Foreign-Affairs
Big-B Initiative to bring more investment to Bangladesh: Shahriar
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has said the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (Big-B) Initiative of Japan will accelerate cooperation for development of quality infrastructure and create more investment opportunities in Bangladesh.
These, he said, will also strengthen regional connectivity.
Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki met the state minister on Tuesday and comprehensively discussed the bilateral relations and issues of common interests.
Read: COVAX Facility: Japan to provide 30mn vaccine doses to other countries
They also reviewed the progress of the Japan-funded major development projects.
Recognising Bangladesh’s leadership role in the climate change discourse, the Ambassador said the Japanese investors are willing to invest in clean energy.
Bangladesh and Japan agreed to work together to tackle the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Both sides recalled Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s groundbreaking visit to Japan in 1973 which laid the rock-solid foundation of the bilateral relations.
The state minister conveyed his deep appreciation for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s participation at the event celebrating Bangabandhu’s birth centenary and the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh.
Read:COVID-19 Response: Japan provides ASEF equipment to Bangladesh
The two sides agreed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022 in a befitting manner, including through exchange of high-level visits.
State Minister Shahriar Alam stated that the Covid-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented challenging time for all and thanked the government of Japan for the Covid-related assistance.
He briefed the Japanese envoy on the initiatives taken by the government to combat the pandemic and sought support from Japan to continue its fight against the virus.
Japanese Ambassador highly appreciated the socio-economic progress of Bangladesh, even during the pandemic, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and assured of continued support to Bangladesh to deal with the Covid situation.
Read: One step closer to completing historic Metro Rail project in Bangladesh: Japan
Alam underscored that if 1.1 million Rohingyas were denied the opportunity to return to their ancestral homes in the Rakhaine state of Myanmar and it could have ramifications for regional and international security and stability.
He also urged Japan to use her influence to persuade Myanmar and the international community to create a conducive environment within Myanmar for safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas.
The Ambassador reiterated Japan’s commitment of continued support for Rohingya repatriation.
Korea supports strengthening digital investigation capability of Bangladesh Police
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun has expressed his government's commitment to continuously support strengthening the digital investigation capability of Bangladesh Police.
Ambassador Lee met Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Dr. Benazir Ahmed on Tuesday and discussed bilateral cooperation in addressing challenges in the constantly changing security environment, particularly in cyberspace.
Recognizing the close cooperation between the two countries and the Korean Government’s support in the capacity-building of Bangladesh Police, the two sides discussed the new assistance project by the Government of the Republic of Korea through KOICA titled “Safer Cyberspace for Digital Bangladesh.”
Also read: PM wants to take partnership with S Korea to new height
The project, which aims at strengthening the digital investigation capability of Bangladesh Police, consists of constructing Cyber Police Center (CPC) in Chattogram, providing digital investigation equipment in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar, dispatching digital investigation experts, and training of Bangladesh policemen in Korea.
The project period spans 2020 to 2023 with a total budget of 4.8 million US dollars, said the South Korean Embassy in Dhaka.
Between 2013 and 2016, Republic of Korea provided assistance to Bangladesh in establishing Cyber Investigation Center (CIC) and Cyber Training Center in Dhaka with a total project cost of $3 million.
Also read: S Korean envoy shares historical documents with FM Momen
Ambassador Lee expressed his appreciation to the Inspector General for the cooperation of Bangladesh Police in assuring the safety of Korean nationals living and doing business in Bangladesh.
He also invited Benazir Ahmed to participate in the International Police Summit organized by the Korean National Police from 20 to 23 October this year.
Journalist Ranjan appointmented 1st Secretary (Press) at Kolkata Mission
The government has appointed journalist Ranjan Sen as first secretary (Press) at Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata.
Ranjan is currently working as Chief News Editor (CNE) of Ekushey TV.
The contractual appointment is for two years.
The Public Administration Ministry issued a gazette notification in this regard on Tuesday.
US to honour Bangladesh's request for AstraZeneca vaccine: FM hopes
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday hoped that the US will honor Bangladesh by providing AstraZeneca vaccine apart from other vaccines saying Bangladesh sought 20 lakh doses of the vaccine from the country.
“The US government told us that they will give us vaccines. They are yet to decide how many doses of vaccine they will be able to provide us. Naturally, there’ll be a push to that end so that we get it at the earliest,” he said.
While talking to a small group of journalists at his office, the Foreign Minister said Bangladesh needs at least 15 lakh doses of AstraZeneca immediately but sought around 20 lakh doses from the US. “I think they will honour us. Let’s see.”
The US reportedly wants to give Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for Bangladesh and Bangladesh is in discussion with China and Russia over vaccine procurement.
On June 3, the White House announced its plan to share vaccines directly with Bangladesh as part of a framework to provide 80 million U.S. vaccine doses globally by the end of the month. This includes 7 million doses destined for Asia.
Also read: Increase in Covid-19 vaccine production in India to be 'game changer' beyond borders: US
Dr Momen said he will visit New York soon to attend the General Assembly Plenary and related meetings.
A senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tod UNB that the Foreign Minister is likely to leave here for New York on June 13.
Asked whether he will travel to Washington too, the Foreign Minister said it is not decided yet.
He welcomed the win of his counterpart of Maldives Abdulla Shahid as the President of 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “It’s a good news for us,” he said.
Bangladesh has been elected Vice President for the upcoming 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from the Asia Pacific Region for a one-year term beginning from September 2021.
The election was held at the United Nations General Assembly on Monday where Bangladesh was elected unanimously.
Also read: China to deliver 6 lakh doses of vaccine as gift by June 13
Along with Bangladesh, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Philippines have also been elected as Vice Presidents from the Asia Pacific Region.
Bangladesh last served as Vice President during the 71st session in 2016-2017.
After the election, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima said Bangladesh is a flag bearer of multilateralism and believes in the leadership of the UN in addressing the complex challenges facing the current world.
"Bangladesh maintains principled and constructive position in various global discourses in the field of development, peace and security and human rights. Today’s election demonstrates the trust that the international community reposes on Bangladesh in the multilateral fora” she said.
The 76th session of the UN general assembly would be of particular significance as the world recovers from the COVID 19 pandemic and its multidimensional impacts, said the Bangladesh Mission in the UN on Tuesday.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), consists of all the 193 Member States, and serves as the main deliberative, policy-making, and representative organ of the UN for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the UN Charter.
It meets under its president in annual sessions and generally starts from September, at UN headquarters in New York.
Bangladesh can earn at least $ 2bn more exporting non-cotton products: BGMEA chief
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan on Tuesday said Bangladesh can add at least US$ 2 billion in its export earnings annually by grabbing the growing global market of man-made fibre (MMF) textiles.
“There’s huge opportunity. Market is there. If we can grab the opportunity, we can add additional exports worth US$ 2 billionat least,” he told a small group of reporters at his office in the city.
The chief of the country’s apparel sector’s apex body reiterated its request to the government to provide a 10 percent cash incentive for non-cotton based garment exports for a certain period so that Bangladesh remains competitive in the global market.
Faruque said such efforts will help create employment and boost investment in the sector contributing to the overall economy of the country.
Read:BGMEA seeks central bank support for RMG sector to address pandemic challenges
He said the demand for man-made fibre (MMF) textiles all over the world is on the rise with annual growth of 3 to 4 percent as a substitute for cotton amid changes in global fashion trends.
Currently MMF dominates global textile fibre consumption with around 75 percent non-cotton fibre (64 percent MMF) while the cotton share is only 25 percent.
The share of MMF has been steadily increasing due to the inherent limitations of growth of cotton and other natural items.
The BGMEA President said they did not ask for reduction of any tax this time but only wanted continuation of those facilities that are already in place.
He said MMF-based textile trade volume stood US$ 150 billion in 2017 while Bangladesh’s share was only 5 against Bangladesh’s competitor Vietnam’s share of 10 percent.
The BGMEA President said though there was investment in the non-cotton or MMF sector in the past, it was mainly capital investment and technology-based investment.
He said it will encourage investment and exports in the non-cotton sector if 10 percent incentive is given on export of non-cotton products.
Faruque said they did not see that much investment in the sector in the last couple of years which is required for employment generation.
Read:BGMEA wants continuation of 0.5 per cent source tax
Dhaka, Vienna ink key air services pact
Bangladesh and Austria have inked a key pact to boost bilateral aviation business and increase air connectivity between the two countries.
Read:76th UNGA session: Bangladesh elected vice-president
Bangladesh Ambassador to Austria Muhammad Abdul Muhith and Ambassador Andreas Riecken from the Austrian Ministry of European & International Affairs signed the Air Services Agreement (ASA) on behalf of their respective countries in Vienna on Monday.
The ASA between Bangladesh and Austria is expected not only to boost the aviation business for the two countries, but also to increase the business-to-business and people-to-people connectivity, according to the Bangladeshi side.
Read:76th UNGA session: Maldives elected president, Bangladesh VP
The agreement will also help turn Vienna into a regional hub for Central, Eastern and Northern European countries, including Scandinavia, thanks to its unique location, for transportation of goods and passengers between Bangladesh and the region, a release said.
In particular, both the countries expect that this agreement will expedite the process of passenger and cargo flights to and from Dhaka in near future and expand business opportunities between the two countries.
Read:Greater efforts sought from envoys to enhance trade with Asean
76th UNGA session: Bangladesh elected vice-president
Bangladesh has been elected vice-president of the upcoming 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from the Asia-Pacific Region for a one-year term starting September this year.
The election was held at the UNGA Monday where Bangladesh was elected unanimously.
Along with Bangladesh, Kuwait, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Philippines were also elected as vice-presidents from the Asia-Pacific.
READ: 76th UNGA session: Maldives elected president, Bangladesh VP
Bangladesh last served as vice-president during the 71st session of the UNGA in 2016-2017.
After the election, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima said: "Bangladesh is a flag bearer of multilateralism and believes in the leadership of the UN in addressing the complex challenges facing the current world."
"The country maintains principled and constructive position in various global discourses in the field of development, peace and security and human rights. Today's election demonstrates the trust reposed by the international community in Bangladesh at the multilateral fora" she added.
Meanwhile, Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was elected president of the same session of the UNGA.
The 76th session of the UN general assembly will be of particular significance as the world recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic and its multidimensional impacts, said the Bangladesh Mission at the UN Tuesday.
READ: ‘Great disservice to your office’: India stings UNGA Prez for his Kashmir remark
The UNGA consists of all the 193 member states and serves as the main deliberative, policy-making, and representative organ of the UN for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the UN Charter. The UN organ meets under its president in annual sessions, which generally starts from September at headquarters in New York.
76th UNGA session: Maldives elected president, Bangladesh VP
Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was elected president of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Monday.
Also, Bangladesh was elected vice-president of the same session from the Asia-Pacific region. Twenty-one vice-presidents are elected for each session of the UNGA according to a pattern that ensures equitable geographical representation.
Greater efforts sought from envoys to enhance trade with Asean
Bangladesh wants to enhance economic relations with the Asean countries with increased trade and has sought stronger efforts from its envoys in Asean countries.
The Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) is a 10-member international body that represents more than 500 million people living in the region.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Monday exchanged views with the Bangladesh envoys and urged them to step up their efforts for protecting the national interests of Bangladesh with particular emphasis on enhancing trade and economic relationship with the Asean countries.
Also read: ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue
He called upon the envoys to make innovative and out-of-the-box efforts to maintain the momentum of the economic growth of Bangladesh in context of the raging pandemic and other regional and global challenges.
The virtual meeting was held on the locally developed Bangladeshi virtual video conferencing platform ‘Boithok’ with Bangladesh Ambassadors/High Commissioners in Asean countries on contemporary issues.
Eight Ambassadors/High Commissioners along with other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the virtual meeting chaired by the Foreign Secretary.
Also read: Bangladesh keen for establishing road, rail links with China, ASEAN countries
Set up in 1967 in Bangkok by Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, Asean has since been joined by Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia.
18 die in India chemical factory fire
At least 18 workers died in a fire that broke out at a chemical factory in the western Indian state of Maharashtra on Monday, officials said.
The blaze started during packing of plastic materials at the sanitiser-manufacturing unit of SVS Aqua Technologies in the state's Pune city and soon engulfed the factory.
Within minutes, some 10 fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames.
READ: 5 injured in Sonargaon factory gas leak fire
"Some 37 workers were inside at the time. While 19 died in the fire, the remaining have been rescued by fire fighters," a senior fire official told the local media.
Local TV channels beamed footage of white smoke billowing out of the factory. Quoting unnamed sources, a few channels reported that "several other workers are missing".
In his condolence message to the bereaved families, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire at a factory in Pune."
READ: 70 houses, school gutted in Bandarban fire
A probe has been ordered into the fire, the official said.
In January this year, at least five people were killed in another major fire at a Covid vaccine manufacturing plant owned by the Serum Institute of India in the same city.