Foreign-Affairs
Dhaka, Delhi discuss expansion of trade, connectivity
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday laid emphasis on expanding trade with greater connectivity with India as the two countries eye “greater momentum” in their partnership in the new term of the current government.
“We discussed connectivity issues with much importance. We also discussed trade expansion,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma.
The foreign minister mentioned about the landmark cross-border trade settlement mechanism involving the rupee and bypassing the US dollar rolled out between the two countries recently.
“It has already begun, you know. We are looking into how it can be expanded, popularised and reached out to all. If it can be done, dependency by the two countries on dollars or other currencies will come down,” said the foreign minister.
He said the initiative will be helpful for expansion of trade between the two countries. The two sides also discussed border haats.
Hasan Mahmud emphasized starting working on renewal of Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which will expire in 2026.
He also emphasized resolving the pending issues with India amicably.
The foreign minister said they discussed the use of Mongla and Chattogram ports to carry goods to Northeast India and laid emphasis on further infrastructure development for its useful expansion.
Asked whether they discussed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), he said they did not discuss it in particular but talked about trade expansion opportunities.
Looking ahead, the foreign minister revealed plans for his first bilateral visit to India, accepting an invitation from his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar.
The planned visit aims to further strengthen diplomatic ties, with the exact date to be decided later. Additionally, Mahmud is set to embark on a multilateral tour of Uganda on January 17.
He will attend the Non-Aligned Movement Summit from January19 to 20 in Kampala, Uganda.
The meeting with the Indian High Commissioner marks Mahmud's first diplomatic engagement since assuming the office of foreign minister, highlighting his proactive approach in foreign affairs and regional cooperation.
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma said Bangladesh and India will achieve even greater momentum in their bilateral partnership in the new term of the government, contributing more robustly to national development.
“Overall, I think we are very hopeful and confident that in the new term of this government we will be able to achieve even greater momentum in our bilateral partnership and we will be able to make our development partnership contribute even more robustly to our national developments,” he said.
Talking to reporters after his meeting with the foreign minister the high commissioner said they have always said India stands ready and will always be ready to help people of Bangladesh and to work with them in realising their vision for a “stable, progressive and prosperous” society guided by the longstanding friendship inspired by shared sacrifices made in the 1971 Liberation War.
Describing his meeting with the new foreign minister as a “very good one,” the diplomat said he looks forward to closer cooperation in the coming days to take the “very positive agenda” forward for the two countries.
Though it was a courtesy meeting, the high commissioner said they had discussed wide ranging issues of the relationship. “I look forward to working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and taking forward our relationship.”
They discussed how over the last decade the relationship has acquired an “unprecedented momentum and growth” under the leadership of the two prime ministers and how it became people-centric relations, he said.
The two sides discussed some recent developments in the relationship and how the development partnership is benefitting people of the two countries and how the cooperation is making a positive impact with economic growth on both sides.
The high commissioner noted many positive developments in 2023 when the two countries saw major projects completed including energy pipeline, two railway projects, one power plant and launch of mechanism of trade in Indian rupees and digital payment system.
“It was a very wide ranging stock taking of our relationship, very positive agenda that we have today and exploring some of the things we would like to work for the future including climate change, digital economy, how we can support Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision of a Smart Bangladesh by 2041, and many other areas of mutual interest,” he added.
Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar congratulated Hasan Mahmud on his appointment as foreign minister of Bangladesh.
“Look forward to working to further deepen the India-Bangladesh Maitri (friendship),” he said in a message shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni congratulates Sheikh Hasina
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has congratulated Sheikh Hasina on being reelected as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
“On the occasion of your inauguration as Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, I would like to send you, on behalf of the Italian Government, my congratulations on your prestigious assignment,” Meloni wrote.
Given the long tradition of friendship between two countries, she said, “I will be glad to continue our constructive bilateral collaboration in areas such as textiles, immigration, security and energy transition, and to work together to help strengthen peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”
No dialogue with those who burn people to death: Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud today (January 15, 2024) firmly dismissed the possibility of engaging in discussions with those who instigate violence and anarchy in the nation.
"Dialogue is pointless with individuals who burn people alive and incite anarchy, rather than practicing legitimate politics," he declared to the press.
This strong statement came in response to inquiries about the Awami League's strategy to address challenges from the opposition party, BNP, in the upcoming days.
Read: Expats are our heroes; let’s work together to build Smart Bangladesh: FM
Dr. Mahmud, who also serves as the Awami League's joint secretary, emphasized the importance of this issue during a scheduled meeting of the Awami League central working committee, which will be attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In a broader context of regional cooperation, Dr. Mahmud met with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma. They discussed mutual support, particularly India's consistent backing of Bangladesh in maintaining a democratic trajectory.
“During the elections of 2014 and 2018, despite external attempts to stir controversy, India's support for our democratic process was unwavering,” Dr. Mahmud remarked.
Read: Indian, Sri Lankan FMs greet Hasan Mahmud; eye deepening ties with Bangladesh
Looking ahead, the Foreign Minister revealed plans for his first bilateral visit to India, accepting an invitation from his Indian counterpart, Dr. S Jaishankar. The visit aims to further strengthen diplomatic ties, with the exact date to be decided later. Additionally, Dr. Mahmud is set to embark on a multilateral tour to Uganda.
The meeting with the Indian High Commissioner marks Dr. Mahmud's first diplomatic engagement since assuming the office of Foreign Minister, highlighting his proactive approach in foreign affairs and regional cooperation.
Dhaka, Delhi ties to achieve greater momentum: Indian High Commissioner
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Monday said Bangladesh and India will achieve even greater momentum in their bilateral partnership in the new term of the government, contributing more robustly to national development.
“Overall, I think we are very hopeful and confident that in the new term of this government we will be able to achieve even greater momentum in our bilateral partnership and we will be able to make our development partnership contribute even more robustly to our national developments,” he said.
Talking to reporters after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the High Commissioner said they have always said India stands ready and will always be ready to help people of Bangladesh and to work with them in realizing their vision for a “stable, progressive and prosperous” society guided by the longstanding friendship inspired by shared sacrifices made in the 1971 Liberation War.
Describing his meeting with the new foreign minister as a “very good one,” the diplomat said he looks forward to closer cooperation in the coming days to take the “very positive agenda” forward for the two countries.
Taiwan an inalienable part of China, says Dilip Barua
Comrade Dilip Barua, General Secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh (M-L) has said that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.”
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He made the remark in a statement issued regarding the election of the Taiwan region.
The election of the Taiwan region is China’s internal affairs, Barua said.
Regardless of the result, it will not change the basic fact that Taiwan is an integral part of China, he said.
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“The One China principle has long been a widely recognised norm governing international relations and an overwhelming consensus shared by the international community,” Barua said.
The Communist Party of Bangladesh (M-L) will continue adhering to the One China principle and firmly opposes so-called “Taiwan independence”, he said.
Reelection reflects the confidence Bangladeshis have in your able leadership: Egyptian President Sisi writes to PM Hasina
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi on Monday (January 15, 2024) congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her reelection and wished to enhance the existing bilateral relations further for mutual benefits.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to Your Excellency on winning the general elections that took place recently in your country, securing a new term as Prime Minister of Bangladesh,” Sisi said a letter sent to the Bangladesh Prime Minister.
Indian, Sri Lankan FMs greet Hasan Mahmud; eye deepening ties with Bangladesh
The Egyptian president continued that her reelection reflects the confidence and trust Bangladeshis have in her able leadership to achieve further progress.
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“Seizing this good opportunity, it is my pleasure to acknowledge that Egypt and Bangladesh share a long history of friendship and cooperation, and I am confident that the bilateral relations between our two countries will continue to grow over the coming years for the mutual benefit of our peoples," Sisi said.
“Reiterating my congratulations, please accept my sincerest wishes for the best of your well-being and continued success and for the welfare and prosperity of the friendly people of Bangladesh,” the Egyptian President added.
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Chinese Ambassador outlines vision for deeper ties ahead of 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said China is ready to work with Bangladesh to expand new cooperation in a wider range of areas.
He mentioned higher levels of connectivity, renewable energy, the Blue Economy, financial stability, digital empowerment, scientific and technological innovation, agriculture and food security, poverty alleviation and sustainable development as areas of cooperation.
"With joint efforts, we will achieve common development and promote together the building of a community with a shared future for mankind," said Ambassador Yao in an article.
The Ambassador said the two nations are set to embrace a historic opportunity to further elevate bilateral relations and friendly cooperation in various fields by 2025, the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.
Read more: Election 2024: China congratulates PM Hasina, says committed to working with her
Over the past 52 years since its independence, Bangladesh has always been committed to exploring the path of modernization in line with its own national conditions, and has made commendable achievements, he said.
The Ambassador said China hopes that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the new Bangladeshi government will lead the people to proceed faster and steadier on the path of national prosperity and rejuvenation.
On January 11, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier of State Council Li Qiang sent congratulatory messages to Sheikh Hasina on her reelection as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
The Chinese leaders expected that the two countries would make joint efforts to further implement the important consensus President Xi Jinping reached with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Johannesburg, South Africa last August, enhance political mutual trust, promote traditional friendship, further synergize development strategies, and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, so as to uplift the China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation to a new height.
Read more: China sees brighter future with Bangladesh: Chinese envoy to Dhaka
China and Bangladesh are both developing and populous countries at a critical stage of their respective development and revitalisation, said the Ambassador.
China calls for an equal and orderly multipolar world, forging a broader international consensus, proposing more effective solutions and enhancing the practicality and guidance for building a community with a shared future for humankind.
"We advocate that the multipolar world should be equal, that is, to insist on the equality of all countries, oppose hegemony and power politics, oppose the monopoly of a few countries in international affairs, and effectively promote the democratisation of international relations," he said.
International issues should be resolved through consultation among all countries, and the future and destiny of the world should be in the hands of all countries.
Building a community with a shared future for humankind underscores the general trend of history and the direction of the people’s hearts, he said.
“More and more countries have come to realize that the future of the world should be jointly controlled by all countries, and created by all of us hand in hand,” said the Ambassador.
Read more: Envoys of India, China, Russia and four other countries congratulate Hasina on her big election victory
Indian, Sri Lankan FMs greet Hasan Mahmud; eye deepening ties with Bangladesh
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has congratulated Dr Hasan Mahmud on his appointment as the newly appointed Foreign Minister of Bangladesh.
“Look forward to working to further deepen the India-Bangladesh Maitri (friendship),” he said in a message shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Earlier, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister MUM All Sabry congratulated Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and pledged to work together, taking the friendship between the two countries to even greater heights.
"I express my fervent hope that our bilateral ties will continue to flourish during your tenure, taking the friendship between our two countries to even greater heights," he said in a message to the new Foreign Minister of Bangladesh.
The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister recalled with appreciation the timely support that the government of Bangladesh has extended to Sri Lanka in the recent past.
"I am pleased to extend my warmest congratulations and sincere best wishes to you on your appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh," Ali Sabry said.
He said Hasan Mahmud's appointment to the high office demonstrates the trust and confidence that the leadership of Bangladesh has placed in his ability, vast experience and the proven track record as a seasoned parliamentarian in guiding his country's engagement with the world.
For decades, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have been enjoying long-standing ties of close friendship and cooperation based on abiding trust, goodwill, shared interests, and strong people-to-people interactions.
"Our relations are chactcrized by mutual respect and close cooperation at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels," said the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister.
"I look forward to working closely with you in achieving this objective for the mutual benefit of our peoples," he added.
Dhaka backs South Africa's ICJ move against violation by Israel in Gaza
Bangladesh has extended its support to South Africa’s application instituting proceedings against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the violation by Israel of its obligations under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide (Genocide Convention) in relation to Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip.
Bangladesh also supported South Africa’s request for the indication provisional measures, which include requests for the suspension of all military operations in and against Gaza and allowing safe, adequate and unimpeded humanitarian aid into all areas of Gaza.
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The provisional measures requested are both necessary and concrete steps required to end the humanitarian catastrophe that has unfolded in Gaza, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.In this context, Bangladesh welcomed the opportunity to file a declaration of intervention in the proceedings in due course.
The ongoing attacks by Israeli Defense Forces have claimed the lives of thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians, the majority of whom are women and children.
Bangladesh considers these deliberate acts of aggression a blatant disregard for and violation of international law, including the Genocide Convention.
As a State Party to the Genocide Convention, Bangladesh called on all states to respect their obligations under the Genocide Convention to prevent and punish the crime of genocide.Bangladesh reiterated its calls for an immediate ceasefire and for the rapid, safe and unhindered provision of life-saving assistance, at scale, to Gaza.
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Bangladesh also reiterated its previous calls for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestine and for a lasting and permanent solution that sees the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State along pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
OHCHR overstepped its mandate: MoFA
The government has reacted to a recent press statement issued by the Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and said the claim that the ‘poll was marred by violence and repression of opposition candidates’ appears to be “extremely prejudiced and premeditated”.
The Election Day was unprecedentedly peaceful except for some isolated incidents in a few polling stations, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. This was echoed by many international election observers and journalists who covered the election on the ground, it said.
The government has rejected the claim that ‘many human rights defenders have been forced to go into hiding, and some have fled the country, while dozens of suspected enforced disappearance cases have been reported, mostly in November’.
“This is far from reality and rather a plain example of irresponsibility on the part of OHCHR. It is important that the Office checks the veracity of the information before it uses the same in public statements,” MoFA said in its statement in an effort to “offer the correct perspective”.
The government finds that the OHCHR has “unfortunately overstepped” its mandate. The statement misrepresents the ground reality and a repetition of subjective and biased assessments to politicise human rights, MoFA said.
Bangladesh welcomes “constructive criticisms” and is always ready to address any legitimate concern, said the MoFA, adding that Bangladesh looks forward to continuing to collaborate with the United Nations and its human rights mechanisms.
The government’s firm commitment to uphold the democratic principles was evident in the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections with people’s participation on January 7, 2024, said the government. While the government believes in an inclusive democracy, regrettably, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) decided to stay out of the electoral process on the pretext of their unconstitutional demand of the provision of a caretaker government, Bangladesh observed.
It is unfortunate that the BNP resorted to violence and killing of innocent people to thwart the democratic process as the party did during earlier occasions of national elections, it said.
Only since 28 October 2023, BNP activists killed 24 individuals including innocent civilians and on-duty law enforcement personnel, MoFA said.
They set fire to nearly a thousand vehicles, public and private, derailed and attacked trains with arson burning passengers alive including a mother and her three years old child.
The details of BNP’s destruction are horrific and the OHCHR was time and again supplied with evidence of BNP’s nationwide mayhem, according to the statement.In this context, it was, indeed, a challenge to ensure peaceful elections amidst threats, disruptions and violence aiming to destabilize the country and disrupt its democratic journey, the statement reads.
Despite such widespread violence, the response from the law enforcing agency members was restrained, rational and within the legal parameters, MoFA said.“OHCHR’s allegations of reprisals such as arbitrary and mass arrests, threats, enforced disappearance; blackmailing and surveillance by law enforcement officials are baseless and unsubstantiated. The number of arrests is a sheer exaggeration,” the statement reads.
Arrests were made and legal actions were taken only against those who were involved in or inciting violence and unlawful activities, it said.
These measures were necessary to maintain rule of law and to safeguard the rights of all citizens, said the MoFA.
Bangladesh said it will be guided by the spirit and letters of the Constitution and its international human rights commitments and by people’s mandate in its pursuit to uphold human rights and to realize people’s aspiration for a progressive society.