Foreign-Affairs
Mamata Benerjee congratulates PM Hasina
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for forming the government for the fourth consecutive times.
In the evening, Mamata telephoned the Prime Minister.
The West Bengal Chief Minister congratulated Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh on the historic victory of the Awami League in the 12th Parliament Elections, Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon said.
She also congratulated the family members of Bangabandhu on this victory.
Moon said that during the telephone conversation, apart from the exchange greetings, various bilateral issues were discussed.
At the same time, they expressed their confidence to continue working together in the future as in the past to improve the living standards of the people of the two countries by continuing all mutual cooperation.
Hasan Mahmud made foreign minister
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has chosen an experienced politician - Mohammed Hasan Mahmud - to oversee her government's foreign policy- friendship to all, malice towards none - in a changed scenario globally amid intensified geopolitics and big powers rivalry.
Hasan Mahmud, who served as Information and Broadcasting Minister in the last tenure, has been appointed as next foreign minister.
The portfolio was distributed after the oath-taking ceremony at Bangabhaban on Thursday evening.
Hasan Mahmud replaced AK Abdul Momen.
He was elected from Chattogram-7 this time though he was elected the Jatiya Sangsad member from Chittagong-6 constituency during 2008–2018.
He was appointed as the state minister for foreign affairs in January 2009 in Sheikh Hasina's cabinet but 6 months later he was moved to the position of state minister for environment and forests.
In November 2011, he was promoted to the full minister of environment and forest. Dr. Hasan, who ran in the general elections from Chittagong-6 constituency, pledged to take initiative to rebuild Mariamnagar embankment to save all the unions from the Karnaphuli erosion. He also said that he would try to make Rangunia free of terrorists and would build road and other infrastructures.
Dr. Hasan was elected from Chittagong-7 constituency in the 10th parliamentary elections in 2014 and in the 11th parliamentary elections in 2018. He became the Information Minister in the fourth cabinet of Sheikh Hasina in the Eleventh Parliament.
Hasan Mahmud completed his BSc Honours and Masters in Chemistry from Chittagong University (CU) in 1987 and 1989 respectively.
The minister obtained his higher degree on international politics from Geneva in 1996. He did another post-graduation in Environmental Science from Breeze University of Brussels in Belgium in the same year.
He obtained his PhD degree in Environmental Chemistry from Limburg University in the years of 2000-2001. He has been involved with politics since his student life. He was the senior vice-president of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) unit at CU in 1986 and president in 1989-90.
Dr. Hasan performed as the general secretary of Belgium chapter of Awami League (AL) since 1995 until he returned home in 2001.
He had been the assistant personal secretary (APS) to AL Chief Sheikh Hasina since November 2001.
At the same time, he was also the central secretary for forest and environment affairs of the party.
During 1996–2001, Mahmud served as the political and parliamentary affairs adviser to then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Political Background:
Dr. Hasan Mahmud is also Joint Secretary, Bangladesh Awami League and served as Secretary, Publicity & Publications, Bangladesh Awami League (December 2012 to 2019).
He has been actively performing political activities since his student life. He was involved in politics both at home and abroad bearing a very successful leadership background at local and national level politics.
In 1977, he was involved with student league of Zamal Khan ward in Chattogram City.
In 1978, he started his political career as General Secretary of the Bangladesh Student League at Government Intermediate College, Chattogram.In 1979, he was elected as the founding General Secretary of Bangladesh Student League of Government Hazi Mohsin College, Chattogram.
He was also in charge of educational Secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan Student League.
In 1986, he took over the responsibility of Senior Vice President of Bangladesh Student League at Chattogram University.In 1988, he became the President of Bangladesh Student League at Chattogram University.
Under his able leadership, All-Party Student Unity got a landslide victory in the election of Chattogram University Students Union in 1990.
In 1992, Dr. Mahmud became the youngest member of Bangladesh Awami League, Chattogram North District.
In 1992, he went to Brussels, Belgium for higher study.
He served as an elected President of Bangladesh Students Association as well as International Students Association represented by more than 60 countries while studying at Birje University during 1993-94 and 1994-95 respectively.
In 1993 and (1995-2000), he was in charge of Senior Vice-President and General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League Belgium respectively.
In 2001, Dr. Hasan Mahmud was appointed as special assistant to the Leader of the Opposition and President of Bangladesh Awami League.
In 2002, he was appointed as Secretary, Environment and Forest affair’s of Bangladesh Awami League.
In 2007, when the President of Bangladesh Awami League Sheikh Hasina was arrested by the Army backed government, Dr. Hasan Mahmud worked as the spokes man of the party and it was much appreciated by the workers and followers.
In 2008, He was elected as Member of the Parliament (MP) for the first time as defeating the Political leader Salahuddin Kader Chodhury.
In (2009-2013), He was appointed as Minister, Ministry of Environment and Forest. Prior to this appointment, he was appointed as State Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Environment and Forest respectively.
Being the youngest member in the working committee of Bangladesh Awami League, he was nominated as Environment affairs secretary in 2002.
Special Award:
Dr Hasan Mahmud, MP is a well-known environmentalist both in home and abroad. He was awarded with the “Certificate of Honorable Mention” by Green Cross International”- an Environmentalist organization for his strong role of global climate change.
As the President of Parliamentary Standing Committee of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of National Parliament he worked very successfully to tackle the country’s environmental and climate threatening issues.
Ex-president of Maldives Nasheed praises PM Hasina
Former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed on Thursday praised the free, fair and participatory parliamentary elections of Bangladesh held on January 7.
He came up with the appreciation while calling on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence--Ganabhaban.
Nasheed congratulated Hasina on being re-elected as the premier, Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon said.
The premier expressed satisfaction with the existing relationship between the two countries--Bangladesh and the Maldives.
She said Bangladesh's friendship with the Maldives is very old.
The PM also expressed optimism that it will be stronger in the future.
Nasheed praised the visible development of Bangladesh, which he termed as unprecedented.
He said that under the leadership of Hasina, Bangladesh has progressed a lot in the socio-economic field.
Despite various obstacles, it has been able to create a strong economic base, he added.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah was present during the meeting
Chinese PM Li Qian congratulates Sheikh Hasina
Chinese Prime Minister (Premier of the State Council) Li Qian on Thursday extended warm congratulations and best wishes to his Bangladeshi counterpart for her re-election as prime minister.
“China and Bangladesh are close neighbours with long-established friendship and development partners of close cooperation,” he said in a letter sent to premier Sheikh Hasina.
In recent years, he said that China and Bangladesh have deepened political mutual trust and achieved fruitful results in Belt and Road cooperation.
“I stand ready to work with you to promote the bilateral friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation, further develop China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation, so as to better benefit our two countries and two peoples,” he said.
BIMSTEC secretary general congratulates PM Hasina
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) secretary general Indra Mani Pandey on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her historic re- appointment to the high office of the Prime Minister of the Government Bangladesh for the fourth consecutive term.
In a letter, the BIMSTEC official said that as one of the founding members of the group Bangladesh, under the leadership of Hasina, has been playing an important role in expanding regional cooperation within its framework.
Also read: BIMSTEC chief vows to translate its grand vision into reality for deepening cooperation
“The leadership of Bangladesh will remain critical for achieving the BIMSTEC'S vision of building a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Bengal region,” he said.
He expressed his confidence that under Hasina’s able leadership, Bangladesh will keep contributing to BIMSTEC to reach new heights in the coming years and transforming itself into a vibrant regional organisation.
Also read: Indra Mani Pandey of India to join as next Secretary General of BIMSTEC soon
US Ambassador Haas highlights importance of working with Bangladesh to combat human trafficking
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said working together with Bangladesh to combat human trafficking is a great example of how the two countries can collaborate to stop those who exploit people for profit.
"While today we honor those who help end the crime of human trafficking, the United States is committed to partnering with Bangladesh each and every day to protect the most vulnerable, to bring traffickers to justice, and to once and for all end the scourge of human trafficking," he said.
Peter Haas to spend Christmas with family in India
The US Embassy in Dhaka celebrated National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and reflected upon its continued partnership with Bangladesh to prevent human trafficking, prosecute traffickers, and provide for survivors.
In 2023, the US Embassy and the US Department of Justice’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) and Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) conducted human trafficking training for more than 200 investigators, financial analysts, prosecutors, and judges throughout Bangladesh.
Labour rights critical to growth and sustainability of Bangladesh’s RMG sector: Peter Haas
These capacity-building programs are conducted in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh and provide expert assistance, victim-centered skills development, and case-based mentoring to Bangladeshi counterparts, said the Embassy on Thursday.
Together, ICITAP and OPDAT conducted 48 training sessions in Bangladesh, and ICITAP partnered with USAID-funded activities to engage in community outreach programs to raise awareness about the dangers of trafficking and educate communities on how to identify and report potential cases.
US Ambassador Peter Haas returns to Dhaka
These efforts reflect a holistic strategy to involve law enforcement, the community, and NGOs, said the US government.
Nippon Foundation Chairman congratulates PM Sheikh Hasina
The Nippon Foundation Chairman Yohei Sasakawa has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Awami League for the victory in the general election.
He also extended his sincere respect for Sheikh Hasina’s dedication to the further development of Bangladesh.
In a letter sent to the Prime Minister, Yohei Sasakawa expressed his heartfelt gratitude as she was willing to lead the second National Leprosy Conference in November last.
The Nippon Foundation Chairman said that over the past few years, the global leprosy programmes have faced stagnation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also mentioned that the hosting of national leprosy conference in Bangladesh not only serves opportunity to strengthen leprosy programmes within Bangladesh, but also will reinforce leprosy programmes worldwide, using Bangladesh as a successful model.
“I remain committed to providing comprehensive support for your country’s endeavours,” he said.
Ambassador Muhith elected President of Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS
Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, has been elected as the President of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA, and UNOPS for 2024 at the elections held at United Nations Headquarters.
The member states also elected the Ambassadors of Colombia, Germany, Romania and Ethiopia as Vice-Presidents of the Executive Board.
With this election, Bangladesh takes up the Presidency of the Executive Board of these three very important agencies of the United Nations.
UNDP, ERD ink agreements to extend partnership
As the President of the Board, Bangladesh will be able to contribute further to the work of the UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS, who have specific mandates to support the countries achieve the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
Bangladesh will also be able to work closely with the other board members and the leaderships of these three vital UN Agencies and provide them with strategic guidance.
In his inaugural statement, Ambassador Muhith thanked the members of the Executive Board for electing him as the President. He also expressed his appreciation to UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS for their remarkable contributions in empowering people around the world and advancing their development aspirations.
“In the context of the difficult challenges that the development agenda of the United Nations suffered due to the pandemic and ongoing humanitarian and climate crises, UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS need to prepare themselves to deliver better, based on new and reinvigorated multilateral commitments and through coordinate efforts and engagement with all stakeholders,” he said.
UNDP, China to enhance livelihood opportunities for urban poor
“And the Executive Board will remain ready to provide those agencies with necessary direction and resources so that they can continue to be at the forefront of all such efforts,” he added.
The election of Ambassador Muhith as the President of the Board comes as a demonstration of the trust and confidence Bangladesh enjoys in the UN as well as recognition of Bangladesh’s unique success in achieving sustainable development through innovative means under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Since joining this Mission as the Permanent Representative in July 2022, Ambassador Muhith has served as the Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, the President of the Executive Board of UN-Women and the Vice-President of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS.
The Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS, composed of 36 members, was created by General Assembly resolution in 1993.
The Executive Board superseded the 48-member Governing Council on 1 January 1994.
The Executive Board is responsible for providing inter-governmental support to and supervision of the activities of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS in accordance with the overall policy guidance of the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council, and the responsibilities set out in the United Nations Charter.
END/UNB/MK/KW/
US says ‘nothing has changed’ about its desire to see Bangladeshis’ aspirations being met
The United States has said "nothing has changed" about their desire to see that the aspirations of Bangladeshis are met.
"We obviously still believe in the importance of viable, vibrant democratic institutions all over the world," National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby told reporters during a media briefing at White House on January 10.
Bangladesh elections were not free and fair: US
Bangladesh is set to see the formation of a new cabinet led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this evening.
Bangladesh's foreign friends and partners have already congratulated the Prime Minister and her party, Awami League, on election victory.
Dhaka-Washington ties won't be affected by verdict in Yunus case: Foreign Secretary
India, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, the OIC, and other South Asian countries have congratulated her.
"Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller earlier said.
BNP reopens Nayapaltan central office after 75 days
Passport Index 2024: Bangladesh in bottom 10, shares 97th spot with North Korea
The 2024 edition of Henley Passport Index – the most widely-accepted rating of global travel documents – places the Bangladeshi passport at 97th position, down one place from the last quarter of 2023.
The latest edition of the Passport Index — published on Tuesday — features a total of 104 spots with some countries’ passports sharing the same ranking.
Bangladesh ranked 97th on the index, sharing the spot with North Korea — a country virtually isolated from the rest of the world.
The ranking is based on the number of destinations passport holders can access without a prior visa.
Also read: Bangladesh climbs 5 spots in latest passport ranking, still behind Sri Lanka and Libya
According to the 2024 Henley Passport Index, a Bangladeshi passport entitles visa-free travel to 42 destinations.
In South Asia, the Bangladeshi passport fared better compared to that of Nepal (98), Pakistan (101) and Afghanistan (104).
Maldives’ passport ranked at 58, becoming the strongest in South Asia with visa-free access to 94 countries. India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka’s passports ranked at 80th, 87th and 96th respectively.
An unprecedented six countries share the top spot for the most desirable travel documents in 2024.
Citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain now have access to visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to a remarkable 194 destinations worldwide.
This figure marks the highest count recorded since the Henley Passport Index began monitoring global travel freedoms 19 years ago, according to CNN.
Also read: Bangladesh e-Passport Information Update: Step by Step Procedure, Related Costs
Apart from those 6 countries who share the top spot, other countries sharing the top 5 rankings in the Henley Passport Index are: Finland, South Korea, Sweden in the second spot with visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 193 countries; Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands sharing the third spot with visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 192 countries; Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal United Kingdom in fourth spot with visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 191 countries; Greece, Malta, and Switzerland in the fifth spot with visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 190 destinations.
Countries sharing the bottom 5 rankings as per the passport index are: Yemen, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
The Henley Passport Index, the only one of its kind based on unique data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), has historical data going back 19 years. The database lists 227 travel destinations and 199 passports.
The Henley Passport Index is updated every quarter, and is regarded as the go-to resource for global citizens and sovereign states for determining where a passport ranks on the scale of global mobility.
Also read: Bangladesh passport visa free countries for 2023