Foreign-Affairs
Foreign Minister Momen holds meeting with his Hungarian counterpart
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen held a meeting with Péter Szijjártó, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, in Accra of Ghana on Wednesday.
Both the ministers discussed various issues of mutual interests in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Momen is leading a high-level Bangladesh delegation to the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial currently being held in Ghana.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said, “Bangladesh has impressive success stories in women empowerment and development under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”
He also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to send more women in peacekeeping missions especially in the senior positions as he spoke in an event on enhancing women’s participation in the UN peacekeeping.
The foreign secretary is currently attending the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Accra, Ghana as a part of the high-level Bangladesh delegation led by the foreign minister.
Bangladesh continues support for UN peacekeeping agenda: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has underscored that Bangladesh would continue supporting the seven priorities of the UN Secretary General’s Action for Peacekeeping agenda.
"Our principled position, rooted in the foreign policy dictum of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, serves as a guiding force. This stance consistently propels us force to actively participate in the peace endeavors of the UN including promoting culture of peace, contributing to peacekeeping operations and facilitating peacebuilding," he said.
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Foreign Minister Momen was speaking as a panellist in the plenary in the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial held in Accra, Ghana on Wednesday.
He is leading a high-level Bangladesh delegation there.
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The UN Peacekeeping Ministerial is aimed at receiving pledges from the Member States.
Momen made peacekeeping pledges on behalf of Bangladesh.
Momen to attend UN peacekeeping ministerial in Ghana on Dec 5-6
Earlier, Momen held a meeting with Péter Szijjártó, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary in Accra.
The two foreign ministers discussed various issues of mutual interests in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
India stands with Bangladesh for future stability, prosperity: Indian envoy
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Wednesday said India will stand with the people of Bangladesh in the future in realising its vision of a stable and prosperous country.
"December 6 stands out as one of the very important dates. It is a dominant factor in our relations," he said while speaking at a reception marking the Friendship Day, recalling that India stood with the people of Bangladesh in 1971.
Bangladesh and India commemorate December 6 as "Maitri Dibas" or 'Friendship Day', showing the emotional bonds stemming from the "invaluable contribution of the government and the people of India" in the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
The holding of Maitri Dibas is a reflection of the deep and abiding friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh that has been forged in blood and shared sacrifices.
The High Commissioner said the day stands out in the history of Bangladesh-India relationship.
He said it was the beginning of the partnership which is now seen as multifaceted and the relationship goes beyond strategic partners.
The High Commissioner said that the two countries are more than strategic partners.
He said it is a day of remembrance and paying tribute to those who sacrificed.
"The relationship has come a long way. Today it's a multifaceted relationship, adding new momentum in our relationship," said Pranay Verma.
He said the two countries are building new connectivities on all fronts. "The opportunity is really endless with greater hope and greater optimism."
The High Commissioner said they have set up a Liberation War gallery in the Indian Cultural Centre to attract more young people about the history and legacy that two countries share.
"We remain committed to doing more to build on the foundation of friendship that we have, that we are celebrating today. And as we do so, we must also ensure that our future generations imbibed with our shared history and the spirit of 1971," said envoy.
Maitri Diwas is in many ways a reminder of how much the two countries and people are connected with each other based on shared history, geography, culture, language and shared traditions, said the envoy.
"It's a reminder that our friendship is rooted in the shared sacrifices of freedom fighters, our veterans and millions more who laid down their lives in the cause of the liberation of Bangladesh," he said.
The High Commissioner said it is a relationship between the two fast growing economies of the world and it is a relationship built upon growing aspirations of the people, which is creating new frontiers and adding new momentum to the existing engagement.
"This relationship, this partnership, is based on the conviction that our progress and prosperity are interlinked. And this is a relationship where we are building new connectivities," he added.
The envoy said the two countries are getting connected in more ways than they were connected earlier. "Whether it is physical connection, whether it is people to people connection, digital connection, energy connectivity, economic connectivity."
High Commissioner Pranay Verma highlighted the deep and historic ties between Bangladesh and India.
He underscored that Maitri Diwas signifies the genesis of a partnership rooted in equality, mutual respect, and unwavering solidarity—a proud moment symbolizing India's steadfast support for Bangladesh's struggle for freedom.
The Maitri Diwas celebrations showcased the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India and Bangladesh through various performances by eminent artists from Bangladesh.
The event featured classical and folk dances, music and recitation.
Joler Gaan, a prominent folk musical band of Bangladesh performed in the event.
Celebrities, editors and friends of India joined the reception followed by a cultural function.
During the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March 2021 to attend the Indepence Day of Bangladesh, it was decided to commemorate December 06 as Maitri Dibas (Friendship Day).
Ten days before the liberation of Bangladesh, India had recognised Bangladesh on December 06 in 1971.
India was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with Bangladesh.
The day was commemorated in 18 countries around the world apart from in Dhaka and Delhi in 2021.
These countries are Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, Qatar, Singapore, UK, Australia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, the UAE and the US.
3 newly appointed envoys pay tribute to Bangabandhu
The newly appointed ambassadors of Argentina, Denmark and the Netherlands visited Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka on Wednesday
They paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and signed the visitors’ book there.
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Govt approves import of 40 MW power from Nepal
Finally the government has decided to import 40 MW electricity from Nepal.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in a meeting on Wednesday approved a proposal in principle to import the power from the Himalayan nation.
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal presided over the virtual meeting.
However, the tariff of the Nepalese electricity was not disclosed in the meeting as this proposal will be placed next in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP).
Earlier on August 28 this year, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said that import of hydropower from Nepal was almost final.
There was a plan to import electricity from Nepal before the winter so that in return Bangladesh can get the opportunity to export its surplus electricity to Nepal during peak demand in winter in the Himalayan nation.
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Electricity demand decreases during winter in Bangladesh while it increases in Nepal.
According to official sources, after a long discussion at political and bureaucratic levels among the countries, India finally agreed to allow Bangladesh to initially import 40 MW electricity from Nepal through Indian transmission infrastructure.
Sources said the decision to start the import of 40 MW power from Nepal was finalised in a two-day meeting of the joint steering committee (JSC) and joint working committee (JWC) on Bangladesh-Nepal power and energy sector cooperation on May 14-15 this year in Patuakhali in Bangladesh.
Ahead of the meeting, Nepalese Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud visited Dhaka and held a meeting with Bangladeshi public and private sector officials where he urged them to invest in the hydropower sector in the Himalayan nation, holding about 60,000 MW of clean energy potentials.
Power Cell Director General Mohammad Hossain said that 40 MW electricity will be imported through Baharampur-Bheramara transmission lines which have enough capacity to import electricity from Nepal through Indian territory.
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Sources said under the planned arrangement, Bangladesh will import electricity from Nepal through an Indian company as a service provider which will first import electricity from Nepal through Indian transmission line and then sell it to Bangladesh.
They said Bangladesh and Nepal prefer a tripartite or regional agreement while India wants bilateral deal in this regard.
Currently, Bangladesh is importing electricity from India through a similar arrangement where the Indian company NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) is selling power to BPDB.
In case of electricity trade between Dhaka and Kathmandu, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will have to sign agreements with both NVVN and BPDB.
Apart from the 40 MW import plan, Bangladesh wants to import 500 MW of hydroelectricity from Nepal via Indian company GMR.
Officials said Bangladesh and Nepal are still pursuing India to sign the tripartite deal to facilitate the sub-regional power trade among the three nations.
145 more Bangladeshis return from Libya
A fresh batch of 145 irregular Bangladeshi citizens returned home from Libya on Wednesday by a chartered flight of Buraq Air, taking the total number of returnees to 398 so far.
The Bangladeshis were in Benghazi detention centre, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On arrival at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, the destitute repatriated Bangladeshi citizens were welcomed by the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Read: 143 undocumented Bangladeshis return home from Libya
The IOM gave each of them pocket money of Tk 6500 and some food items.
The process of repatriating Bangladeshis trapped in Libya is ongoing with the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Embassy, Tripoli and with the financial support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Those who are in the detention centres of Libya will be brought back gradually.
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As part of the repatriation process 143 irregular Bangladeshi nationals detained at the Ainjera Detention Center in Tripoli were transferred on a chartered flight on November 28.
Another batch of 110 people was repatriated by a chartered flight on November 30.
Read more: Bangladesh sends humanitarian aid to flood-affected Libya
Bangladesh and Argentina can utilise bilateral investment prospects: President Shahabuddin
President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday said Bangladesh and Argentina have considerable investment potentials which the two friendly countries should explore further.
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He said this when new resident ambassador of Argentina Marcelo CESA presented his credentials to him at Bangabhavan, according to president’s press secretary Joynal Abedin.
The president said Argentina is a very familiar name to Bangladeshi football lovers. Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi are very popular among all strata of people including the young generation.
Mentioning that Bangladesh produces various international quality products including garments, ceramics and medicine, he urged the new ambassador to take initiatives to increase the import of these products from Bangladesh.
Besides, he emphasized on exchange of visits at the government and private level to exploit the trade and investment potential of the two countries.
Welcoming the ambassador, the president thanked the Argentine government and people for opening the new Argentine resident mission in Bangladesh.
Ambassador Marcelo said that the people-to-people relations of the two countries can be strengthened through the exchange of sports and culture.
Mentioning that Bangladesh's support to Argentine football is very encouraging to Argentine footballers, he said that his country is interested in increasing investment in various fields including sports and culture.
The new ambassador sought full cooperation in the discharge of his duties.
Momen emphasizes innovations for eco-friendly peacekeeping operations
Secretaries of president's office, senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs and embassy officials were also present.
Thailand eyes partnership in infrastructure, connectivity initiatives with Bangladesh
Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor has expressed optimism about forging Thailand’s partnership in several more infrastructure and connectivity initiatives as the two countries see momentum in their growing relations.
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She mentioned the operation of direct coastal shipping between Chattogram and Ranong seaports that will save time, reduce logistics cost, link the Bay of Bengal with the Andaman coast and eventually enhance economic competitiveness of both sides.
“I see a lot of opportunities ahead for further cooperation, bilaterally and multilaterally,” said ambassador Sumitmor while speaking at a reception on Tuesday night marking the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand.
She expressed optimism that trade and investment between the two countries will be bolstered to new heights.
Among the goals are to start the negotiation process of the free trade agreement (FTA) and to increase the current trade volume of 1.2 billion to 2 billion US dollars in the near future, said the Thai envoy.
Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, who joined the celebration as the chief guest, highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries.
Every December 5, all Thais commemorate the legacy of the Late King, who dedicated 70 years of his reign to improve the livelihood of the Thai people.
“We managed to continue the momentum of political ties through the existing mechanism and the exchange of visits,” said the Thai ambassador,
In March, the Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Thailand visited Bangladesh to attend the 3rd bilateral consultations.
“One of the tangible outcomes was the exchange of diplomatic note on Air Service Agreement that helps increase the frequency and capacity of commercial flights. As of now we have more than 30 direct flights a week between Dhaka and Bangkok to serve Bangladeshis who rank the 2nd largest group of tourists from South Asia to Thailand,” said ambassador Sumitmor.
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The ambassador said Thailand as the current chair of BIMSTEC is honoured to host the BIMSTEC Summit in 2024. “We envision an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and further promoting the prosperity of member countries.”
The Thai private sector has ventured in Bangladesh since the 1990’s mainly in agro-business and infrastructure development.
“Thailand is proud that a Thai company took part in the completion of the Dhaka Metro Rail and the Dhaka Elevated Expressway inaugurated in December 2022 and September 2023 respectively,” she said.
In the social development field, Sumitmor said, the Child and Youth Development Programme under the patronage of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand has expanded to cover five primary schools in Bangladesh.
The project aims to share best practices in improving nutrition and health conditions of children among participating schools in 10 countries.
She commended Bangladesh for the efforts in providing humanitarian assistance to displaced persons and said Thailand will continue to render support to Bangladesh and the international community to ensure a safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation.
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“At the same time, we are interested in deepening cooperation in issues of common concern and mutual benefits such as climate change, Blue Economy and agricultural development,” she said.
Politicians, business leaders, Dhaka-based diplomats and editors were present.
Long-term solution to Rohingya crisis is their repatriation to Myanmar: Chinese Ambassador
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said that long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis lies in repatriation of the displaced people to Myanmar.
“China assumes its responsibility as a major country and provides assistance to help the displaced people improve living conditions,” he said, adding that China looks forward to undertaking more initiatives with UNHCR in the future.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today welcomed China’s USD 1.5 million contribution to improve hygiene services for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
Over 60,000 Rohingya women and girls, between the age of 12 and 50, will benefit from the support through the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) until 2025.
“This generous support from China comes at a crucial time, as we are into the seventh year of the current Rohingya refugee crisis,” Sumbul Rizvi, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, said today.
Rohingya women and girls have been receiving two hygiene kits each year.
The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) will partner with UNHCR to ensure that over 250,000 kits under China’s grant support reach Rohingya women.
UNHCR and the Chinese government will collaborate to provide these kits.
Chinese funding will ensure the provision of some items, including bathing and laundry soaps, as well as buckets, said the UN agency.
Over 200 women in Cox’s Bazar, from the refugee and Bangladeshi host communities, will work to produce the remaining items for the hygiene kits. It allows them to put their skills to use for their community while also gaining an opportunity for limited self-reliance and livelihoods to support themselves.
“Refugee women we talk to have highlighted the value of such kits, which they say are essential, and welcome the quality of the items produced by women within their own community,” said UNHCR Respresentative Rizvi.
UNHCR continues to work closely with women and the authorities in Bangladesh to improve living conditions.
Five Rohingiya youths arrested in Magura
The offer of humanitarian assistance by countries, including China, is greatly needed to support the government of Bangladesh in its humanitarian effort to respond to the Rohingya refugee situation.
In 2023, humanitarian agencies have appealed for more than USD 876 million to support almost 1.5 million people, including 960,000 Rohingya refugees and 495,000 Bangladeshis in neighbouring communities.
By early December 2023, the Joint Response Plan was approximately 50 percent funded.
‘Free, fair and peaceful’ election continues to be the focus of US’ engagement with Bangladesh govt: State Dept Spokesperson
The United States has said they want to see a "free, fair and peaceful" election in Bangladesh, and that will continue to be its policy.
"..... that continues to be our policy. That continues to be the focus of our engagement with the Bangladeshi Government," US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a regular briefing on December 5.
Earlier, the United States said it does not want to speculate on the outcome of the elections.
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Miller said they will continue to engage with the government, opposition, civil society, and other stakeholders to urge them to work together for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people to ensure free and fair elections.
The next national election is scheduled to be held on January 7, 2024.
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A fraction of BNP, the major opposition political party, has resorted to burning private and public properties, blockades and hartals, and are boycotting the upcoming election although many of its own leaders are participating, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier said.
The Election Commission received a total of 2,711 nomination papers against 300 constituencies across the country.
Momen emphasizes innovations for eco-friendly peacekeeping operations