Foreign-Affairs
Bangladesh flags flutter proudly at iconic Commonwealth Bridge in Canberra
The 50th anniversary of Victory Day was celebrated in Canberra beside the iconic Commonwealth Bridge on Thursday.
Thirty-two flag poles on both sides of the Bridge were decorated with the national flags of Bangladesh and a specially designed banner on the celebration of golden jubilee.
The flags and banners will be on display for seven days.
Also read: Bullets couldn’t wipe out Bangabandhu’s ideals: Kovind
The morning event organised beside an open park next to the Commonwealth Bridge and was attended by hundreds of members from the Bangladeshi expatriates.
People did neither accept nor like sanctions on RAB: Momen to Blinken
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has conveyed to US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken that the people of Bangladesh did neither accept nor like the designated sanctions imposed on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and its some of the present and former officials.
“I shared the spirit of the country’s people. They (people of Bangladesh) didn’t accept it. They didn’t like it,” he told reporters at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy while responding to a question on his recent telephone conversation with the US Secretary of State.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Secretary (East) Mashfee Binte Shams and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran, among others, were present at the media briefing on Indian President Ram Nath Kovind's ongoing three-day state visit to Bangladesh.
Earlier, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said Secretary Blinken reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with Bangladesh on development, economic growth, and security.
"The two leaders discussed the importance of human rights and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address shared global challenges," said the Spokesperson.
Also read: Blinken calls up FM Momen; discusses bilateral issues
Dr Momen explained why the people of the country did not accept it, noting that the two countries have around 50 years of trusted friendship.
“We discussed all the issues through a number of dialogue platforms. We resolved all issues with our neighbours through discussions. Naturally, we had an expectation that you would inform us beforehand in the case of taking any decision. We didn’t like it,” said the Foreign Minister what he conveyed to his US counterpart.
Dr Momen described RAB as a “very disciplined force free from corruption” and said RAB is working very efficiently as the US has taken a number of initiatives globally against terrorism, human trafficking, crimes and war against drugs.
He said no terrorist attacks took place in Bangladesh after the Holey Artisan incident due to RAB’s efficient handling of the issues.
Also read: Efforts on to change Washington’s decision of sanctions: FM Momen
“People have a lot of confidence in RAB,” Dr Momen said, adding that neither side did talk about withdrawal of the sanctions but laid emphasis on discussions.
In reply, the US Secretary of State said they will discuss as there are scopes for working together in many areas like human rights, democracy, peacekeeping and climate change, said the Foreign Minister.
“I told him that we’re a democratic country,” Dr Momen said, adding that Bangladesh gives much importance on strengthening democracy and addressing human rights issues as the country has a good reputation worldwide.
The Foreign Minister said there are many ongoing dialogue mechanisms between the two countries and suggested the US Secretary of State to call if there are any problems and they are likely to have a meeting in Washington in the coming Spring.
“He was very positive, I should say, the way he responded to us. We’ve a good rapport I should say,” Dr Momen said.
The US Secretary of State made a phone call to Dr Momen on Wednesday evening and discussed issues of mutual interests.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Victory of Bangladesh, the US Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Dr Momen spoke over phone at length.
"Both renewed the resolve to take forward the relationship further. They also agreed to increased engagement while celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral relationship,” the State Minister tweeted.
Earlier, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller was summoned by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Saturday to convey Dhaka’s “discontent” over the designated sanctions imposed by the US Departments of Treasury and of State on some of the present and former officials of the RAB.
Foreign Secretary Momen expressed Bangladesh’s disappointment that the decision was taken "unilaterally" by the US Administration without any prior consultation with the Government of Bangladesh.
He flagged that the issues that were cited for imposing the designated sanctions remained under active discussions, including under the framework of the regular institutional dialogues between the two sides, and that yet the US decision came without any prior intimation.
The Foreign Secretary regretted that the US decided to undermine an agency of the government that had been on the forefront of combating terrorism, drug trafficking and other heinous transnational crimes that were considered to be shared priorities withU successive US administrations.
Ambassador Miller took note of the concerns raised by the Government of Bangladesh, and assured of conveying the same to his Capital, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He concurred that the excellent multifaceted relations between two countries could be further deepened through established consultation mechanisms and high level visits.
Ambassador Miller further expressed the willingness of the US Government to remain closely engaged with the Government of Bangladesh in the coming days on issues of mutual interest.
Indian Foreign Minister extends greetings on Bangladesh's 51st Victory Day
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has extended warmest congratulations to his Bangladeshi counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen, the government and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the country's 51st Victory Day.
"The valiant fight of people of Bangladesh led by Bangabandhu (Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) against oppression and genocide will always inspire us," he tweeted.
Bangladesh to get defence items from India soon under $500mn LoC
Bangladesh will soon get some defence items from India under US$ 500 million line of credit (LoC) that had been extended to Bangladesh for purchasing defence equipment.
“I’m told that under this Line of Credit several items have been identified and fast-tracked. They are fairly in advance stages of the process,” said Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla while responding to a question at a media briefing at a city hotel on Wednesday night.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami conducted the briefing that highlighted various aspects of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind’s first day engagement in Dhaka.
Joint Secretary (Bangladesh-Myanmar) at the Ministry of External Affairs Smita Pant and Director Rajesh Uike were, among others, present.
Shringla, who served in Dhaka as India’s High Commissioner, said they will see some defence items being exported and coming to Bangladesh. “This is something we would like to see.”
The Foreign Secretary also highlighted the potential of joint manufacturing in the defence sector which is also something they want to see enhanced.
The US$ 500-million Line of Credit was first announced by India during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to New Delhi in 2017.
Responding to a question, Shringla said they do not look at their relationship with Bangladesh in the prism of a third country and preferred not to comment on any issue that involves any third country.
“We deal with each other on a bilateral basis. We’re close friends. We’re neighbours. We cooperate in a wide range of areas. I hesitate to speak about what third countries are doing,” he said.
The Indian Foreign Secretary said Bangladesh and India have reached the high point of a relationship.
UN lauds Bangladesh’s massive successes as it celebrates Victory Day
The UN family in Bangladesh has appreciated Bangladesh’s growth saying that the UN is committed to supporting the government in every step towards achieving ambitious goals ahead as the country is set to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its independence on Thursday.
“Alongside the distress and turmoil that this journey has entailed, there have been massive successes,” said the heads of UN agencies in Dhaka in a joint message to Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
On the momentous occasion of this anniversary, they conveyed their heartfelt congratulations and commitment of support to the government and the people of Bangladesh.
They said Bangladesh has traversed a long and difficult path from new nationhood devastated by war and famine, to its “undeniable influence” as a UN member state at the threshold of LDC graduation, providing shelter to 900,000 Rohingya refugees.
“Bangladesh's achievements in human development -- especially in maternal and child mortality, immunisation, school enrollment and other social indicators even at relatively lower levels of per capita income made the country an example for other countries to emulate,” reads the message that came from the UN Resident Coordinator’s office in Dhaka.
The UN officials said this was well-recognized in the context of the Millennium Development Goals.
Read: Bangladesh set to celebrate 51st Victory Day Thursday
“Subsequent achievements in sustained growth and poverty alleviation have brought the country to the point of graduating out of LDC status. Bangladesh has also emerged as an example to emulate in the area of disaster risk management.”
The UN has been a partner of the government and the people of Bangladesh for five decades now. Starting with UNHCR in 1971, 22 UN agencies now have operations in the country.
Bangladesh too has been an active member state in the UN since 1974 and has shaped the UN's development and peace operations.
Bangladesh was vocal in shaping the 2030 Agenda and the sustainable development goals. It was one of the early supporters of the UN Development System Reforms and contributed to the Special Purpose Trust Fund for the Resident Coordinator system.
“It has been a vocal advocate for multilateralism, climate justice and LDCs. Bangladesh sponsored the Culture of Peace resolution that was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1999. It is now among the largest troop contributors to the UN's peacekeeping missions,” reads the message.
The UN agencies said on the eve of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence, as a partner of 50 years, the UN family in Bangladesh celebrate with Bangladesh the achievements of the nation, and honor the legacy of sacrifices that brought the country where it is today.
Read: UN lauds Bangladesh's peacekeepers
“The path ahead is long and difficult - the country must recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, achieve the 2030 Agenda leaving not one person in Bangladesh behind, enhance gender equality, end poverty and become a developed nation,” the message reads.
The UN in Bangladesh is “committed to supporting” the government of Bangladesh to achieve these ambitious goals.
“This commitment is embodied in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2022-2026 which we co-signed with the government in November this year,” said the heads of the UN agencies in Bangladesh.
The signatories of the joint message are Tuomo Poutiainen UN Resident Coordinator and ILO Country Director, Sudipto Mukerjee, UNDP Resident Representative, Robert Simpson, FAO Representative, Fathima Nusrath Ghazzali, IOM Chief of Mission, Deanna Calden Beatrice Kaldun, UNESCO Representative, Eiko Narita, UNFPA Representative, Johannes van der Klaauw, UNHCR Representative, Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative, Richard Ragan, WFP Representative, Dr. Bardan Jung Rana, WHO Representative, Gitanjali Singh, UN Women Head of Office, Amoud Hameleers, IFAD Country Program Director, Zaki Uz Zaman, UNIDO Representative, Dr Saima Khan, UNAIDS Country Manager, Stefan Kohler, UNOPS Country Manager, Jesmul Hasan, UNCDF Country Focal Point and Shah Mohammad Naheeaan, UNODC Officer-in-Charge.
Blinken calls up FM Momen; discusses bilateral issues
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a phone call to Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday evening and discussed issues of mutual interests.
The two sides discussed bilateral issues and areas of cooperation between the two countries.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam said on the eve of 50th anniversary of the Victory of Bangladesh, the US Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Dr Momen spoke over phone at a length.
“Both renewed the resolve to take forward the relationship further. They also agreed to increased engagement while celebrating 50th anniversary of bilateral relationship,” the State Minister tweeted.
US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with Bangladesh on development, economic growth, and security.
"The two leaders discussed the importance of human rights and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address shared global challenges," said the Spokesperson.
Though details could not be known, the Foreign Minister is scheduled to brief the media on Thursday afternoon, highlighting the Indian President’s state visit.
Read: Efforts on to change Washington’s decision of sanctions: FM Momen
He is expected to share more on the telephone conversation with Blinken.
Earlier, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller was summoned by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Saturday to convey Dhaka’s “discontent” over the designated sanctions imposed by the US Departments of Treasury and of State on some of the present and former officials of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
Foreign Secretary Momen expressed Bangladesh’s disappointment that the decision was taken "unilaterally" by the US Administration without any prior consultation with the Government of Bangladesh.
He flagged that the issues that were cited for imposing the designated sanctions remained under active discussions, including under the framework of the regular institutional dialogues between the two sides, and that yet the US decision came without any prior intimation.
The Foreign Secretary regretted that the US decided to undermine an agency of the government that had been on the forefront of combating terrorism, drug trafficking and other heinous transnational crimes that were considered to be shared priorities withU successive US administrations.
Read: Sanctions on RAB: FM says impact on relations depends on US
Ambassador Miller took note of the concerns raised by the Government of Bangladesh, and assured of conveying the same to his Capital, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He concurred that the excellent multifaceted relations between two countries could be further deepened through established consultation mechanisms and high level visits.
Ambassador Miller further expressed the willingness of the US Government to remain closely engaged with the Government of Bangladesh in the coming days on issues of mutual interest.
Joy denounces Jamaat's depravity and connivance with Pakistan during Liberation War
Bangabandhu's grandson Sajeeb Wazed Joy came down heavily on Jamaat-e-Islami for its wartime brutalities and conspiracies geared towards strengthening the footing of Pakistan and wiping out the dream of freedom cherished by Bangladeshis.
In a Facebook post from his verified account on Wednesday, he mentioned multiple anti-liberation activities Jamaat engaged in.
Read:Sajeeb Wazed Joy pays tributes to martyred intellectuals
"As the Liberation War was drawing towards the end, the victory of the Bengali nation seemed to be a foregone conclusion. When the world was vocal against the atrocities committed by Pakistanis and in favor of freedom sought by Bengalis, Pakistanis hatched one last conspiracy," he added.
Joy said, "They took the initiative to take some Jamaat leaders to the UN council as the representatives of Bengalis. Their purpose was to resist the final victory of Bangladesh."
"When freedom fighters shook the footing of the Pakistani junta in November of 1971, Jamaat spokesperson and Muslim League leader Shah Azizur Rahman resorted to the UN to speak in favor of the Pakistani junta and against Bengalis. They lashed out at the freedom fighters without reservation," he wrote.
"Posing as a Bengali leader of Pakistan's political party, Shah Aziz denied the mass killing conducted by the armed forces of Pakistan in Bangladesh. Later, Ziaur Rahman, after grabbing the state power, made this person the prime minister," he added.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, also the son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, heavily criticized former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for entrusting war criminals with the charge of ministries.
"Armed Al-Badr and Al-Shams, made by Niazi, assisted Pakistani soldiers on the warfield. They were led by Ghulam Azam, Shah Aziz, Nizami, Mojaheed, and other top leaders of Jamaat and Shibir. Long after the independence of Bangladesh, Khaleda offered the charge of ministries to these commanders of rapists and killers after forming the government," Joy further said.
Condemning the conspiracies and strategic moves of Pakistanis during the Liberation War of Bangladesh, he said as the Liberation War was drawing towards the end, the victory of the Bengali nation seemed to be a foregone conclusion.
Read:Khaleda Zia gave posthumous award to Bangabandhu's killer: Joy
"When the world was vocal against the atrocities committed by Pakistanis and in favor of freedom sought by Bengalis, Pakistanis hatched one last conspiracy. They took the initiative to take some Jamaat leaders to the UN council as the representatives of Bengalis. Their purpose was to resist the final victory of Bangladesh."
"The US security apparatus became active to implement the conspiracy of Pakistanis. That is why they formed a right-wing sphere with Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad, Taheruddin Thakur, and Mahbub Alam Chashi. Their target was to resist the defeat of Pakistanis in the Liberation War and wipe out the dream of freedom of Bangladeshis and then form a confederation state with Pakistan. This secret plan was leaked and thus couldn't be carried forward. But that didn't stop Jamaat. They left no stone unturned to bury the desire of Bangladeshis for freedom," he went on saying.
Dhaka, Delhi eye more achievements through joint efforts with solid stability
Bangladesh and India want to achieve more through mutual cooperation and discussions giving the people of the two countries more benefits in the next 50 years with solid stability in the entire region.
“Good relations between Bangladesh and India are an example for other countries. In the next 50 years, we hope to reach our higher development goals by mutually helping each other,” Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told reporters after his meeting with visiting Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday.
During his meeting with the Indian President, Momen discussed bilateral issues and both sides reiterated their wish to further consolidate the existing friendly ties between the two countries.
Read:Gifts from President: What Kovind brings for Hasina!
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were also present at the meeting with Kovind.
Momen apprised him of the excellent progress in bilateral cooperation and of future joint projects, including in the area of connectivity.
While talking to reporters, the state minister said the continued cooperation between the two countries established peace and stability in the region and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conveyed to the Indian President that this cooperation will go a long way.
He said the two countries resolved many issues while pending issues will be resolved through discussions.
Shahriar said the prime minister conveyed to the Indian President that Bangladesh does not treat anybody as a minority rather everyone enjoys equal rights in the country.
Gifts from President: What Kovind brings for Hasina!
Visiting Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has brought cakes, sweetmeats and biscuits specially made at Rashtrapati Bhavan for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
President Kovind also shared his delight over mangoes sent by Prime Minister Hasina and said those were “very sweet and tasty.”
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam said this mentioning that the Prime Minister gladly received the sweetmeats, cakes and biscuits from the Indian President.
Read:Indian President pays homage to Bangabandhu
India’s leading media widely reported on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's gift of sweet Haribhanga mango that had been sent to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders in India in July this year.
Some of the Indian media described the gift as “mango diplomacy” while Dhaka says it is just sharing happiness with friends and neighbours in this historic year.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen met the Indian President on Wednesday. This is the Indian President’s first visit to Bangladesh.
At the invitation of President Abdul Hamid, the Indian President will attend the 50th Victory Day celebrations of Bangladesh, closing ceremony of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations on Thursday.
Indian President pays homage to Bangabandhu
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, the place which bears the testimony to the life and work of Bangabandhu.
Bangabandhu’s daughter Sheikh Rehana accompanied President Kovind to visit the museum at Dhanmondi 32.
He signed the visitors' book kept there after paying respect to Bangabandhu.
Rehana also presented Kovind with a set of books.
Read:Gifts from President: What Kovind brings for Hasina!
Earlier, President Kovind visited the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar and placed wreathes there, paying tributes to the brave hearts of the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
He arrived here on a three-day State visit as a “unique example” of the existing good relations between the two neighbouring countries.