Foreign-Affairs
UN for all parties to shun violence in Bangladesh
The United Nations (UN) has reiterated its call to all parties in Bangladesh to reject any form of violence and ensure that everyone’s human rights and rule of law are fully respected.
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"I think, as we’ve told you earlier, the Secretary-General calls on — and very publicly — for all parties to reject all forms of violence and to ensure that everyone’s human rights and everyone’s access to the rule of law are fully respected," Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stéphane Dujarric told reporters during a regular briefing in New York on January 9.
He said that it is essential for the consolidation of democracy and economic prosperity in Bangladesh.
Read: UN chief calls on all parties to reject violence and ensure human rights, law are respected in Bangladesh
"And he’s, of course, concerned about reports of the violence that we’ve seen," said the Spokesperson.
Japan welcomes peaceful polls; notes some irregularities
Japan has welcomed Bangladesh polls, noting that overall the election was generally conducted peacefully.
However, it noted that "some irregularities" were reported in the general election.
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"As far as our mission was able to observe, the election process was conducted in accordance with procedures," said Press Secretary Kobayashi Maki in a statement on Wednesday.
On the other hand, Japan regretted that there were incidents of violence with casualties in the process leading up to the general election.
Japan hoped that Bangladesh, as a strategic partner, will make progress in its efforts for further development as a democratic nation.
"Japan intends to continue to support Bangladesh for its development and prosperity, and further develop the bilateral relationship," the statement reads.
On January 8, Bangladesh Election Commission announced the result of the 12th general elections held on January 7.
‘It is a victory for democracy and people of the country’: Momen
From Japan, an election observer mission headed by Watanabe Masato, former Ambassador to Bangladesh, consisting of officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh as well as an outside expert, conducted monitoring activities on site.
Australia urges Bangladesh govt to prioritise strengthening its democratic institutions
The Australian government has urged the Bangladesh government to “prioritise” the strengthening of its democratic institutions, which “underpin” the protection of human rights, rule of law and the promotion of development.
“As a close partner, Australia remains committed to working with Bangladesh to achieve our shared vision for an open, stable, prosperous and inclusive region,” said the Australian government in a statement on Bangladesh elections.
Australia noted the results of the parliamentary election in Bangladesh on January 7.
“While we welcome the fact that millions of Bangladeshi voters exercised their right to vote on election day, it is regrettable that the elections took place in an environment where not all stakeholders could participate meaningfully and substantially,” it observed.
As a longstanding friend of Bangladesh, Australia said they are concerned about the violence and the arrests of political opposition members that took place in the lead-up to the elections.
Australia has consistently highlighted to Bangladesh the importance of free and fair elections, said the statement issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Democracies have weaknesses, but they attain maturity only through practice: Foreign Ministry tells diplomats
The government has said that Bangladesh’s democratic polity has reached a stage where smooth and peaceful transition of power between elected governments has been ensured without any undemocratic arrangement.
"Democracies have weaknesses, but they attain maturity only through practicing democracy," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a briefing note shared with diplomats stationed in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Although many leaders and activists of BNP were keen to participate, it is regrettable that its top leadership decided otherwise on the pretext of their unconstitutional demand for the provision of a caretaker government, the ministry conveyed to diplomats.
In 2011, Supreme Court of Bangladesh declared the unelected caretaker provision "ultra vires" (any deed performed beyond the scope of legal authority) and void as it conflicts with the spirit of democracy.
Read more: Australia urges Bangladesh govt to prioritise strengthening its democratic institutions
The Election Commission repeatedly called upon BNP to participate, and the EC was even willing to revise the election schedule if BNP joined.
BNP made this "irrational demand" as its principal political capital and chose to destroy the lives and properties of people, holding them hostage, said the government.
The state of horrific violence that BNP and its allies unleashed throughout the country is only a vivid reminder of their drills in 2001, 2013, 2014 and 2018, the ministry of foreign affairs said.
Since October 28, 2023, they set ablaze nearly a thousand public and private vehicles and over 200 establishments including police hospital premises and ambulances, vandalized nearly a thousand vehicles and many establishments including the residences of Chief Justice and other judges, caused injury to around 1,500 police personnel and around 500 civilians, attacked reporters and camera personnel, killed 24 individuals including two police personnel – one of them mercilessly beaten to death in broad daylight, the foreign ministry observed.
"They sabotaged our railway system, leading to tragic incidents claiming five precious lives including burning a mother and her 3-year-old son alive and leaving many others severely injured," reads the briefing note.
In the lead-up to the election, BNP "geared up its violence" in its efforts to spread fear and terror. On the preceding day of the elections, they carried out arson attacks on polling centres with a view to intimidating the voters, the ministry conveyed to the diplomats.
Read more: Foreign friends continue to send congratulations to PM Hasina on her election win
BNP called for a 48-hour nationwide strike to cut off the communication system and obstruct voters from traveling to their constituencies to cast their votes, it said.
The Benapole Express train was set on fire, killing four passengers, causing severe injuries to many, and burning the passenger train to ashes, it said.
The 12th Parliamentary Election of Bangladesh were held on January 7 in a "free, fair, impartial and transparent" manner with spontaneous participation of the voters.
The people of Bangladesh as well as the international community have witnessed that the Bangladesh Election Commission, an independent and empowered constitutional body, supported by the incumbent government, can effectively conduct free, fair and credible elections, the ministry said.
The 2024 polls have set a new milestone in the history of the journey of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, it said.
People of Bangladesh have demonstrated their unyielding resolve to a rule-based democratic system and peace, progress and stability through their active participation, the foreign ministry said.
"The incumbent government also manifested its unprecedented political commitment to take forward the democratic process, uphold the constitutional mandate, and ensure people’s right to vote."
Despite the calls to boycott, violence and persistent intimidation by the BNP, the people of Bangladesh reinforced their commitment to and aspiration for a peaceful and ‘Smart Bangladesh’ vision, said the government.
"This is a new paradigm in Bangladesh’s electoral history within the constitutional framework, based on trust, credibility, and impartiality in the election process in line with people’s aspirations," it said.
The Indian High Commission's representative, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis, and high commissioners and ambassadors from various other countries were present at the "meet and greet" where Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen spoke briefly. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was also present.
Read more: Canada disappointed that Bangladesh’s electoral process has ‘fallen short of’ democratic principles
Foreign friends continue to send congratulations to PM Hasina on her election win
Bangladesh’s friends and partners from across the world keep congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory as she is set to form her new cabinet on Thursday with a likely mix of new and old faces.
They vowed to work together with the government and people of Bangladesh to strengthen their ties with the country.
Even though the United States concluded that Sunday’s election was not “free or fair” it voiced commitment to work with Bangladesh.
"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," said US State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller a day after the voting.
The European Union (EU) said it will continue to work with the government of Bangladesh on the priorities that characterise their longstanding relations in the political, human rights, trade and development spheres including the country’s possible future access to the GSP+ preferential trade scheme.
Democracies have weaknesses, but they attain maturity only through practice: Foreign Ministry tells diplomats
"The EU strongly encourages all stakeholders to respect political pluralism, democratic values and international human rights standards and to engage in peaceful dialogue," said High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles in a statement on behalf of the EU.
It is essential that the media, civil society and political parties can carry out their work without censorship or fear of reprisals, said the EU.
The United Kingdom encouraged all political parties to address their differences and find a common way forward in the interests of the people of Bangladesh. "We will continue to support this process.”
The UK, however, said the January 7 election did not provide the “fullest options” to the Bangladeshis.
The Australian government has urged the Bangladesh government to "prioritise" the strengthening of its democratic institutions, which "underpin" the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and the promotion of development.
"As a close partner, Australia remains committed to working with Bangladesh to achieve our shared vision for an open, stable, prosperous and inclusive region," said the Australian government in a statement on Bangladesh elections.
Earlier, India, Japan, China, Russia, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Muslim world and other South Asian countries congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda extended a cordial invitation to Hasina to pay a visit to Nepal at a convenient time.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC also congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.
"My congratulations to you- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on your electoral victory," she said.
The Commonwealth Secretariat stands ready to partner with Bangladesh to achieve national priorities and looks forward to working with the PM for the people of Bangladesh and all members of the Commonwealth Family, she said.
Canada, however, expressed its “disappointment” that this electoral process has “fallen short of” the principles of democracy and freedom upon which Bangladesh was founded, and called on the relevant authorities to work transparently with all parties to move forward towards democracy, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the interests of the people of Bangladesh.
“Canada commends and supports the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens and condemns the acts of intimidation and violence that took place ahead and during the elections,” said the Canadian government in a statement on January 9.
Nepal's PM congratulates Sheikh Hasina on re-election, extends invitation
On the other hand, Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.
“We look forward to further deepening the ties between Canada and Bangladesh and will continue working with you and your government to that end,” a message to PM Hasina reads.
Chair of Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group, Brad Redekopp, MP; Vice Chair Salma Ataullahjan; Kevin Waugh, MP; Larry Brock, MP; and Ken Hardie, MP jointly sent the congratulatory message.
Congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh, founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab, said he is confident that under her leadership, Bangladesh will be able to fully realize its economic potential and become a developed country by 2041.
“The bold reforms taken forward under your leadership have helped raise Bangladesh’s economic and social standing,” Schwab said in a message to PM Hasina.
“The World Economic Forum looks forward to working closely with you and your government to support in achieving its full growth potential,” he said.
Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Director General Binayak Sen has said the United States is undeniably a strong influencer of development dynamics but it needs to rethink its role.
He said the US needs to fund for new economic projects, duty free access, new FDI opportunities, and stopping global conflicts.
In a separate message shared on X (formerly Twitter), he said almost everyone agrees that the parliament lacks strong opposition. “AL needs to find a way out.”
Bangabandhu's Homecoming Day observed at Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo
The country’s challenges are huge, which need to be settled through open and sharp debates, the economist said. “I propose that Article 70 of the constitution be abrogated to allow dissents and differences,” he mentioned.
By now, the government has said, Bangladesh’s democratic polity has reached a stage where smooth and peaceful transition of power between elected governments is ensured without any undemocratic arrangement.
"Democracies have weaknesses, but they attain maturity only through practicing democracy," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a briefing note shared with the diplomats stationed in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Although many leaders and activists of BNP were keen to participate, it is regrettable that its top leadership decided otherwise on the pretext of their unconstitutional demand for the provision of a caretaker government, MoFA conveyed to the diplomats.
In 2011, Supreme Court of Bangladesh declared the unelected caretaker provision ultra vires and void as it conflicts with the spirit of democracy as a fundamental principle of our State Policy.
The 12th Parliamentary elections of Bangladesh were held on January 7 in a "free, fair, impartial and transparent" manner with spontaneous participation of the voters, MoFA said.
The 2024 polls have set a new milestone in the history of the journey of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, it said.
“We look forward to seeing better partnership, better cooperation and better accommodation. This is essential to us,” said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.
He said Bangladesh has made many achievements due to cooperation and collaboration.
Nepal's PM congratulates Sheikh Hasina on re-election, extends invitation
Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her re-election and landslide victory of her party in the parliamentary election held on January 7.
"I look forward to continue working closely with you to further advancing and strengthening the multidimensional ties and cooperation between Nepal and Bangladesh in the years ahead," he said in a message to PM Hasina.
The Prime Minister of Nepal also extended a cordial invitation to Hasina to pay a visit to Nepal at a convenient time.
He said Bangladesh and Nepal enjoy excellent bilateral relations.
"As close friends and neighbours, the relations between our two countries are marked by mutual support, understanding, and cooperation as well as strong people-to-people contacts," said the Prime Minister of Nepal.
He said they have been cooperating in regional and international forums on matters of mutual interest.
"Engagements at different levels between the two countries in the areas of energy, trade, investment, tourism, education, and culture have been growing steadily," said PM Prachanda.
He wished for Hasina's personal health and happiness, as well as for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the friendly people of Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu's Homecoming Day observed at Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Homecoming Day was observed in Tokyo with due fervor and solemnity.
On this occasion, a discussion meeting was organized at the embassy this morning.
Officials of the embassy, led by Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed, laid floral wreaths on the portrait of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Nepal's PM congratulates Sheikh Hasina on re-election, extends invitation
A minute's silence was observed in the memory of Bangabandhu and the martyrs of August 15, 1975.
Later, a special prayer was offered for the eternal peace of the souls of the Father of the Nation and the martyred members of his family, as well as for the welfare of the country and the nation.
Then the messages given by the President and the Prime Minister on Bangabandhu's Homecoming Day were read out.
Brazil congratulates PM Hasina, willing to continue deepening ties with Bangladesh
During the discussion, Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmad humbly recalled the contribution of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the history of the nation's struggle for freedom.
He said that Bangladesh was born through the long movement and Liberation War led by the Father of the Nation.
The ambassador said that although victory was achieved on December 16, 1971, it was completed only after the return of the Father of the Nation on January 10, 1972.
Bangabandhu’s Homecoming Day observed in Brunei
He called upon all to work towards the implementation of Vision 2041, announced by the Prime Minister, to take the country forward on the path of progress and prosperity by completing the unfinished work of Bangabandhu.
A documentary on Bangabandhu's homecoming was screened after the discussion.
Brazil congratulates PM Hasina, willing to continue deepening ties with Bangladesh
The government of Brazil has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.
The Brazilian government acknowledged the holding of parliamentary election in Bangladesh on January 7, 2024 and congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her victory in the election, said a media release issued on January 9 by the Foreign Ministry of Brazil.
Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group congratulates PM Hasina on election victory
Brazil expressed its willingness to continue deepening relations with Bangladesh, in favour of development of both countries, the promotion of South-South cooperation, and the fight against poverty, hunger and climate crisis.
Canada disappointed that Bangladesh’s electoral process has ‘fallen short of’ democratic principles
Brazil-Bangladesh diplomatic relations, established in 1972, have strengthened in recent years, it said.
In 2023, President Lula and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in South Africa.
Last year, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Brazil reached the US$2.3 billion mark.
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Bangabandhu’s Homecoming Day observed in Brunei
The historic Homecoming Day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was observed in Brunei Darussalam in a befitting manner.
Bangladesh High Commission to Brunei Darussalam organized a program at the Chancery premises on Wednesday.
Bangladesh community members joined the programme.
The day’s program started with recital from the holy Quran, and continued with placing floral wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation.
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The Bangladesh High Commissioner, Nahida Rahman Shumona, read out the messages from the President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on this occasion.
Proudly hailing the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the greatest Bengali of all times, the Bangladesh High Commissioner highlighted the significance of the Homecoming Day of the Father of the Nation.
She also expressed her sincere gratitude towards Bangabandhu for creating Bangladesh, which she represents in Brunei, and also thanked Sheikh Hasina for announcing her dream of ‘Smart Bangladesh’.
PM pays tribute to Bangabandhu on his Homecoming Day
She interacted with the Bangladeshi expats and assured them of full support of the Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei Darussalam.
She advised them to work hard, respect the local laws and regulations, and avoid doing anything that would tarnish the image of Bangladesh.
She requested them to work unitedly to make the dream of ‘Smart Bangladesh’ a reality.
Myanmar says overwhelming support for AL reflects people’s trust in PM Hasina, her leadership
Congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Myanmar has said the overwhelming support for the Awami League clearly reflects the trust reposed by the people of Bangladesh in PM Hasina and the strong approval of her leadership over the past decade.
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“I look forward to continue working closely with you and the Government of Bangladesh to further strengthen the existing friendly ties and deepen bilateral cooperation for the mutual interests and advancement of livelihoods of our two peoples in the coming years,” said Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group congratulates PM Hasina on election victory
On behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and on his own behalf, the Myanmar Senior General extended warmest congratulations to PM Hasina on the sweeping victory of the Awami League in the recent general election.
World Economic Forum invites PM Hasina to attend its annual meeting in Switzerland
In his message to PM Hasina, he also wished for her well-being, personal happiness as well as for all success in her future endeavours.