Foreign-Affairs
EU delegation in town to assess labour conditions
A delegation of the European Union (EU) arrived in Dhaka on Sunday to have discussions with relevant stakeholders on the country’s labour sector.
"Freshly arrived in Dhaka for EU exchanges with Bangladesh stakeholders on labour rights and human rights," EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter after his arrival together with some of the delegation members from Brussels.
Bangladesh: UN review on human rights in Geneva on Monday
They visited a school for children with disabilities in Badda, Dhaka.
"Very glad to be again in Dhaka," said Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni who is leading the delegation.
Situation in Gaza classic example of ethnic cleansing assisted by leaders of ‘the free world’
They will have meetings with labour, commerce and foreign secretaries of the government on Wednesday apart from their talks with other relevant stakeholders.
The visit is aimed at taking "stock of progress" in implementing the National Action Plan for the labour sector, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley told UNB.
Bangladesh adopted a National Action Plan (2021-2026) on the labour sector and the plan is closely linked to the roadmap submitted by the government of Bangladesh to the ILO Governing Body as the result of an Article 26 complaint.
Delhi shared its perspective on Bangladesh with US 'very clearly': Kwatra
The roadmap aims to improve the country’s observance of labour rights including freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
Last month, Ambassador Whiteley said aligning labour law with international standards will be an “essential element” for the European Parliament and the Commission in considering Bangladesh’s application for market access, the GSP+.
“Bangladesh has the option to accede to GSP+ which is the next most generous GSP programme after the Everything but Arms (EBA),” he said while speaking at a seminar in Dhaka.
Bangladesh: UN review on human rights in Geneva on Monday
Bangladesh’s human rights record will be examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) working group for the fourth time on Monday.
Law Minister Anisul Huq will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the review meeting to be held in Geneva.
Bangladesh’s first, second and third UPR reviews took place in February 2009, April 2013, and May 2018, respectively.
In its submitted national report, Bangladesh said it would continue to strengthen its institutions and measures to promote and protect human rights.
As a nation built on the sacrifices of martyrs and the struggle of freedom fighters to achieve the rights of its people, Bangladesh said, it continues to maintain its unwavering commitment to human rights obligations.
US wants Bangladesh to revisit minimum wage for garment workers
The UPR working group comprises the 47 Member States of the Human Rights Council. However, each of the 193 UN Member States can participate in a country review.
The documents on which the reviews are based are: 1) national report - information provided by the State under review; 2) information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the Special Procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities; 3) information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations, and civil society groups, according to UN Human Rights Council.
The UPR is a peer review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all 193 UN Member States have been reviewed thrice.
During the fourth UPR cycle, states are again expected to spell out steps they have taken to implement recommendations posed during their previous reviews which they committed to follow up on and highlight recent human rights developments in the country.
Questions related to steps taken by the government to ensure free and fair national election, freedom of assembly and of expression, and the vital role of journalists, human rights defenders and civil society are likely to come during the review, a diplomatic source told UNB.
Future pledges
In pursuance to its commitment to the UPR process, Bangladesh will continue to update policies and legislations to implement its international human rights obligations, according to a submitted national report.
It will make efforts to enforce different Acts aiming at the promotion and protection of human rights to make the violators of human rights accountable.
Bangladesh will further strengthen national institutions that promote human rights, rule of law, democracy and good governance and involve NGOs, CSOs and other stakeholders in human rights promotion at all levels.
It will promote a “culture of peace” and support collective measures against racism, sexism, xenophobia, and protect the victims against such crimes.
Dhaka hopeful of continued support from partners to achieve its development goals
Bangladesh will pursue its pro-people development agenda with focus on women, children, minorities, persons with disabilities, vulnerable sections of the society, climate change and sustainability and will engage with the UN, its treaty bodies and other human rights mechanisms of the UN as well as international partners for improvement of human rights in Bangladesh as well as promotion of human rights worldwide.
Bangladesh thinks a stronger cooperation and support from the external partners including developed countries, countries from the Global South, UN agencies and entities, international financial institutions and other international organizations can play a complementary role in Bangladesh’s continued efforts to promote and protect human rights of its citizens.
Universal Periodic Review
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique mechanism of the Human Rights Council that calls for each UN member state to undergo a peer review of its human rights records every 4.5 years.
The UPR provides each state the opportunity to regularly:
1) Report on the actions it has taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to overcome challenges to the enjoyment of human rights.
2) Receive recommendations – informed by multi-stakeholder input and pre-session reports – from UN member states for continuous improvement.
Established in March 2006 by the UN General Assembly in resolution 60/251, the UPR is designed to prompt, support, and expand the promotion and protection of human rights in every country.
As a constitutional democracy, Bangladesh continues to remain "fully committed" to protecting human rights for all.
Under the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has been adopting progressive policies to realize a better society for all where fundamental human rights, the rule of law, equality, and justice prevails, officials said.
EU team due in Dhaka tomorrow to review progress in labour sector
Bangladesh considers all human rights to be universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent, and mutually reinforcing.
Since the 3rd cycle of Universal Periodic Review, the government of Bangladesh continued to adopt legislative and policy reforms, "enhance" democratic institutions and accountability mechanisms to realize the aspiration of “a society in which the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedom, equality, and justice, political, economic and social, will be secured for all citizens” as pledged by the constitution.
Situation in Gaza classic example of ethnic cleansing assisted by leaders of ‘the free world’
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said the situation in Gaza is not only a classic example of ethnic cleansing but also genocide by a state power assisted by leaders of “the free world and proponents of human rights, humanitarian laws and all moral and ethical values.”
“Israel-Gaza war is not a war at all. It is, in fact, barbaric and collective punishment and killing of a captive group of innocent men and women and especially children who cannot be combatants,” he said while speaking at the 8th Extraordinary Islamic Summit in Riyadh on Saturday (November 11, 2023).
The Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit was held in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.
Read more: Israel must stop killing babies and women in Gaza: Macron tells BBC
Momen said it is destroying cities and towns, hopes and aspirations of a nation, and calculated deprivation of an occupied people of their rights – to food, shelter, water, essential medicines, fuel and electricity, and of course, a decent life.
EU team due in Dhaka tomorrow to review progress in labour sector
A delegation of the European Union (EU) is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow to have discussions with relevant stakeholders on the country’s labour sector.
Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni will lead the delegation, an official told UNB.
They will have meetings with labour, commerce and foreign secretaries of the government apart from their talks with other relevant stakeholders.
The visit is aimed at taking "stock of progress" in implementing the National Action Plan for the labour sector, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley told UNB.
Ambassador Whiteley, now in Brussels, will be arriving in Dhaka with some of the delegation members.
Bangladesh adopted a National Action Plan (2021-2026) on the labour sector and the plan is closely linked to the roadmap submitted by the government of Bangladesh to the ILO Governing Body as the result of an Article 26 complaint.
Read: Govt announces Tk 12,500 as minimum salary for RMG workers
The roadmap aims to improve the country’s observance of labour rights including freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
Last month, Ambassador Whiteley said aligning labour law with international standards will be an “essential element” for the European Parliament and the Commission in considering Bangladesh’s application for market access, the GSP+.
“Bangladesh has the option to accede to GSP+ which is the next most generous GSP programme after the Everything but Arms (EBA),” he said while speaking at a seminar in Dhaka.
A delegation led by Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, met with Paola Pampaloni at the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels a few months back.
Read: RMG sector must overcome multifaceted challenges to remain lucrative: Study
They discussed further deepening of ties between European Union and Bangladesh, Everything But Arms (EBA), labour welfare and rights and other issues of mutual interest.
The delegation apprised Paola Pampaloni of Bangladesh’s impressive achievements in terms of economic performance and huge progress in terms of key socio-economic fronts where industrial sectors, especially the RMG industry, have made significant contributions.
“We are closely following the ongoing amendments of the Bangladesh Labour Act. We hope that the amendments will be effective with full transparency, in consultation with tripartite stakeholders, and with technical assistance from ILO,” EU ambassador Whiteley said.
The envoy said Bangladesh is a rising economy with a great story of economic development and social progress.
Read more: Police use tear gas shells as RMG workers protest in Gazipur
The graduation to lower middle-income status and to developing country status are historic milestones that bring new opportunities and call for a reinvigoration of EU-Bangladesh ties, he said.
Delhi shared its perspective on Bangladesh with US 'very clearly': Kwatra
India has made it clear once again that the election in Bangladesh is Dhaka's internal matter and it is for the people of Bangladesh to decide their future.
"We did discuss very extensively regional issues and so far as Bangladesh is concerned, we shared our perspective very clearly," Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra told reporters in a media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, after the 5th Annual India-United States 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.
The 2+2 meetings signify the participation of two high-level representatives, usually ministers holding the Foreign and Defence portfolios, from the two countries.
Read: India will continue to support Bangladesh's vision of stable, peaceful nation: MEA Spokesperson
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin were the principal participants from the US side.
During the media briefing, there was a question asked on whether Bangladesh was discussed during the 2+2 Dialogue.
The Indian Foreign Secretary said it is not for India to comment on the policy of a third country. He said as a close friend and partner of Bangladesh, India respects the democratic process in Bangladesh and will continue to support the country's vision of a stable, peaceful and progressive nation.
Read: No need to summon any foreign diplomats before polls, hopes Shahariar
Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, also told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday that India has said they will continue to support Bangladesh's vision of a "stable, peaceful and progressive" nation.
"It is for the people of Bangladesh to decide their own future. As a close friend and partner, we respect the democratic process in Bangladesh," he said.
While asked about arrests and jailing of opposition leaders in Bangladesh, he said the "characterisation" of all of these elements is "your words, not mine."
"Crackdown, jailed opposition leader, etc. are your interpretation. Please don't ascribe them to me," the spokesperson conveyed to the reporter who asked the Bangladesh related questions.
He said that they do not want to comment on the policy of any third country. "Elections in Bangladesh, as I have said, are a domestic matter for them," he added.
Bangladesh sign MoU on enhancing migration management
Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Bangladesh signed a Cooperation Agreement on the sidelines of the Strategic Consultation between IOM and Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.
Under the framework of this agreement, BOESL and IOM will coordinate, collaborate and jointly implement activities related to awareness-raising campaigns, job fairs, development of country specific Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) and Pre-Employment Orientation (PEO) materials, and overseas market exploration for the recruitment of aspirant Bangladeshi migrant workers, according to a press release.
“We need to move away from low per capita remittance through skill development of migrant workers and exploration of new destination countries” said Dr. Ahmed Munirus Saleheen, Senior Secretary of Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.
Dr. Mallick Anwar Hossain, Managing Director (Additional Secretary) of BOESL said that “IOM support would be instrumental in achieving the vision outlined for migration management in Eighth Five Year Plan of Bangladesh
Mr. Abdusattor Esoev, Chief of Mission of IOM Bangladesh, reiterated the commitment to support the Government of Bangladesh for effective and enhanced migration management which would further contribute to socio-economic development of Bangladesh.
In 2022, approximately 1.1 million people migrated from Bangladesh and the country received USD 21.2 billion as remittances. However, majority of migrant workers from Bangladesh are destined towards few selected countries in the Gulf region and East Asia, said the release.
Through this Cooperation Agreement, IOM and BOESL has come together to address different migration challenges and promote ethical recruitment for Bangladeshi migrant workers, it said.
Jordan-Bangladesh Friendship Association launched in Amman
Jordan-Bangladesh Friendship Association was launched in Amman, Jordan on Thursday.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was present at the launching event as the chief guest, said the Embassy on Friday in a media release.
Ambassador of Bangladesh to Jordan Nahida Sobhan, members of the Association, members of Jordanian civil society, intellectuals and media personalities were also present at the event.
The Association encompasses members from the Jordanian elites, academicians, doctors, business people, poet, and journalists.
President of the association is Sheikh Dr. Ayman Odeh Al-Badawa.
Read: Bangladesh, Jordan highlight importance of concluding pending bilateral instruments for diversified ties
He is a widely known Jordanian tribal leader and renowned businessman.
He is also a philanthropist and has experience in UN peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
The members of the Association with their influence will complement the government's efforts to promote and expand bilateral relationship, and increase people-to-people contact between Bangladesh and Jordan, Foreign Secretary said in his remarks.
He extended an invitation to the Association to visit Bangladesh to gain a deeper understanding of the country's development journey in recent years under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Read: Jordan airdrops medical supplies to Gaza hospital
This knowledge will be valuable in charting out the Association's future course of action and identifying new areas of cooperation, he added.
Ambassador Nahida Sobhan underscored the significance of the Association's establishment this year, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Jordan.
President of the Association Dr. Badawa in his speech also highlighted the development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
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The launch of the Association would mark a new era in bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Jordan.
PM Hasina orders action against AL leader for threatening US Ambassador
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed to take measures against the individual who has threatened a foreign diplomat through his public speech.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam confirmed it on Friday.
He said Bangladesh respects all norms and responsibilities related to diplomatic relations and expects full reciprocity.
The prime minister issued the directives while charing the AL central committee meeting on Thursday evening.
Earlier, the United States said they expect the host government of any country to take all appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of their personnel and facilities.
Read: EC has to hold election on time, no matter what the situation is: CEC says after meeting US ambassador
"Safety and security of our diplomatic personnel and our diplomatic facilities is of utmost importance. I think such kind of violent rhetoric is deeply unhelpful," said Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State Vedant Patel when asked about the remarks made by a local union-level Awami League leader Mujibul Haque Chowdhury.
Patel also referred to the country’s obligations under the Vienna Convention and the diplomatic conventions that exist under that.
Awami League lawmaker Mohammad A Arafat said even though the district Awami League usually warns any union-level leader for any wrongdoing, in this case, the central Awami League will show-cause and warn Mujibul Haque.
"There is no doubt that the government of Bangladesh will take all appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of the diplomats, their personnel, and their facilities in line with the country's obligations under the Vienna Convention and the diplomatic conventions," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Read: US Ambassador Haas discusses ways to expand exports, LCs issues with agribusiness stakeholders
Union-level Awami League leader Mujibul in one of his public speeches, threatened to “beat" US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas.
"Union is the lowest tier of the party, and thousands of people from that level say many things every day that we don’t pay much attention to. The Awami League is also not a regimented party; therefore, the grassroots leaders enjoy freedom of speech," Arafat said.
"But in this particular case, I condemn the obnoxious statement made by the union-level leader of the Awami League. I would like to urge all the lowest-tier AL leaders to exercise caution and not violate any diplomatic etiquette," he added.
Read more: US Ambassador Peter Haas inaugurates new venue of EMK Center in Dhaka's Gulshan
US seeks to deepen partership with Bangladesh: Spokesperson
The United States wants to deepen their relationship and partnership with Bangladesh as they eye a number of areas to work together.
"Last year we celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations with Bangladesh, and of course this is a country that we’re looking to continue to deepen our relationships and partnerships with," Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State Vedant Patel told reporters at a regular media briefing on November 9.
Also read: US hopes Bangladesh will ensure safety of personnel, facilities: Spokesperson
He said there continues to be a number of areas, including trade, cooperation in the climate space, security space, and where that potential exists.
Patel said they do not support a particular government, political party, or candidate in any country.
"In areas where there are elections ongoing, – our goal and intent is for these elections to take place in a free and fair way that respects the will of the people of that country," he said.
Also read: US wants Bangladesh to revisit minimum wage for garment workers
Dhaka hopeful of continued support from partners to achieve its development goals
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working hard to successfully transform Bangladesh into an upper middle-income country by 2031 and a knowledge-based developed country - a Smart Bangladesh by 2041, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has said.
"We believe our friends and partners will continue to support us in this endeavour," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a reception at the Franco-German Embassy marking the 33rd German Unity Day on Thursday evening.
Chargé d'Affaires at the German Embassy in Dhaka Jan-Rolf Janowski also spoke at the reception.
Also read: France, Germany ‘regret Bangladeshi court's decision regarding Adilur Rahman and ASM Nasiruddin’: Joint Statement
Bangladesh is now the 35thlargest economy in the world.
"We aspire to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2040, be among the top 20," said the state minister.
During Bangladesh’s Presidency of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), it decided to turn vulnerability into a tool for resilience and sustainability.
"We have prepared the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan as a blueprint for green transition of our economy and energy sector," Shahriar said.
Also read: Bangladesh to become 3rd largest global market after UK and Germany: PM Hasina tells Commonwealth investors
He said they want Germany to be a partner in this journey, particularly on green transition of the economy through greener industrial transformation by cooperating in sectors like technology, energy, transportation, urban development, infrastructure, and waste management.