Foreign-Affairs
Hasina says people will surely support motherly leadership like hers
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said if any female leader governs a country with a motherly affection like her, people will surely extend their support to her.
"Women aren’t only women, but also mothers. If you run a country with a motherly affection, people will definitely support you," she said.
The Prime Minister made the remark while replying to a question at a high-level power panel titled ‘Redefining the Future for Women’ held at the Women’s Pavilion in the Dubai Expo 2020 arranged marking the International Women’s Day.
Read: Hasina pins hope on marine cadets for tapping maritime resources
Hasina said she has won the support and trust of people in governing the country and that is her main strength. "People have realised that if I’m there, they’ll surely be benefited," she said.
But this journey was not that much easy, she said, adding that her entire family, including her father, mother, three brothers and two sister in-laws, was assassinated in Bangladesh, and it was only she and her younger sister survived the carnage.
Hasina recalled that when she returned home after the assassination, the killers of her family and war criminals were in power. "So, my journey was not very smooth."
The PM said she faced assassination attempts again and again, and smear campaign. “But I didn’t care about it. I thought I would have to work for people."
Hasina appreciated her male colleagues for cooperating with her in politics and government. "I must appreciate them. They cooperated with me," she added.
Talking about a unique situation in Bangladesh Parliament with regard to women empowerment, the Prime Minister said now the Speaker, the Leader of the House, the Leader of Opposition and the Deputy Leader of the House are women.
7th March speech of Bangabandhu an eternal source of inspiration, says Bangladesh envoy to Australia
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Australia Mohammad Sufiur Rahman has said Bangabandhu is a lighthouse and source of eternal inspiration for the freedom loving people all over the world.
He made the remarks at a programme organised by the High Commission marking historic 7 March. High Commissioner Rahman highlighted the context of the historic 7 March speech and the exceptional political astuteness of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Read: Historic March 7 observed in Colombo
Citing the speech as an epic, he illustrated that this speech captured the century long yearning for freedom of the Bangali nation. Bangabndhu provided clear directives of every step of achieving independence in this speech through civil disobedience but stopped short of unilateral declaration of independence, he added.
The High Commissioner also stressed on the importance of comprehensive research on this rousing speech on how it awakened the entire nation to fight for the rights and justice and that forever changed the fate of them. Prior to the discussion session, the historic 7 March speech was screened before the audience at the Chancery in the evening.
The distinguished community members participated in the discussion session and highlighted that Bangabandhu's speech was probably the singular speech that helped create an independent and sovereign state.
Read: Bangladesh observing historic March 7 to draw inspiration from Bangabandhu’s iconic speech The programme of the day started in the morning with flag hoisting while all the officials remained present.
The messages by the President and the Prime Minister were read out.
Prime Minister’s address on the occasion of the historic 7 March was also streamed live on the Mission’s social media page for the diaspora members across Australia.
Bangladesh's position on Ukraine fairly balanced, says ex-FS
Former Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque on Tuesday said Bangladesh's position on Russia-Ukraine issue is so far "neutral and fairly balanced" but it might require a review in the coming days with evolving situation.
"Neutrality may not always be the preferred path," he said as he felt the necessity for revisiting the policy when it is required.
Analyzing Bangladesh’s position so far, Haque said Bangladesh is still watching how the war evolves and has apparently taken an “interim” position. “In every aspect we’ll feel the impact whatever position we take.”
The former foreign secretary was addressing a seminar titled "Russia-Ukraine War: Whose Profits and Whose Losses?" organized by the Center for Peace Studies (CPS) of the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance at North South University.
Brigadier General (Retd) Sakhawat Hossain, Dr. Mohammed Nuruzzaman, Professor, Department of Political Science and Sociology, North South University, Dr. Helal Mohd. Mohiuddin, Professor, Department of Political Science and Sociology, North South University, Raheed Ejaz, Diplomatic Correspondent, Daily Prothom Alo and Dr. Ishrat Zakia Sultana, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and Sociology, North South University took part in the discussion moderated by Professor Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, Director, CPS and SIPG, North South University.
Haque said the "global military complex" will be the most beneficiary of the Russia-Ukraine war while everyone will be affected more or less, including the loss of humanity.
Haque, also a fellow at South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance, North South University, said the UN Charter was created for establishing peace and stopping war but it is not functioning.
“It seems to me that this UN charter is becoming useless, isn’t it?” he said, though the UN Secretary General is pronouncing tough words.
Modi welcomes Russia’s talks with Ukraine on ceasefire: MEA
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and expressed hope that it would lead to cessation of the conflict.
He suggested that a direct conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may greatly assist the ongoing peace efforts.
Modi spoke on phone with Vladimir Putin on Monday, according to Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
Also read: Indian students in Ukraine in fear as Russian invasion grows
The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine.
Putin briefed Modi on the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams.
Modi conveyed his deep concern for the safety and security of the Indian students still remaining in Sumy.
Also read: Ukraine seeks Indian intervention in ending Russian offensive
President Putin briefed PM Modi about the ongoing measures related to humanitarian corridors for facilitating evacuation of civilians including Indian students.
Bangladesh to supply potato to Russia, says Russian Embassy
The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of the Russian Federation has removed previously imposed restrictions and resumed the import of potato from Bangladesh, says the Russian Embassy in Dhaka on Monday.
The decision has been made based on the information provided by the competent Bangladeshi authorities responsible for quarantine and protection of plants, about the measures taken to prevent violations of the phytosanitary requirements of the Russian Federation and the Eurasian Economic Union member states.
Also read: Bangladesh, UAE to boost cooperation during PM's visit
The issues were discussed during the meetings of Ambassador of Russia to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy with Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi as well as Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque concerning the expansion of the Bangladeshi export range of products, said the Embassy.
Also read: Hadisur’s body kept in Ukraine, 5 youths still in detention centre: FM
IORA: India greets member states, dialogue partners marking 25th anniversary
India has greeted all member States and dialogue partners of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) marking the 25th anniversary of the inter-governmental organization.
“On the 25th anniversary of IORA, India, a founding member of IORA, congratulates all its Member States, dialogue partners,” Arindam Bagchi, official spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs, tweeted on Monday.
He said IORA is the premier mechanism of regional cooperation for peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
Under the chairmanship of Bangladesh for the period 2021-23, IORA aims to strengthen regional cooperation and sustainable and inclusive development within the Indian Ocean region, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
Also read: Guideline coming for IORA’s engagement, cooperation in Indo-Pacific
Established on 7 March 1997, the vision for IORA originated during a visit by late President Nelson Mandela of South Africa to India in 1995, where he said, “The natural urge of the facts of history and geography should broaden itself to include the concept of an Indian Ocean Rim for socio-economic cooperation……”
This sentiment and rationale underpinned the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative in March 1995, and the creation of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (then known as the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation) two years later, in March 1997.
Also read: Bangladesh assumes IORA chairmanship; eyes inclusive development
IORA has 23 Member States and 10 Dialogue Partners.
Historic 7th March observed in New Delhi
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman marking his historic 7th March speech in 1971.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran hoisted the national flag at chancery premises and led the members of the mission to place a floral wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu at the chancery building.
Read: PM leaves Dhaka for Abu Dhabi
Describing the historic 7th march speech of Bangabandhu as one of the best speeches in the world, High Commissioner Imran said the speech inspired freedom loving people to converse under a single umbrella against the suppression, oppression, discrimination of the then Pakistani autocrat roller.
Bangabandhu’s historic speech was one of the most inspirational speeches in world diplomacy apart from giving directives to the oppressed humanity to unite to free the Bengali nation, he added.
We voted for peace, says FM on Bangladesh’s abstention from UN resolution on Ukraine
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said that Bangladesh abstained from the UN General Assembly vote on a resolution over the Ukraine crisis for the sake of peace.
“We voted for peace,” he said, adding that the resolution was not meant for stopping the war but apparently to blame somebody.
Read:Hadisur’s body kept in Ukraine, 5 youths still in detention centre: FM
Four South Asian countries - Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan - were among 35 abstentions as the UN General Assembly voted at an emergency session Wednesday on the Ukraine issue. The vote on the “Aggression against Ukraine” resolution was 141-5, with 35 abstentions.
The abstentions included China, as expected, but also some surprises from usual Russian allies Cuba and Nicaragua.
"If you read the resolution wording, it’s not a call for stopping the war but to blame someone apparently," said Dr Momen while responding to a question at a media briefing at the state guesthouse Padma on Sunday.
He said Bangladesh is a country for peace.
"We want peace. We don't want war anywhere in the world. We said we’re deeply concerned about the war. So, we expect the UN charter to be followed by all," he said.
The foreign ninister said the dispute should be resolved through discussion and dialogue.
“We said we’ve enough confidence in the UN Secretary General and that he should take an initiative to resolve this dispute through dialogue and discussion peacefully. We upheld this position in the UN,” Momen said.
Few days ago, Bangladesh urged restraint by all parties and to immediately resume diplomatic efforts and dialogue in order to settle all disputes by peaceful means, and refrain from taking any action that may endanger international peace and stability.
Read:28 Bangladeshi crew to return home soon: FM
Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they do have clout in reflecting international opinion.
Under special emergency session rules, a resolution needs approval of two-thirds of those countries voting, and abstentions don’t count.
Bangladesh, UAE to boost cooperation during PM's visit
Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are likely to sign four to five MoUs during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to the Gulf nation to further strengthen the bilateral relations.
“This visit will play an important role in keeping the labor market intact and creating new avenues of investment in Bangladesh to strengthen the economic relations,” Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told the media at state guesthouse Padma on Sunday afternoon.
He said Bangladesh wants to enhance trade and investment between the two countries through more collaboration.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Secretary (East) Mashfee Binte Shams and senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present.
Also read: Govt plans to improve life of stranded Biharis in Bangladesh:PM
Before the media briefing, the foreign minister had a meeting with relevant ministers and PM's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman at the same venue to review the investment proposals that came from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Hasina is scheduled to leave for UAE on Monday as the two countries eye to elevate the relationship to a comprehensive partnership with deeper political engagement. She will return home on March 12.
She is going to the UAE at the invitation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and vice-president of the United Arab Emirates and will also attend a programme at “Expo 2020 Dubai” on March 8 marking the International Women’s Day, said the Foreign Minister.
The prime minister has agreed to visit the UAE with the intention of highlighting the image of the country and its achievements in the economic sector including empowerment of women in Bangladesh, Momen said.
Trade and commerce; investment, manpower and cooperation in other potential areas including renewable energy will be discussed during the visit.
He said during the last financial year, about 30,000 workers from Bangladesh went to the UAE. “We hope that this number will increase in the future.”
In terms of bilateral trade with the UAE, Momen said the imports and exports volume stood around US$ 2 billion but the trade deficit now stands at US$ 1.5 billion.
“The main reason is that we import fuel from them. This visit will be important to increase the volume of our exports to that country. That is why the two countries will discuss ways to establish the direct shipping line,” said the foreign minister.
Hadisur’s body kept in Ukraine, 5 youths still in detention centre: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the body of engineer Md Hadisur Rahman has been preserved in Ukraine and efforts are underway to bring back the body home.
“The body has been kept in a safe place in Ukraine,” he told reporters at a media briefing at state guesthouse Padma on Sunday, adding that it might take time to bring it to Bangladesh.
The Foreign Minister also said 28 crew members of Bangladeshi ship "Banglar Samriddhi" are now in Bucharest, Romania. “They stayed at a hotel there last night.”
Md Hadisur Rahman, 47, third engineer of Banglar Samriddhi, was killed in a rocket attack on the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) vessel stranded at a Ukraine port.
The 28 other crew members of the ship had safely reached Romania from war-ravaged Ukraine and they will soon return home.
Expressing deep condolences to the near and dear ones of deceased Hadisur Rahman, the Russian Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday said the Russian side "bends every effort" to ensure safe departure of the Bangladeshi ship from the port.
The Command of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, relying on the objective monitoring data, has repeatedly stated that, during the retreat, the Ukrainian nationalists open indiscriminate fire and deliberately capture hostages, use them as a “human shield”, resorting to the well-known terrorists’ tactic, said the Embassy.
The BSC ship was positioned in the inner anchorage of Olvia port (Ukraine), when Hadisur was killed due to a missile attack. "The circumstances of the incident are being established," said the embassy.
Read:Efforts on to ensure safe departure of Bangladeshi ship from Ukrainian port: Russian Embassy