Foreign-Affairs
Indian President’s upcoming visit to Bangladesh reflects high priority to bilateral ties: MEA
The upcoming State visit of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind to Bangladesh on the historic Victory Day is a reflection of the high priority that both countries attach to the bilateral relationship, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.
“It also reaffirms the shared desire of both countries to further consolidate and strengthen the multifaceted and irreversible partnership, based on historical and cultural ties, mutual trust and understanding,” MEA said in a statement officially announcing the State visit of Indian the President to Bangladesh on December 15-17.
Kovind will attend the 50th Victory Day celebrations of Bangladesh during the visit at the invitation of President Abdul Hamid.
Also read: Bangladesh-India ties: Hasina says now focus should be on trade, connectivity
The Indian President will hold a delegation level meeting with President Hamid. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will also have a meeting with the President. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will also call on him.
Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a State visit to Bangladesh from March 26 to 27, 2021 to join the celebrations of the golden jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
Also read: Indian Foreign Secretary Shringla likely to visit Dhaka Dec 7-8
“Bangladesh is a major pillar of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy,” said the MEA.
Bangladesh and India share progressive, comprehensive and substantial cooperation in diverse areas ranging from security, border management & defence, water resources, trade, transport & connectivity, health, culture & people-to-people ties, energy & power to development partnership and sub-regional cooperation. Both countries have closely cooperated in addressing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, it said.
Bangladesh-India ties: Hasina says now focus should be on trade, connectivity
Mentioning that the Bangladesh-India relationship is anchored in history and culture, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said the two countries now should concentrate on people-to-people contact, trade, business and connectivity as the issues became increasingly important for the two sides.
“The core of the bilateral relationship now needs to concentrate on people-to-people contact, trade, business and connectivity, which have become increasingly important for both sides,” she said in her video message screened at a programme marking Maitri Diwas (Friendship Day).
Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) arranged the programme in New Delhi on Monday on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of India-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations as India recognised Bangladesh on December 06, 1971.
Hasina said the relationship between Bangladesh and India is anchored in history, culture, language and shared values of secularism, democracy, and countless other commonalities. “Our bonds of friendship have further been strengthened, diversified and expanded in recent years due to regular high-level political interactions and exchanges.”Despite restrictions imposed by Covid-19, she said, the relationship at all levels have remained stable and strong.
“This was evident in our excellent cooperation and collaboration in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
Read: Dhaka, Delhi created model relations, says FM terming Dec 6 a historic day
“Our partnership is not confined to treaties, MoUs, bilateral agreements that provide the formal structures for our working relations. Today, our broad partnership has matured, taking dynamic, comprehensive and strategic shape, and is based on sovereignty, equality, trust and mutual respect,” said the Prime Minister.
Noting that India recognized Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state on the 6th December 1971, she said Bangladesh and India are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of establishment of diplomatic relations. “This is a milestone in the journey of our bilateral relations,” Hasina said.
“We continue to believe in the importance of our relationship,” she said, adding that this anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the foundation of the bilateral relations of the two countries and the path ahead. It’s also an occasion for both the countries to recommit to work towards further strengthening the longstanding dynamic partnership, she added.
“I’m confident that together our two countries and two peoples will continue to turn our vision and ideas into realities, for decades to come,” the PM said.
During the state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh on 26-27 March 2021, both sides agreed on the joint celebrations in 18 selected cities along with Dhaka and New Delhi, and to recognize 6 December as ‘Maitri Diwas,’ she said.
The foundation of Bangladesh-India relations was laid by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, said Sheikh Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu.
“We’ve a very special relationship with India. The relationship is the friendliest. The friendship of Bangladesh and India is in our hearts. The bonds of friendship will remain firm and long-lasting,” she quoted Bangabandhu as saying in 1972.
Read: Grab investment opportunities in Bangladesh, PM Hasina to global investors
Hasina also recalled the generosity of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her government, leaders of other political parties, and overall the people of India towards the people of Bangladesh in 1971. They provided accommodation to 10 million refugees from Bangladesh, gave space for the Mujibnagar government and waged a diplomatic campaign in favour of Bangladesh, she mentioned.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi Ambassador Muhammad Imran and ICWA Director General Vijay Thakur Singh also spoke at the function.
Modi’s reassurance
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will work with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina to further expand and deepen ties between the two countries.
"I look forward to continuing working with PM Sheikh Hasina to further expand and deepen our ties," he tweeted on Monday as the two countries celebrate ‘Maitri Diwas’ (Friendship Day).
Just 10 days before the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, India had recognised Bangladesh on December 6, 1971.India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with independent Bangladesh.
“Today India and Bangladesh commemorate Maitri Diwas. We jointly recall and celebrate the foundations of our 50 years of friendship," Modi said.
During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March this year, it was decided to commemorate the 6th December as "Maitri Diwas".
Dhaka, Delhi created model relations, says FM terming Dec 6 a historic day
Terming December 6 a historic day, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said Bangladesh and India have created a model of relationship by resolving major issues peacefully.
“It’s historic day and truly Maitri Diwas (Friendship Day). We’ve (Bangladesh-India) created model relations (for other countries),” he said at a discussion organized by Sector Commanders Forum (SCF) at the Jatiya Press Club.
Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar spoke as special guest. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami, Bhutan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Rinchen Kuentsyl, former diplomat Mohiuddin Ahmed and SCF Secretary General Haroon Habib, among others, spoke at the discussion held with SCF chief M Nurul Alam in the chair.
The Foreign Minister profoundly recalled the wholehearted support extended by the people of India and the Indian government during the 1971 Liberation War.
Dr Momen said he is eagerly waiting for the day when no visa will be required for Bangladeshis and Indians to travel to each other's countries. "Our relationship is written in blood and we want to deepen it," he said.
Read:Let’s dream of a better world, FM Momen tells peace conference
He recalled with utmost respect the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on this historic day.
Dr Momen also remembered the brave freedom fighters of Bangladesh and the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Bangladesh's Independence in 1971.
Bangladesh and India are celebrating the Maitri Diwas, the historic day when India, as the second country, recognized Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent state in 1971 after Bhutan.
The day has been designated by the Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and India as Bangladesh-India Friendship Day in March 2021.
Speaking as the chief guest at the discussion, Dr Momen said it was not the India-Pakistan war that Pakistan tried to interpret.
‘Will continue working with Hasina’, reassures Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will work with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina to further expand and deepen ties between the two countries.
"I look forward to continuing working with PM Sheikh Hasina to further expand and deepen our ties," he tweeted on Monday as the two countries celebrate ‘Maitri Diwas’ (Friendship Day).
Read: Maitree Week highlighting Indo-Bangla friendship observed in Dhaka
Just 10 days before the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, India had recognised Bangladesh on December 6, 1971.
India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with independent Bangladesh.
“Today India and Bangladesh commemorate Maitri Diwas. We jointly recall and celebrate the foundations of our 50 years of friendship," Modi said.
During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March this year, it was decided to commemorate the 6th December as "Maitri Diwas".
Maitri Diwas has been commemorated in 18 countries around the world apart from Bangladesh and India.
Read: Bangladesh, India to celebrate ‘Maitree Diwas’ in 18 countries Dec 6
The countries are Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America.
The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) is organising a special event in New Delhi this afternoon. It will see participation from both countries.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will send a video message for the event.
Art exhibition, Pitha Utsab held at FSA
The two-day “World Peace Conference-2021” has come to an end with an art exhibition and Pitha Utsab, giving the participants both from home and abroad an opportunity to taste a variety of pitha (cake) before heading home.
Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury inaugurated the art exhibition and “Pitha Utsab” by cutting a ribbon at the Foreign Service Academy on Sunday evening.
Read: Dhaka Declaration: Democracy, good governance, rule of law critical for peace, stability
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, leaders of the Foreign Office Spouses’ Association (FOSA), including its chief patron Selina Momen (wife of Dr Momen) and patron Ayesha Akhtar, wife of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, were, among others, present.
Dhaka Declaration: Democracy, good governance, rule of law critical for peace, stability
The two-day World Peace Conference ended in Dhaka on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of democracy, good governance and the rule of law as critical factors for global peace and stability.
It underlined the need for social justice and inclusive development as central pillars of a stable, peaceful and equitable society.
The conference valued the role played by national parliaments and local government institutions in giving voice to people’s legitimate demands and aspirations.
Read:Let’s dream of a better world, FM Momen tells peace conference
The representatives of governments, legislatures, academia, civil society and media, gathered here at the World Peace Conference from December 4-5 condemned colonialism, illegal occupation and unauthorized takeover of power under any pretexts.
"We recognize the role of peace making, peace building and mediation to prevent and end conflicts," they said in "Dhaka Peace Declaration.”
They commended the UN peacekeeping personnel for their dedication and services, and maintain faith in the agency of women and youth in ensuring peace and security.
Maitree Week highlighting Indo-Bangla friendship observed in Dhaka
A “Maitree Week” focusing on the friendship between Bangladesh and India concluded here on Sunday.
The week-long programme was organised in the run-up to the “Maitree Dibash” the two friendly neighbours will celebrate on Monday to mark New Delhi’s prompt diplomatic recognition of Bangladesh as an independent nation on December 6 in 1971.
Read: Bangladesh, India to celebrate ‘Maitree Diwas’ in 18 countries Dec 6
As part of the Maitree Week celebrations, an event reminiscing about the road to Liberation in 1971 and events leading to Victory Day was organised at Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) in Dhaka.
Valiant freedom fighters shared their invaluable experiences of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and recounted important events which culminated in the Victory Day.
Road safety: Students takes out symbolic ‘coffin procession’ at Shahbagh
The students, now on a movement seeking safer roads, brought out a symbolic ‘coffin procession’ at Shahbagh in the capital on Sunday, demanding justice for road accident victims.
The students brought out the procession around 1pm to press home their nine-point demand, including the issuance of a notification regarding half bus fare for students across the country.
Students from different educational institutions in the capital took part in the procession.
Read:Students take to streets again with 11-point demand
Earlier in the morning, the protesters started a sit-in at Shahbagh with a coffin. Another group of protesters brought out another procession from the Public Library carrying only banners.
Ocean health needs proper regional, global attention: Dhaka
Bangladesh has said ocean health, like climate change, needs proper regional and international attention and frameworks supported by all stakeholders.
“We must ensure that our ocean with its all resources remains healthy under proper surveillance and continue creating equitable opportunities for our people,” said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam.
He made the call while delivering a speech at the 5th Indian Ocean Conference 2021 (Plenary Session 3) on Sunday arranged on a virtual platform.
Read: Bay of Bengal resources to be tapped in environment-friendly way: Shahriar Alam
Minister to the PM and Standing Secretary of State, Cambodia Ouch Borith; State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maldives, Ahmed Khaleel and Deputy Minister, Tanzania Omary Kipanga also spoke at the event.
The State Minister said oceans are the homes of opportunities and they are both engines for global economic growth and key sources of food security.
He said sustainable harnessing in the Indian Ocean through coordination and joint efforts of the countries in the region can make a groundbreaking impact on socio-economic development creating jobs and opportunities for livelihoods.
Doing so offers the possibility of generating new sustainable pathways to rebuild economies recovering from the effects of the global pandemic and sudden economic shock, said the State Minister.
“However, we shouldn’t lose focus that the oceans are coming under increased pressure from population growth, abuse of waters, and global competition for raw materials, food demand, water scarcity, maritime security threats, climate change and marine pollution,” Shahriar said.
He said these multiple challenges and other geo-economic and geo-strategic factors require an integrated response and an urgent transition of the world economy towards a sustainable, inclusive and resource efficient path through adopting the concept of blue economy.
This year’s theme of the Indian Ocean Conference is ‘Indian Ocean: Ecology, Economy, and Epidemic.’
He mentioned that Bangladesh economy has proved to be rather resilient to the shocks brought about by Covid-19 despite the global economic downturn.
In early October this year, the World Bank had forecast that Bangladesh's gross domestic product (GDP) would grow by 6.4% in the 2021-22 fiscal year. The government, however, has set a 7.2% growth target for the current fiscal year.
The State Minister said Covid-19 has put up inconsistent hindrances for cross national movements and it has posed new threats in international trade and people to people contact.
“We, the nation significantly dependent on cross-border trade and man power exports, have become vulnerable to such unequal restrictions. Bangladesh as an ardent proponent of safe and orderly migration urges the Indian Ocean countries to form a unified voice to break the shackles of unusual political puzzles,” Shahriar said.
Read: E-passport service at Toronto mission soon: Shahriar
He said the challenges created by Covid-19, concerns over future pandemics, supply chain over-dependencies, mobility disruptions – have all brought to the fore new challenges of an interconnected world. They have also focused our attention on building capacities at home.
“To make our efforts stronger, there’s no alternative to sharing and collaborating our experiences and expertise,” Shahriar said.
The pandemic is a global phenomenon; therefore, he said it necessitates coordinated global response.
The State Minister mentioned that Bangladesh Parliament declared climate change to be a “planetary emergency” and called on the world to work “on a war footing” to combat it and reduce its impacts.
“We’ve formed Bangladesh Climate Change Resilience Fund (BCCRF) for climate change adaptation, mitigation and disaster risk reduction. We’re going to implement the ‘Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan’ to achieve low carbon economic growth for optimized prosperity and partnership,” he said.
The State Minister said the time has come to go for a sustainable approach and nature-based solution for coastal risk reduction.” It would be a great measure to combat the uncertain climate change.”
Bangladesh, India embassies in Tokyo to jointly celebrate 50 yrs of friendship
The Embassies of Bangladesh and India in Tokyo will jointly celebrate 50 years of Bangladesh-India Friendship.
Maitri Diwas or Friendship Day will be celebrated in a befitting manner on Monday.
Read:Thailand eyes FTA; shipping routes with Bangladesh
All the preparations and formalities have been completed to make the event a success, said a media release.
Japanese Members of Parliament, high-ranking government officials, along with captains of industry and friends from cultural world, media and social organizations from Japan will participate in the event.