foreign-affairs
Foreign Minister requests visiting Irish Minister to ease the visa process
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has invited Irish investment in Bangladesh, particularly in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and IT sectors.
He also thanked Ireland for hosting a few thousand Bangladeshis and requested the Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney to ease the visa process to enable more Bangladeshi students and IT professionals to pursue higher studies and work in Ireland.
The Foreign Minister thanked the Irish Minister for visiting Bangladesh to further strengthen Bangladesh-Ireland bilateral relations.
He suggested further enhancement of bilateral trade in goods and services through new initiatives and sought Ireland’s support for EU’s EBA trade preferences to Bangladesh until 2032 and GSP+ benefits beyond 2032.
Minister Simon Coveney met with the Foreign Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 18.
Foreign Minister requests visiting Irish Minister to ease the visa process
The Irish Minister congratulated the Foreign Minister on his new appointment.
Highly praising Bangladesh’s sustained high economic growth, he suggested exchange of visits of delegations with special focus on bilateral trade and collaboration in the areas of technology, pharmaceuticals and energy.
He also assured Irish support in favour of Bangladesh’s appeal for extension of EBA facilities until 2032 and GSP+ facilities beyond 2032.
Referring to the migrant-friendly policy of the Irish government, the Irish Minister welcomed more Bangladeshi students and professionals to Ireland.
The Irish Minister hoped for an early solution of the Rohingya crisis and added that an additional Euro 1.5 million humanitarian assistance would be provided to the Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
The two ministers shared their views on the war in Gaza and expressed deep concern over the killing of people, particularly women and children.
They agreed that the two-state solution can bring lasting peace in the region.
Earlier, the Irish Minister officially opened Ireland’s first Honorary Consulate in Dhaka, which is seen as an “important milestone” in the relations between Bangladesh and Ireland.
In its desire to further expand the bilateral relations with Dhaka, Ireland has recently appointed Cosmos Group Deputy Managing Director Masud Jamil Khan as its Honorary Consul in Bangladesh.
Ambassador of Ireland to India, Kevin Kelly, and Masud Jamil Khan, among others, were present during the opening ceremony.
The Irish Minister arrived in Dhaka on Sunday on a two-day official visit aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment.
FM thanks Ireland for opening its Honorary Consulate in Dhaka
On the occasion of St Patrick’s Day, the National Day of Ireland and official opening of the Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Bangladesh, Masud Jamil Khan and Kate Khan hosted an Iftar-dinner at a Dhaka hotel on Monday.
The Irish Minister, Irish Ambassador to India, former Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, business leaders and journalists were present at the event.
Swedish Crown Princess in Khulna’s Koyra to witness impact of climate change
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, as part of her visit to Bangladesh as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNDP, is now staying in Koyra upazila of Khulna to see firsthand the impacts of climate change and lifestyle of people living in vulnerable coastal areas.
A helicopter of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) carrying her landed at a helipad built in Gilabari area under Maheshripur union of the upazila around 8 am today.
Foreign Minister requests visiting Irish Minister to ease the visa process
Khulna Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Yasir Arefin said the Swedish Crown Princess is scheduled to visit six areas including Maheshripur, Maharajpur union parishads and Madinabad digital office.
During her brief visit, Princess Victoria will visit two vulnerable spots impacted by climate change and hear from people living in the areas, he said, adding that she will inaugurate Madinabad SmartPost Centre.
FM thanks Ireland for opening its Honorary Consulate in Dhaka
Koyra police station Officer-in-Charge Md Mizanur Rahman said around 16,000 police personnel are on duty along with members from Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh, Navy, BAF, Coast Guard and intelligence to ensure security of the state guest.
FM thanks Ireland for opening its Honorary Consulate in Dhaka
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has thanked Ireland for opening the Honorary Consulate in Dhaka and requested to increase the employment of Bangladeshis in Ireland.
He especially requested to ease the student visa process by allowing students to submit their visa applications to the Honorary Consulate in Dhaka.
Irish Minister Simon Coveney officially opens its first Honorary Consulate in Dhaka
The Foreign Minister also sought Ireland's support to continue the Everything But Arms (EBA) benefits of the European Union even after Bangladesh's graduation.
The issues were discussed when the Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney met the Foreign Minister at his office.
Irish Minister Simon Coveney pays homage to Father of the Nation at Dhanmondi-32
Ireland's Minister said he views the visit as his country's first full ministerial visit to Bangladesh with great importance and expressed consensus that more manpower and students from this country would go to Ireland.
He also responded positively to the Foreign Minister's call for increased investment and diversification.
Irish Minister Simon Coveney to meet PM Hasina Monday
Earlier, the Irish Minister officially opened Ireland’s first Honorary Consulate in Dhaka, which is seen as an “important milestone” in the relations between Bangladesh and Ireland.
In its desire to further expand the bilateral relations with Dhaka, Ireland has recently appointed Cosmos Group Deputy Managing Director Masud Jamil Khan its Honourary Consul in Bangladesh.
Ambassador of Ireland to India, Kevin Kelly, and Masud Jamil Khan, among others, were present during the opening ceremony.
The Irish Minister arrived in Dhaka on Sunday on a two-day official visit aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment.
He met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Adviser Salman F Rahman separately on Monday.
State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam (Titu), MP hosted an iftar-dinner in honor of the visiting Irish Minister Sunday evening at the State guesthouse Padma.
Bangladesh Embassy in Cairo celebrates 104th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation, National Children's Day
Bangladesh Embassy in Cairo on Sunday celebrated the 104th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children's Day 2024 with due dignity and solemnity.
The program of the day begins with the official hoisting of the national flag.
Ambassador Samina Naz formally hoisted the national flag along with the national anthem at the embassy premises. The officials and employees of the embassy were present on the occasion.
Recitation from the Holy Qur'an and special prayers were offered seeking the prosperity and development of the country and also the peace for departed soul of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
In the special discussion meeting at the embassy Ambassador Samina Naz remembered the great architect of independence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The ambassador mentioned that Bangabandhu gave the Bengali nation a country, flag and map.
Due to his extraordinary leadership, he was not only considered as the undisputed leader of Bengal, but he also established himself as a great leader of the world at that time, she said.
On the day, an age-based painting and writing competition was organized with the participation of Bangladeshi children living in Egypt.
In the competition, several young children and teenagers submitted their paintings and compositions to the embassy. The ambassador distributed the prizes to the winners of the competition.
Bangladeshi teachers and professionals working in various universities, international organisations, Bangladeshi businessmen in Egypt, and Bangladeshi students studying in various universities were present at the event.
An Iftar with dinner was hosted by the embassy on the occasion.
PM calls upon UNDP to raise more funds for Rohingya
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday urged the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to make an effort to raise a larger international funds for the support of the Rohingya people.
She made the call at a meeting with visiting UNDP goodwill ambassador and Crown Princess of Sweden Victoria at a city hotel here.
PM’s speech writer Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting.
The prime minister said Bangladesh had given shelter to forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar on humanitarian grounds and arranged improved accommodation for them in Bhashanchar, ensuring many facilities for them. Now some one lakh Rohingya can reside there in Bhashanchar, she added.
PM seeks Ireland’s support to get EU's GSP support until 2032
She sought assistance from the UNDP to relocate more Rohingyas to Bhashanchar.
Princess Victoria arrived in Dhaka on Monday on a four-day visit to Bangladesh during which she will tour Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bhashanchar.
Bilateral and multilateral issues including climate change came up for discussion during the meeting with the PM.
The princes said there is a huge scope to deepen the bilateral relations between Sweden and Bangladesh.
She expressed her optimism for strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries specially in trade, business and investment.
The Bangladesh prime minister urged the Swedish businesses to make investment in Bangladesh particularly in special economic zones.
Won't allow anyone to take the country back to darkness: PM Hasina
The PM said Bangladesh is one of the worst victims of climate change. Bangladesh’s contribution to carbon emission is negligible but the country is badly affected. Bangladesh faces different natural calamities like floods and cyclones due to climate changes, she said.
About the local climate adaptation and mitigation programmes, she said Bangladesh formed a climate trust fund to protect the local community and their livelihood.
The PM said her government’s main goal is poverty alleviation as it has already reduced the poverty rate to 18.7 percent from 41 percent and the extreme poverty rate to 5.6 percent from 25.1 percent.
She said the government has been providing the homeless people with free cyclone-resistant houses throughout the country so that there will be no homeless people in Bangladesh
She said her government constructed cyclone shelter centres on the coastal areas.
Hasina recalled her first visit to Sweden in 1969 when her husband was there for study.
Man strangled to death by son in Sylhet
A 65-year-old man was suffocated to death allegedly by his son over a family feud in Sylhet's Dakshin Surma upazila on Monday afternoon.
The ill-fated father Tapan Mia was a resident of Rustampur village of the upazila.
Gazipur gas cylinder blast: Death toll rises to 10
Mukul Ahmad, sub-inspector (SI) of Moglabazar police station, said the accused son Ansar Mia, 35, strangled his father to death over a family feud at their house area around 1:30pm.
Immediately after the incident, locals caught Ansar Mia and handed him over to the police.
No crossing point for 2 months; man lends ladder to passengers for Tk 5, gets arrested
Later, police recovered the body and sent it to Osmani Medical College Hospital morgue.
No case has yet been filed in this regard, added the officer.
Swedish Crown Princess witnesses Bangladesh's digital progress
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, during her visit to Bangladesh as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNDP, observed the significant strides made by the country in achieving digital transformation in an event titled 'Innovate Together for #ZeroDigitalDivide'.
The event was organised by the ICT Division and Aspire to Innovate-a2i with the support of UNDP. It was held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Monday.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Swedish Minister Johan Forssell visiting Bangladesh
The event underscored Bangladesh's steadfast commitment to realising a future free of digital disparities, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vision of leaving no one behind.
During the event, the Swedish Crown Princess witnessed Bangladesh's exemplary journey in bridging the digital divide through innovative initiatives such as Digital Centres, the National Helpline 333, e-commerce platforms, and freelancer support programs.
These initiatives are empowering citizens, particularly young people and entrepreneurs, across Bangladesh, paving the way for inclusive growth and socio-economic development.
State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak shared insights into Bangladesh's Digital to Smart Bangladesh journey, emphasising how technology is driving social transformation by expanding access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
He reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to creating a world with ‘Zero Digital Divide’, ensuring equitable access to the benefits of the digital revolution for all citizens.
Ulrika Modéer, UN Assistant Secretary-General at UNDP; Johan Forssell, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade; Alexandra Berg von Linde, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, were also present during the event along with other senior government officials, UN representatives, and the private sector.
Through interactive sessions and exhibitions, participants discussed the transformative impact of Bangladesh's digitisation efforts, emphasising the opportunities created for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
They also discussed Bangladesh's remarkable progress and unwavering commitment to creating a ‘Zero Digital Divide’ world.
During the visit to Bangladesh, the Crown Princess will conduct field visits to witness firsthand the positive impact of inclusive digital development on poverty reduction in rural areas.
The Swedish Crown Princess will also explore initiatives led by women and young entrepreneurs aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change in vulnerable areas, implemented by the government and UNDP.
PM seeks Ireland’s support to get EU's GSP support until 2032
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday sought Ireland’s support in Bangladesh's efforts to enjoy the preferential trade facilities in the EU market until 2032 instead of 2029 during the country’s post-graduation period.
She sought the support when a high-level Irish delegation, led by Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney paid a courtesy call on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.
PM's Speech writer Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting.
The premier said Ireland is a close friend and partner of Bangladesh and the EU member country has always been beside Bangladesh in different international forums.
She requested Ireland to support Bangladesh in the matter of Bangladesh’s interest in the EU Platform.
“The prime minister sought Ireland’s support so that the EU would extend the business facilities, particularly the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for Bangladesh till 2032,” he said.
She called upon Irish businesses to make investments in special economic zones and hi-tech parks of Bangladesh.
Noting that Bangladesh is a potential big marketing hub for three-four billion consumers, she said there is huge scope for Ireland’s entrepreneurs to invest in several promising sectors like ICT, pharmaceuticals and agro-based industry of Bangladesh.
On the labour issue, Hasina said misinformation regarding Bangladesh’s labour policy is being spread with ill-motive. There’ll be no misunderstanding in this issue if the EU countries directly contact the government of Bangladesh to know about it, she said.
The Irish minister said he arrived in Bangladesh to strengthen the bilateral relations between Ireland and Bangladesh further.
Noting that he is here to formally open Ireland's first honorary consulate in Dhaka, he said the office would also help intensify the people-to-people and trade relations between the two countries.
Coveney said Ireland wants to extend technical support to Bangladesh’s technology and food industry (agro-processing industries).
He said Ireland will continue trying to extend support to Bangladesh for its socio-economic uplift in the United Nations and the EU forums.
Mentioning that a good number of Bangladeshi students are now pursuing their study in Ireland, the visiting minister assured that the European country would welcome a larger number of students from Bangladesh.
About the Rohingya issue, the Irish minister said Ireland will continue its support in this regard.
He, however, suggested intensifying security to Rohingya refugee camps, engaging them in income generating activities and arranging permanent and more developed houses for displaced Rohingya people.
In response, the Bangladesh premier said an adequate number of security members are deployed for Rohingya camps, but killings and other crimes are seen sometimes as there are many internal groups who already engaged in different criminal activities there.
She said there is no instance in the world that permanent houses are constructed for refugees. Even after that Bangladesh has arranged standard housing for one lakh Rohingyas in Bhashanchar.
If they want to go there, we can arrange housing for some 4 lakh Rohingyas in Bhashanchar. But unfortunately the housing project in Bhashanchar is not being successful due to opposition from some international communities, non-government organisations and countries.
PM’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah and Ambassador of Ireland to India Kevin Kelly and Honorary Consul of Ireland for Bangladesh Masud Jamil Khan were, among others, present at the meeting.
The Irish minister arrived in Dhaka on Sunday on the second leg of his seven-day official visit to India and Bangladesh as part of his government's St Patrick's Day programme.
Irish Minister Simon Coveney officially opens its first Honorary Consulate in Dhaka
Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney on Monday officially opened Ireland’s first Honorary Consulate in Dhaka which is seen as an “important milestone” in the relations between Bangladesh and Ireland.
In its desire to further expand the bilateral relations with Dhaka, Ireland has recently appointed Cosmos Group Deputy Managing Director Masud Jamil Khan its Honourary Consul in Bangladesh.
Ambassador of Ireland to India, Kevin Kelly and Masud Jamil Khan, among others, were present during the opening ceremony.
Dialogue: Journey towards inclusive democracy a shared endeavor that requires collective action, cooperation
Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Information and Public Diplomacy Siti Nugraha Mauludiah on Monday said Bangladesh and Indonesia have the same vision to safeguard world peace and to nurture and protect the existence of inclusive society.
“Cultivating environment for democracy to thrive is our way to do it,” she said while speaking at a dialogue on “Democracy in Inclusive Society” at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
The Deputy Minister said this forum is their way to nurture both democracy and inclusive society and “I believe this dialogue will not stop here but will present more opportunities such as new partnership between Indonesia and Bangladesh.”
Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Bangladesh Heru H Subolo and Director, Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA) and former Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh Professor Mizanur Rahman spoke at the inaugural session.
“This forum serves to further fortify the longstanding bond between Indonesia and Bangladesh. At the governmental level, Indonesia and Bangladesh stand out as pivotal players within their respective regions,” said the Indonesian Deputy Minister.
Indonesia holds the distinction of being the largest democratic nation in its region, while also wielding considerable economic influence.
“This was underscored notably during Indonesia's Chairmanship of ASEAN last year, reaffirming its importance on the regional stage,” she said.
In numerous aspects, Mauludiah said Bangladesh evokes a striking resemblance to Indonesia, resonating with a tapestry of diversity and inclusivity interwoven seamlessly - from the rich culture, to the food, to the warmth of the people.
She said their media, CSO, academician, youth and the whole elements of society play a significant role in nurturing inclusive society and be part of their democratization process, a source of immense pride for the nation.
“They provide analysis, they become our close partners and allies, they represent the voice amplifier, the one who can and should curb the movement of hoax and hate speech and the collaborative effort blossomed fruitfully,” she said.
The dialog on “Democracy in Inclusive Society” is part of Indonesia flagship programme which is called the Bali Democracy Forum, held every year in Bali, Indonesia.
“Bangladesh’s participation in the Forum has never been absent. Even in 2011, PM Sheikh Hasina herself participated,” Ambassador Subolo said.
“Democracy, as we understand it, is not merely a system of governance; it is a philosophy that ensures the voices of all people, regardless of their background or beliefs, are heard and respected,” he said.
The Ambassador said inclusive democracy encompasses the involvement of every citizen in the decision-making processes that can shape people's lives.
“Both Indonesia and Bangladesh share a profound commitment to democratic principles," he said.
The envoy said the two nations have traversed unique paths, overcoming various challenges, to establish vibrant democracies that reflect the diversity and aspirations of the people.
“Through this journey, we have learned that true democracy thrives when it is inclusive, accommodates the views and aspirations of all segments of society, including minorities, women, youth, and marginalized communities,” he said.
The Ambassador said the journey towards inclusive democracy is a shared endeavor that requires collective action and cooperation. “And today’s dialogue is one of our momentums to unite and strengthen these efforts.”
Professor Mizanur Rahman said Bangladesh is the only country in South Asia which achieved its independence through a bloody War of Liberation, noting that it was not a charity or gift.
“We had to fight and attain our independence. We have a homegrown philosophy of democracy and inclusiveness,” he said, highlighting four fundamental pillars of the constitution - nationalism, democracy, secularism, and socialism.
Prof Mizanur said they have to get rid of the colonial and pre-colonial western thoughts and noted that the US has proved that democracy is never for all.
The Embassy of Indonesia in Dhaka in collaboration with the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) hosted the dialogue.