Foreign-Affairs
Newly launched trading scheme to help Bangladesh grow, prosper: UK
The United Kingdom (UK) has launched the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) which provides tariff reductions and simpler terms of trade to 65 developing countries including Bangladesh.
“The DCTS will harness the power of trade and the private sector to enable developing countries like Bangladesh to grow and prosper,” said British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson on Tuesday.
He said the UK is one of Bangladesh's biggest export markets, with annual trade partnership worth over $4 billion.
The High Commissioner said Bangladeshi businesses will have easier access to UK markets under the new scheme.
“Even after Bangladesh graduates from least developed country status in 2026, it will retain duty-free access to the UK for 98% of its exports, including ready-made garments,” he said, adding that they look forward to increasing trade in both directions as an increasingly prosperous Bangladesh buys more high quality UK goods and services.
The DCTS will be one of the most generous sets of trading preferences of any country in the world, helping to grow trade, boost jobs and drive economic growth.
This new scheme demonstrates UK commitment to strengthening a longer term and mutually beneficial economic relationship with Bangladesh.
The DCTS will provide a clearer and streamlined trading arrangement for Bangladesh thanks to simplified and more flexible rules of origin, making it easier to produce goods using components from other countries without losing duty-free status.
Under the scheme, Bangladesh will continue to benefit from duty free exports to the UK on everything but arms, according to the British High Commission in Dhaka.
The DCTS contributes to developing countries’ integration into the global economy, creating stronger trade and investment partners for the future.
It also reflects the UK’s commitments on human rights and labour standards, incorporating powers to alter trade preferences in the event of serious human or labour rights violations.
The DCTS will also support the UK’s obligation on anti-corruption, climate change and environment conventions.
The new scheme will replace the UK Generalised Scheme of Preferences and will come into force in early 2023.
UPR Recommendations: ARTICLE 19 calls for developing national mechanisms to ensure accountability
ARTICLE 19, a human rights organization based in the UK, has called for the creation of concerted and effective national mechanisms in Bangladesh to ensure the accountability in implementing the recommendations of the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
The rights body promoting freedom of expression and the protection of journalists around the world has also called for specific progress to be made public in the implementation of the commitments made by the Bangladesh government four years back to improve the human rights situation.
The government of Bangladesh during its third UPR at the 39th session of the UNHRC in Geneva on 20 September 2018 accepted 178 recommendations from other UN member-states, of which at least 25 recommendations were related to strengthening the protection of freedom of expression, said ARTICLE 19 on Tuesday.
Read: National plan of action needed to counter hate speech: ARTICLE 19
The government will have to submit a national report on implementation progress and existing impediments in June and participate in the review in November of the next year, it said.
Faruq Faisel, regional director for ARTICLE 19 South Asia, said during the 39th session of the UNHRC on UPR, a high level of concern was raised about the potential misuse and abuse of the proposed Digital Security Act (DSA) 2018.
The government has informed the visiting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet that the committee submitted a report on the matter, he said, adding that “ARTICLE 19 demands that this report to be made public and the repressive sections identified in the law to be repealed immediately.’’
BIDA, ILO sign deal to streamline one-stop service for investors
International Labour Organization (ILO) and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) have signed an agreement to promote, simplify and harmonize the one-stop service (OSS) of BIDA.
Under the agreement signed on Tuesday, ILO will support the integration of safety licenses of four national regulators to BIDA-OSS.
Over the course of a year, ILO will provide necessary support to Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence Department (BFSCD), Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) and Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) to integrate and operate their licensing systems to BIDA OSS.
Also read: Youth unemployment rate in Bangladesh stands at 10.6pc: ILO
Additionally, ILO will facilitate the simplification of application and payment process in BIDA-OSS, and support an awareness campaign to promote the system among investors.
These activities will be conducted under the remit of ILO’s RMG programme funded by Canada and Netherlands.
The programme would also provide essential technical and financial support to BFSCD, CDA, DIFE and RAJUK to interconnect their safety licencing systems to BIDA-OSS.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Country Director of ILO Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen said investment in workplace safety protects businesses from occupational hazards and improves the brand image of Bangladesh.
“We hope integrating relevant safety licencing systems in the BIDA-OSS and simplification of the OSS process is a necessary step to attract more local and foreign investors to apply for safety permits,” Poutiainen said.
Also read: UNDP, Grameenphone, BIDA join hands to create economic opportunities for youth
Executive Chairman of BIDA Md Sirazul Islam said BIDA is pleased to collaborate with the ILO to streamline one-stop service system.
“We believe the harmonization and simplification of BIDA-OSS will help investors save time and cost for setting up their businesses,” he said.
Dutch audience overwhelmed at Bangladesh National Mourning Day
Veteran Dutch politician Jan Pronk has shed light on Bangladesh's development, independence struggle and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's outstanding leadership in the 70s.
Pronk spoke at a commemorative event arrange by the Bangladesh Embassy to the Netherlands at The Humanity Hub in The Hague on Monday.
He also recalled his spirited interaction with Bangabandhu in Dhaka in 1973; and lauded leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Pronk was Dutch Minister of Development Cooperation & Foreign Trade for two terms (1973-77, 1989-98).
Read: Mourning Day observed by Bangladesh mission in Colombo
He played a key role in augmenting development cooperation to Bangladesh from the Netherlands and Europe as a whole (EEE) immediately following Bangladesh's independence.
In the event, he released e-version of the Dutch edition of Bangabandhu's Unfinished Memoirs on 150 e-book sites and online markets.
From today, Dutch-speaking people worldwide can buy the Dutch version for just €4.95.
After translating and printing the Dutch version (hard copy) in March 2021, Bangladesh Embassy took steps this innovative initiative and realised in one year.
This will now be the only digital version of any edition of Bangabandhu's book, globally.
At the launch of the e-version of the Dutch edition, 4 Podcasts out of the Dutch edition were also made available which can be accessed at the Embassy's website.
Afterwards, “Hasina- A Daughters Tale” was screened for the Ambassadors, diplomats and Dutch dignitaries present. Copies of the Dutch edition were presented to the guests as well.
Mourning Day observed by Bangladesh mission in Colombo
Bangladesh High Commission in Sri Lanka on Monday observed the 47th Martyrdom anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Mourning Day with due solemnity.
High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam commenced the day-long observance by the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag at half-mast and by placing a floral wreath at the portrait of the Father of the Nation.
A special prayer was offered for the Father of the Nation and his martyred family members and the continuous peace and prosperity of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The messages of high dignitaries of Bangladesh given on this occasion were read out.
In the evening, a meeting of remembrance was held at the High Commission with the participation of some dignitaries from Sri Lanka, community members of Bangladesh and staff members of the High Commission.
Read: President observed National Mourning Day
It started with one-minute silence as a mark of respect to all the martyrs of 15th August of 1975.
Then a documentary titled “Bangabandhu – Forever in our hearts” was screened. In the open discussion, the speakers highlighted the philosophy, ideals, and different aspects of the eventful life of Bangabandhu.
The speakers included the Country Director of World Food Programme (WFP) Abdur Rahim Siddique, former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Crisanthe De Silva, and Director General of SACEP Dr Masumur Rhman.
National Mourning Day: MoFA pays tributes to Bangabandhu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Monday organised a discussion to remember and mourn the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family on August 15, 1975.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen chaired the session discussion at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
Sheikh Kabir Hossain, trustee of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust, spoke as the chief guest.
Read: Momen to countries sheltering Bangabandhu’s killers: 'It's very unfair:'
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam spoke at the event as a special guest.
Lawmaker Md Abdul Majid Khan and eminent writer Professor Anwara Syed Haque also spoke.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen delivered the welcome remarks.
August 15: Bangladesh New Delhi mission pays homage to Bangabandhu
The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi observed National Mourning Day Monday to remember and mourn the brutal assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family on August 15, 1975.
The unfinished task of building Sonar Bangla, the dream of Bangabandhu, is being accomplished by his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, High Commissioner Muhammad Imran said at a discussion.
"Bangabandhu always dreamt of hunger and poverty-free Bangladesh. It was the main philosophy of our great leader Bangabandhu," he added.
Also read: National Mourning Day observed in Japan
The official programme of mourning at the mission began when the national flag was lowered to half-staff. Messages from the president, prime minister, foreign minister and state minister for foreign affairs were read out after Imran laid a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu.
A minute of silence was observed and a special prayer was offered in memory of the martyrs of August 15.
Also read: Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra observes National Mourning Day
The special publication "Bangabandhu The Legend Forever" was also unveiled and a documentary on the life of Bangabandhu was screened.
National Mourning Day observed in Japan
Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo on Monday observed the National Mourning Day and the 47th Anniversary of Martyrdom of the great architect of Bangladesh’s independence, the greatest Bengali of all time and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman paying deep respect and in a solemn manner.
The programme began in the morning at the Embassy premises with hoisting of the national flag at half-mast by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed.
The national anthem was played at this time.
After this, one-minute silence was observed followed by a special dowa and munajat for the salvation of the martyred souls of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his family members and all other martyrs of 15th August in 1975 with the participation of all Embassy officials and expatriate Bangladeshis.
Later at the Bangabandhu Auditorium, Ambassador Ahmed followed by other participants paid deepest homage to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by laying a floral wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu.
Messages of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs issued on the occasion were read out to the audience.
Read:Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra observes National Mourning Day
Ambassador Shahabuddin paid profound homage to the greatest Bengali of all time and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as he dreamt for freedom of his Bengali people and their independent statehood.
Under the visionary, fearless and strong leadership of the Father of the Nation, the Bengali Nation was united to forge a struggle for independence and fought liberation war to attain an independent country, Bangladesh and a national identity, Bangalee, at the global stage.
Immediate after independence, under his leadership, Bangladesh joined all major international and regional bodies and established bilateral relations with large number of countries including Japan thus firmly establishing Bangladesh’s place in the world stage.
"Bangabandhu is not with us today, but his dream, ideals and directives are still guiding us in the pathway for emancipation of Bangladesh. Under the leadership of his daughter and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh will implement the Vision 2041 to build a poverty free, modern and developed country as dreamt by Bangabandhu as his Sonar Bangla," the Ambassador expressed his resolve.
A discussion on the significance of the day was held following a documentary screening on the life and work of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
In this segment, a significant number of Bangladeshi community members and professionals working in Japan highlighted the significance of the day and vowed to turn the grief of losing Bangabandhu into strength to work unitedly in strengthening the hands of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to further develop the country and fulfil the dream of Bangabandhu to create ‘Sonar Bangla’.
Momen to countries sheltering Bangabandhu’s killers: 'It's very unfair:'
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed displeasure over the developed countries which have been sheltering self-confessed, convicted killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.“You (developed countries) are not allowing them (convicted killers) to face justice because you have the power. It is very unfair,” he said, describing the barriers created by those countries.Without mentioning any specific country, Momen said "they'' always recommend rule of law and good governance but they are sheltering killers.
Also read: Nation observing Bangabandhu’s anniversary of martyrdom in a somber mood
“We want to have good governance here. We want to establish the rule of law,” said the Foreign Minister.The five killers who remain fugitives are Nur Chowdhury, Rashed Chowdhury, Moslehuddin Khan, Khandaker Abdur Rashid and Shariful Haque Dalim.Nur Chowdhury and Rashed Chowdhury were traced in Canada and the USA respectively.The government has yet to find out the whereabouts of the other three and the government continues its efforts through diplomatic channels, intelligence and Interpol.“We have sought support from Interpol. We also declared a bounty and those will be awarded who can give correct information about the killers,” Momen said while talking to a small group of journalists at his office recently.He said though they are yet to know about three killers, the government knows that two of the five fugitives live in developed countries.
Also read: Ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Can Inspire the Young Generation“They are moving freely but they are murderers. They are self-confessed murderer,” Momen said.
The Foreign Minister said the developed countries that talk about the rule of law say they do not harbor murderers.But they have sheltered the murderers and kept them happy and peaceful, Momen said, adding that, "This is very unfair."
Civil society needs 'space, enabling conditions': Bachelet
Civil society needs "space, and enabling conditions" to play their crucial role in identifying and helping resolve human rights challenges, UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet said Monday.
She had "important exchanges" with a diverse range of civil society actors in the city, according to her office.
Talking to reporters after the meeting at a city hotel, rights activist and coordinator of Nijera Kori Khushi Kabir said they talked about the human rights situation in Bangladesh highlighting both “positive aspects and weaknesses” and the areas where corrective measures are needed.
“These issues were discussed clearly and openly,” she said.
Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) Chief Executive Syeda Rizwana Hasan said she highlighted the challenges and role of international rights bodies.
Read: Bachelet assures UN’s continued efforts to ensure safe repatriation of Rohingyas
She said issues of democracy, digital security, accountability, good governance and environment came up for discussion in the meeting. ,
Barrister Sara Hossainm, who received the US Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award, said they shared the issues of those who work on human rights and provide legal support.
Bachelet is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday morning. She will make a statement on her four-day visit in the afternoon before her departure.
She had meetings with four ministers, including Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, Sunday.
The top executive of the UN Human Rights body will also interact with the forcibly displaced Rohingya people during her Cox's Bazar trip.
Through this visit, she would be equipped with concrete information to press hard for the repatriation of the Myanmar nationals to the ancestral homeland Rakhine, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bachelet arrived in Dhaka Sunday morning as Bangladesh continued "constructive dialogue" with her for the promotion and protection of human rights.