Foreign-Affairs
Myanmar’s shelling inside Bangladesh “unintentional mistake”, Momen says in NY
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday termed Myanmar’s recent mortar shelling inside Bangladesh “unintentional mistake”.
He said this while addressing a press conference — on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s itinerary at the 77th UNGA — at Hotel Lotte in New York.
The foreign minister said Myanmar authorities informed them that they are not shelling, targeting Bangladesh.
Read Myanmar claims mortar shells fired by Arakan Army, ARSA on its border forces landed in Bangladesh
“That particular border area is very crisscrossed. Sometimes it is difficult to understand the border…for that reason, they are not shelling inside our border intentionally,” Momen said. One or two mortar shells that landed inside the Bangladesh border were dropped by mistake, he said.
He also said that Bangladesh foreign ministry summoned the Myanmar ambassador and the Myanmar authority promised that they will remain cautious.
Momen said Bangladesh has sealed the entire border and will not allow any more Rohingyas cross into the country.
Read Malaysian foreign minister, int’l lawmakers demand decisive action on Myanmar
He also mentioned that some Rohingyas went to the China area as they did not dare to come to the Bangladesh side.
He hoped that the displaced Rohingyas, who are staying in Bangladesh, would return to their homeland.
The foreign minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated her call to the international community and the United Nations to play a more active role in repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their motherland Myanmar.
Read Tension at Bangladesh-Myanmar border: Govt plans to evacuate 300 families
She made the call while UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi paid a courtesy call on her in New York.
Sheikh Hasina also emphasized enhancing UNHCR's activities in Myanmar for solving the Rohingya issue.
In response, Filippo Grandi said he would visit Myanmar soon.
Read BGB, Coast Guard asked to remain alert with “reinforcement”, if needed
The PM reiterated that the Rohingya crisis can only be resolved by repatriating them to Myanmar.
The UNHCR High Commissioner also agreed with her on this matter.
During the meeting, they discussed in detail the present operations of UNHCR to help Rohingyas who took shelter in Cox's Bazar and Bhashanchar in Bangladesh.
Read BNP urges global community to act against Myanmar's insolent activities
Later, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Karim A A Khan QC also called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
They discussed various aspects of cooperation between Bangladesh and the ICC.
The Premier has assured the ICC Prosecutor that Bangladesh will continue to cooperate with all ongoing efforts at the ICC to ensure justice and accountability for the Rohingya victims of torture in Myanmar.
Read Do more to cut Myanmar military's revenue, arms supply: UN to countries
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan has expressed interest in visiting Bangladesh again early next year.
Executive Director of the UN-Habitat Maimunah Mohd Sharif paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as well.
In this meeting, the steps for sustainable urbanisation taken by the Bangladesh government and areas of future cooperation were discussed.
Read Bangladesh-Myanmar border tension: ASEAN envoys to relay Dhaka's concerns
In this connection, the Prime Minister informed him about the success of the Ashrayan Project undertaken by the Government of Bangladesh for the landless and homeless people.
Bangladesh can learn from miraculous development of Japan: State Minister Khalid
State Minister for Cultural Affairs K M Khalid has said Bangladesh can learn from the miraculous development of Japan - how this country developed from the ashes after World War II.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the launching ceremony of a new book titled "Bangladesh-Japan Diplomatic Relations (1972-2022): A New Paradigm of Strategic Partnership" held at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador on Tuesday evening.
The book is written by Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam, Associate Professor of the first ever area studies department at the University of Dhaka—Department of Japanese Studies.
Professor Dr A S M Maksud Kamal, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) joined the ceremony as special guest.
Professor Dr. Delwar Hossain, Member of Bangladesh Public Service Commission and Professor of International Relations, University of Dhaka spoke as the discussant.
The State Minister said the book has stressed upon the present relation and the future direction of the relations between these two friendly nations.
"This is a great book. This is a very rare academic work focusing on bilateral relations. I would say, very historic academic work," said Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki.
He described the book as a historic mark in academia considering the 50 years of Bangladesh-Japan diplomatic relations.
Naoki also predicted it to be highly influential for future academics.
"It's a great day for me," said Dr Jahangir Alam, the author of the book.
Delwar Hossain said this book covers contemporary issues particularly from the perspective of political science, international relations, etc.
"It has a comprehensive focus which is the strongest part of this book. It has a comprehensive focus on Bangladesh-Japan relations," he said.
Prof Maksud Kamal said Japan is the number one bilateral development partner of Bangladesh which is helping Bangladesh implement some most significant megaprojects including the Matarbari deep sea port, MRT line in Dhaka, and third terminal of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The ceremony was presided over by Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Chairman of the Department of Japanese Studies, University of Dhaka.
He mentioned that this is one of the rarest academic endeavours in the field of bilateral relations between the two nations.
The main objective of the book is to explore and examine the Japan-Bangladesh comprehensive relations to understand Japan’s miraculous development models and apply them in Bangladesh’s development policy initiatives and planning to achieve the SDGs by 2030 and ‘Vision 2041’.
The chapters of the book attempt to make a comparative study among the South Asian countries with relevant policy recommendations for further improvement of the said bilateral relations.
However, asymmetric in nature, many academia and a cross-section of people in Bangladesh believe that the Japanese economic development model should be replicated in Bangladesh.
To explore those possibilities, a couple of chapters of this book revisited Bangladesh-Japan’s comprehensive diplomatic relations since the former’s independence would simultaneously strengthen the bilateral relations between the two nations.
Bangladesh a strong advocate for peace nationally, internationally: UNRC
UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis has said Bangladesh has been a strong advocate for peace nationally and internationally, and the United Nations in Bangladesh is happy to continue to accompany the country in this regard.
In a message marking the International Day of Peace that falls on September 21, the UNRC said the UN in Bangladesh would like to echo the universal and still timely message of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in his speech in 1974 at the UN General Assembly “Peace is an imperative for the survival of humanity. It represents the deepest aspirations of men and women throughout the world”.
Lewis said promoting peace and preventing violence, both at the international and national level, are at the core of the United Nations’ mandate.
Every year for the past 41 years, she said, the UN has marked the International Day of Peace to uphold the ideal of peace and inspire a day of action for non-violence.
Read: Gwyn Lewis of Ireland appointed UNRC in Bangladesh
As violence makes headlines daily and socio-economic uncertainty undermines cohesion globally, Peace Day 2022 provides an opportunity for all peoples and governments around the world to commit to peace above differences, divides, and borders.
"It invites us to pause and think about what peace means and how it can be built and sustained," Lewis said.
This year’s theme ‘End Racism. Build Peace’ reminds us all that peace means more than silencing the guns.
Building peace entails celebrating differences and leaving no one behind.
It means promoting societies where everyone, regardless of origin, sex, age, religion, opinion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, is treated in an equal manner and given the opportunity to flourish.
"Peace also requires a social contract and a shared vision between governments and their people and within societies," Lewis said.
Sustainable Development Goal 16 ‘Promote just, peace and inclusive societies for sustainable development’ is the glue of Agenda 2030.
"Peace is a prerequisite for sustainable development; and development can help address causes and drivers of conflict and violence in the long run. On the opposite, violence, in all its forms, sets progress towards development back," she said.
"Peace should not be taken for granted. Sustaining peace and violence prevention requires intentional efforts and investments. It is the wise thing to do," she added.
Lewis said sustaining peace is everyone’s business and everyone has a contribution to make.
"What is your contribution to peace in your family, community, country and in the world?"
Peace is the only practical way to a better, fairer world for all: UN Chief
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has renewed the call for all people to do more than lay down their weapons, re-affirming the bonds of solidarity they share as human beings and get down to the business of building a better, more peaceful world.
"Peace is a noble and necessary pursuit, and the only practical pathway to a better, fairer world for all people," he said in a message marking the International Day of Peace that falls on September 21.
Yet in too many places, in too many contexts, the UN chief said, they are failing the cause of peace.
The theme of this year’s International Day of Peace — “End Racism, Build Peace” — reminds them of the many ways racism poisons people’s hearts and minds and erodes the peace we all seek.
He said it is a time to observe 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
"Racism robs people of their rights and dignity. It inflames inequalities and mistrust," he said, adding that it pushes people apart, at a time when they should be coming together, as one human family, to repair their fractured world.
Instead of fighting each other, Guterres said, they should be working to defeat "true enemies: racism, poverty, inequality, conflict, the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic."
"We should tear down structures that sustain racism, and lift up human rights movements everywhere," he said.
"And we should drown out the vicious voices of hate speech with a united and sustained cry for truth, understanding and mutual respect," Guterres added.
Myanmar claims mortar shells fired by Arakan Army, ARSA on its border forces landed in Bangladesh
Myanmar has claimed that the Arakan Army and terrorist group ARSA used the same weapons and attacked the Taungpyo (Right) Border Guard Police Outpost at BP-34 on September 16 and 17, 2022 when nine mortar shells landed on Bangladeshi soil.
Zaw Phyo Win, Director-General of Strategic Studies and Training Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Myanmar met Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Myanmar, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Yangon on Monday.
The director-general claimed that Arakan Army and terrorist group ARSA have been deliberately carrying out such attacks to cause “negative consequences” on the existing “cordial bilateral relations” between Bangladesh and Myanmar, according to the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also read: MOFA lodges strong protest over Myanmar’s mortar shells into Bangladesh
He said Myanmar will cooperate with Bangladesh to maintain peace in the border areas and stressed the significance of full and reciprocal cooperation from the Bangladesh side.
The director-general stated that while taking the necessary security measures close to the border with utmost caution, the Myanmar side always abides by bilateral agreements and international norms as well as respects the integrity and sovereignty of all nations, including Bangladesh.
He recalled that on September 7, 2022, the Bangladeshi side was notified of the information of the trenches and bases of the AA and ARSA terrorists located “inside Bangladesh” through diplomatic channel and reiterated Myanmar’s call to take necessary and immediate actions to investigate on the ground and dismantle those structures and bases.
Also read: Unexploded mortar shells found near Bangladesh-Myanmar border
Later, he handed over a non-paper containing the Myanmar version of the incidents to the Bangladesh ambassador.
During the meeting, the director-general clarified the prevailing on-the-ground situations regarding the firing incidents near Myanmar-Bangladesh border in response to issues raised by the Bangladesh side at the meetings between Myanmar ambassador to Bangladesh and director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh.
The director-general apprised that AA and terrorist group ARSA attacked the Taungpyo (Left) Border Guard Police Outpost at BP-31 with mortars on September 16, 2022 when three mortar shells landed inside Bangladesh territory.
Read Malaysian foreign minister, int’l lawmakers demand decisive action on Myanmar
Myanmar always makes the same claims: Acting foreign secretary
Bangladesh has sought support and necessary steps from the international community so that Myanmar does not create instability in the region and avoid the demand for Rohingya repatriation.
“We told them (diplomats) that we seek their help so that Myanmar can’t take advantage – creating instability in the region and refraining from taking Rohingyas back,” acting Foreign Secretary Rear Admiral (retd) Md Khurshed Alam told reporters at state guesthouse Padma today.
Regarding Myanmar blaming the Arakan Army and ARSA for mortar shells landing in Bangladesh, the acting foreign secretary said the Myanmar side always makes the same claims.
Also read: Malaysian foreign minister, int’l lawmakers demand decisive action on Myanmar
Director General (South East Asia wing) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Md Najmul Huda was also present on the occasion.
Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s position, Khurshed said they are working with a lot of patience, and Bangladesh did not do anything that might cause Myanmar’s mortar shells landing inside its territory, impacting lives and livelihoods of Bangladeshis.
“This can’t continue. We are showing a lot of tolerance and we are not reacting to any provocation from the Myanmar side. We do not want to get involved in it. They (diplomats) appreciated it (Bangladesh position),” he said, adding that Bangladesh does not want to give Myanmar any chance to avoid Rohingya repatriation.
Bangladesh conveyed its concerns over possible instability in the region to diplomats stationed in Dhaka – briefing them on the current situation in bordering areas with Myanmar. The briefing lasted for around 30 minutes this morning.
The diplomats assured Bangladesh of conveying its concerns to their capitals and helping Bangladesh if needed by raising the issue at United Nations.
Explaining all aspects, Khurshed, also Secretary at Maritime Affairs Unit, ruled out Myanmar’s claims. “We briefed them (diplomats) on our Prime Minister’s stance of zero tolerance to terrorism, and that Bangladesh never allows anyone to use its land to destabilize the region.”
Bangladesh also told the Myanmar envoy to take actions so that no mortar shells land in Bangladesh territory.
On Monday, Bangladesh briefed the heads of missions from Southeast Asian countries and apprised them of the prevailing situation at Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
Bangladesh made a similar request to the envoys of ASEAN countries to use their leverage so that mortar shells from Myanmar do not come to Bangladesh.
Also read: Myanmar claims mortar shells fired by Arakan Army, ARSA on its border forces landed in Bangladesh
In two separate briefings, Bangladesh conveyed to the diplomats that not a single Rohingya was taken back over the last five years.
Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar district and Bhasan Char Island.
On Sunday, Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Aung Kyaw Moe “acknowledged” the firing of multiple mortar shells into Bangladesh territory, but tried to deflect blame by asserting that the insurgents they are engaged in fighting were firing heavy artillery and mortars, some of which landed inside Bangladesh territory.
The envoy was told that the government of Myanmar was responsible for maintaining security inside Myanmar, as well as for respecting the sovereign territory and airspace of Bangladesh.
Malaysian foreign minister, int’l lawmakers demand decisive action on Myanmar
Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, parliamentarians from Europe and Asia, and members of the National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar have urged the global community to take stronger action to tackle the crisis triggered in Myanmar following last year’s coup d’état.
Minister Abdullah hosted a meeting on September 19 (NY Time) focused on Myanmar at the Malaysian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, which is taking place this week.
“There should be an inclusive and fair consultation with all stakeholders in Myanmar, including the NUG and NUCC. Then there should be a framework with a clear endgame, which includes a return to democracy in Myanmar,” Abdullah said.
Also read: Bangladesh-Myanmar border tension: ASEAN envoys to relay Dhaka's concerns
Abdullah is the only ASEAN minister who has publicly met with members of the NUG, the legitimate government in Myanmar, which represents the democratic aspirations of the country’s people.
The meeting was attended by NUG Minister for Human Rights, Aung Myo Min; NUG Minister of Communications, Information and Technology, as well as its spokesperson, Htin Linn Aung; permanent representative of Myanmar to the UN, Kyaw Moe Tun; as well as representatives of other Myanmar pro-democracy organizations, according to a media release received from New York on Tuesday.
“The Myanmar people deserve to have their true representatives at the table where regional decisions are being made,” said Htin Linn Aung.
Also read: Tension at Bangladesh-Myanmar border: Govt plans to evacuate 300 families
The meeting was attended by Heidi Hautala, Vice President of the European Parliament and Chair of the International Parliamentary Inquiry (IPI) into the global response to the crisis in Myanmar; Charles Santiago, Malaysian MP and Chairman of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights; Mercy Chriesty Barends, member of the Indonesian House of Representatives; and Tom Villarin, former congressman from the Philippines.
Since the coup d’état on February 1, 2021, Myanmar has been plunged into a deep crisis, as the military junta led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has engaged in an all-out war against its population in order to cement its power.
A massive civil disobedience movement has demonstrated that the vast majority of the country’s population do not wish to live under military rule and has valiantly resisted the power grab.
Read BGB, Coast Guard asked to remain alert with “reinforcement”, if needed
Meanwhile, international attention has largely shifted to crises elsewhere.
“Nineteen months after the coup, the international allies of the junta have shown a commitment to supporting Min Aung Hlaing which surpasses that of those countries claiming to support the pro-democracy movement,” said Charles Santiago.
“Simply put, the latter are not doing enough to help the Myanmar people, as countries like Russia or China actively support the military, engage the junta and give it the recognition it so keenly craves,” he added. “It is high time for those governments that claim to support democracy in Myanmar to act forcefully.”
Read BNP urges global community to act against Myanmar's insolent activities
In order to assess the global response to the crisis in Myanmar and offer recommendations on what international actors should do to support democracy and human rights in the country, APHR launched the International Parliamentary Inquiry on Myanmar in June.
Chaired by Heidi Hautala, Vice President of the European Parliament, the IPI Committee is formed by eight parliamentarians from seven countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe.
The IPI has held a total of six public oral hearings, as well as two special and three confidential oral hearings, with experts, diplomats, politicians, and activists from Myanmar and other countries.
Read Do more to cut Myanmar military's revenue, arms supply: UN to countries
IPI committee members also conducted a fact-finding mission to the Thai-Myanmar border in August, where they met with over a dozen civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
On the occasion of the UN General Assembly, the IPI has sent a delegation to New York and Washington, in order to present its preliminary findings.
The IPI final report will be released in November.
The IPI members are presenting a position paper to a variety a stakeholders in New York and Washington, in which they assert that the coup has failed in the face of widespread popular opposition.
Read UN experts seek more help for human rights defenders in push for accountability in Myanmar
Myanmar has been plunged into a civil war between the military and the pro-democracy movement, which is bound to be long and protracted.
“As the conflict in Myanmar remains undecided, and the coup is triggering a humanitarian crisis of an enormous scale, what international actors do, or fail to do, may tip the scale in favor of military dictatorship or democracy," said Heidi Hautala.
"We urge the global community to scale up humanitarian aid, to increase the pressure on the junta through improved coordination on sanctions and diplomatic isolation. We further urge international actors to fully acknowledge the NUG as what it is, the legitimate government of Myanmar, and support it accordingly with funding, capacity building initiatives, and diplomatic recognition,” Heidi Hautala added.
Read Bangladesh wants discussion to avert border tension with Myanmar: Foreign Secretary
Bangladesh-Myanmar border tension: ASEAN envoys to relay Dhaka's concerns
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) envoys stationed in Dhaka have said they will relay Bangladesh's concerns over the situation along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border to their capitals.
Acting Foreign Secretary Rear Admiral Md Khorshed Alam (retired) briefed the heads of missions from the southeast Asian countries in Dhaka Monday and informed them about the current situation in the bordering areas of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The acting foreign secretary conveyed the deep concerns of Bangladesh about the recent incidents as mortar shells from Myanmar fell and exploded inside Bangladesh territory. Also, there were indiscriminate aerial firings, human fatalities and serious injuries, and damage to the properties and livelihood of the people in the bordering areas with Myanmar.
Director General (South East Asia wing) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Md Najmul Huda was also present.
However, no diplomat from Myanmar was there at the briefing but diplomats from other ASEAN countries – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – were present.
MoFA is likely to brief the other foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka Tuesday to highlight recent incidents, including Myanmar's repeated space and land violations.
On Sunday, Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Aung Kyaw Moe "acknowledged" the firing of multiple mortar shells into Bangladesh territory, but tried to deflect blame by asserting the insurgents they are engaged in the fighting were firing heavy artillery and mortars, some of which landed inside Bangladesh.
Bangladesh urged Myanmar to refrain from activities that inflict damage to the lives and livelihoods of people, noting that the ongoing situation is creating an atmosphere of "fear' among the innocent people living in the bordering areas with Myanmar.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday summoned the Myanmar envoy for the fourth time since August and lodged a strong protest against the incidents of shelling from Myanmar.
Also read: Myanmar envoy gets another earful at MOFA; tries to blame insurgents
Pakistani PM invites Hasina to visit Islamabad
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday invited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit his country as the two leaders met in London during the funeral of Queen Elizabeth ll.
“Pakistan prime minister several times invited our prime minister to visit Pakistan,” Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem reporters.
Read: Govt commits to strengthening social services workforce for protection of children
Bangladesh prime minister also briefly spoke with several world leaders, including Indian President Droupadi Murmu.
Hasina also held long discussion with former British prime minister David Cameron.
Cameron expresed interesr to visit Bangladesh, Muna said.
States must ensure older persons are treated with dignity: UN expert
Older persons can only be deprived of their liberty in circumstances clearly established by international human rights law and such restrictions must be necessary and proportionate to the legitimate objective, a UN expert said on Monday.
“The restriction or denial of the right to personal liberty may be considered arbitrary when unjustified, disproportionate, discriminatory, or where due process has not been afforded,” said Claudia Mahler, UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights of older persons.
Older persons are deprived of liberty when confined to a specific space or placed in a public or private institution against their wishes, without their free and informed consent or without permission to leave at will, she said.
Mahler’s report to the 51st Session of the Human Rights Council analysed the situation of older persons deprived of liberty and their needs and rights within three specific contexts: criminal justice; immigration-related detention; and care settings, according a message received from Geneva.
The expert stressed that the right to personal liberty is a core human right for all people, including in older age.
“In the context of criminal justice, States must ensure older persons are treated with dignity and that their specific needs with respect to age, health and disability status are taken into consideration, in line with the Mandela Rules and the Bangkok Rules for older women,” she said.
“In the context of migration-related detention, States are obliged to provide open and humane reception arrangements for older asylum-seekers and refugees, including safe, dignified and human rights-compatible treatment,” Mahler said.
The expert said ageism and age discrimination were underlying most situations of deprivation of liberty for older persons and around the world, ageist attitudes had led to discriminatory laws, policies and practices.
In relation to deprivation of liberty in care settings, the expert stressed that the adoption of laws enabling the deprivation of liberty and coercive care and health interventions for older persons are contrary to international human rights standards, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“Respecting older persons’ autonomy, independence and legal capacity is crucial when it comes to decision-making affecting their care and support,” she said.
The expert highlighted the need for laws and policies implementing monitoring mechanisms to assess and determine the status of deprivation of liberty of older persons, on a case-by-case basis.
“Given the uneven collection of data about older persons deprived of liberty, the experiences and lived realties of older persons will continue to remain invisible,” Mahler said.
Monitoring practices and access to justice should also be made available for older persons in situations of deprivation of liberty, the expert said.
“States must carry out effective, prompt, thorough and impartial investigations on allegations of such violations on older persons, including on their right to life, arbitrary detention and torture and other ill-treatment."
The Special Rapporteur also presented findings from her 2021 country visit to Finland to the Council.