foreign companies looking at the possibility of investing in the BSEZ.
In 2026, Ambassador Naoki said, Bangladesh will graduate from the LDC status and it is a wonderful feat for Bangladesh under this government.
“Then, the country aims to become a developed country in 2041 by achieving Vision 2041. I want to reiterate that Japan will continue to stand by Bangladesh in its development journey and work to build a win-win partnership for our prosperous future,” he said, adding that the success of BSEZ will surely guide them to get there.
The Ambassador said he will return to Japan next week completing his tenure in Dhaka and he put in his best efforts over the last three years for the development of Bangladesh.
Read more: Japan will continue to work toward resolution of Rohingya issue: Ambassador
“I sincerely hope that the dream of Bangabandhu to build Sonar Bangla and a happy and prosperous country will be realized,” he said.
Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun and President and CEO, Sumitomo Corporation Masayuki Hyodo also spoke.
BSEZ is the first Special Economic Zone in Bangladesh designed and developed by Japanese companies. Eight years have passed since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shared their intention to cooperate for economic zone development.
“I am delighted that our leaders' intention was finally materialized, overcoming all the challenges we faced, including the Covid-19,” said the Ambassador.
“This is the Japanese Economic Zone. But, BEZA gave the name 'Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ).’ I believe BEZA and the government did so with the expectation that it would become the flagship SEZ in Bangladesh,” he said.
Naoki said it will play a pivotal role in boosting FDIs and become a symbol of the growing business partnership between Japan and Bangladesh.
This month, following the opening of BSEZ, Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line 6 will start commercial operation.
MRT Line 1 and Line 5 North will start construction next year in 2023. Then, the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion of terminal 3 will do a soft-opening next October, said the Japanese Ambassador.
Read more: Momen ‘not worried’ about Japanese Ambassador’s remarks, calls him a ‘simple, good person’
Matarbari Deep Sea Port is also under construction, with the prospect of completion of the Power-plant in 2024, and Bangabandhu Railway Bridge will open in the same year, he said.
These quality infrastructure projects by JICA will transform the nation and significantly enhance Bangladesh's economic opportunities, he said.
The ambassador said Bangladesh needs to continuously address some challenges to improve the business climate and Japan and Bangladesh should join hands to that end.
“It is noteworthy that BSEZ has declared to be a corruption-free SEZ, showing its determination to eliminate corruption for a fair and favorable investment and business environment,” he said.
BEZA Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun said the economic zone will help attract US$ 1.5 billion investment and create employment opportunities for over 100,000 people.
Sumitomo Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Masayuki Hyodo said this economic zone is so special and is strongly supported by the two governments and private sectors.
“We have more than 30 years of experience in this business and we have been actively engaged in various infrastructure projects in Bangladesh,” said the President and CEO of the Corporation.
Hyodo said they have been contributing to Bangladesh for sustainable economic development and prosperity.
We don't expect US to impose more sanctions: Shahriar
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Sunday said Bangladesh does not expect the US to impose more sanctions considering the growing engagements between the two countries.
"We continuously remain engaged. We have enhanced our engagements and shared relevant information. We don't expect that the US administration will impose new sanctions," he told the media at his office in Dhaka.
In December 2021, the US imposed human rights-related sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and seven former and current officials of the agency, including recently retired Inspector General of Police Benzir Ahmed, also a former director general of the paramilitary force.
The state minister said it is very unfortunate that the opposition party BNP is spending too much money on lobbyists to see more US sanctions against Bangladesh.
He said the party has chosen December 10 as part of its plan and is putting in efforts against the country.
On September 27, the BNP announced a series of public rallies in 10 divisional cities. The party will end its divisional programmes by holding its last rally in Dhaka on December 10.
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December – the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"The BNP is conspiring against the country by calling for a rally in Dhaka on International Human Rights Day," Shahriar said.
"On the advice of foreign lobbyists, the BNP has called for the rally on December 10. However, their attempt to bring in new sanctions against Bangladesh will not work," he added.
The 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be celebrated on December 10, 2023.
Ahead of the milestone, starting on this year's Human Rights Day on December 10, the UN will launch a year-long campaign to showcase the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by focusing on its legacy, relevance and activism.
US won’t let Rohingyas become a forgotten crisis: Asst Secretary Noyes
Visiting US Assistant Secretary, for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Julieta Valls Noyes said that the United States, together with its international partners, will not allow the Rohingyas to become a "forgotten crisis".
She made the comment after meeting with the UN agencies which are working on the ground.
Noyes thanked all the partners who work tirelessly to improve conditions for and to advance the rights of Rohingyas.
read more: Japan will continue to work toward resolution of Rohingya issue: Ambassador
US Assistant Secretary Noyes will also meet government officials to express US' gratitude for their generosity in hosting Rohingya and other refugees fleeing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.
She is here on a five-day visit to Bangladesh (December 3-7) to highlight the US commitment to supporting the Rohingya refugee response and impacted host communities.
Noyes also appreciated the role of the US Embassy in Dhaka.
read more: CERF allocates $9 million to Rohingya response in Bangladesh
"I’m always impressed and humbled by the hard work performed every day by our U.S. Embassies. US Embassy Dhaka is no exception. Thank you Ambassador Peter Haas and all your team for your diligence, consistency, and unwavering advocacy for those in need," she said.
Umrah e-visa: Biometric data must for pilgrims from Bangladesh, 4 other countries
Umrah pilgrims from five countries including Bangladesh must provide their biometric data, including “fingerprints” in order to get an electronic Umrah visa, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced.
The four other countries are the UK, Tunisia, Kuwait and Malaysia.
Read more: Age limit for Hajj pilgrims may be lifted from next year: State Minister
Interested pilgrims will have to use the Saudi Visa Bio app that allows for visa registration via fingerprints and selfie biometrics to attend significant Muslim pilgrimages, reports The Gulf News.
The new app delivers on a commitment made by the Saudi government late last year to allow biometrics enrolment through mobile devices so pilgrims to Mecca can avoid visiting visa centres in person, and makes the country one of the first in the world to accept biometrics by mobile for visa issuance.
Read more: How to Perform Umrah from Bangladesh?
In February 2022, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) released an electronic passport with a chip that stores the user’s biometrics for authentication purposes.
Bangladesh International Travel and Tourism Expo draws to close
The first Bangladesh International Travel and Tourism Expo that started Thursday to boost the country's tourism industry and showcase it to global tourists drew to a close Saturday at a Dhaka hotel.
The Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) organised the three-day expo at Bangabandhu International Conference Center.
According to organisers, airlines, hospitals, travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, resorts and other travel and tourism-related service organisations of more than 15 countries including India, Malaysia, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Oman, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Azerbaijan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and the UAE, joined the expo.
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun was present as the chief guest and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen as the special guest at the closing ceremony.
Francisco de Asís Benítez Salas, ambassador of Spain, Ito Naoki, ambassador of Japan, Haznah Md Hashim, high commissioner of Malaysia, Pham Viet Chien, ambassador of Vietnam, Ghanshyam Bhandari, ambassador of Nepal, were also present.
At the event, the industries minister announced that the Bangladesh International Travel and Tourism Expo 2023 will be held from December 1 to 3.
Read more: FBCCI partners with CNN to promote trade, investment opportunities in Bangladesh globally
Sylhet-Silchar Festival to boost ties with India's north-east: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said engagements such as the first Sylhet-Silchar Festival 2022 will boost Bangladesh's ties with India's north-east.
The prime ministers of both countries have emphasised building a common platform of understanding and cooperation to further strengthen Bangladesh-India ties, he added.
The foreign minister is attending the first-of-its-kind two-day Silchar-Sylhet Festival 2022, which was inaugurated on December 2 in Silchar, in India's north-eastern state of Assam.
The peace and stability in Bangladesh are also helping Indian states neighbouring Bangladesh, Momen said on the sidelines of the festival.
Sylhet and Silchar have shared close cultural ties for ages. The festival, which aims at boosting bilateral ties, is being organised by India Foundation in association with the Bangladesh Foundation for Regional Studies. It coincided with the 75th year of India's independence and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's liberation.
Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, minister of state for external affairs of India, met Momen, Saturday on the sidelines of the festival.
Read more: Momen inaugurates ‘Bangabandhu Corner’ and ‘Bangabandhu garden’ at NIT, Silchar
They discussed issues of mutual bilateral interest and appreciated the joint efforts in arranging the festival.
Lawmakers Iqbalur Rahim, Gazi Mohammad Shahnewaz; Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Mustafizur Rahman, and former foreign secretary Shamsher Mubin Chowdhury were present at that time.
Read more: 'Time for Indian businesses to focus more on Bangladesh'
'Time for Indian businesses to focus more on Bangladesh'
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said the business communities of both Bangladesh and India should draw close and play their due role in fostering mutual prosperity and economic advancement of their peoples.
"Time is ripe for the Indian business community to focus more on Bangladesh and take advantage of its economic growth, cheaper cost and huge consumer base," he said.
Momen said both the governments are sincerely exploring the avenues to further facilitate their trade and investment relations and have agreed to introduce negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The Foreign Minister was speaking as the chief guest at a session titled "Trade and Commerce" at the police ground in Silchar, Assam that was chaired by Kambhampati Hari Babu, Governor of the state of Mizoram, India
Read more: Momen inaugurates ‘Bangabandhu Corner’ and ‘Bangabandhu garden’ at NIT, Silchar
Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister for Environment and Forests, Act East Policy Affairs and Welfare of MinoritiesGovernment of Assam, India and Mustafizur Rahman, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India also spoke.
Momen said Bangladesh is India’s most important development and trading partner.
"India receives the highest number of tourists and medical patients from Bangladesh. Thousands of Indian nationals are working in Bangladesh, contributing to both the economies," he said.
"I am confident that the deep bonds of friendship existing between Bangladesh and India shall continue to grow and flourish," Momen said.
The India Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India organized the session at the Silchar-Sylhet Festival.
Read more: Bangladesh delegation led by FM Momen attends 1st Silchar-Sylhet Festival-2022
Momen said Bangladesh is uniquely located to enable Indian investors to export their products to not only to the North Eastern States of India, but also to Nepal, Bhutan, and to South East Asian countries.
On the other hand, he said, geographical proximity makes the North East Region lucrative for Bangladesh to invest in small and medium scale sectors like food-processing industries, agro-based industries, IT sector, and forest-based and tourism based industries.
"I would urge Indian investors to consider possible investments in infrastructure projects, manufacturing, in energy and transport sectors. Indian investors and business houses can set up industries in Bangladesh through Buy-Back arrangements by reducing time, cost and resources," said the Foreign Minister.
Momen inaugurates ‘Bangabandhu Corner’ and ‘Bangabandhu garden’ at NIT, Silchar
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen inaugurated ‘Bangabandhu Corner’ and ‘Bangabandhu Garden’ at the APJ Abdul Kalam Learning and Resource Center of India’s National Institute of Technology (NIT), Silchar situated in Assam State on Saturday.
Later, Momen attended a discussion and cultural program held at the institute’s Bhupen Hazarika Auditorium as the chief guest, where he thanked the Indian government for honoring Father of The Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Read more: Bangabandhu corners are not just rooms with pictures, books: Momen
“Through the establishment of Mujib Corner at South Asia’s largest digital library, the students of NIT will get a chance to know more about the life, struggles and achievements of Bangabandhu. Besides, the students will also learn about Bangladesh’s long struggle for freedom and India’s contribution during the Liberation War of Bangladesh,” Momen said.
"Lack of full implementation of CHT accord is impacting indigenous women and girls gravely"
Non-implementation of Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accord since it was signed 25 years ago has severely threatened the culture and identity of the region’s indigenous population, and violated their human rights, a UN expert said on Saturday.
Marking the anniversary of the signing on 2 December 1997, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Francisco Cali Tzay, issued a statement.
“The non-implementation of the accord signed between the Government and the Parbtya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS - Indigenous Peoples political party) has left the Indigenous Peoples vulnerable, marginalised, and deprived of determining their own development, as they are entitled to in the accord.
The provision in the accord to return illegally occupied land and setting up a land dispute resolution commission has not been fully implemented, temporary military camps have not been withdrawn, and the rehabilitation of indigenous refugees and internally displaced IPs in their respective lands have also not been provided,” said the statement.
Also read: 'Full implementation' of CHT Peace Accord needs 2 more years: Bir Bahadur Ushwe Sing
“I have been continuously receiving news and information from different sources about the gross and systematic human rights violations against the Indigenous Peoples, including the PCJSS members who signed the accord, Indigenous human rights defenders and Indigenous women and girls. The repeated effort over the year to grab Indigenous Peoples’ land in the name of development, tourism, and eco-forest for national and international companies and other vested interests also disrespects the accord,” it said.
“I’m seriously concerned over the rise of violence against indigenous women and the culture of impunity that prevails. Lack of full implementation of the accord is impacting indigenous women and girls gravely. Violence against them is being used as a tool to evict indigenous people from their land. Indigenous women and girls are rarely getting justice. Their freedom of movement is shrinking every day. Moreover, they are also facing violence, harassment, and oppression from their male counterpart as a result of non-implementation of the accord in the community,” it added.
“Honesty, sincerity, dialogue, good faith and mutual trust are indispensable for implementing the CHT accord. I urge the Government of Bangladesh to respect its commitments made at the UN and at national level, and move the full implementation forward through full, meaningful and effective participation of the Indigenous Peoples.”
US Asst Secretary Noyes in Bangladesh to discuss refugee, migration issues
US Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes is on a five-day visit to Bangladesh (December 3-7).
In Bangladesh, Assistant Secretary Noyes will meet with government officials to express US' gratitude for generously hosting Rohingyas fleeing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, said the US Department of State on Saturday.
She will meet with non-governmental and international organization partners to highlight the US commitment to supporting the Rohingya refugee response and impacted host communities.
Following her Bangladesh trip, she will be in Thailand from December 7-10. There Assistant Secretary Noyes will meet with senior government officials as well as non-governmental and international organization partners to discuss refugee protection and humanitarian assistance for vulnerable populations in Thailand and continued support for humanitarian partners.
Also read: US assistant secretary Sison to visit Bangladesh soon
Julieta Valls Noyes, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, became Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration on March 31, 2022.
Previously, she served as Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Foreign Service Institute from 2018-2021.