Foreign-Affairs
Mitali Express: Third India-Bangladesh train flagged off
Mitali Express, the third commuter train between Bangladesh and neighbouring India, began its operation on Wednesday.
Bangladesh Railway Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujon and Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the new train service between Dhaka and Bengal's New Jalpaiguri at a virtual programme.
This is the third train service between the two countries, aimed at not only easing the rail communication but also strengthening the friendly ties between the two countries, according to the two ministers.
Mitali Express will begin its journey from New Jalpaiguri station and reach Dhaka Cantonment station via Haldibari (India) and Chilahati (Bangladesh).
Melbourne-based academic tears into Zia at webinar
Acclaimed academic Professor Shams Rahman has lashed out at Bangladesh’s first military dictator Ziaur Rahman, the founder of BNP, for “staging a farcical national vote of confidence in 1977 only to solidify his hold on to state power after running the country for 18 months under strict martial law.
Raising questions about the legitimacy centring the birth of Bangladesh’s Nationalist Party, Prof Shams, who teaches at the College of Business and Law at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia, divulged that the party was founded with Zia at the helm in barracks, bearing tell-tale hallmarks of Pakistan’s repressive regime that unleashed a genocide in 1971.
“That BNP still remains in a denial mode and continues to glorify the mastermind of those darkest episodes as its founder, even when the nation is celebrating fifty years of independence clearly puts a big question mark over the party’s commitment to the constitution,” he added while addressing a virtual discussion on Monday night.
In reference to the “notorious national referendum” that Zia oversaw back in 1977, Prof. Shams said “that shameful step served a big blow to the spirit of the country’s liberation war, tore down the country’s constitution and offered an olive branch for anti liberation forces—radical elements."
The referendum was marred by a very low turnout, yet the results were manipulated showing around 90% turnout with many centres seeing the number of votes in favour of Zia surpassing the total number of voters registered with those centres, recollected Prof Shams.
Within years into country’s liberation, the father of the nation was assassinated with most of his family members, but in the aftermath, Zia rose to the rank of president and rehabilitated the killers of Bangandhu - trampling the secular credentials of the constitution earned at the cost of ocean of blood, revealed the Melbourne based professor at a webinar held online yesterday.
READ: Critics of Zia are anti-liberation elements: Fakhrul
It is sheer irony that BNP still calls the referendum “a great exercise of democratic franchise,” but in reality no one permitted to campaign on the negative side and many opposition leaders still in jail, leaving little doubt on the outcome, said Ajoy Dasgupta, a veteran journalist and researcher, addressing the webinar.
Dasgupta, an Ekushey Padak awardee, said the military rulers who had taken over and ruled Bangladesh for the next 15 years legitimized the pro-Pakistan Jamaat-e-Islami, introduced constitutional amendments that undermined the country's secular democratic polity, and finally declared Islam as the state religion of Bangladesh.
He said some parties like BNP and its ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, have tried to restore the "Pakistan military-fundamentalist model of radical Islam" but failed.
Apparel industry delegation meets high officials at ILO HQ
A delegation comprising leaders of apparel industry associations in Bangladesh held a meeting with André Picard, Chief Technical Adviser and Head, Actuarial Services Unit, and Anne-Marie La Rosa of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland on Tuesday.
The delegation included President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Faruque Hassan, President of Employers Federation of Bangladesh (BEF) Ardashir Kabir, Executive President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Mohammad Hatem, BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali, BGMEA Standing Committee Chair on ILO issue A N M Saifuddin and Secretary-General of BEF Farooq Ahmed.
They had discussions about various issues pertaining to the apparel industry of Bangladesh particularly the progress made by the industry in compliance with ILO conventions ratified by the country.
READ: CPD, ILO bring together stake holders to develop national industrial safety framework
They also discussed employment injury insurance schemes for the RMG sector in Bangladesh.
The delegation apprised the ILO of the industry’s ongoing initiatives and programs including ILO’s Better Work Program in the RMG sector to promote decent working conditions in the garment factories.
They asserted the firm commitment of the industry to carry forward the achievements made so far in ensuring a safe and decent workplace for workers and their rights and well-being.
US envoy decries Pak atrocities in 1971 as horrible
The United States has said there was no doubt that there had been “terrible atrocities” and killings in 1971 but the question of determining genocide under the US law is a very difficult legal question.
“Undoubtedly what happened in 1971 was horrible. There were terrible atrocities. There were considerable amounts of deaths. The question of determining genocide under the US law is a very difficult legal question,” said US ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Tuesday.
Also read:Bangladesh won’t face Sri Lanka-like crisis: Ambassador Haas
He made the remarks at “DCAB Talk” when asked whether the US is in a position to recognize the genocide in Bangladesh in 1971.
The US government recently determined that the Myanmar military committed the crimes against humanity and genocide against humanity against ethnic Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State.
Late Edward M. Kennedy in his speech delivered on his first visit to independent Bangladesh in February 1972 said, “You know while some governments do not yet recognise you, the people of the world do recognise you and they recognise all you have accomplished here in the name of freedom from tyranny and oppression.….”
Sought updates on Bangladesh’s request for the deportation of Rashed Chowdhury, the self-confessed killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, ambassador Haas said basically it is very complicated legal proceeding in the US and it is still under review.
He said they are very much aware of Bangladesh’s interest to see a decision made but it currently remains under review.
Responding to another question, the US envoy said the United States “makes no excuses” when it comes to the matter of human rights and freedom of the press.
Also read:US stands by Bangladesh as a steadfast dev partner: Ambassador Haas
“I will go back to a comment that I made earlier that the United States has decided to put human rights, the issues of freedom of the press at the centre of our foreign policy and that we make no excuses about that."
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the DCAB Talk at Jatiya Press Club.
DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus moderated the event while its General Secretary AKM Moinuddin delivered the welcome remarks.
Friendly conditions to be created for Bangladeshi immigrants in Portugal: Francisco Andre
Secretary of State (State Minister) for Foreign Affairs & Cooperation of Portugal Dr. Francisco Andre has assured of his personal intervention to create positive conditions for Bangladeshi immigrants to work and stay in Portugal.
He commended the Bangladeshi expatriate community residing in Portugal as “respected, well integrated community contributing significantly to the Portuguese society.”
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam had a bilateral meeting with the Secretary of State over a luncheon hosted by the Portuguese side in Lisbon on Monday and discussed the issues of mutual interest.
Also read:Bangladesh number 1 recipient of COVID-19 vaccines under COVAX: UNICEF
State Minister Alam apprised the Secretary of State about the sustained social and economic development of Bangladesh under the watch of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
He raised the issue of the need of easing the existing visa complexities in the absence of a Portuguese resident Diplomatic Mission in Dhaka and offered every assistance for ensuring periodic consular services provided to Dhaka.
Bangladesh State Minister thanked his counterpart for the continued patronage extended to the Bangladeshi expatriates and praised Portugal for their immigrant friendly approaches.
He proposed the State Secretary to work together to chart an orderly and transparent pathway for Bangladeshi citizens to come and work in Portugal under an agreed framework.
The Portuguese State Secretary extended his invitation for Bangladesh to participate in the” Second UN Ocean Conference” to be held from June 27 to July 1.
Bangladesh State Minister informed of a possible attendance of a high-level delegation led by the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh.
The two leaders exchanged views on recent regional and global developments. They noted their convergences in their respective approaches to the current world order and reaffirmed their commitments to a stronger UN system and a rule-based world.
Bangladesh State Minister informed his counterpart that Bangladesh has always been the supporter of peace, territorial integrity, sovereignty and human rights protection, which reflects into our share of contribution in UN Peacekeeping Missions.
Bangladesh number 1 recipient of COVID-19 vaccines under COVAX: UNICEF
In one year, UNICEF has delivered over 190 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Bangladesh through COVAX while a COVID-19 booster dose campaign is planned for June.
To date, Bangladesh remains the top recipient of doses under COVAX, the global initiative co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the World Health Organization, with UNICEF as a key delivery partner.
Also read: Richest countries damaging child health worldwide: Unicef
COVAX accounts for more than 62 per cent of doses received by the country. The goal of COVAX is to ensure equitable access of COVID-19 vaccines globally, said UNICEF on Tuesday.
COVID-19 vaccinations started in Bangladesh in February 2021. UNICEF delivered the first COVAX shipment of vaccines to Bangladesh on 1 June 2021, at a time when only 4 per cent of the population in the country were fully vaccinated.
A year on, thanks to a strong partnership between the Government, the World Health Organization, UNICEF and other partners, Bangladesh has fully vaccinated with two doses 69 per cent of its population – a staggering 117 million people.
“Bangladesh’s ability to absorb and roll out COVID-19 vaccines is a testament to what can be achieved when there is political commitment and an equitable supply of vaccines,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh.
The success in getting millions of vaccines quickly and safely into arms in every corner of the country has been nothing short of remarkable, Yett, added.
“With the committed strong leadership of the Prime Minister, Bangladesh has shown incredible resilience to face the COVID-19 pandemic. With continuous supply of vaccines and hard work of dedicated health workers, we have been able to vaccinate the targeted population without wasting doses,” said Prof. Dr. Meerjady Sabrina Flora, Additional Directorate General (Planning and Development), DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
UNICEF has also supported the Government’s COVID-19 response by strengthening the cold chain and ultra-cold chain, delivering critical supplies, generating demand, supporting data management and building capacity for vaccine administration.
These investments will continue to serve the people of Bangladesh for years to come beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
Also read: UNICEF: South Asia is epicentre of severely wasted children; Bangladesh fares better than India, Pakistan
They are especially important to keep children safe from vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and polio.
“Bangladesh with 69 per cent fully vaccinated population is close to achieving the global benchmark of 70 per cent fully vaccinated population by June 2022.
The success could not have been possible without COVAX support. The ongoing pace of vaccination gives us a hope to see the end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency. Let us also not forget that the pandemic is not over anywhere until it’s over everywhere” said Dr. Bardan Jung Rana, WHO Representative to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh won’t face Sri Lanka-like crisis: Ambassador Haas
The United States does not see any Sri Lanka-like situation in Bangladesh, noting that Bangladesh is a country which has done “extremely well” in terms of debt management with careful borrowing and strong foreign currency reserve.
“Basically Bangladesh is not Sri Lanka,” said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, mentioning fundamentally there are different sets of challenges.
He also mentioned that Bangladesh has taken a small amount of loan from China.
The ambassador, however, said it does not mean that Bangladesh economy does not face challenges - with inflation and growing food prices.
He was responding to questions at “DCAB Talk” organized by Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at Jatiya Press Club.
Read: US stands by Bangladesh as a steadfast dev partner: Ambassador Haas
“Just think for a moment about how far Bangladesh has come since its war for independence--from a newborn country devastated by conflict to a thriving country with one of the world’s fastest growing economies,” Haas said.
National Elections
Responding to a question, the envoy said he has been speaking about the importance of having free, fair and transparent elections here in Bangladesh where the people have the right and the ability to freely elect their leaders.
He, however, said it is up to Bangladesh to decide how it is going to create those conditions required for a free election.
The envoy said freedom of press, no violence and the role of Election Commission are some of the important factors to ensure a fair election.
This is the job of the Bangladesh government, Bangladeshi people, media and (Bangladesh's) civil society to ensure free and fair election, he added.
IPEF & Bangladesh
Responding to a question, Haas said there will be opportunities for other countries to join in the recently launched Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
There have been consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in March regarding the IPEF and the ambassador hoped that Bangladesh will follow it closely.
Read: PM offers Fateha at the mazar of Bangabandhu in Tungipara
President Biden launched the IPEF with a dozen initial partners: Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Together, they represent 40% of world GDP.
Regarding sanctions imposed on the elite force Rab, the US envoy said President Biden has made it clear that human rights and protection of human rights are central to the US foreign policy.
And the sanctions imposed against the Rab and some of the officials were result of that, he said.
Haas said the US wants accountability for the Rab and avoid potential human rights abuses and efforts to make sure that those abuses do not happen again in the future. It is not really the question of providing the list of things that must be accomplished
"So, it's not really a question of providing a list of things that must be accomplished. It's not about specifics but the underlying principles: commitment to human rights and commitment to accountability in the cases of human rights violations,” he said.
DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus moderated the programme while its General Secretary AKM Moinuddin delivered welcome remarks.
US stands by Bangladesh as a steadfast dev partner: Ambassador Haas
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Tuesday said his country will remain a “steadfast partner” of Bangladesh in its journey towards further development.
"The United States should remain the same steadfast partner to Bangladesh for the next fifty years as it has been over the past fifty years," he said, mentioning three things that he plans to report when he gets to Washington.
Ambassador Haas has been here in Bangladesh for about three months, and he is about to go on his first trip to Washington since he arrived here.
Read: Bangladesh, US celebrate cooperation in livestock
"While I am there, I plan to meet with a number of U.S. government officials, congressional staffers, NGOs, and businesspeople to discuss my experiences and observations in this country so far," said the US envoy.
Haas mentioned that he will say in Washington that in the last 50 years, Bangladesh had had no better friend than the United States. “And that it will have no better friend over the next 50 years.”
He said both the successes of Bangladesh and the challenges it faces are real.
Ambassador Haas was delivering his speech at "DCAB Talk" hosted by Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at Jatiya Press Club.
DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus moderated the programme while its General Secretary AKM Moinuddin delivered welcome remarks.
Haas said Bangladesh will soon graduate from Least Developed Country status, and it is steadily progressing towards becoming a middle-income country. “These accomplishments are real, tangible, and truly extraordinary.”
The envoy said Bangladesh’s geography on a low-lying river delta, with a long coastline and large floodplains, makes it extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
He said when it comes to democracy and human rights, the United States raised their concerns publicly and privately.
He reiterated they are concerned about press freedom, especially the Digital Security Act, and several draft laws and regulations that could inhibit press freedom.
Read: Rohingya repatriation should be UNHCR's priority: Momen
“We are concerned about human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances,” Ambassador Haas said.
On December 10, 2021, Human Rights Day, the United States imposed sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion and some of its officials based on what he said “credible evidence” of serious human rights abuse.
He said they are also concerned about insufficient labor rights and poor working conditions in Bangladesh.
These concerns, unfortunately, cost Bangladesh access to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences trade benefit, or GSP, in 2013, he mentioned, adding that they are also causing Bangladesh to miss out on the US Development Finance Corporation, a massive source of investment capital from the United States.
He said they are ready to continue to work with Bangladesh and build on the progress they have made together in food security, health, and reducing poverty – while identifying new and innovative approaches to address issues like climate change, promoting democratic principles, and sustaining Bangladesh’s impressive economic growth.
Bangladesh, US celebrate cooperation in livestock
Bangladesh and the US recently celebrated 50 years of their cooperation in the livestock sector.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim, officials from the ministry, representatives from Bangladesh's industry and representatives from the US Livestock Genetics Export (USLGE) joined the celebration.
The USLGE is a non-profit trade organisation that brings together a broad base of US livestock organisations.
"Each year, Bangladesh sources more and more high-quality livestock and genetics from the US. Last year, the country imported more than $7 million, a record amount," US Deputy Chief of Mission Helen LaFave said.
"We have provided millions of dollars in funding to develop the livestock industry and are now looking to expand our trading relationship in the sector."
The event was the first time the US livestock industry representatives travelled to Bangladesh to learn more about the growing market.
The USLGE representatives and the American businesses met businesses and government stakeholders, travelled to the Bangladesh government's dairy farm, artificial insemination lab, and quality control lab in Savar, and visited commercial dairy farms in Saidpur, said the US Embassy Monday.
In the last 50 years, the US Department of Agriculture and the US Agency for International Development worked closely with Bangladesh to develop the country's livestock industry.
Rohingya repatriation should be UNHCR's priority: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said the repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homes in Myanmar's Rakhine state should be the priority of the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
They should work there to create an environment conducive to the sustainable repatriation of the persecuted people, he added.
"Our priority is the return of Rohingyas (to Myanmar). Your (UNHCR) priority should be the return of Rohingyas, too," Momen said, adding that Bangladesh does not endorse any remarks that might encourage the Rohingyas to stay back here.
READ: FM Momen rues long delay in Teesta deal with India
He made the remarks while responding to a question at his office Monday.
According to the foreign minister, there has been "no conflict" in Rakhine in the last five years, and it is "the right time" for the Rohingyas to go back.
Momen said he also raised the issue Wednesday when United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi met him.
Proactive engagement of the international community in confidence-building among the Rohingya people is crucial for a sustainable repatriation, he added.