Foreign-Affairs
Humanity will overcome pandemic soon: Modi writes to Hasina
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina expressing his optimism that humanity will overcome the pandemic very soon.
"I remain optimistic that humanity shall overcome the pandemic very soon," Modi said in his letter marking the International Day of Yoga that falls on June 21.
The theme for this year's International Day of Yoga is "Yoga for Wellness", which is particularly relevant in the current context.
Modi extended his deepest gratitude for the cooperation and efforts extended by one and all in making the International Day of Yoga celebrations a resounding success every year in Bangladesh.
"It was heartening to see our sisters and brothers in Bangladesh turning out in massive numbers in the last few years to perform Yoga at the Bangabandhu National Stadium," he said.
Also read: India will always stand by Bangladesh: Modi
The Indian Prime Minister said International Day of Yoga celebrations will continue to enjoy Sheikh Hasina government's support in the years ahead.
In 2014, the overwhelming response of the United Nations General Assembly to recognize June 21 as International Day of Yoga underlined the universal appeal of Yoga that transcends all barriers.
Since then, the International Day of Yoga has been marked globally with great fervour.
The world will mark the seventh International Day of Yoga.
"Like the year gone by, this year's International Day of Yoga will also be marked under the shadow of the Covid-19 global pandemic," Modi said.
In the midst of this monumental challenge, the Indian Prime Minister said the Covid-19 warriors have waged a remarkable fight against the pandemic. "While the threat of the pandemic remains, there have been positive developments since the last International Day of Yoga," he said.
In addition to various treatment protocols, scientific understanding about the virus, Modi said, they now also have several vaccines to protect people from the pandemic. "Vaccination drives are underway in several nations, including India. I remain optimistic that humanity shall overcome the pandemic very soon," Modi said.
Also read: Ground-level cooperation needed to check all border incidents: Modi
Yoga has many benefits for the body as well as the mind. Despite all the efforts and precautions, Covid-19 may infect any person.
However, the Indian Prime Minister said, a strong immune system can aid in the fight against it.
"Yoga can help build that immunity, for instance, through breathing exercises that strengthen the lungs. At the same time, across the world, millions of people have been forced to stay indoors for months. This has taken a toll on their mental health as well. Regular practice of Yoga can also help them recover," he said.
The Indian Prime Minister said Yoga has an inherent power to connect. Yoga is good for community, immunity, and unity.
The theme of International Day of Yoga celebrations this year reflects the concern for the good health and wellbeing of people across the globe.
"It’s an endeavour to ensure that we focus on fitness as well as wellness," Modi said.
Symposium on Bangladesh-China relations to be premiered Thursday
An online symposium on Bangladesh-China Relations: Prognosis for the Future, hosted by Cosmos Foundation, will be premiered on its Facebook page at 7pm on June 24.
The keynote address at the symposium was delivered by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming which was recorded on Saturday.
Read:Cosmos Dialogue on Dhaka-Washington ties premieres Saturday on Facebook
Experts both from Bangladesh and China were brought together to assess the state of relations between Bangladesh and China and identify the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the efforts to take it forward.
Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan delivered the opening and closing remarks at the event.
Renowned scholar-diplomat and adviser on foreign affairs to the last caretaker government Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury chaired the session.
Read:‘The Black Story’ exhibition by Gallery Cosmos launched virtually
Ambassador (retd) Tariq A. Karim, CPD Distinguished Fellow Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, former Foreign Secretary Shamsher M Chowdhury, Assistant Researcher of the Institute for International Studies at Yunnan University Dr Zou Yingmeng, Assistant Research Fellow at China Institute of International Studies Dr Ning Shengnan, former Ambassador Serajul Islam and Dhaka University Professor Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir joined it as the panel of discussants drawn from both sides.
The full video of the event will be available for viewing on the Facebook page of the Cosmos Foundation, and (elsewhere) from Thursday at any time, following the premiere.
In Cosmos Foundation’s Ambassador Lecture Series, the envoys of various countries stationed in Dhaka are invited to deliver a keynote, before engaging with a high-level expert panel on bilateral ties between Bangladesh and the country they represent.
Read:US Ambassador Miller visits art exhibition on PM at Cosmos Centre
Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of conglomerate the Cosmos Group, brings together the finest minds to arrive at a prognosis for the future of the relationship, in line with its commitment to eliciting strategic insights and policy solutions for Bangladesh as it charts its course toward a future that is ever brighter.
Rohingya Crisis: Norway always with Bangladesh
Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen has said Norway will always stand beside Bangladesh over the resolution of the Rohingya crisis.
Ambassador Espen expressed how the challenges are getting more complex for the host nation and the humanitarian actors to help the Rohingya people.
He was addressing a function marking the opening of a certificate course on the Rohingya crisis held on Saturday.
The Ambassador encouraged the participants of the course to explore new ideas that can help solve this complex issue.
Also read: Resolution on Myanmar fails to recommend actions on Rohingya repatriation: Dhaka
The course has jointly been organised by the Center for Peace Studies (CPS) of the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) at North South University (NSU) and the Human Rights Practice Programme at the University of Arizona.
Although it is a 12-week virtual course, a physical field trip to the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar is included in the exercise.
NSU Vice-Chancellor Prof Atiqul Islam, Prof John Paul Jones III, Dean, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences of the University of Arizona, and Prof Sk Tawfique Haque, Director, SIPG and CPS of NSU, Ambassador Sufiur Rahman from Australia and former Ambassador Shahidul Haque, Professorial Fellow of NSU joined the event.
Also read: Dhaka seeks UN SG’s intervention to resolve Rohingya crisis
Prof Tawfique Haque said this course aims to discuss the dynamics of the national, bilateral, regional and global politics and policies, including economic and security issues related to the Rohingya crisis.
Prof Jones mentioned that it is an honour for him to do a partnership with the NSU and he hopes together through the multifaceted topics of this course, both the participants and the resource persons can learn more about this crisis and find resolutions.
He commended the people of Bangladesh for all the humanitarian assistance to the displaced people.
Also read: FM seeks clear roadmap from UN for Rohingya repatriation
Vice-Chancellor Atiqul Islam mentioned the various challenges like language barrier to education, cultural and psychological factors, should be considered while planning any short or long-term plans for the displaced community.
He said the course is important for the people who are engaged, concerned, and related to the issues and hopes that, in the future, if necessary, this course can be upgraded to a diploma degree or even a master’s degree.
A total of 38 participants with diverse backgrounds joined from eight countries, including Bangladesh.
Resolution on Myanmar fails to recommend actions on Rohingya repatriation: Dhaka
Bangladesh has expressed “deep disappointment” over the new resolution on Myanmar at the United Nations General Assembly as ‘it has failed to recommend actions” on repatriation of the Rohingyas and adequately reflect on the crisis.
“The resolution that was adopted falls far short of our expectations,” said Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima after adoption of the resolution on the ‘Situation in Myanmar’ at the 75th session of the UNGA.
In an explanation of vote by Bangladesh, she said the resolution failed to recognize in its operative part, the urgent need for creating conditions for the safe, voluntary and sustainable return of the displaced minorities of Myanmar, particularly the Rohingyas.
Bangladesh emerging as top influential regional state: David Brewster
Dr David Brewster, a senior research fellow at the National Security College in Australia, has depicted Bangladesh’s economic growth and described how the country is becoming an increasingly influential regional state.
He mentioned that Dhaka is increasingly confident in an emerging role and the rest of the world would benefit from paying close attention.
In his recent article titled “A rising Bangladesh starts to exert its regional power” Brewster said the recent announcement that Bangladesh would provide US$200 million in aid to Sri Lanka is an important turning point as that country moves from being an impoverished supplicant towards an increasingly influential regional state.
He thinks it is an outcome of years of high economic growth and points to Dhaka’s potential to become an important Indo-Pacific middle player.
When it gained independence from Pakistan in 1971, Brewster said, Bangladesh was one of the poorest countries in the world with few apparent prospects – former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger apocryphally called it a “basket case”.
Also read: Bangladesh 3rd most peaceful country in South Asia, ahead of India, Pakistan
Today, he said, it is a confident country of 160 million people with a booming, export-oriented economy, which has grown at an annual average of about 6% for two decades.
The economic growth slowed to 5.2% in 2020 due to Covid, and is forecast by the ADB to bounce back to 6.8% in 2021 and 7.2% in 2022. GDP per capita now stands at $2,227, higher than India’s ($1,947) and much higher than its former masters, Pakistan ($1,543).
Dhaka’s recent aid to neighbouring Sri Lanka was a first in Bangladesh extending financial assistance to any other country.
“Just as importantly, Bangladesh scores well against India and other South Asian countries in many social indicators, including health, life expectancy, birth rates and employment of women,” Brewster wrote in his article that appeared on The Interpreter that features daily commentary and analysis on international issues.
He said the sustainability of Bangladesh’s growth story is not without its sceptics who question official growth figures or point to its heavy reliance on garment exports, which could make it financially vulnerable.
Also read: 'Bangabandhu one of the most influential leaders'
Since 2008, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has presided over a relatively stable civilian administration, Brewster wrote, mentioning that she is publicly popular.
He said Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne is now known to be keen on building ties, and there are signs that the two sides want to move the relationship beyond aid.
An agreement to facilitate trade and investment has been finalised and is close to signing, which could help open opportunities for Australian agriculture, resource and energy exports to a booming Bangladesh, the article reads.
“Australia could do well in moving beyond traditional regional partners. Greater focus needs to be given to building ties with emerging middle powers such as Bangladesh to complement relationships with the big powers,” Brewster wrote.
The article is part of a two-year project being undertaken by the ANU National Security College on the Indian Ocean, with the support of the Australian Department of Defence.
Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh dies
Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh, popularly known as the 'Flying Sikh', has died from post-Covid complications at a hospital in the northern city of Chandigarh. He was 91.
"It is with extreme sadness that we would like to inform you that Milkha Singh Ji passed away at 11.30 pm. on the 18th of June 2021," his family said in a statement.
Just five days ago, Singh's wife Nirmal also died due to post-Covid complications.
"He fought hard but God has his ways and it was perhaps true love and companionship that both our mother Nirmal ji and now Dad have passed away in a matter of 5 days," the family statement added.
READ: World Cup silver medalist Bangladesh Archery team return home
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences over the passing away of the legendary sprinter.
"In the passing away of Shri Milkha Singh Ji, we have lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured the nation's imagination and had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians. His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Anguished by his passing away," PM Modi tweeted.
"I had spoken to Shri Milkha Singh Ji just a few days ago. Little did I know that it would be our last conversation. Several budding athletes will derive strength from his life journey. My condolences to his family and many admirers all over the world," he added.
Singh, who was born in undivided India, won four gold medals at the Asian Games and finished fourth at the 400m final of the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. He also won India's first Commonwealth gold in 1958.
Singh who lived with his parents in a remote hamlet in Multan (now in Pakistan) as a child, saw his parents and seven siblings murdered during India's Partition in 1947.
READ: Japan’s vaccine push ahead of Olympics looks to be too late
As his father died, his last words were "Bhaag (run) Milkha Bhaag". The boy ran -- first for his life, and then to win medals for India where he had arrived as an orphan. In 2013, his life story was turned into the Bollywood biopic, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.
Guterres gets second term to lead UN
António Guterres was on Friday re-appointed to a second term as UN Secretary-General, pledging as his priority, to continue helping the world chart a course out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taking the oath of office in the General Assembly Hall, Guterres said he was aware of the immense responsibilities bestowed on him at this critical moment in history.
“We are truly at a crossroads, with consequential choices before us. Paradigms are shifting. Old orthodoxies are being flipped,” he told ambassadors.
“We are writing our own history with the choices we make right now. It can go either way: breakdown and perpetual crisis or breakthrough and prospect of a greener, safer and better future for all. There are reasons to be hopeful.”
Guterres was the sole candidate from the UN’s 193 Member States to vie for its top job. His first five-year term began in January 2017.
He was nominated by his homeland, Portugal, and appointed by acclamation by the General Assembly, following prior endorsement by the UN Security Council, for a second term that runs from January 2022 to December 2026, said the UN News.
Speaking in a mix of English, French and Spanish – three of the UN’s six official languages – Guterres detailed how the pandemic has taken lives and livelihoods, while exposing inequalities.
At the same time, countries are confronting challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
He stated it was crucial that the way out of the pandemic, as well as socio-economic recovery, should occur on a much more equitable basis, going forward.
“Our greatest challenge - which is at the same time our greatest opportunity - is to use this crisis to turn the tide, pivot towards a world that learns lessons, promotes a just, green and sustainable recovery and shows the way via increased and effective international cooperation to address global issues”, he said in French.
Also read: FM greets UN chief Guterres on re-appointment
Momentum for transformation
With the way forward filled with colossal tasks, the Secretary-General expressed confidence that they can be completed successfully, partly due to the incredible commitment of UN staff across the world, though underlining the need for continuous improvement, including through better data and analysis, and a reduction in “unnecessary bureaucracy”.
Although the world has changed a lot, the UN’s promises remain constant, but countries have to work together in entirely new ways to keep them alive.
He called for seizing momentum for transformation, while also stressing the need to bring other voices to the table, including civil society, the private sector and youth.
Vaccine equity now
“Ultimately, this transformation has to do with solidarity and equality”, Mr Guterres said, this time speaking in Spanish.
“But equity needs to start now: vaccines need to be available for everyone everywhere and we must create the conditions for sustainable and inclusive recovery both in the developed and developing world. And there is still a long way to go.”
Guterres warned that the countries must overcome the current “trust deficit” if this is to be achieved.
“In particular, we need to do everything we can to overcome current geostrategic divides and dysfunctional power relations. There are too many asymmetries and paradoxes. They need to be addressed head-on,” he advised.
“We also need to be aware of how power plays out in today’s world when it comes to the distribution of resources and technology.”
Fostering trust, inspiring hope
Mr Guterres vowed to use his second term to work towards ensuring “the blossoming of trust between and among nations” and to engage in confidence building.
He will also seek to inspire hope things can be turned around, or that the impossible might be possible.
“The attitude is never to give up,” he said. “This is not idealistic or utopian but grounded in knowledge of history when big transformations occurred and guided by the fundamental belief in the inherent goodness of people. That breakthroughs are possible when we expect it the least and against all odds. That is my unwavering commitment.”
ADB approves $250 million loan to Dhaka to finance reforms
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday approved a $250 million policy-based loan to Bangladesh to help finance reforms.
It is aimed at improving the inclusiveness and responsiveness of the country’s social development and resilience program, according to a release from ADB.
Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty over the past 2 decades. The poverty incidence declined from 48.9% in 2000 to 20.5% in 2019.
However, while many people were lifted from extreme poverty, a considerable number continue to live at a subsistence level.
Also read: Climate Change to get priority in Bangladesh alongside Covid support:ADB
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected the socioeconomic situation of Bangladesh with the decline of the country’s gross domestic product to an estimated 5.2 % in fiscal year (FY) 2020 from 8.2% in FY 2019.
“Enhancing social protection support is critical to cushioning the effects of the pandemic,” said ADB Senior Social Sector Specialist for South Asia Hiroko Uchimura-Shiroishi.
He said that the ADB supports the government’s intention to leverage the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to strengthen its social protection programs as an essential means of building the resilience of the poor and supporting an inclusive recovery.
Also read: Covid fallout: ADB lowers Bangladesh's FY21 growth forecast
According to the release, the Strengthening Social Resilience Program will include institutional and policy reforms to address cross-sector issues of social development in Bangladesh.
These include improving the coverage and efficiency of the social protection system through improving the administrative efficiency of social protection management.
The program will expand its outreach to vulnerable women by increasing the coverage of both the old age allowance for women over 62 and the allowance for widowed, deserted, and destitute women in 150 sub-district units or upazilas.
Also read: Post-pandemic recovery in Bangladesh: ADB to accelerate project implementation
Other reforms include promoting the use of mobile financial services and simplifying identification and documentation requirements for opening a bank account and broadening the scope of social protection from mere poverty relief to life cycle social and health responses, including social insurance system.
ADB will also provide a technical assistance grant to support program implementation, policy analyses, and capacity development for social development-related ministries. The technical assistance is estimated to cost $1.2 million which will be financed on a grant basis by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction.
FM greets UN chief Guterres on re-appointment
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has congratulated António Guterres on his re-appointment as the secretary-general of the United Nations.
He commended Guterres' leadership in the UN during his first term as secretary-general.
Dr Momen also thanked him for his continued attention to the Rohingya issue.
Also read: Guterres gets second term to lead UN
The foreign minister said, "Although Bangladesh is on track towards implementing SDGs, there are concerns about the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in securing financing for the SDGs."
Dr Momen also called for continued support measures for graduating countries.
The UN has special relations with Bangladesh, said Guterres.
He praised Bangladesh's strong leadership in all areas of the UN's activities, especially in peacekeeping, climate change and women empowerment.
Dr Momen met with the UN secretary-general at the UN Headquarters Thursday.
Resolution adopted seeking equitable access to Covid vaccine
The 109th International Labour Conference (ILC) has adopted a resolution with a call for timely, affordable and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines for all people in all countries for the revitalization of the global economy and the world of work.
It also called for an inclusive, sustainable and resilient recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read:Record high 82 million-plus people displaced despite Covid: UN
The ‘global call to action’ was adopted after an intense negotiation in the Covid Response Committee of the ILC.
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh in Geneva Md Mustafizur Rahman chaired the Committee.
Bangladesh also led the Asia and Pacific Group in the negotiation as the coordinator and stressed the need for addressing the specific challenges of the region.
Read:Dhaka seeks incentive-based package for sustainable graduation of LDCs
The resolution called for ensuring access to vaccines and personal protection equipment for workers, particularly to reduce the health risk of the health workers as well as salaries and allowances of all workers during the pandemic.
It also urged the International Labour Organization to play a more effective role in accelerating the support to States to address the increasing inequalities between the developed and the developing countries.
Read:Bangladesh elected FAO Council member
The resolution emphasized the expansion of the social safety net for recovery from the pandemic with a special focus on women, older persons and migrants.
At the same time, it underscored the need for a gender-balanced, sustainable and people-centred post-pandemic recovery plan.