foreign-affairs
ICC Chair Garza expresses her commitment to promoting Bangladesh on global stage
Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Maria Fernanda Garza has praised Bangladesh's progress, acknowledging its determination, unity, and resilience in the face of challenges, and expressed her commitment to promoting Bangladesh on the global stage.
The continuity of cross-border trade in today's turbulent world has become a crucial challenge for sustaining global economic growth and prosperity, she said.
She attended a reception hosted by the ICC Bangladesh in Dhaka on October 16.
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Her visit to Bangladesh reaffirmed the ICC's commitment to global economic development, cooperation, and unity, celebrating Bangladesh's achievements and resilience.
Garza stressed the importance of cross-border commerce, especially in today's uncertain global landscape.
She said cybersecurity and global cooperation were central themes, given the interconnected world, with practical policies and private sector initiatives essential for maintaining cybersecurity.
The ICC's leading role in reforming the multilateral system, including climate action, environmental preservation, global rules, and digitalisation, was emphasised by Garza.
She underlined the importance of unity within the business community and ICC's role in shaping global policies.
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Garza's visit to Bangladesh revolved around discussions with sector insiders and her insights into various trade-related issues.
Mahbubur Rahman, President of ICC Bangladesh, welcomed Garza to Dhaka and underlined ICC's mission of making business work for everyone, everyday, everywhere.
He highlighted ICC's influence on international trade rules and its consultative status with global bodies.
This year, ICC Bangladesh celebrates the ICC Court Centenary, established in 1923, focusing on foreign trade promotion, trade policy reviews, legal reforms, and cross-border business standards, he said.
Bangladesh's remarkable economic growth, transitioning from a least developed country to a developing one by 2026, positions it as the 35th largest economy globally, he said.
Rahman lauded the government's commitment to regulatory reforms, emphasising the role of the private sector in infrastructure, energy, and natural resource investment.
Garza's visit highlighted the ICC's mission, which originated after World War I, to harness business's power for the betterment of the world, said Mr Rahman.
Salman F Rahman, Prime Minister's Advisor for Private Industry and Investment, expressed optimism about Bangladesh's development projects and improved traffic conditions.
The ICC's unique status as the only private sector organization accredited to the United Nations was highlighted.
Bangladesh's significant economic growth under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina was also celebrated, with a thriving agricultural sector and private sector success stories.
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Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi welcomed Garza, highlighting their productive discussions on trade and investment collaboration in Mexico.
The ICC's role in promoting a free-market economy and collaborating with governments and international institutions, including the UN, was noted.
Bangladesh's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and transition to a middle-income country by 2026 through key infrastructure projects was underscored by the minister.
ICC Vice President Naser Ezaz Bijoy delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the significance of ICC members in the global economy and their contributions to Bangladesh's progress and prosperity under their leadership.
ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman presented a memento to ICC Global Chairman Maria Fernanda Garza.
Justice K.M. Hasan, former Chief Justice of Bangladesh; Syed Manzur Elahi, Chairman, Apex Footwear Limited; ICCB Executive Board Members Abdul Hai Sarker, Aftab Ul Islam, Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), Md. Fazlul Hoque, Mir Nasir Hossain, Mohammad Hatem, Sheikh Kabir Hossain, Simeen Rahman & Tapan Chowdhury; DCCI President Md. Sameer Sattar, CCCI President Omar Hazzaz, Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO, Mutual Trust Bank Limited; Humaira Azam, Managing Director & CEO, Trust Bank Limited; Mohammad Shamsul Islam, Managing Director, National Housing Finance and Investments; Md. Abdul Haque, FCA, Managing Director, Eastland Insurance Company Limited; Khawza Manzer Nadeem, Managing Director, United Insurance Company Limited; Nihad Kabir, Bar-at-Law, Senior Partner, Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed & Associates; Mohammed Abdul Jabbar, Managing Director, DBL Ceramics Ltd.; Dr. ATM Tariquzzaman, CPA. Managing Director, Dhaka Stock Exchange Ltd.; Tanvir Ahmed, Managing Director, Green Textile Limited; Syed Ershad Ahmed, CM & Managing Director, Expeditors (Bangladesh) Ltd.; Mahfuz Anam, Editor, The Daily Star; Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Editor, The Daily Banik Barta; Shamsul Huq Zahid, Editor, The Financial Express and Ataur Rahman, Secretary General, ICC Bangladesh among others attended the dinner.
UK for ‘peace and stability’ across Indo-Pacific, announces more funding for Rohingyas
The UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, today announced further UK funding of £4.5 million to provide vital humanitarian services to Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.
She made the announcement at a UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) regional conference in Bangkok on the Rohingya crisis.
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The UK minister is attending the conference alongside Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.
Trevelyan said that the UK is committed to finding a long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis. This includes their safe, voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar, when the conditions there allow it, she said.
“Until the Rohingyas can safely return to their homeland, we are committed to providing ongoing humanitarian support. That is why we are announcing £4.5 million of further UK support for protection services, healthcare and clean energy to the refugees in Bangladesh,” she said.
“Today’s conference is an important opportunity to discuss sustainable solutions in Myanmar, and support for the Rohingya and their host countries,” the UK minister added.
The £4.5 million funding includes:
• £2.1 million through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for healthcare and clean energy for the Rohingya refugees and host communities.
• £2 million through NGOs for the protection of refugees and host communities. The NGOs include the Norwegian Refugee Council, Danish Refugee Council, International Rescue Committee, and Humanity and Inclusion.
• £450,000 through the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and provide sexual and reproductive health services.
Minister Trevelyan will meet Foreign Minister Momen and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi during the conference.
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Since 2017, the UK has provided £370 million to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, and nearly £30 million to support Rohingya and other Muslim minorities in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
This has included food, water and sanitation, healthcare and protection services that are vital for women and girls in the camps.
The UK has also said it supports “peace and stability” across the Indo-Pacific and continues to stand with the people of Myanmar, according to a statement from the British High Commission in Dhaka.
“We reiterate our call for an end to all violence and for the protection of civilians and safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need,” the UK minister was quoted as saying.
Read: US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter in Dhaka
The UK’s sustained support for the Rohingyas demonstrates its long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, critical to the prime minister’s priority of growing the economy, in line with the Integrated Review Refresh published in March 2023, said the British government.
Bangladeshis will decide how election will be held in the country: India
The people of Bangladesh will decide how to hold the next national election in their country, Arindam Bagchi, spokesman for India's external affairs ministry has said.
“The Bangladeshi people will determine how the election will take place. As a neighbour, India wants a stable and democratic government-run Bangladesh,” he said on Monday.
Bagchi said this while exchanging views with a visiting media team from Bangladesh at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.
The meeting was attended by Director (Bangladesh-Myanmar Division) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India Nabanita Chakrabarti, Indian High Commission to Bangladesh First Secretary Shiladitya Halder.
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Bagchi said India always respects democracy in Bangladesh.
“India stood by the country (Bangladesh) at the time of its independence..... India will continue to do so now and in future. The relation between the two countries is excellent,” he said.
‘UN not in the business of observing elections unless it receives a mandate’: Spokesman Dujarric
Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, has said the United Nations will not be involved in observing the elections in Bangladesh unless it gets a mandate.
"Just to point out that the UN is not in the business of observing elections unless it receives a mandate," he said while responding to a question during a regular briefing in New York on October 16.
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Bangladesh has welcomed foreign observers for the upcoming national election, likely to be held in January next year.
The spokesman for the UN Secretary-General also said they want to see a "free and fair" election in Bangladesh, and a climate where people can speak out "without fear of retribution" from whichever side they speak out against.
Read: Next election in Bangladesh will be free and neutral: PM Hasina
Bangladesh seeks direct air links between Dhaka, Hanoi
Bangladesh has highlighted the potential of establishing direct air links between Dhaka and Hanoi - for accelerating trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people contacts.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen suggested Ambassador of Vietnam to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong to pursue this objective.
The newly appointed Ambassador met the Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday and discussed the issues of mutual interest.
The Foreign Secretary warmly welcomed Ambassador Cuong to Bangladesh, congratulated him on his new assignment, and assured him of full cooperation and support.
As 2023 marks the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Vietnam, he recalled the historic contributions of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Ho Chi Minh in leading the respective struggles for freedom and nation building.
Their discussions encompassed trade and investment relations, cooperation on addressing the issue of forcibly displaced nationals of Myanmar, and Bangladesh's bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
Both of them reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthen the growing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Vietnam, including through VVIP visits, exchange of trade delegations, and holding of Joint Trade Commission (JTC) and Foreign Office Consultation (FoC) in near future.
Reliable, experienced financial partners key to facilitate developments in renewables: Norwegian Ambassador
Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen on Monday said access to capital is so important to develop the renewable energy industry.
"Reliable and experienced financial partners are key to facilitate for further developments in renewable power generation," he said.
The Ambassador also stressed on removing obstacles and create a dynamic business climate for renewable energy by improving governance and transparency, well-regulated markets and smart incentives that promote the right kind of investments.
Read: US has ‘kind of alignment’ with recommendations made by IRI-NDI mission: Foreign Secretary
The Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka, in collaboration with Norfund and the Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bangladesh (NCCI), hosted the seminar to introduce the Climate Investment Fund (CIF) to Bangladesh.
The event highlighted Norway's significant commitment to support the transition to renewable energy in Bangladesh.
The event shed light on Bangladesh's green energy transition including increased investments in renewable energy, the development of conducive policies to facilitate green energy investments, the removal of fiscal barriers to renewable energy accessories, and collaboration with development partners for technical and financial support to accelerate the transition.
Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP, Special Envoy to the Prime Minister for Climate Change and Chairperson, Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change spoke as the chief guest.
He said Bangladesh is one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world and climate change impact is causing the country to lose 2% of its gross domestic product.
"Bangladesh is not only in need of investments in tackling climate impacts but also required technical assistance in building knowledge and capacity and The Nofund Climate Investment Fund can be a great facilitator," Saber said.
In his welcome remarks, NCCI President Tahrin Aman said Bangladesh's energy and power sector is in the midst of a profound transition, shifting from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Read: Masud-Afreen Meeting: Bangladesh, US want "free, fair, peaceful" elections
"This transition is not merely a change in our energy sources; it is a testament to our determination to build a sustainable and resilient future."
"Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan reflects our nation's unwavering commitment to a green, prosperous, and sustainable future. Over the years, various stakeholders, including NGOs, think tanks, financial institutions, the private sector, and energy experts have been relentless in their efforts to push the green energy agenda. Their dedication, their passion, and their collective vision are the driving force behind our transition to green energy,” NCCI President added.
The Climate Investment Fund (CIF) managed by Norfund, marks a "significant step" in Norway's commitment to global energy transition.
The CIF, with an allocation of 10 billion NOK (Norwegian Krone) from 2022 to 2027, is dedicated to invest in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies in developing countries with significant emissions from coal and other fossil fuel power production. Among them, Bangladesh holds a prominent position.
The fund is targeted to invest in a wide range of renewable energy projects, including large-scale endeavors like solar power plants and wind farms, as well as smaller opportunities such as rooftop solar installations.
Additionally, the CIF supports enabling technologies with substantial climate impact, such as energy storage and transmission infrastructure.
The seminar served as a platform to introduce the Climate Investment Fund and Norfund's role in advancing renewable energy in Bangladesh.
It brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, industry experts, investors, and thought leaders, to explore opportunities for collaboration and investment in the green energy transition.Bangladesh's energy and power sector is undergoing a transformative shift from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
US has ‘kind of alignment’ with recommendations made by IRI-NDI mission: Foreign Secretary
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Monday said the US government has "kind of alignment or endorsement” with the recommendations made by the joint IRI-NDI mission.
Talking to reporters, he said during his meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter, they discussed what Bangladesh is thinking of those recommendations.
"It's a political issue whether dialogue will be held or not," Masud Momen said while responding to a question.
Masud-Afreen Meeting: Bangladesh, US want "free, fair, peaceful" elections
The IRI-NDI joint delegation offered recommendations as a roadmap for progress towards "credible, inclusive, participatory, and nonviolent" elections that can advance Bangladesh’s democracy.
The recommendations are:
· Moderate rhetoric and engage in open and substantive dialogue on key election issues.
· Protect freedom of expression and ensure an open civic space where dissent is respected.
· Commit to nonviolence and hold perpetrators of political violence accountable.
· Create conditions to allow all parties to engage in meaningful political competition, including bolstering independent election management.
· Promote a culture of inclusive and active electoral participation among citizens.
WHO regional director election: Momen conveys Bangladesh’s gratitude to Thailand for support to Saima Wazed
When a reporter asked whether Bangladesh-US will sign any agreement on trade, investment, energy or defence before the election, the foreign secretary said there is no such possibility.
"At this moment, we do not see any such possibility," he said.
He also ruled out any possibility of welcoming any foreign observers with government expenditure.
He said logistics support will be provided as before.
The foreign secretary said the government has been assuring the US side of a free and fair election with public participation.
He also said violence does not take place on its own and inclusive elections depend on political parties.
Asked about Rohingya repatriation, the foreign secretary said it will begin when safety requirements are fulfilled. "We are not giving any timeline or deadline."
US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter in Dhaka
US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Afreen Akhter on Monday discussed issues of mutual interest including elections and the Rohingya issues with Bangladesh.
"Bangladesh and the United States want free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner," said the US Embassy in Dhaka after Afreen's meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present.
They discussed the "strong multifaceted" bilateral relationship between the two countries and its many aspects.
The US direct investment and trade, longstanding development partnership, the Middle East, the recent visit of the independent and nonpartisan election survey team, and supporting Rohingya refugees came up for discussion.
They also discussed government efforts to ensure that people of Bangladesh cast their votes in free, fair and peaceful elections.
Masud-Afreen Meeting: Bangladesh, US want "free, fair, peaceful" elections
US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Afreen Akhter on Monday discussed issues of mutual interest including elections and the Rohingya issues with Bangladesh.
"Bangladesh and the United States want free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner," said the US Embassy in Dhaka after Afreen's meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present.
They discussed the "strong multifaceted" bilateral relationship between the two countries and its many aspects.
The US direct investment and trade, longstanding development partnership, the Middle East, the recent visit of the independent and non-partisan election survey team, and supporting Rohingya refugees came up for discussion.
They also discussed government efforts to ensure the people of Bangladesh cast their votes in free, fair and peaceful elections.
Read: US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter in Dhaka
In Colombo recently, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen already briefed her about the preparations for the next national elections that the government wants to see free and fair.
Responding to a question, Momen recently said Afreen Akhter's visit is mainly to discuss two issues - Rohingya crisis and Bangladesh elections.
He said the US also wants to see free and fair elections in Bangladesh.
Momen, however, said the government can not guarantee an election free from violence if all parties do not show sincerity.
Read: Momen in Bangkok to attend high-level regional meeting on Rohingyas
WHO regional director election: Momen conveys Bangladesh’s gratitude to Thailand for support to Saima Wazed
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has conveyed Bangladesh’s gratitude to the government of Thailand for extending its support to Saima Wazed.Saima Wazed has been nominated by the government of Bangladesh for the post of Regional Director of World Health Organisation's (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEARO).
Foreign Minister Momen, currently in Bangkok to attend a high-level regional meeting, had a meeting with Thai Public Health Affairs Minister Dr. Cholnan Srikaew and discussed issues of mutual interest, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Thai public health minister also referred to their decision as "strong support for Bangladesh".
The names of the candidates for the election of the next regional director for WHO SEARO were sent by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to the relevant member states on August 18, 2023.
The candidates are Saima Wazed, nominated by Bangladesh, and Dr Shambhu Prasad Acharya, nominated by Nepal.
The Regional Committee of WHO South-East Asia Region will vote to nominate the next regional director in a closed meeting during its seventy-sixth session from October 30 to November 2, in New Delhi, India.
Read: It’s people of Bangladesh who will ultimately determine credibility, legitimacy of their elections: IRI-NDI delegation
The nomination will then be submitted for appointment by the 154th session of the WHO Executive Board, which takes place from January 22 to 27, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The newly appointed regional director will take office on February 1, 2024 for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.
Foreign Minister Momen arrived in Thailand on Monday morning on a two-day official visit.
In the morning, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand Md. Abdul Hye welcomed the minister at the airport.
In the afternoon, the foreign minister had a courtesy meeting with the minister of public health of Thailand at his office.
Momen congratulated the newly appointed minister of public health of Thailand.
At this time, the ministers discussed in detail various issues related to the interests of the two countries, especially health care issues.
Read: Saima Wazed best choice for WHO SEARO post, endorses Dr Amit Chakrabarty
Foreign Minister Momen praised Thailand's healthcare system and the Thai government's handling of the Covid-19 epidemic.
He called for increased cooperation between the health sectors of the two countries, especially investment in the healthcare sector and establishment of specialized hospitals in Bangladesh.
The foreign minister of Bangladesh invited the Thai public health minister to visit Bangladesh in the near future.
Read more: Mental health stands as a critical pillar for human well-being: WHO
US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter in Dhaka
US Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Afreen Akhter arrived in Dhaka on Monday to discuss issues of mutual interest including elections and the Rohingya issue.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, earlier in Colombo, briefed her about the preparations for the next national election.
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Responding to questions, Momen said that Afreen Akhter is coming mainly to discuss two issues -- Rohingya crisis and elections in Bangladesh.
He said the US wants to see free and fair elections in Bangladesh, just as the government does.
Momen, however, said the government cannot guarantee an election free from violence if all parties do not show sincerity.
He also conveyed to Akhter that Bangladeshis are not like Americans and people in Bangladesh cast their votes with much enthusiasm. "It's like a festival here. It's totally a different scenario in Bangladesh," Momen had said.
The US official will meet government officials to discuss priority bilateral issues and election issue may also come up for discussion, an official told UNB.
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She might also visit Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps during the visit.
Akhter looks after issues in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and the Maldives, as well as the Office of Security and Transnational Affairs.
She was the National Security and Foreign Affairs Adviser to US Senator Chris Van Hollen.
Afreen Akhter earlier visited Dhaka in May this year.