Foreign-Affairs
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.
US hopes Bangladesh will ensure safety of personnel, facilities: Spokesperson
The United States has said it expects the host government of any country to take all appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of their personnel and facilities.
"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 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 serve showcause notice and warn Mujibul Haque Chowdhury.
"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.
Union-level Awami League leader Mujibul Haque Chowdhury, in one of his public speeches, threatened to “beat US Ambassador 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.
In the US, responding to another question, Patel said the US does not support any political candidate or party in Bangladesh.
"Our hope, our desire, and what we continue to work towards and work around through our engagements with the government, opposition groups, civil society, and stakeholders, is that these elections be carried out in a free and fair manner," he said.
India will continue to support Bangladesh's vision of stable, peaceful nation: MEA Spokesperson
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," Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday.
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.
US wants Bangladesh to revisit minimum wage for garment workers
US Department of Labour’s Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee has urged the government of Bangladesh to revisit the recent minimum wage decision to ensure that it provides equitable compensation that meets the needs of workers and their families.
"To prevent future unrest, we also urge the amendment of existing labour laws to guarantee that all workers can fully exercise their right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, as called for by the International Labour Organisation," Lee said in a statement.
The US Department of Labour is "deeply concerned" over the escalation of violence and "crackdown" on workers and trade unionists in connection with Bangladesh’s minimum wage review, according to Bureau of International Labor Affairs.
The department condemned the alleged police shootings of Rasel Howlader on Oct. 30, 2023, and Anjuara Khatun.
“A 26-year-old maintenance operator at Design Express Factory and member of the Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation, Howlader was killed during a protest. Khatun, a 23-year-old sewing machine operator and mother of two, was also killed during a protest," Lee said.
The department called on the government of Bangladesh to respect workers’ freedom of assembly, end the violent crackdown on workers and conduct a full investigation of alleged police involvement in Howlader and Kahtun’s killings.
“We also call for the immediate release of Jewel Miya, a labour organiser from the Bangladesh Independent Garment Workers Union Federation arrested in connection with the minimum wage protests," Lee said.
On Tuesday, authorities raised the monthly minimum wage for garment workers to Tk12,500 from the previous Tk8,300, but the workers and unions have been demanding Tk23,000. In recent weeks, the workers took to the streets, clashed with security officials and vandalised factories and vehicles to realise their demand.
Momen congratulates US-Bangladeshis over state parliamentary elections win
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has congratulated the US-Bangladeshis who won the US state parliamentary elections.
In a congratulatory message, the foreign minister said the huge victory of Bangladeshis in the posts of senator, council-at-large and council proves that Bangladeshi immigrants are in an important position in US politics, according to a press release.
He hoped that the winning representatives would make a significant contribution to the welfare of Bangladesh along with Bangladeshis living in the United States, it said.
It is to be noted that many US-Bangladeshis, including one senator, won the councilor's post in the state parliamentary elections held on November 7. Saddam Selim won the election as a senator from the state of Virginia.
Dr Nina Ahmed has won the post of council-at-large (equivalent to the mayor) of the City of Philadelphia. Shahana Hanif has been re-elected as a councilor in the New York City Council. Nurul Hasan and Salahuddin Mia have been re-elected as councilors in the Milbourne City corporation election.
Councilors Sher Shah Mizan, Dewan Sarwar and Rony Islam and ward supervisor Abdus Mia were also elected to the Hudson City Council. Kamrul Hasan has won the pro-tem mayor of Hamtramck City, Michigan State, for the fourth consecutive time, and Mohtasin Sadman has won the councilor's post for the first time, the release said.
It is to be noted that the foreign minister attended a special event in New York last year and honoured the expatriate Bangladeshis who won the elections in different states of the United States.
Bangladesh, Jordan highlight importance of concluding pending bilateral instruments for diversified ties
Bangladesh and Jordan have discussed tapping the full potential of bilateral trade, employment of more skilled manpower in Jordan, establishment of direct air connectivity, increasing tourism cooperation and cooperation at multilateral forums.
DB finds all incidents of violence on Oct 28 were related, after questioning Biden's self-proclaimed adviser
The two countries put emphasis on concluding a number of pending bilateral instruments for diversified engagements between the two brotherly countries.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen had a bilateral meeting with his Jordanian counterpart Majed Alqatarneh in Amman November 8 and discussed the issues, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
Masud Momen invited the Jordanian Foreign Secretary to visit Dhaka early 2024 for the next meeting.
During the meeting the Foreign Secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering support to the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people through the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina strongly raised the Palestinian issue in all her recent engagements at bilateral and multilateral forums.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for the unity of the Ummah at the recently held International Conference on Women in Islam held in Jeddah and meeting with the OIC Ambassadors based in Dhaka, said Masud Momen.
Biden calls for humanitarian 'pause' in Israel-Hamas war
The Foreign Secretary highlighted the development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and invited Jordanian businesses to take advantage of the opportunities created by it.
Jordanian Foreign Secretary thanked Bangladesh for sheltering over 1 million Rohingyas from Myanmar.
He also mentioned that the people of Jordan are proud of the recent economic development of Bangladesh.
He briefed about the various initiatives taken by Jordan for a ceasefire in the occupied Palestine and for finding a permanent and just solution for the people of Palestine.
The two sides highlighted holding foreign office consultations on a regular basis. The discussion continued over lunch hosted by the Jordanian counterpart in honor of the Foreign Secretary.
Earlier, in the morning, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen paid a courtesy call on Prince Hassan bin Talal at the Royal Court of Jordan.
‘Said what I was asked to say at BNP office’: So-called ‘Biden’s adviser’ Arefy at DB Office
Prince Hassan briefed Foreign Secretary on the Gaza situation and its root causes.
Madrasa teacher arrested for raping student in Kurigram
A madrasa teacher has been arrested in a case filed for raping a 12-year-old student at Dakshin Chat village of Tilai union of Bhurungamari upazila of Kurigram.
JCD leader Aman arrested in Dhaka in police constable murder case
The arrestee is Masudur Rahman (25) of the village and a teacher of Dakshin Chat GopalpurDarul Quran Nurani Madrasa.
Bhurungamari Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Md Ruhul Amin, confirmed the matter on Thursday afternoon.
40 arrested by RAB over political violence
The victim's mother filed the case at Bhurungamari Police Station on Wednesday, said the OC.
According to police, Masud raped the student on Tuesday and threatened him not to tell anyone about the incident.
Later, when the victim fell ill, he told his mother about the incident.
Around 2000 BNP leaders, activists sued, 150 arrested in Khulna
The suspected rapist was sent to Kurigram Court on Wednesday, added the OC.
Ambassador Iwama Kiminori visits project site of Japanese grant in Habiganj
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori visited Habiganj to attend the inauguration ceremony of the project for construction of a community skill development center in Habiganj district provided to the NGO “Community Initiative Society (CIS)” by the government of Japan through the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP).
Bangladesh urges Japan to recruit more skilled workers
The project is expected to provide vocational training for more than 1,000 vulnerable young people by constructing a two-storied Community Skill Development Center.
“I hope this center will enable vulnerable people to receive the necessary skills for employment, generate a source of income, and reduce their social and economic vulnerabilities,”, said Ambassador Iwama.
Japanese envoy hosts international law moot court at his Dhaka home
Japan has supported 213 NGO projects through its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) since 1989 with a view to enhancing economic and social human security at the grassroots levels.
The total sum of these GGHSP grants extended to NGOs in Bangladesh to date amounts approximately to $16.85 million.
Japan provides Tk 6.9 million for vocational training facility project
Chinese investment in Bangladesh grew from $241 million to nearly $1.4 billion in 7 years: Ambassador
Assuring China’s continued support towards Bangladesh’s journey to modernization, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the most compatible and befitting development cooperation with ‘Vision 2041’ and ‘Smart Bangladesh’.
“China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to tighten the ties of cooperation and embrace a new stage of Belt and Road cooperation of higher quality at higher level,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a programme titled ‘BRI@10: Ushering in Next Golden Decade’.
Momen hopes for more Chinese investment in Bangladesh in the coming years
The envoy said China will fully leverage its economic complementarity and strengthen cooperation on infrastructure development, ICT, new energy, agriculture and so on, to usher in the next golden decade of Belt and Road cooperation.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke highly of the BRI, that it has opened a new door for Bangladesh’s development.
Chinese Ambassador hopes for stability after next election, continued cooperation with Bangladesh
President of Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB), Ke Changliang, spoke as the chief guest at the event organized by Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB).
DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus delivered the welcome and closing remarks at the event conducted by DCAB General Secretary Emrul Kayesh.
Israel has right to statehood, so does Palestine: Chinese Ambassador
On the journey of Belt and Road cooperation, the ambassador said Bangladesh and China have always been good friends with mutual trust and good partners in seeking common development.
In 2016, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a historic visit to Bangladesh, where he and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced a new era of China-Bangladesh Belt and Road cooperation. Since then, the envoy said, China and Bangladesh have sowed the seeds of hope, which have sprouted and blossomed under the hard work and care of the two peoples.
“Over the past seven years, we have built 12 highways, 21 bridges and 27 power and energy projects in Bangladesh, contributing to turn the dreams of the Bangladeshi people into reality,” said the envoy.
Over the past seven years, Chinese investment in Bangladesh has grown from USD 241 million to nearly USD 1.4 billion.
At present, there are nearly 700 Chinese enterprises operating in Bangladesh.
“As CEAB President Ke just shared, these enterprises are active practitioners deeply cultivating in Bangladesh,” said Ambassador Yao.
They assumed social responsibilities in Bangladesh and have made significant contributions to economic development, environmental protection, community services, public welfare and charity by creating more than 550,000 jobs in Bangladesh.
Over the past seven years, he said, the two countries have deepened cultural exchanges, and the hearts of the two peoples have come closer and closer.
Ambassador Yao said Chinese President Xi Jinping has also put forward the Global Development Initiative (GDI) aiming at supporting the timely achievement of all 17 Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
It promotes international cooperation in eight priority areas: poverty alleviation, food security, pandemic response and vaccines, financing for development, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy and connectivity in the digital era, he said.
“All these are also the focus of Bangladesh in its Vision 2041 perspective plan,” Ambassador Yao said, adding that it is hoped that Bangladesh would make good use of China’s aid, preferential loans and the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund to actively carry out policy dialogue, experience sharing, capacity building and practical cooperation, thereby bring about more tangible benefits to the two peoples and make joint contribution to the early realization of the Chinese dream of great rejuvenation and the dream of Sonar Bangla.
The ambassador said Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Security Initiative (GSI), upholding the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security; pursuing the long-term objective of building a security community; and advocating a new path to security featuring dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance and win-win over zero-sum. China does as it says, the ambassador said.
Unfortunately, the recent escalation of Israeli-Palestinian conflict has once again plunged the Middle East into war. In just one month, more than 10,000 civilians have died in the Gaza Strip.
On the question of Palestine, China will continue to stand on the side of peace, on the side of justice, on the side of international law, on the side of shared aspirations of the majority of countries in the world, and on the side of human conscience, said the ambassador.
Rohingya Crisis
Another example of China’s vigorous implementation of GSI is its mediation efforts with Bangladesh and Myanmar to resolve the issue of displaced people of Rakhine State, said the Chinese envoy.
He said the issue is by nature a bilateral one between Bangladesh and Myanmar. “China mediates as a common friend of both.”
The envoy said now the international aid for the displaced people is declining sharply, and the security situation in the camps is deteriorating.
The displaced people face a daunting humanitarian crisis. China plays its role as a responsible major country and provides assistance to the displaced people to help improve their living conditions, he said.
Tomorrow, China will donate a batch of emergency supplies of medical equipment to the Cox's Bazar 250 Bed District Sadar Hospital, and provide materials to the displaced people through Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.
In the meantime, all stakeholders have increasingly become aware that repatriation is the only long-term and most effective solution to the crisis, said the envoy.
“This year by far, under the mediation of China, Bangladesh and Myanmar have reached important consensus on early initiation of repatriation,” he said.
Officials from the two sides have kept frequent and direct talks in this regard. Bangladesh and Myanmar have also reinstated visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders.
“With joint efforts, we managed two rounds of ‘come & talk’ missions by Myanmar officials and one ‘go & see’ mission to Rakhine State by representatives of the displaced people and Bangladeshi officials,” said the envoy.
In this process, the displaced people gradually built up and enhanced confidence towards repatriation, he said.
China has also kept in close contact with UN agencies and ASEAN states, and called upon the international community to extend understanding and support to Bangladesh and Myanmar, so as to create proper conditions for early initiation of repatriation.