Foreign-Affairs
PM Hasina sends mangoes to Indian President, PM as gift
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sent one metric tonne of ‘Amrapali’ mangoes as a gift to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.
The mangoes were sent to the residents of the Indian President and Prime Minister of India through the diplomatic channel on Friday, said an official.
Haas reiterates: US has no favourite in B'desh political arena
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has reiterated that the United States has no preference for any particular party or platform in Bangladesh's political arena, but rather wants to see an “open and competitive process” play out ahead of the next national election.
“I want to be very clear that the US has no preference. We have no vote. We don’t favour any particular party, platform or anything else that is not our role,” he said during the inaugural episode of “AmTalk,” an initiative premiered on the verified Facebook page of the US Embassy Friday evening.
Ambassador Haas said they would like to see the same thing that the people of Bangladesh would like to see - an election run at an international standard that allows the people of Bangladesh to choose their next leaders in an “open and competitive” process, free of violence.
The US envoy said he very much welcomes some of the signals and signs that he is receiving in terms of having a transparent election.
Read: PM Hasina sends mangoes to Indian President, PM as gift
He referred foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and said he (Momen) has made it clear that Bangladesh will welcome international observers. “I think that’s critical…..”
Ambassador Haas laid emphasis on advancing the relations between Bangladesh and the United States taking advantage of the opportunities and addressing the challenges through joint efforts.
Bangladesh participates in Nepal Trade Fair
A five-day trade fair, organized by Nepal Chamber of Commerce, was inaugurated at the Nepalese capital on Thursday.
Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba inaugurated the event at the national exhibition hall of Kathmandu, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.
READ: Last body found at crash site of Nepali plane
Around 50 Bangladeshi traders - mostly women entrepreneurs - representing various sectors - such as garments, ceramics, handicrafts,
jute and leather products are participating in the fair.
Bangladesh has been designated as the country partner in this event, which is the first-ever international fair being organized in Nepal after the Covid pandemic, said the ministry.
Bangladesh's participation is coordinated by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Bangladesh Embassy in Nepal in association with
the SME Foundation of Bangladesh.
Presided over by President of Nepal Chamber of
Commerce Rajendra Malla, the inaugural ceremony was attended by Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury as special guest.
Padma Bridge: FM says WB must be apologetic
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the World Bank (WB) must be "apologetic" and feel "sorry" considering that they did Bangladesh a "big injustice" by cancelling the funding for the Padma Bridge which is set to be inaugurated on June 25.
"There is no guarantee that big institutions (like WB) always do good things," he said while talking to television journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thursday.
Minister Momen said the global lending agency should pay compensation to those who faced harassment and seek an apology from them, acknowledging the big injustice they had committed.
The Bangladesh government invited WB President David Malpass to attend the inaugural ceremony of the much-awaited Padma Bridge.
The Bangladesh Bridge Authority e-mailed the invitation to the chief of the multilateral lending agency Wednesday.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her government's move to self-finance the Padma Bridge brightened Bangladesh's image globally. "Such a bold decision has also boosted the self-confidence and mental strength of the nation."
Also read: Padma Bridge inauguration: Invitation card sent to World Bank
Bangladesh mission's mobile consular camp in Dallas sees big turnout
The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC recently held a mobile consular camp in Texas' Dallas with the support of the Bangladesh Association of North Texas and the Bangladeshi Expatriate Society of Texas.
During June 10-12, around 897 people received services and the government earned $47,932.50 as revenue.
The consular team was led by Counsellor Arifa Rahman Ruma and First Secretary Muhammad Abdul Hye Milton.
It was the highest turnout and revenue earning in any mobile consular camp organised this year, according to a media statement.
At the mobile consular camps, services like the issuance of no visa required (NVR) for travel to Bangladesh, the execution of the power of attorney and attestation are delivered instantly.
Also, the applications for dual nationality certificate (DNC) and birth registration certificate (BRC) are received for further processing.
Relations with Bangladesh now deeper, more extensive: JICA
Senior vice president of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Keiichiro Nakazawa has said Bangladesh is now one of the largest partners among the more than 100 partner countries.
“Over the past 50 years, the relationship between JICA and Bangladesh has become deeper and more extensive,” he said while celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-JICA cooperation organized by the Economic Relations Division (ERD) and JICA in a city hotel on Thursday.
In the early days of cooperation, Nakazawa said, their focus was mainly on agriculture development. “Today, we are working in almost all sectors.”
Also read: JICA wants to install Incinerator plants to dispose medical waste
Bangladesh ready to engage with everyone who wishes no harm: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said Bangladesh is ready to engage with everyone who wishes no harm and who would not wish to use Bangladesh’s resources for launching offensive agenda of their own.
“We believe in inclusive and sustainable development. We continuously study the international events,” he said, adding that Bangladesh is no longer price takers but engages with the world on its own terms.
Momen said they believe in ‘reasoning by first principle’ and believe in partnerships for mutual economic benefits.
“That’s how we envision and leverage our sovereign national interests. I believe that the strategic location, the rich demographic dividend and a strong domestic market makes us an important player on the chessboard and our choices make us a pivot and a pole both,” said the foreign minister.
Momen was addressing a hybrid seminar on “Changing Global Order: Securing Bangladesh’s National Interest” organized by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in the city.
The foreign minister said they believe, as Bangabandhu believed “peace is imperative for economic development” and let Bangladesh emit the gospel of peace and stability across nations.
Read: FM Momen discusses issues of mutual interest with Turkish counterpart
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by giving shelter to 1.1 million persecuted ethnic minority of Myanmar has again set up an example in the world that “humanity is above all”. “Let us applaud Sheikh Hasina.”
Momen said Bangladesh is a country of resilience and its people are defenders of high moral grounds. “From the time of the War of Independence to the pandemic, from flood to drought, we have shown our courage, our resiliency and we fought valiantly.”
He said they are a nation that the Almighty blessed abundantly with natural resources. “Whatever happens, whatever comes in our path in the future, Bangabandhu's Golden Bengal will come alive and none can suppress us.”
Momen also said, “We will sustain. We will prosper with pride and with honour.”
Ambassador Kazi Imtiaz Hossain, Chairman, BIISS, chaired the inaugural session and Major General Mohammad Maksudur Rahman, Director General, BIISS, delivered the welcome remarks.
Maksudur Rahman highlighted the uncertainties related to the changing nature of global order and focused on the importance of balancing the emerging realities and enhancing cooperation by minimizing competition among the great powers.
Despite uncertainties due to the changing global order, he said, Bangladesh has maintained a policy of mutual respect and non-interference and nurtured friendly relations with the global community through its principle of "friendship to all, enmity to none".
He further added that even though Bangladesh is maintaining a good balance, the country needs to monitor international changes carefully so that it can meet new challenges that may arise due to the shift in the global order.
Ambassador Kazi Imtiaz Hossain said due to the changing global order, Bangladesh needs to establish its goals while keeping in mind its basic national interests, including stable economic growth and development of the country.
Furthermore, he added that given such a shift in the global order, ensuring the export driven-market and retaining remittance flow needs to be given utmost priority.
He concluded by saying that Bangladesh must make the best policy choices to ensure food and environmental security, including increasing domestic food production and playing a more significant role in battling climate change.
Shamsher M. Chowdhury, former Foreign Secretary, chaired the working session and delivered his remarks.
Dr. Rashed Uz Zaman, Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, presented on “Transitions in International Order: South Asian Perspective”, Dr. Nazneen Ahmed, Country Economist and Head of Policy and Strategic Advisory Unit, UNDP, Bangladesh presented on “Bangladesh’s LDC Graduation in Shifting World Order: Opportunities and Challenges”, Dr. Razia Sultana, Research Fellow, BIISS, presented on “Putting the National Interest First: Bangladesh’s Position in Changing Global Scenario”, and ASM Tarek Hassan Semul, Research Fellow, BIISS, presented on “Emerging Constellations in the Indo-Pacific: Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy Predicaments”.
Senior officials from different government ministries, members of diplomatic community, former ambassadors, senior military officials, media, academia, researchers, faculties and students from different universities, and representatives from various international organizations participated in the seminar and they shared their insights in the open discussion session.
Bangladesh, Brazil can bring more mutual trade benefits: BGMEA chief
Bangladesh garment Manufacturers and Exporters association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has said Bangladesh and Brazil have potential to derive more mutual trade benefits.
He said Brazil is the fourth largest cotton producer and second top exporter while Bangladesh is the second largest cotton importer in the world.
President of Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (ABRAPA) Julio Cesar Busato met the BGMEA President on Wednesday and discussed issues of mutual interest.
They had discussions on the present situation of the global cotton market, price stability, demand and supply, challenges of supply chain.
Both sides also talked about how the cotton supply chain can be strengthened to meet the growing demand of the RMG and textile industry of Bangladesh.
The issue of existing challenges and barriers to cotton import and exports and possible ways to address them got due importance in their discussion, according to the apex body of the country’s apparel sector.
READ: BGMEA wants to keep 0.5pc source tax for next 5 years
Cotton is the main feedstock of the export-oriented garment export industry in Bangladesh as 75% of the total exported garments are produced from cotton.
BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Director of International Relations at ABRAPA Marcelo Duante Monteiro and commercial specialist at Brazil Embassy in Bangladesh Nahid Ferdousi were also present.
Indonesia shares JV investment proposals of US$ 1.3bn in Bangladesh’s energy sector
Indonesia has shared some new proposals of large joint-venture (JV) investment, approximately to the tune of US$ 1.3 billion, in the energy sector of Bangladesh.
If materialized, this would add significant economic substance to the bilateral relations with Bangladesh and help strengthen it further, says Indonesia.
The issue came up for discussion when Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Heru H Subolo met Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
Masud shed light on the phenomenal socio-economic development Bangladesh achieved under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He encouraged the Indonesian investors and business community to take advantage of the huge opportunity prevailing in Bangladesh for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
While discussing the global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures caused by pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia conflicts, Foreign Secretary Masud stressed on accelerating bilateral & regional cooperation to cope with such challenges.
He also emphasized on starting direct air connectivity between Dhaka and Jakarta, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
They discussed important aspects of the existing excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Indonesia and exchanged greetings on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations this year.
While discussing the many commonalities that bind the two countries, the Foreign Secretary made specific mention of the syncretic culture and the liberal, tolerant and moderate practice of religion that form the very basic fabric of society both in Bangladesh and in Indonesia.
Read: US wants to expand trade, investment partnership: Ambassador Haas
Masud shared that the independence of Bangladesh was achieved on the very ideals of democracy, justice, tolerance and secularism.
The Ambassador assured of taking necessary initiatives to celebrate the 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations in a befitting manner.
Foreign Secretary welcomed the Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh, wished him well and assured him of all possible support to him and to his Mission here.
Rohingya Repatriation: Momen reiterates Dhaka’s call for expediting verification process
Welcoming the resumption of talks between Bangladesh and Myanmar, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday reiterated Dhaka’s call to expedite the verification process of the Rohingyas to begin their repatriation to their place of origin in Rakhine State of Myanmar.
“It’s good news that they (Myanmar) have started discussion,” he said, adding that there have been three meetings at various levels recently.
While taking to reporters in a city hotel, Momen said the Bangladesh side handed over a list of 8.30 lakh individuals containing biometric data but they have only verified 58000.
He said Bangladesh wants to begin repatriation of the Rohingyas but no date has been fixed yet to make that happen.
Momen, however, said the two sides had a good meeting on Tuesday in which Bangladesh laid emphasis on expediting the verification process and begin the repatriation of the Rohingyas as soon as possible.
Bangladesh and Myanmar on Tuesday held “substantive discussions” on all issues related to voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland.
Also read: Pursuing economic diplomacy to contribute to timely attainment of SDGs: FM
At a meeting held virtually, Bangladesh stressed on the need for early commencement of repatriation to lessen the colossal burden of hosting the displaced people, expeditious verification of eligibility for return, and security, livelihood and wellbeing of the returnees.
Foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Myanmar Chan Aye led the respective sides at the fifth meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on the repatriation of the Rohingyas temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh.
Five years have passed since the Rohingyas fled home in one of the largest exoduses in recent history.
The promise of safe return remains unfulfilled, says Bangladesh, noting that not a single Rohingya has been able to return home.
Also read: FM Momen rues long delay in Teesta deal with India
Both sides agreed to work on addressing verification related problems and holding regular meetings of the JWG and technical working group for early commencement of repatriation.
JCC with India
Asked about the next round of Joint Consultation Commission (JCC) meeting between Bangladesh and India, the foreign minister said all the issues including border management, issues related to joint rivers and energy security will be discussed.
Bangladesh was seeking the long-delayed meeting of the Joint Rivers Commission but it is not taking place before the JCC.
“We wanted to have the JRC meeting first,” Momen said, adding that Bangladesh will discuss the rivers’ issues in the JCC.
The JCC is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on June 19 and the foreign minister is likely to leave here for Delhi on June 18 if there is no last minute change.
Foreign minister Momen and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar had a meeting while attending the third edition of Asian Confluence River Conclave-2022 (NADI) in Guwahati last month.
The JCC will be co-chaired by Momen and Jaishankar.
The two foreign ministers also met in Dhaka recently and stressed on following up the decisions taken at the highest level for their effective implementation for mutual benefit.
The sixth meeting of the JCC was held on September 29, 2020. Although Dhaka was scheduled to host the meeting, the meeting was held on a virtual platform due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Bangladesh and India noted that 2021 was a landmark year for their relationship as the president and the prime minister of India visited Bangladesh in a single year. The countries celebrated the 50th years of diplomatic ties through the joint celebration of a number of landmark events across the world.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to visit India this year.