Foreign-Affairs
Maritime connectivity: Maldives to establish direct shipping line with Chattogram
Bangladesh and the Maldives have agreed to establish a direct shipping line with Chattogram as Malé is keen to enhance connectivity and bilateral trade between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen discussed the issue when they had a meeting with visiting Vice President of the Maldives Faisal Naseem at a city hotel on Monday evening.
The Vice President of the Maldives is accompanied by two Cabinet Ministers and the Foreign Secretary of the Maldives.
The Bangladesh Foreign Minister was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also read: It’s enlightening to learn about Bangabandhu’s life: Maldives VP
Dr Momen assured the Maldives of extending necessary assistance in providing medical education, training and skill development in various areas of the Maldives.
He stated that Bangladeshi expatriate workers in the Maldives are diligently contributing to the host economy.
The Maldives side expressed keen interest to recruit specialized professionals and medical doctors from Bangladesh.
Both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, discussed ways and means for further strengthening cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues.
Dr Momen stated that Bangladesh attaches high importance to the Maldives which are rooted in shared religion, culture and values.
He recalled that the state visit of the President of the Maldives on the occasion of birth centenary of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh on 17-19 March 2021 had contributed to advancing Bangladesh-Maldives bilateral relations to a great extent.
Dr Momen thanked the government of the Maldives through the Vice President for the gift of 2,00,000 Covid-19 vaccines for the people of Bangladesh.
Also read: Bangladesh looks to export resort wear to Maldives
Earlier, Faisal paid tribute to the memories of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, Dhanmondi, Dhaka with a floral wreath.
Faisal Naseem arrived here on Monday on a three-day official visit.
He is expected to meet President Abdul Hamid and a few cabinet ministers during the visit.
Rajnath visits Delhi mission to pay tribute to country's Armed Forces
On the occasion of Bangladesh's Armed Forces Day, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday visited the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and paid tribute to 1971 Liberation War heroes.
Record keepers said it was perhaps the first time since Indian independence that a defence minister visited a country’s mission in Delhi to pay tribute to that country’s armed forces.
"On behalf of the Armed Forces of India and the Government of India, I congratulate the Armed Forces of Bangladesh on the 50th anniversary and wish them the very best in their endeavour towards peace and security," he said.
The Indian Minister said this year is of "extraordinary significance" for Bangladesh-India relations, as the two countries commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Liberation of Bangladesh, the fifty years of India-Bangladesh diplomatic ties and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangaandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
READ: Rajnath Singh pays tribute to Bangabandhu
"In this momentous time, I salute the valiant struggle of the Muktibahini in the Muktijuddha – War of Liberation - in 1971. Spirit of Muktijuddha forms the core of today’s Armed Forces of Bangladesh," he said.
The Indian Minister also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces, who stood steadfast with their Bangladeshi brothers and sisters during the epic War of Liberation of Bangladesh.
"On this day, I also remember the extraordinary leadership in India, which rose to the occasion against all odds and limitations in 1971, in support of a struggling nation fighting against the injustice and unspeakable atrocities perpetrated by the Pakistani Army."
British PM’s Special Envoy Helen Grant in city to meet girls
British Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Girls Education Helen Grant is now visiting Bangladesh to learn about the experiences of girls and the challenges they have faced in accessing quality education.
Helen, who is here for the first time, will be visiting Sylhet on Tuesday as part of her three-day visit.
"I’m here to meet civil society partners, education leaders, and most importantly Bangladeshi women and girls to learn about their experiences and the challenges they’ve faced in accessing quality education," Helen tweeted.
Also read: Inclusive politics essential for every country’s prosperity: British Minister
S Korea to provide $ 100mn loan to help Bangladesh’s economic recovery
The government of South Korea has approved US$ 100 million in concessional loan from Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) to help the recovery of Bangladesh’s economy hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The new concessional loan of US$ 100 million will be used to implement several projects aimed at advancing public finance management system and improving small and medium-sized businesses struggling from the repercussion of the pandemic.
The amount would be released as soon as the loan agreement is signed between the Korea EXIM Bank and the Bangladesh Government which is expected to be done within the year.
Also read: Korea promotes young entrepreneurs’ development through business curriculum at universities
EDCF is a Korea’s development financing program for assisting the socio-economic development of developing countries.
The Republic of Korea has already provided US$ 50 million of EDCF loan as budgetary support in December 2020 to to help Bangladesh’s efforts for fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the second provision of this type of concessional loan.
It will be the first EDCF loan to be implemented under the new EDCF Framework Agreement for the years 2021 through 2025 which was signed between the two Governments on 24 October 2021, said the South Korean Embassy in Dhaka on Monday.
Also read: S Korean envoy Lee for diversifying collaboration with Bangladesh
According to the agreement, the Korean government will provide up to US$ 700 million of concessional loans to the government of Bangladesh for the five year period.
Bangladesh is the second largest recipient of the EDCF loans worldwide in aggregate amount.
So far, the Republic of Korea has funded 24 development projects of Bangladesh with total amount of USD$ 1.2 billion US dollars through the EDCF.
EU envoy hosts special school children at his residence
Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Monday hosted special children with different abilities at his residence and enjoyed their cultural performances putting emphasis on their inclusion in society.
A new book titled “Amar Nam Runa” (My Name is Runa) was also launched at the event and reading of the book is expected to lead to more inclusive and open society.
The book tells the real life story of Runa depicting how she grew up and what are the difficulties she faced and what is the current way of living life for her.
Also read: Will follow next polls very closely amid Bangladesh’s growing importance globally: EU
“The book is about the life experience of a girl with disabilities and of appeal for new school building,” said EU Ambassador Whiteley.
It’s enlightening to learn about Bangabandhu’s life: Maldives VP
Visiting Vice President of the Maldives Faisal Naseem on Monday visited Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“It was enlightening to learn about the life and deeds of Bangabandhu, whose selfless efforts paved the way for the country to become an independent nation,” he said
The Vice President of the Maldives signed the visitors’ book after placing a floral wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
Read:UNSDCF to contribute to more resilient recovery, achieving 2030 Agenda
He was accompanied by Maldives Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed and Maldives High Commissioner to Bangladesh Shiruzimath Sameer.
UNSDCF to contribute to more resilient recovery, achieving 2030 Agenda
The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026 was launched Sunday to contribute to a more resilient recovery from the pandemic and to the acceleration towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.
The UNSDCF was launched by the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office.
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal and Planning Minister MA Mannan attended the online launch event.
The finance minister said the UN has been Bangladesh's longstanding and trusted partner since the country's independence and significantly contributed to its overall development achievements.
The planning minister said: "We are about to graduate out of least developed countries (LDC) status. It is our responsibility to ensure that at the threshold of graduation – as a developing country, and one that is aiming to become a developed country by 2041 – that the benefits of development are shared equitably."
Maldives Vice President due Monday
Faisal Naseem, Vice President of the Republic of Maldives, is scheduled to arrive here on Monday on a three-day official visit to take forward the bilateral relations and discuss potential areas of cooperation.
Cooperation in the areas of health, education, manpower export will be discussed during his visit apart from other bilateral issues.
Asked whether the Vice President will meet President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a diplomat told UNB that they are working on it.
Read: Bangladesh looks to export resort wear to Maldives
The Vice President is likely to have meetings with a number of Ministers, including Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni.
Dr Momen will receive the Vice President of the Maldives upon his arrival around 9:15am, said a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Vice President would be accompanied by, among others, two Cabinet Ministers and the Foreign Secretary of the Maldives.
Read: Maldives govt comes down heavily on “India Out” slogan, reaffirms ties with Delhi
Faisal Naseem was sworn into office on 17 November 2018 for a 5-year term.
Earlier, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih visited Bangladesh in March and joined Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's birth centenary celebrations and Bangladesh's Golden Jubilee of independence.
Young generation to forge greater Bangladesh-Japan cultural ties: Envoy
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has expressed his hope that the young generation will forge a greater Bangladesh-Japan cultural relationship as the two countries will celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic relations next year.
Ambassador Naoki took part in the cosplay competition as a judge and interacted with many anime fans. He thanked the AnimeCon Dhaka team for organizing this year’s event.
Read: Myanmar to take back Rohingyas gradually, hopes Foreign Minister
Torrential rain claims 17 lives in India
At least 17 people have died and over 100 others washed away in flash floods triggered by heavy showers in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, officials said Saturday.
The worst affected are Kadapa district and the temple town of Tirupati.
"Of the 17 deceased, eight were killed in Kadapa after two state-run buses were swept away in the gushing waters when the Annamayya dam breached Friday," a senior disaster management official said.
READ: Container train service with Bangladesh to boost trade ties: India
"Though 20 passengers were rescued after a day-long operation, some 50 others are still missing. The rescue operations are on," the official told the media.
Local TV channels beamed footage of hundreds of pilgrims stranded in floods in the temple town of Tirupati. Similarly, in Chittoor district, at least four people were killed in flash floods.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has carrying out relief and rescue operations in collaboration with the local police since Friday afternoon. Choppers have been pressed into action in the most-affected areas, officials said.
READ: 10 Bangladeshis return home after serving 2 yrs jail in India
Last month, as many as 23 people were killed in flash floods and landslides caused by heavy post-monsoon showers in the northern state of Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand and the southern states of Kerala and Andhra Pradesh have been witnessing the heaviest post-monsoon showers this year. In Kerala, at least 28 people died in October.