Foreign-Affairs
Foreign Minister condoles Monjur's death
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has condoled the death of Monjur Ahmed Chowdhury.
Chowdhury, a friend of former Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, passed away at the age of 87 on Thursday in the US, where he had been staying with his sons for many years.
Read: FM mourns loss of lives in Turkey wildfires
"He was a big donor, who had been financially supporting Khurram College in Sylhet for years," said Dr Momen.
Chowdhury was the son-in-law of late Maulvi Abdul Matin Chowdhury, a journalist, a Muslim League leader, and an MLA from Assam (now in India) during the British Raj who had tried to convince Md Ali Jinnah to include Assam in Pakistan, he said.
MoFA observers Sheikh Kamal's 72nd birth anniversary
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Thursday organised a discussion session, highlighting the life and works of Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal marking his 72nd birth anniversary.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen chaired the session while former ambassador Major General (retd) Sayeed Ahmed was the keynote speaker.
Ahmed spoke on the life and achievements of Sheikh Kamal.
As the speech touched on the personal life of Sheikh Kamal, the audience learned about his university life, passion for sports; and initiatives in the sports, culture and politics of Bangladesh.
Member of Parliament Mashrafee Bin Mortaza attended the event as the guest of honour and talked about the legacy of Sheikh Kamal.
Officials of the MoFA and Bangladesh missions abroad attended the session.
Indian sends 30 ambulances to Bangladesh
A total of 30 ambulances, now in Petrapole, will reach Bangladesh soon.
After clearances at Benapole land custom check post, they will leave for Dhaka soon.
The remaining ambulances are expected to arrive in batches by September end, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
Read: Bangladesh shatters its own records; reports 264 single-day Covid deaths
During the state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh on March 26-27, he had announced the gift of 109 Life Support ambulances to the Government of Bangladesh, to further enhance healthcare, especially in the shared effort to contain the Covid-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.
New Delhi mission pays homage to Sheikh Kamal
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Thursday paid homage to valiant freedom fighter Captain Sheikh Kamal on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
Capt. Sheikh Kamal was assassinated along with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most members of his family on the brutal night of August 15 in 1975.
The 72nd birth anniversary of Sheikh Kamal was observed with due solemnity through holding of discussion and placing wreaths at his portraits at Bangabandhu Corner at the chancery building.
Read: Sheikh Kamal’s birthday: PM releases postage stamp
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran led the officers and staff of the mission in laying the wreaths.
IDB, Bloomberg launch financial education programme in 9 countries including Bangladesh
The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and Bloomberg LP will work together to deliver a financial education programme for university students in nine countries in Asia and Africa.
The nine IDB member countries involved in the programme are Bangladesh, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan.
The IDB and Bloomberg will announce participating universities over the coming months.
Read UAE becomes world’s most vaccinated nation against COVID-19: Bloomberg's Vaccine Tracker
The programme will leverage the Bloomberg Terminal to support the growth of the Islamic finance sector and empower students in leading universities with the financial skills needed to excel in the professional world.
The programme will equip the next generation of leaders in sectors with the foundational principles of financial markets. By delivering practical real-world experiences, training will enable students to build competencies and transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers.
It is also designed to support the long-term growth of the Islamic finance industry through specialised training on market infrastructure and areas like transparency, connectivity and compliance across central banks and regulators.
Read: Financial support to vulnerable countries must for effective climate adaptation: Shahab
Bangladesh to receive 34 lakh Sinopharm vaccine doses next week: FM
Bangladesh will receive another consignment of 34 lakh doses of Sinopharm vaccine next week while 60 lakh doses of Pfizer vaccine in the first week of September, said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday.
Apart from that, Bangladesh will also receive 10 lakh doses of AstraZeneca vaccine soon which is likely to come under the COVAX facility, he said.
“We’ve lined up well. We think we’re on the right track,” he told reporters at State guesthouse Padma after attending a function there.
Referring to the Health Ministry, Dr Momen said Bangladesh has a stock of 1.23 crore vaccine doses and some of the doses (AstraZeneca) will be kept for the second dose.
Read: No movement without vaccine will be allowed after Aug. 11: Minister
On coproduction of vaccine, he said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on coproduction of Sinopharm vaccine in Bangladesh will be signed at any moment.
The Law Ministry has already cleared it after vetting and it will be signed at any moment, said the Foreign Minister adding that “Everything is final.”
Dr Momen said the coproduction of vaccine doses in Bangladesh is essential. “I want the start of coproduction.”
Earlier, he said the MoU is with the Health Ministry and the Health Ministry should dispose of it very quickly.
Read: Vaccine coproduction deal with Sinopharm ready for signing: FM
Dr Momen said the government of Bangladesh, Sinopharm and a local company (Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd) will sign the agreement.
Incepta will bring in bulk and bottling, labeling and finishing of the vaccine will be done locally making the price relatively very cheap.
Asked whether there is any shift from the government plan to vaccinate 1 crore people each week, Dr Momen said it is their target as per the Health Ministry and hoped to vaccinate 8 crore people within two months.
UK becomes Dialogue Partner of ASEAN
The UK has agreed a new partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The partnership, which is the first ASEAN has agreed in 25 years, will lead to closer cooperation between the UK and the region on a range of issues such as trade, investment, climate change, the environment, science and technology, and education.
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will join a virtual ceremony with ASEAN Foreign Ministers where they will welcome the UK as an ASEAN ‘Dialogue Partner’.
Also read: Bangladesh keen to expand ties with Asean countries: FS
Since the UK submitted its application to become a Dialogue Partner in June 2020, the Foreign Secretary has attended two UK-ASEAN Ministerial Meetings and hosted the ASEAN Chair at the G7 Foreign & Development Ministers meeting in May.
ASEAN is an influential group of ten member countries in the Indo-Pacific.
By becoming a Dialogue Partner the UK will formalise its relations with the group - including through attending annual Foreign and Economic Ministers meetings along with other Ministerial engagements.
Dialogue Partner status puts the UK at the heart of the Indo-Pacific.
The UK will work with ASEAN and its members on key shared challenges such as maritime security and transnational crime, boost our economies through trade, and strengthen our cooperation on issues such COVID-19 and climate change.
Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab said: “I am delighted that the UK has, today, formally become a Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc – the first new country in 25 years.”
“This is a landmark moment in the UK’s tilt towards the Indo Pacific. Our closer ties with ASEAN will help create green jobs, reinforce our security cooperation, promote tech and science partnerships, and safeguard key pillars of international law like the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
The new agreement will also help the UK to deepen economic links with ASEAN, which has a combined GDP of $3.2 trillion.
Total trade between the UK and ASEAN was £32.3 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2021 with huge potential to boost this trade, creating jobs at home.
International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss said this is great news and shows Global Britain in action, forging stronger relationships around the world as an independent trading nation.
Also read: Greater efforts sought from envoys to enhance trade with Asean
"Along with CPTPP accession and deals with countries like Singapore and Vietnam, this will help unlock opportunities for British businesses in a high-growth region of more than 650 million people, allowing them to expand and create jobs across the UK.
Facebook to launch mobile upskilling prog for Bangladeshi journalists
Facebook Journalism Project has partnered with the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR) and Center for Communication Action Bangladesh (C-CAB) to upskill over 1,000 journalists.
The programme, Facebook Fundamentals for News, will be delivered completely digitally via BigSpring, mobile skilling platform partner.
Read:Bangladesh to launch ‘Jogajog’ as alternative to Facebook, says Palak The mobile curriculum, available in both English and Bangla, includes skills on online safety, best practices on Facebook, and how to best leverage video on the platform. The programme can be accessed via mobile and web. "We are committed to supporting quality journalism and providing tools and training to journalists globally," said Anjali Kapoor, Director of News Partnerships, Facebook Asia Pacific.
“This partnership was developed after speaking with the news community and our partners in APAC who had identified the need to support the region’s journalists with foundational skills so they can use Facebook more effectively. We hope that this program can help journalists to adapt digitally, and create more informed and engaged communities across the news ecosystem.” Zain Mahmood, Executive Director at Center for Communication Action Bangladesh explained, “We welcome the support of Facebook to bring a curriculum that can help improve the social media skills of our journalists and strengthen the foundation of reporting across the country. "
"The fact that we can make this available via a mobile platform, through BigSpring’s technology, ensures that the program can reach more journalists across the country more rapidly. The impact of this program starts today.”
Read: Over 11 mn Bangladeshis sign up as blood donors on Facebook Dilrukshi Handunetti, Executive Director of Center for Investigative Reporting said this collaboration provides the opportunity for them to nurture the next generation of journalists, and equip them with best practices of working across platforms and new ways of storytelling.
"It will enable us to support the work of local journalists and newsrooms as they tell in-depth and ground-breaking stories that engage and empower communities.” Bhakti Vithalani, the Founder and CEO of BigSpring said they are delighted to provide the mobile platform that puts digital skills into the hands of journalists in Bangladesh.
"BigSpring’s platform enables users to access bite-sized content and engage in learning communities to gain skills proficiency. Our mobile-first, multilingual platform provides easy access and ensures journalists in Bangladesh can continue their important work. We are proud to be a partner in this endeavour.”
Read: Facebook to end rule exemptions for politicians Journalists can register for this program using iOS and Android phones.
The curriculum follows Facebook Journalism Project’s commitment to Bangladeshi journalists, which also includes other training programs, such as the recent launch of Reuters Digital Journalism Course to enhance reporting skills.
India for implementing MoU with Bangladesh in disaster management
India has laid emphasis on implementation of the recently concluded memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh in the field of disaster management, resilience and mitigation on a priority basis.
“We must implement the recently-concluded MoU in the field of disaster management, resilience and mitigation on a priority basis,” said Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in a letter sent to his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen.
Bangladesh and India signed a number of MoUs to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including disaster management, resilience, and mitigation during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh in March this year.
In the letter, Dr Jaishankar expressed confidence that these mechanisms will help the two countries remain better prepared to face such challenges in the future.
Read Also: Thai visa processing getting easier, quicker: Envoy
“We’re glad that Bangladesh has decided to accept our invitation to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure,” said the Indian External Affairs Minister.
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is a partnership of national governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, and knowledge institutions that aims to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks in support of sustainable development.
The United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Argentina and Brazil are among the members of the initiative.
Dr Momen rightly pointed out that the entire world, in particular the South Asian region, is witnessing frequent climate related disasters, mentioned Dr Jaishankar in his letter.
Read: 50 Years of Friendship: Bangladesh Mission, ICCR jointly host cultural prog in Delhi
The Indian External Affairs Minister also stated that capacity building, learning from each other’s best practices as well as extending support to each other is the need of the hour, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.
Also read: Bangladesh, India partners in development: Riva
Dr Jaishankar thanked Dr Momen for his condolence letter for the people who lost their lives in the recent floods in Maharashtra.
Bangladesh holds hidden gems for investors: HSBC
HSBC has described Bangladesh as "hidden gems" for investors, noting that Bangladesh has grown into one of Asia’s fastest growing economies with a very exciting long-term demographic story 50 years after its independence.
"Bangladesh stock market deserves more attention as it holds opportunities for investors looking for diversification and ‘hidden gems'," said Devendra Joshi, ASEAN and Frontier Markets Equity Strategist, HSBC Global Research.
Joshi shared this with its clients and stakeholders at a virtual session, Bangladesh Market Insights 2021: Consumption Propelling Growth, on Wednesday.
“Bangladesh is on a similar growth trajectory to Vietnam. In fact, its stock market is where this ASEAN nation was five years ago, and it is well placed to start closing the gap,” Joshi explained.
Bangladesh’s economic growth exceeded 7% for four years in a row before the pandemic, while its population grows at a fast pace with around 165m Bangladeshis.
“We think the country is on the cusp of an industrial revolution as incomes rise and technology plays an ever-increasing role in the economy. Urbanisation, smaller households and more women at work are powerful consumption drivers that support high levels of growth,” Joshi added.
Read: Bangladesh seeks US investment for regional power distribution
Bangladesh also has a sound macro position and a robust external balance sheet with low external debt and high FX reserve coverage.
Its foreign direct investment (FDI) remains low but is expected to improve as it moves up the value-added ladder fast.
While Bangladesh is one of the cheapest places to manufacture goods in Asia, it will need to diversify away from garments.
In terms of ease of doing business, Bangladesh still lags Vietnam but is making efforts to improve.
Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister attended the session as the chief guest and Md Jashim Uddin, President, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) attended as special guest.
Sandeep Uppal, Global Co-Head of International Subsidiary Banking, Commercial Banking, HSBC, Md. Mahbub ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bangladesh, Kevin Green, Country Head of Wholesale Banking, HSBC Bangladesh also spoke in attendance alongside key members of the business community, regulatory bodies and representatives from state-owned enterprises.
A Q&A-session was also moderated by Md Mahbub ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bangladesh with questions answered by Devendra and Dr Ahmad Kaikaus.
Speaking at the event, Dr Kaikaus said the economy of Bangladesh is seeing continuous growth because of the entrepreneurship spirit of its people, strategic location, and support from the financial sector.
Read: Bangladesh will continue to attract foreign investments, defying downturn: US
"We’re energized to do better and showcase our success stories through increased public-private partnerships and reach Bangladesh’s competitiveness globally," he said.
Kaikaus thanked HSBC for always being a trusted and optimistic partner for the government of Bangladesh, which will further strengthen the Bengal Delta to glow and shine much sooner than the government's set target of achieving Developed Country status by 2041.
Mahbub ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bangladesh said in its past 50 years, Bangladesh’s trajectory of economic growth has been a testament of the people’s insatiable desire and effort to do better.
"Continued digitalisation and up-gradation of technology, consistent rise in per capita income leading to incremental consumptions and demographic dividend have been opening up a world of opportunities for Bangladesh," he said.
Historically, Rahman said, their private sector has always been resilient during challenging times and HSBC will continue to play its part through unparalleled international network and connectivity.
HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 64 countries and territories in its geographical regions: Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa.