Foreign-Affairs
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.
Cyber security issues dominate US-Bangladesh meet
Top Bangladeshi and US officials argy-bargied over issues like IT and cyber security during the week-long discussions in Washington DC.
Issues like digital economy partnership, global village, protection of technology, parallel policies, infrastructure and altered technology were also discussed at theUS-Bangladesh ICT Consultation meeting held from November 14-19.
The meeting with officials of the US Commerce Department was fruitful, said Hasanul Haque, head of the Bangladeshi delegation.
READ: Huawei renews cyber security cooperation MoU with Indonesia
"Discussions on what we need to do now to establish the freedom of speech on the internet as well as the security of individuals, society and the state were made," he said.
"From this we got a clear idea about the role of stakeholders and the responsibility of the state. Besides, we've got some guidelines to ensure the safety of the inhabitants of the global village and their equal opportunity in the digital economy."
In the global context of the fourth industrial revolution, the Data Privacy Act, cross-border e-commerce trade policy, coordination among different ministries in national security, advance security technology, security ranking of different countries, public-private partnerships and digital trade agreements between different countries; above all, necessary policy, law, infrastructure and technical security issues for Bangladesh came up in the meeting.
E-Cab General Secretary Abdul Wahed Tamal said that senior officials of several organisations working on cyber security and trade policy with the US Department of Commerce and representatives of various organisations, including Google, Facebook, Visa and MasterCard, discussed the policies with Bangladesh delegation.
"Important discussions were held on various policies for establishing trade relations between the US and Bangladesh, including cyber security, data protection, cross border trade."
On the other hand, Director General of Internet Governance Forum Mohammad Abdul Haq Anu said, "We had a great experience at the meeting."
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"It has become clear to us how information can play a big role in the development of the digital economy in the future, if we can implement information security on our digital infrastructure.
"With this experience Bangladesh will be able to accelerate the development of our cross-border digital commerce and global digital interconnection in our own culture," he said.
In eulogy, S African FM calls Bangabandhu, Mandela great visionary leaders
South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor has paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman termed both Bangabandhu and President Nelson Mandela as great visionary leaders for humanity.
She recognized the unparalleled dedication and sacrifices of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and also highlighted the values and ideals of the Father of the Nation.
Dr Pandor visited Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on Thursday accompanied by officials of the South African Foreign Ministry and South African High Commissioner in India.
The South African Foreign Minister was received by Bir Prateek Lieutenant Col (retd) Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir and the officials of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
Read: Bangladesh bracing for third Covid wave?
The officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present during the visit to the Memorial Museum.
The South African Foreign Minister was briefed about the life and glorious historical role of the Father of the Nation in the national history of Bangladesh and his supreme sacrifice.
Dr Pandor laid a wreath to pay tribute to the memories of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
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She visited the different corners of the museum accompanied by Sajjad Zahir and officials of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
BGMEA chief for exploring cost-effective and eco-friendly dyes, chemicals
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has called on dyes and chemicals manufacturers to explore more cost-effective and eco-friendly dyes, chemicals and technologies for ensuring sustainable textile manufacturing.
He also urged the technicians working in the textile sector to stay updated on the latest technologies so that they can reduce the wastage of chemicals and dyes during the production process.
Read:BGMEA for branding 'Made in Bangladesh'
He made the call while addressing a programme organised on the 25th anniversary of Swiss Colours Bangladesh in Dhaka Wednesday.
Faruque said prices of yarn, chemicals and other raw materials have gone up in the global supply chain, increasing production costs in garment manufacturing.
He requested brands and buyers to increase prices considering the issue.
WTO Ministerial: Bangladesh’s focus should be on transition period extension
While Bangladesh is graduating from LDC, the first and foremost priority for Bangladesh in the upcoming the 12th Ministerial Conference of the WTO should be on the extension of the transition period for 12 years, said BGMEA president Faruque Hassan.
“The LDC group has made a submission to the WTO for extending the timeline for 12 years. A consensus on this proposal will not only help us to sustain the growth momentum but also crucial to build internal capacity,” he said.
Read:BGMEA for branding 'Made in Bangladesh'
He made the remarks while speaking at a webinar on “Upcoming MC 12: Bangladesh’s Expectations and Possible Stance” organized by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) on Thursday.
CPD Chairman Professor Rehman Sobhan presided over the session while Syed Manzur Elahi, Treasurer of the CPD Board of Trustees, Md. Hafizur Rahman, Director General, WTO Cell, Ministry of Commerce, Dr. Nazneen Ahmed, Country Economist, UNDP, Dr Mostafa Abid Khan, former Member, Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, and Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director, CPD attended as panelists. Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow, CPD was the keynote speaker.
In his speech Faruque Hassan said trade competitiveness is going to be crucial in the upcoming days, especially for the graduating LDCs like Bangladesh.
“We have to make use of support programs like UNCDF, LDCF, UN technology bank for LDCs etc. We need to make most use of these options.”
Read: BGMEA, Jetro want to expand Japan-Bangladesh trade
Laying emphasis on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) he said, “While we keep engaging through multilateral trade system, given the rise in regional and bilateral FTAs, it will be very difficult for Bangladesh to cope up with competitors if we cannot make our ways through to that direction.”
Along with exploring potential and emerging markets, in the upcoming days, Bangladesh will have to focus on intra-regional trade block, he added.
The BGMEA President also stressed the need for capacity building for trade negotiation.
“We have to work on our internal capacity building as far as trade negotiation and economic diplomacy is concerned.”
Potential of big Bangladesh, African markets remain unrecognized: S African Minister
South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor has said the great potential of African and Bangladeshi markets still remain unrecognized.
“The potential of Africa has not been recognized yet in Bangladesh. The potential in Bangladesh has not been recognized by the African market,” she said, laying emphasis on greater collaboration as there is much to offer for mutual benefit.
Dr Grace made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending a programme titled “Bangladesh-South Africa Bilateral Relations: Exploring the Potentials for Future Engagement and Cooperation.”
Also read: Don't want to be dominated by any powerful nation: S Africa on IORA
The South African minister said they want to see Bangladesh companies establishing branches in South Africa and in other African countries and more goods to be imported by Bangladesh.
Young people are more likely than older ones to be aware of climate change: Survey
Younger people in Bangladesh are substantially more likely than older people to be aware of climate change, says a new international survey by UNICEF and Gallup released on Thursday ahead of World Children’s Day.
Over 90 per cent of the Bangladeshi children and youth who were aware of the issue also agree on the need for their government to act boldly now.
The findings come from the poll The Changing Childhood Project, the first of its kind to ask multiple generations for their views on the world and what it is like to be a child today.
The poll surveyed more than 21,000 people across two age cohorts (15-24 years old and 40 years old and up) in 21 countries, across all regions and income levels, including Bangladesh.
The survey shows that children and young people are nearly 50 per cent more likely than older people to believe that the world is becoming a better place with each generation, and that childhood has improved, with overwhelming majorities believing that healthcare, education, and physical safety are better for today's children than for their parents' generation.
Yet, despite their optimism, young people are far from naïve, expressing restlessness for action on climate change, skepticism about information they consume on social media, and struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety.
Read: Nearly 240 mn children with disabilities around world: UNICEF
They are far more likely than older people to see themselves as global citizens, and more likely to embrace international cooperation to tackle threats like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There is no shortage of reasons for pessimism in the world today: Climate change, the pandemic, poverty and inequality, rising distrust, and growing nationalism. But here is a reason for optimism: Children and young people refuse to see the world through the bleak lens of adults,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.
“Compared to older generations, the world’s young people remain hopeful, much more globally minded, and determined to make the world a better place. Today’s young people have concerns for the future but see themselves as part of the solution.”
“The voices of Bangladeshi young people on climate action are loud and clear. Young people in Bangladesh are aware of the consequences of climate change, and are more adamant than ever that more needs to be done,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh.
“Their views on the world might differ on some aspects from their peers’ in other countries, but their vision is the same: the need to act now for a better future.”
UK reinforces commitment to deepening of bilateral ties with Bangladesh
UK’s Minister for South Asia, the United Nations and the Commonwealth Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon on Thursday reinforced the UK’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Bangladesh as he left for London concluding his 3-day visit to Bangladesh.
In a busy programme of meetings and visits to places, the Minister reinforced the UK’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Bangladesh across a wide range of issues including trade, security, climate change and the Rohingya crisis.
Lord Ahmad, who is also the UK Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, held meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, as well as with representatives of civil society organisations and the humanitarian sector.
Also read: UK MoS calls on PM, finds common ground on issues
In his meetings, Lord Ahmad discussed the path to Bangladesh’s landmark graduation from Least Developed Country Status, which is due in 2026.
Bangladesh, Somalia to establish cooperation on contract farming
Somalia has agreed to a Bangladesh proposal on joint contract farming in the African country for better use of its huge unutilized cultivable land.
Visiting State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia Balal Mohamed Cusman agreed to the proposal made by Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen when the two met on Wednesday.
Read:South Africa looks for greater collaboration with Bangladesh
Balal Mohamed met Momen on the sidelines of IORA 21st meeting of Council of Ministers and discussed bilateral issues.
Both sides agreed to establish cooperation in education, IT and agriculture sectors as well as develop the existing trade and commerce.
Dr Momen proposed that the agreement on cooperation on avoidance of double taxation may be signed between two countries.
He also sought the support of Somalia on the issue of safe and dignified return of the displaced Rohingya people to their homeland.
The Balal Mohamed sought support of Bangladesh for Somalia contesting for UN Security Council Election in 2025-2026 turn.
He expressed his heartfelt thanks for the warm welcome extended by Bangladesh side to the Somalian delegation during IORA conference.
Read:BGMEA for branding 'Made in Bangladesh'
Foreign Minister Momen informed that Bangladesh is observing the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who dreamt for emancipation of the people across the globe.
He apprised the Somalian State Minister about the extensive vaccination programme of the Bangladesh Government as well as Government plan for coproduction of Covid vaccine to immunize the people.
Momen also apprised him about the development march of Bangladesh and said that Bangladesh is maintaining robust economic growth despite the effect of Covid Pandemic.
He underlined that both countries may cooperate in various areas including agriculture, education and IT &ICT.
The Foreign Minister suggested that Somalian students may choose to study in Bangladesh private Universities as education is being offered in various disciplines.
He also mentioned that Bangladesh has made lot of progress in agricultural research areas as well as agricultural production.
Bangladesh is exporting pharmaceuticals to a large number of countries.
Bangladesh also has acquired expertise in ship building and it is producing ship, burges and boats.
Momen mentioned that Bangladesh has earned expertise in sectors like IT and ICT, agriculture including fisheries and livestock.
He said Bangladesh and Somalia maintain friendly cooperation.
Somalia has been supporting international candidature of Bangladesh.
He sought support of Somalia at the next IMO and Human Rights Councils.
South Africa looks for greater collaboration with Bangladesh
South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor on Thursday laid emphasis on greater collaboration with Bangladesh noting that Bangladesh has an amazing story to tell.
"Bangladesh is well on its way to achieve Sonar Bangla. Bangladesh is now called a development miracle," she said.
Read: Bangladesh explores JV agricultural projects with South Africa
The South African Minister was delivering her speech at a function titled "Bangladesh-South Africa Bilateral Relations: Exploring the Potentials for Future Engagement and Cooperation".
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen spoke as the chief guest at the function organized by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
The African Minister talked about vaccine issue and laid emphasis on equal access to all countries.
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