Foreign-Affairs
Dhaka set to host first meeting of US-BD officials, post-sanctions
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 undermined 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, to be held in Dhaka on March 20.
"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.
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.
READ: Bangladesh, US keen to further strengthen ties with greater engagements
US Department of State's Under Secretary of Political Affairs Victoria Nuland is scheduled to arrive Dhaka on March 19 to lead the US delegation for the 8th bilateral "Partnership Dialogue" between the two countries.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen will lead the Bangladesh delegation.
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 US Embassy official.
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.
Dhaka, Washington ties “broad, dynamic”: Ambassador Haas
Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Tuesday said Bangladesh is an important US partner and the bilateral relationship is "broad and dynamic".
"Our cooperation on economic issues, development, security, and climate change demonstrates the range of our strong partnership and future potential," he said after presenting his credentials to President Abdul Hamid.
Beyond the work of government, the United States and Bangladesh are closely linked through our people-to-people ties, he said.
"Together, we have delivered greater prosperity to both our peoples while working to make the Indo-Pacific region more open, more secure, and more prosperous," said the US envoy.
Ambassador Haas said this year marks 50 years of friendship between our two countries.
Read: New US Ambassador Peter Haas arrives in Dhaka
DCAB celebrates International Women’s Day amid calls for gender equality
Speakers at a function here on Tuesday laid emphasis on paying utmost attention to gender equality and keep talking on the barriers to ensure that no one is left behind.
They highlighted the urgency of working together for equality everyday which is good for society and economic growth when everyone desires a more sustainable tomorrow.
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium marking the International Women’s Day.
Read:DCAB pays tribute to Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi 32
Secretary (East) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mashfee Binte Shams spoke as the chief guest at the event while Ambassador of Switzerland Nathalie Chuard and Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde spoke as special guests.
Additional Foreign Secretary and Rector of FSA Asad Alam Siam, Chief of Protocol M Amanul Haq, Director General (Public Diplomacy wing) Mohammad Harun Al Rashid and DG (Consular & Welfare Wing) Seheli Sabrin, among others, joined the event.
Saudi FM in city; meetings with PM, FM Wednesday
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud arrived in Dhaka on a brief official visit Tuesday evening.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen received his Saudi counterpart at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 6:07pm.
Read: Saudi FM due Tuesday; meetings with PM, FM Wednesday
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yussef Essa Al Dulaihan were also present.
In his less than 24-hour visit at the invitation of Momen, the Saudi Foreign Minister will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Gonobhaban on Wednesday morning, according to his programme schedule.
The Foreign Minister will hold a “tete-a-tete” with his Saudi counterpart at a city hotel the same day which will be followed by bilateral “political consultation” between the two countries at the same venue.
Myanmar: UN report urges concerted effort by global community to hold military accountable
The international community must take concerted, immediate measures to stem the spiral of violence in Myanmar, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in a new report on Tuesday.
In Myanmar, Bachelet said, the military has engaged in systematic and widespread human rights violations and abuses – some of which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity
The report, released for the 49th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council, said Myanmar's military and security forces have shown a flagrant disregard for human life, bombarding populated areas with airstrikes and heavy weapons and deliberately targeting civilians, many of whom have been shot in the head, burned to death, arbitrarily arrested, tortured or used as human shields, according to message received from Geneva.
Read: New report reveals weapons transferred to Myanmar military junta by UN Member States
Citing the determination of Myanmar's people in their opposition to the coup, Bachelet called on the international community to do all it can to resolve the crisis and hold perpetrators of gross violations of international human rights law accountable.
"Throughout the tumult and violence of the past year, the will of the people has clearly not been broken. They remain committed to seeing a return to democracy and to institutions that reflect their will and aspirations," Bachelet said.
Covering the period since the 1 February 2021 military takeover, the report is based on interviews with over 155 victims, witnesses, and advocates, whose accounts were corroborated with satellite imagery, verified multimedia files, and credible open-source information.
Its findings, however, represent only a fraction of the violations and abuses Myanmar’s people have been subjected to since the coup.
At least 1,600 people have been killed by security forces and their affiliates and more than 12,500 people have been detained.
At least 440,000 others have been displaced and 14 million are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, the delivery of which has largely been blocked by the military in new and pre-existing areas of need.
The report concluded that there were reasonable grounds to believe the military, the Tatmadaw, had engaged in violence and abuse as part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against civilians – patterns of conduct that may amount to crimes against humanity.
Mass killings have taken place. In July in Sagaing Region, soldiers killed 40 individuals in a series of raids; villagers found the remains of some victims with their hands and feet still tied behind their backs.
In December in Kayah State, soldiers burned the bodies of up to 40 men, women and children; villagers described discovering the remains in several trucks, with bodies found in positions indicating they had tried to escape and were burnt alive.
Detainees reported facing torture and other forms of ill-treatment during lengthy interrogations in military detention centres across Myanmar.
This reportedly included suspension from the ceiling without food or water; being forced to stand for extended periods while in solitary confinement; electrocution, sometimes alongside injection of unidentified drugs; sexual violence, including rape; and forcing Muslim detainees to ingest pork.
While most of the gross human rights violations documented were carried out by security forces, at least 543 individuals – including local administrators, their families and alleged informants – were also reportedly killed due to their perceived support of the military. Anti-coup armed elements claimed responsibility for 95 of the incidents.
Read: EU imposes restrictive measures on 22 individuals, 4 entities in Myanmar
"Meaningful action by the international community is urgently needed to stop yet more individuals from being stripped of their rights, their lives and their livelihoods," Bachelet said.
"The appalling breadth and scale of violations of international law suffered by the people of Myanmar demand a firm, unified, and resolute international response."
Proud to contribute to Bangladesh’s food security efforts: Canadian envoy
Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dr. Lilly Nicholls on Tuesday said they are proud to be contributing to Bangladesh’s food security efforts noting that Canadian wheat is the best quality in the world.
She said Canada is one of the top exporters of high-quality wheat to Bangladesh. Bangladesh is an important market for Canadian agricultural products.
The High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh and Cereals Canada officially launched “Cereals Canada’s Guide to Milling, Analytical Testing and Baking of Canadian Wheat” in Bangla and English.
Read: Dhaka trashes NIKKEI Asia report as “completely false, misleading”
The release of the latest Canadian wheat milling handbook will help millers and bakers how best to use Canadian wheat and flour to make high-quality food products.
In 2021, Canada exported over US$793 million in products to Bangladesh, over US$628 million of which was agriculture products, according to the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka.
Wheat is an important element in these exports, and Bangladesh is Canada’s seventh-largest customer for its high quality wheat, it said.
Dhaka trashes NIKKEI Asia report as “completely false, misleading”
Bangladesh has described the recent report run by NIKKEI Asia as “completely false and misleading” saying Bangladesh will share its reaction with NIKKEI Asia on the report.
“This is not true. It’s completely false and misleading,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam told reporters on Monday, adding that there is nothing like Bangladesh-China maintenance centre or missile maintenance centre and there is no plan to have anything like that.
But naturally, he said, regular maintenance is required when any equipment is purchased from any country which is part of that particular purchase.
“Beyond this, there is no plan to build any facility afresh. Even in the past, there was no such facility that could be used as a hub,” Shahriar explained further.
NIKKEI Asia recently ran a report titled “India wary of China setting up Bangladesh missile maintenance hub, Beijing 'crossing a line' as it deepens defense ties with old ally of New Delhi."
With China preparing to set up a maintenance facility in Bangladesh for surface-to-air missile systems it supplied in 2011, alarm bells are ringing in New Delhi, the report reads.
READ: BD’s economic growth to accelerate: Hasina tells Nikkei Asian Review
Talking to UNB, a Foreign Ministry official said the report carried by NIKKEI ASIA is a "provocative and leading" one and he sees an "evil motive" behind such a report in the media. "This doesn't appear to be true. If it is not true, should we say so?"
On Sunday, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming said China will not build any military base in Bangladesh or any other foreign land.
“China will not build any military facility or military base on any foreign territory, including in Bangladesh. China will not build anything militarily in any other country’s territory. That’s for sure,” he said when his attention was drawn about the report.
Ambassador Jiming, however, said he does not have any specific information about the media report and he will have to check it further. “I cannot firmly confirm this information because this is from the (media) report. I will have to check it. That is so far I can share with you.”
Dhaka urges Tashkent to accelerate signing of bilateral economic cooperation deals
Bangladesh has requested Uzbekistan to expedite the proposed MoUs and agreements pending with Uzbek side as the two countries want enhanced bilateral relationship on economic, commercial, trade and other spheres.
The request came at the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) meeting between the two countries held at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan on Monday.
Both sides also discussed introduction of direct flight between Dhaka and Tashkent, avoidance of double taxation, visa waiver agreement for official and diplomatic passport holders, exchange of visit in the field of general and education.
The Bangladesh side was led by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, while Uzbek side was led by Deputy Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan Furkat Ahmedovich Sidikov., according to a message received here.
Bangladesh urged the Uzbek side for creating good investment opportunities for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan.
Bangladesh is the second largest garment exporting country in the world after China, the delegation told the Uzbek side.
Bangladesh also exports pharmaceuticals to 137 countries in the world.
If business and industry friendly situation is created in Uzbekistan, investors from Bangladesh can come forward with their investment plans in Uzbekistan, said the Bangladesh side in the FOC.
Natural gas of Uzbekistan can be of great help for investment in the field of industries.
Bangladesh foreign secretary also requested his Uzbek counterpart to set up Uzbekistan Embassy in Dhaka.
At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to sign a "Programme of Cooperation" for the year 2022-2023 between the two countries which was proposed by Uzbek side.
This Program of Cooperation will allow Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh Foreign Ministry and University of World Economy and Diplomacy to start cooperation in the field of education, sharing information and communication technology and consular consultation.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Uzbekistan Md Zahangir Alam, Director General (EE & CIS) S. Bodiruzzaman, Minister of the Embassy Nripendra Chandra Debnath, Director of Foreign Secretary’s Office Md Jubayed Hosen were present from Bangladesh side while Oybek Eshonov, Director General (Department for Cooperation with South Asia, Near, Middle East and African countries) and J. Rajabov, Head of Division (Treaty-Law Department) were present from Uzbek side.
The next FCO meeting will be held in 2023 in Dhaka.
Saudi FM due Tuesday; meetings with PM, FM Wednesday
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud will arrive in Dhaka on a brief visit Tuesday afternoon.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen is scheduled to receive his Saudi counterpart at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 5pm on Tuesday.
Minister Momen will host a dinner in honor of the Saudi Foreign Minister at a city hotel the same day.
Read: Dhaka, Ankara eye Turkish president's visit this year
In his less than 24-hour visit at the invitation of Momen, the Saudi Foreign Minister will also meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday, according to his programme schedule.
Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are looking for stronger political and investment relations as Dhaka is ready to welcome the Saudi Foreign Minister.
Foreign Minister Momen will hold a “tete-a-tete” with his Saudi counterpart at a city hotel on Wednesday morning which will be followed by bilateral “political consultation” between the two countries at the same venue, an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB.
On Wednesday, the Saudi Foreign Minister and Dr Momen will join the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Arabic Language Institute after the political consultation between the two countries.
Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman will host lunch in honor of the Saudi Foreign Minister.
The Saudi Foreign Minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon wrapping up his visit that might see signing of a number of cooperation documents.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen will see him off at the airport.
Ahead of the visit, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yussef Essa Al Dulaihan said the "dynamic partnership" and long-standing relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will further flourish and reach to a new height.
Read: Valentina Tereshkova's 85th birth anniversary celebrated at Russian House in Dhaka
The Saudi government says Bangladesh is a “remarkable country” and appreciates Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, noting that her capacity to make “swift decisions” is keeping the country's economy on track.
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yussef Essa Al Dulaihan, during a recent media briefing, shared Saudi investors’ desire to invest “extensively” in Bangladesh.
Engineering Dimensions, a Saudi Arabian Enterprise, has confirmed $1.8 billion investment in Bangladeshi, said the envoy.
Saudi Arabia is mulling establishing a special economic zone and considering scopes to invest in the construction of rail links connecting Dhaka and Payra port, including the development of Cox’s Bazar as an international tourist destination.
The ambassador said Saudi ACWA Power has already announced to invest $ 600 million to build a 700 MW power plant and proposed a total $ 3.5 billion investment in Bangladesh.
He said Saudi Red Sea Gateway Terminal wants to invest $ 1.2 billion in Bangladesh, said the envoy.
Valentina Tereshkova's 85th birth anniversary celebrated at Russian House in Dhaka
Russian House in Dhaka has organized a weeklong programme to mark the 85th birth anniversary of Valentina Tereshkova in cooperation with the Serov Academy of Fine Arts.
The programme was designed with a seminar, an exhibition of remarkable documentary photos of V. Tereshkova, as well as painting workshops on space.