Foreign-Affairs
8thPartnership Dialogue: Dhaka, Washington eye “closer understanding" on key issues
Bangladesh and the United States are holding the 8th “Partnership Dialogue” in the city as the two countries intend to have “closer understanding” and broader relations removing gaps.
This is the first such bilateral meeting after the sanctions imposed by the US on individuals and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen is leading the Bangladesh delegation while Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, the third-ranked official at the US Department of State, is leading the US side at the dialogue that began at State guesthouse Padma on Sunday morning.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Masud Momen and Under Secretary Nuland had tete-a-tete at the same venue before the formal beginning of the dialogue.
Bangladesh will raise the sanctions issue at the dialogue as it believes that the sanctions are “unjustifiable, and were imposed based on fabricated and politically motivated inputs” given by the same vested quarters.
After the sanctions were imposed on December 10 last year, Bangladesh immediately expressed its deep discontent, summoning the US ambassador in Dhaka.
The Foreign Secretary recently said the relations between Bangladesh and the US have many factors and determinants and will be deepened and broadened through several dialogues, exchange of visits and track-2 engagements in the coming months.
READ: Momen receives letter with good sentiments from Blinken as Nuland arrives for dialogue
"We have several dialogues, exchange of visits and track-2 engagements in coming months to garner closer understanding with the US," he said, adding that Bangladesh has all good intentions to "enhance and deepen" the ties.
Nuland, who will meet Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen after the partnership dialogue, is in Dhaka as part of her tri-nation visit to South Asia as she will be visiting India and Sri Lanka where she sees US' partnerships are vital to strengthening peace, prosperity, and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Under Secretary Nuland will meet with civil society and business leaders to strengthen economic partnerships and deepen ties in the pursuit of peace, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Other senior members of the delegation include Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory.
The United States sees the upcoming "Partnership Dialogue" with Bangladesh as an opportunity to expand the "robust relationship" between the two countries, according to an official posted at the US Embassy in Dhaka.
The entire gamut of relations between the two countries -security cooperation, trade, labour rights, investment opportunities, human rights, governance, global threats including climate change, regional issues including a free and open Indo-Pacific region are all expected to fall within the ambit of the dialogue.
Bangladesh Mission in London launches special memorabilia on Bangabandhu
Bangladesh High Commission in London has launched a special memorabilia on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, titled, "Bangabandhu in Sylhet" on the occasion of Bangabandhu’s 102nd birth anniversary and the National Children’s Day 2022.
Prime Minister's Adviser on International Relation Affairs Dr. Gowher Rizvi unwrapped the cover of the "Bangabandhu in Sylhet" memorabilia, documenting Bangabandhu’s historic visits to Sylhet between 1947 and 1975.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gowher Rizvi said, “Although geopolitically the world has changed a lot since Bangabandhu's struggles for an independent Bangladesh, his ideals and visions for a democratic, inclusive and secular society remain as valid and necessary today as those were 50 years ago.”
“Various attempts were made over the 50 years to undermine Bangabandhu's progressive and inclusive ideals, but in the past decade the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina upholding Bangabandhu's ideals has achieved unprecedented progress in realising Bangabandhu’s Sonar Bangla vision,” Dr Rizvi said.
High Commissioner for Bangladesh to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem in her welcome speech said, "Bangladesh High Commission, London during Mujib Borsho has successfully inculcated the spirit of 1971 and Bangabandhu’s secular, tolerant and inclusive ideals and Bengali cultural identity amongst the vast majority of British-Bangladeshi children through art, culture and recitation of poetry and leadership programmes on the Father of the Nation. As a result, today we have amongst us in Brittan an entire generation of young ambassadors of Bangabandhu and our 1971 war of liberation values.”
Commenting on the memorabilia ‘Bangabandhu in Sylhet’, the High Commissioner said, “Bangabandhu visited each and every corner of Bangladesh, including Sylhet during his 23 years of political struggle for independence of Bangladesh. Through this memorabilia the vast majority of British-Bangladeshis residing in the UK with their roots in Sylhet will come to know Bangabandhu’s various visits to Sylhet, starting from the historic Sylhet referendum in 1947 to his political campaign before the 1973 national elections.
READ: Bangabandhu Wage Earners’ Centre launched in Dhaka
Veteran columnist and writer of the Ekushey theme song Abdul Gaffar Choudhury said, "Bangabandhu was the first statesman in the subcontinent to establish a secular people’s republic.”
Eminent organiser of the Liberation War movement in the UK Sultan Mahmud Sharif recalled how British-Bangladeshi gave their everything to support Bangabandhu’s leadership and his vision for independent Bangladesh in 1971 and said: “Today they stand ready to continue all-out support to Prime Minister Sheikh Haisla in realising her Vision 2041.”
John Mylod, Mayor of London Borough of Havering, also spoke on the occasion, praising Bangabandhu and Bangladesh.
The event was attended by freedom fighters, diplomats, academics, journalists, business leaders and eminent members of the British-Bangladeshi community.
A large number of British-Bangladeshi children participated in an art competition on Bangabandhu, organised by Bangladesh High Commission, London. A documentary on Bangabandhu was shown at the event. A cultural programme dedicated to Bangabandhu was performed by the British-Bangladeshi Children.
Earlier, the day's programme began with hoisting of the national flag at the chancery and reading out messages issued on the day by the President, the Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs. A special dua was offered for Father of the Nation Bangabandhu and his family and all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the glorious War of Liberation, and for peace and continued progress of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Momen receives letter with good sentiments from Blinken as Nuland arrives for dialogue
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen Saturday said he received a letter from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken containing some good sentiments on Bangladesh-US ties.
He said the US secretary of state expressed his hope to work on how they can create a new chapter in bilateral relations as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Dr Momen is scheduled to visit Washington in early April and is scheduled to hold a meeting with his US counterpart.
The foreign minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending a programme in the city.
Read: Dhaka-Washington "Partnership Dialogue” Sunday; Under Secretary Nuland in city
Responding to a question, Dr Momen said the Bangladesh side will raise the sanctions issue during the Partnership Dialogue between the two countries Sunday.
"It's an important issue. We should raise it," said Momen, adding: The US imposed the sanctions on seven individuals and Rapid Action Battalion without any prior consultation.
Terming the US a friendly country, Dr Momen hoped that there would be a good discussion in the dialogue between the two countries.
Dhaka, Seoul ties to grow with presence of big companies, diversification: Envoy
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun on Saturday has said his country is looking at bringing investments of major Korean brands to Bangladesh as the country is improving its investment environment and expanding market base.
“Diversification is a real task for me and for our two governments. We’ve to move beyond RMG cooperation. What we see here is that diversification is now happening,” he said on Saturday after visiting the Fair Electronics Limited factory in Narshingdi.
Members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) also visited the factory together with the South Korean Ambassador.
Terming Bangladesh a growing and vibrant economy, Ambassador Lee said his country is looking at bringing investments of major Korean brands like Samsung, Hyundai and Daewoo to Bangladesh in the areas of construction, engineering, electronics and automobiles .
“So long, our investments were mainly in the readymade garment sector. I think it is about eighty percent. Now we are diversifying our investments and it will continue to go up,” he said, hoping that Dhaka-Seoul cooperation will continue to grow with the presence of "big names."
The South Korean envoy appreciated the business friendly initiatives of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and noted the important role that the private sector is playing in the country.
He said global big names like Samsung and Hyundai will help attract more companies to come and invest in Bangladesh.
Read: Dhaka-Washington’s ”Partnership Dialogue” Sunday; Under Secretary Nuland in city
“South Korean companies are eager to invest here because its market is expanding, it has demonstrated sustained economic growth, its labour cost is comparatively lower and the government is improving its policy support,” Lee Jang-keun said.
Dhaka-Washington "Partnership Dialogue” Sunday; Under Secretary Nuland in city
Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, the third-ranked official at the US Department of State, arrived here on Saturday afternoon to attend “Partnership Dialogue” with Bangladesh set for Sunday.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen who will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the 8th dialogue, welcomed Victoria Nuland at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 05:10pm, said an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Nuland will meet Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen during her visit.
She is here as part of her tri-nation visit to South Asia as she will be visiting India and Sri Lanka where she sees US' partnerships are vital to strengthening peace, prosperity, and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Also read: US Under Secretary Nuland due Saturday to deepen ties with Bangladesh
During her March 19-23 visit to Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka with an interagency delegation, Nuland will underscore U.S. commitment to, and cooperation with, Indo-Pacific partners, according to the US Department of State.
“Kazan – OIC Youth Capital 2022” launched in Russia
Kazan city formally started its journey as the "Youth Capital" of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Ambassador of Bangladesh to Russia Kamrul Ahsan and Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) Director General Rasul Omarov solemnly handed over the key to the Minister of Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan Timur Suleymanov on behalf of Dhaka as “the previous capital” recently, according to Russian Embassy in Dhaka.
In November 2021, at the Executive Board Meeting of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, it was decided to award the title “OIC Youth Capital – 2022” to the city of Kazan.
The status was assigned to a city of the Russian Federation with Muslim majority, an observer state in the OIC, for the first time.
The programme provides for exchange among the OIC Member States the best practices in the implementation of youth policy, covering all the spheres of life and development of the Islamic world youth, including science, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, social projects and creative industries.
The OIC Youth Capital International Programme was initiated by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) at its 2nd General Assembly, held in October 2014.
The idea of a set of events within the framework of the OIC Youth Capital was supported by delegates of ICYF member youth organizations.
Washington DC Mayor greets Bangladesh ahead of Independence Day
Mayor of Washington DC Muriel Bowser has extended her heartfelt greetings to the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the country's 52nd Independence and National Day to be celebrated on March 26.
"In recognition of your National Day on March 26, 2022, I would like to wish you a Happy Independence Day," the Mayor said.
The Washington DC Mayor conveyed the greetings through a message sent to Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam, according to a message received from the Embassy.
READ: US Under Secretary Nuland due Saturday to deepen ties with Bangladesh
On behalf of the residents of Washington, DC, Muriel Bowser also wished the people of Bangladesh continuous peace, progress and prosperity.
Bangabandhu one of the world's greatest leaders of the oppressed: Minister
Minister for Fisheries and Livestock S M Rezaul Karim has termed Bangabandhu as one of the greatest leaders and patriots of the world, urging all to work unitedly to teach the new generations about his vision and ideology.
"Let’s work in unison to teach the new generations about Bangabandhu’s dreams, belief, patriotism and non-communal philosophy," he said.
The Minister was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion session held at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington D.C. on the occasion of the 102nd birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Read: Bangabandhu's birth anniversary celebrated in Canberra
The Embassy organized the event at the Bangabandhu Auditorium as part of its programmes to celebrate the 102nd birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children's Day 2022.
The Minister also called upon all to take a vow to resist the communal and anti-liberation forces to materialize the dreams of three million martyrs and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Due to Bangabandhu’s charismatic leadership and long struggle in country’s all movements from the 1952 Language Movement to Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh gained independence as a free and sovereign nation, he highlighted.
Rezaul Karim said that Bangabandhu was portrayed as a “voice of oppressed people”, while in the recent world climate summit, his able daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was termed as a “voice of the distressed people”. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has turned Bangladesh into a role model of development in the world by materializing the dreams of Bangabandhu, he added.
The Fisheries Minister also pointed out various steps taken by Bangabandhu as well as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the welfare of the children of Bangladesh.
Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy Ferdousi Shahriar also spoke on the occasion.
The discussion was followed by a screening of a documentary titled "Bangabandhu-Forever in Our Hearts".
Read: Follow Bangabandhu to become self- confident, overcome all obstacles:Energy advisor
Earlier, the Fisheries Minister along with the officials of the Embassy placed a floral wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation at the Bangabandhu Corner of the Embassy.
After laying the wreath, they stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of the great leader.
The celebration of the Embassy began with hoisting of the National Flag by the Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy on the chancery premises in the morning.
The messages issued on the occasion by the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out.
Special prayers were offered seeking divine blessings for eternal peace of the departed soul of Bangabandhu and other martyrs of August 15, 1975 as well as Bangladesh's continuous peace, progress and prosperity.
The Charge d'Affaires, in her speech, paid deepest homage to Bangabandhu on the 102nd birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation.
She said Bangabandhu, the greatest Bengali of all times, fought throughout his life for the welfare of the oppressed people.
Ferdousi Shahriar said Bangabandhu after independence had taken many revolutionary steps to transform Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country. "So, under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we all need to work hard to realize the dream of the Father of the Nation," she observed.
US Under Secretary Nuland due Saturday to deepen ties with Bangladesh
Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, the third-ranked official at the US Department of State, is scheduled to arrive here on Saturday afternoon as part of her tri-nation visit to South Asia.
"Looking forward to visiting Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka where our partnerships are vital to strengthening peace, prosperity, and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region," she said ahead of the visit.
During her March 19-23 visit to Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka with an interagency delegation, Nuland will underscore U.S. commitment to, and cooperation with, Indo-Pacific partners, according to the US Department of State.
Read:International solidarity key to achieving DPoA for LDCs: Bangladesh
Under Secretary Nuland will hold "Partnership Dialogues" in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi.
The 8th Partnership Dialogue between Bangladesh and the US is scheduled to take place on March 20.
On each stop, Under Secretary Nuland and the delegation will meet with civil society and business leaders to strengthen economic partnerships and deepen ties in the pursuit of peace, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Other senior members of the delegation include Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory.
The United States sees the upcoming "Partnership Dialogue" with Bangladesh as an opportunity to expand the "robust relationship" between the two countries, according to an official posted at the US Embassy in Dhaka.
Both sides emphasise the multi-faceted nature of the relationship cannot be underrmined by any single issue.
The entire gamut of relations between the two countries -security cooperation, trade, labour rights, investment opportunities, human rights, governance, global threats including climate change, regional issues including a free and open Indo-Pacific region are all expected to fall within the ambit of the dialogue.
"In the dialogue we will discuss opportunities to expand a robust relationship, ways we can further enhance close ties on a range of areas of cooperation," said the US Embassy official in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Read:We salute Bangabandhu's legacy of founding independent Bangladesh: US
While briefing a small group of journalists, he said Bangladesh-US ties go beyond the government-to-government sphere, with the people to-people contacts and commercial relationships remaining active and growing.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen will lead the Bangladesh delegation in the 8th Partnership Dialogue.
In this fiftieth year of diplomatic relations, Washington seeks to "deepen a strong and multi-faceted relationship" built on mutual respect and shared interests with Bangladesh, said the diplomat.
During this visit, Under Secretary Nuland, whose rank makes her the third-most senior official at the State Department, will have the opportunity to make people-to-people and business connections.
"We have a long history of cooperation between our two countries," said the official at the US Embassy.
The United States has been a consistent partner in the success stories of Bangladesh, and this dialogue, and others that follow this year, will demonstrate their willingness to remain so in the future.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said the relations between Bangladesh and the United States have many factors and determinants and the relations will be enhanced and deepened through a number of dialogues, visits back-and-forth, and track-2 engagements in the coming months.
"To this end, we are aiming at fostering a closer understanding with the US,” he said recently, adding that Bangladesh fully intends to “enhance and deepen” its ties with the US.
Meanwhile, a rung or two above the dialogue, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting (in-person) with his US counterpart, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in Washington on April 4.
Bangabandhu's birth anniversary celebrated in Canberra
The 102nd birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children’s Day were celebrated in Australian capital Canberra with the active participation of children.
The evening event began with the Bangladeshi High Commissioner, officials and community members placing wreaths in front of the portrait of the Father of the Nation. Children participated in the event, reciting poems and singing songs to highlight Bangabandhu’s love for children.
In the morning, Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Australia, Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, hoisted the national flag, according to a release on Friday.
A discussion session was also held where young speakers from the community highly admired the sacrifice of the great leader. They also discussed the leadership quality of Bangabandhu during the early stage of his life.
READ: Follow Bangabandhu to become self- confident, overcome all obstacles:Energy advisor