Foreign-Affairs
Bangladesh will continue boosting cooperation with neighbours for regional prosperity: Foreign Ministry to diplomats
The 12th Parliamentary Election marks the continuation of a democratic Bangladesh polity that remains firmly committed to contribute to regional and global peace and security and to eliminate terrorism, counter radicalization and extremism, while championing international development objectives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today.
The ministry held a “meet and greet” at State guesthouse Sugandha this afternoon. Diplomats stationed in Dhaka attended the event.
Read: China ready to work with the new govt of Bangladesh: Spokesperson
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Russia Ambassador to Bangladesh Aleksandr Mantytsky, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis, and high commissioners and ambassadors from various other countries were present.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen spoke at the event. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was also present.
Momen described it as just a standard “meet and greet.” “We look forward to seeing better partnership, better cooperation and better accommodation. This is essential to us,” he said.
He said Bangladesh has made many achievements due to cooperation and collaboration.
“With the initiation of the new government, Bangladesh would be geared at further enhancing cooperation with its neighbours to ensure shared economic prosperity in South Asia through promotion of greater regional security, integration and connectivity,” according to a briefing note circulated among the diplomats after Momen’s remarks.
The 12th Parliamentary Election is important for maintaining a seamless democratic transition process in the country as per the Constitution, the ministry said.
Read: Bangladeshis did not get fullest range of voting options: UK on Sunday’s election
This will further contribute to our efforts towards achieving the global threshold in democratic practices, it reads.
“Alongside our economic strides, Bangladesh will also succeed in building a democratic society which our future generations will take pride in,” the briefing note reads.
At the national level, the 12th Parliamentary Election results will usher in a fresh opportunity to infuse further dynamism into the impressive socio-economic performance sustained by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government during its past three tenures. Political stability under democratic rule has contributed a lot to these achievements, it said.
Diplomats attend Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefing on national election
Diplomats stationed in Dhaka today attended the briefing arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at State Guesthouse Sugandha.
The foreign ministry hosted the briefing on the just-held 12th National Parliamentary Election.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Aleksandr Mantytsky, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis, and high commissioners and ambassadors from various other countries were present on the occasion.
Read: Fire in Rohingya camp: at least 1,500 children lost access to education, says UNICEF
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen spoke at the “meet and greet” event. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was also present.
Momen described it as just a standard “meet and greet.” “We look forward to seeing better partnership, better cooperation and better accommodation. This is essential to us,” he said.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh has achieved much due to cooperation and collaboration.
China ready to work with the new govt of Bangladesh: Spokesperson
China is prepared to work with the new government of Bangladesh to carry forward the long-established friendship, says its spokesperson today.
China reiterated to promote “high-quality” Belt and Road cooperation, and pursue greater progress for China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation.
UN chief calls on all parties to reject violence and ensure human rights, law are respected in Bangladesh
“As an amicable and close neighbour of Bangladesh, China firmly supports Bangladesh in implementing the political agendas in accordance with its law after the election,” Mao Ning, Spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing held in Beijing.
The spokesperson mentioned China’s principles of mutual respect, equal footing, mutual benefit and non-interference in other country’s internal affairs.
Bangladesh elections were not free and fair: US
China congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her election victory and for successfully holding the 12th National Parliamentary Election as planned. China also felicitated the Awami League for winning the election.
Fire in Rohingya camp: at least 1,500 children lost access to education, says UNICEF
UNICEF has offered its deepest sympathies to the 5,000 Rohingya refugees– including 3,500 children – who lost their homes in the fire that broke out in Camp 5 of the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps on January 7, 2024.
“While we are thankful that no deaths have been reported, at least 1,500 children lost access to education when 20 of their learning facilities were destroyed in the fire," said UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Sheldon Yett on Tuesday.
As they assess the full extent of the damage, UNICEF and partners will construct temporary tents to enable children to learn whilst classrooms are reconstructed.
“UNICEF and partners worked through the night to protect and support traumatized children and their families. Let us remember, these children have already escaped violence and trauma,” Yett said.
So, there is an urgent imperative to work closely with local authorities, UN agencies and partners to provide the most vulnerable with shelter and respond to their basic needs so that all affected children are safe, healthy, and protected, said the UN agency representative.
Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Florencia Soto Niño has said their colleagues at the UN refugee agency and their partners are responding in the aftermath of the fire that took place in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camp.
They say that nearly 800 shelters are feared to have been destroyed in the fire, and around 120 facilities, including learning spaces, mosques, and health-care centres were also destroyed or damaged.
Refugees displaced by the fire are now staying within the camp’s community centres and are being provided with emergency food assistance.
"The Bangladeshi authorities and UNHCR, in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other partners, are supporting the Rohingya refugees who lost their shelters and belongings," said the Associate Spokesperson.
The cause of the fire is so far unknown.
UN chief calls on all parties to reject violence and ensure human rights, law are respected in Bangladesh
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on all parties to reject all forms of violence and to ensure that human rights and the rule of law are fully respected in Bangladesh.
"This is essential for the consolidation of democracy and economic prosperity there. So that's what I can tell you on that," Associate Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Florencia Soto Niño, said at a regular media briefing in New York on January 8.
Maldives President greets PM Hasina on election win, recognises her commitment to people
The associate spokesperson said they have seen the situation that is unfolding in Bangladesh.
"The Secretary-General continues to follow what's happening. He notes the opposition’s decision to boycott the elections," Florencia said.
The UN chief has also noted all the allegations of the stifling of dissenting and critical voices and arrest of opposition leaders.
"He's obviously concerned about reports of incidents of violence prior to, and during the election," said the associate spokesperson.
Bangladesh elections were not free and fair: US
He reiterated it is essential that the Bangladesh government foster an environment of democracy. "Reject all forms of violence, and obviously ensure that human rights are respected there."
Maldives President greets PM Hasina on election win, recognises her commitment to people
President of the Maldives, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.
Bangladeshis did not get fullest range of voting options: UK on Sunday’s election
President Dr Muizzu said under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership, the relations between the Maldives and Bangladesh will contribute to mutual prosperity and benefit both nations.
On behalf of the Government and people of the Maldives, the Maldives President congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, recognising her leadership and commitment to the people of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh elections were not free and fair: US
In his message, the President highlighted the Maldives’ and Bangladesh's longstanding history of close neighbourly relations based on mutual understanding, respect, and shared values.
AL's win a testament to people’s trust in Hasina’s leadership: Sri Lankan President
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said the electoral triumph achieved by the Bangladesh Awami League is a testament to the trust and confidence bestowed by the people of Bangladesh in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s capable leadership.
President Wickremesinghe expressed confidence that her wisdom and wealth of experience will continue to benefit the people of Bangladesh.
On behalf of the government and the people of Sri Lanka, President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended warmest congratulations and best wishes to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the victory of the Awami League under her visionary leadership in the recently concluded Parliamentary Election.
Read: Russia congratulates PM Hasina on election victory
Highlighting the close and friendly bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, President Wickremesinghe expressed his firm conviction that the multifaceted relationship will be further strengthened and consolidated in the years ahead during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
In this regard, he extended an invitation for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to undertake a visit to Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient date, which could be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.
President Wickremesinghe is confident that such a visit will significantly enhance the political and economic interaction between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, reinforcing existing ties for the mutual benefit of the two nations.
Read: India congratulates PM Hasina on election victory, hopes for ‘even stronger momentum’ in ties
President Wickremesinghe took the opportunity to recall, with deep appreciation, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s personal intervention and the crucial support that the Government of Bangladesh has been extending to Sri Lanka, particularly in the recent past.
He acknowledged that this timely support would not have been possible without Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s personal involvement and genuine affection for Sri Lanka and its people.
The Sri Lankan President concluded the message by extending assurances of his highest consideration and best wishes for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s good health, happiness and personal well-being, as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh.
Read more: Bhutan congratulates PM Hasina
Bangladeshis did not get fullest range of voting options: UK on Sunday’s election
The United Kingdom has noted that the Bangladeshi people did not have the fullest range of voting options in Sunday’s national elections in Bangladesh.
The UK noted that not all political parties took part in the elections, according a statement issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on Monday.
The UK condemned the acts of intimidation and violence that took place prior to and during the campaign period. Such conduct has no place in political life.
Read: It’s a vote robbery in name of election, says Oli Ahmed in rejecting Sunday’s vote
It 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.”
Democratic elections depend on credible, open, and fair competition, said the UK in the statement.
"Respect for human rights, rule of law and due process are essential elements of the democratic process. These standards were not consistently met during the election period," said the British government.
"We are concerned at the significant number of arrests of opposition party members before polling day," said the statement.
Read: Islami Andolan Bangladesh to hold rally demanding cancellation of elections
The United Kingdom and Bangladesh share a deep and historic friendship.
"Creating the conditions for a sustainable political settlement and vibrant civil society will enable long-term growth," said the UK.
Read more: Controlled election by govt won't be acceptable: GM Quader
Bangladesh elections were not free and fair: US
The United States shared the view with other observers that Sunday's (January 07, 2024) elections in Bangladesh "were not free or fair" and they regret that not all parties participated, the US State Department said.
The United States remains concerned by the arrests of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on elections day, said US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller in Washington on Monday (January 08, 2024).
Miller said the United States supports the people of Bangladesh and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression.
Read: No legitimate grounds to warrant economic sanctions against Bangladesh: BGMEA
The United States, however, recognised that the Awami League won a majority of seats in the January 7, 2024 parliamentary elections, he said.
"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 Miller.
He said the United States condemned violence that took place during elections and in the months leading up to it.
Read: Awami League not worried about any sanctions: Quader
The US encouraged the government of Bangladesh to credibly investigate reports of violence and to hold perpetrators accountable, said the spokesperson.
"We also urge all political parties to reject violence," Miller said.
Read more: Bangladeshis did not get fullest range of voting options: UK on Sunday’s election
"My read of this US readout on Bangladesh’s election is that the current US policy toward Dhaka will essentially remain in place-a continued strong focus on rights and democracy, but otherwise stay the course and keep pursuing deeper strategic partnership," said Michael Kugelman.
"US government statement on Bangladesh elections acknowledges AL win, criticizes process, condemns violence, and looks forward to continued partnership," said Geoffrey Macdonald.
Scottish MP congratulates Momen on his re-election
Foysol Choudhury, a member of the Scottish Parliament for Lothian, has congratulated Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on his successful re-election in the 12th parliamentary election, held on Sunday.
Choudhury, convener of the Cross-Party Group on Bangladesh in the Scottish Parliament, praised the government’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
Also read: Modi speaks with Hasina: India to continue to support Bangladesh’s aspirations, growth
He also highlighted the importance of the relationship between Scotland and Bangladesh, particularly in addressing the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis.
Highlighting the foreign minister’s "dedication to providing a place of safety for Rohingya refugees" the Scottish MP thanked him for hosting a delegation of Scottish parliamentarians last year.
"I commend the Bangladeshi government for conducting free and fair elections, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr Momen on his re-election," Choudhury said in a statement.
Also read: India, China, Russia, S Asian countries congratulate PM Hasina on election victory