foreign-affairs
Sheikh Russel Memorial Football Tournament held in Malaysia
The Sheikh Russel Memorial Football Tournament was inaugurated on Saturday with the participation of 12 teams of Bangladesh community living in Malaysia.
The tournament was arranged as part of various programmes organized by Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur to mark the 60th birthday of Sheikh Russel, the youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, according to a press release.
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Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Md Shamim Ahsan, Datuk Dr Wan Ahmed Fauzi Bin Wan Husain, associate professor of the Faculty of Islamic Thought and Civilisation at International Islamic University Malaysia, officials and employees of the High Commission, teachers and students of International Islamic University Malaysia and leaders of the expatriate Bangladeshi community living in Malaysia were present on the occasion, it said.
At the inauguration ceremony, High Commissioner Shamim congratulated the players for participating in the tournament and thanked all those involved in the tournament, said the release.
Also read: Sheikh Russel Day to be observed Wednesday
Paying homage to the memory of Father of the Nation, child Russel and all those who lost their lives on August 15, he said, "Shishu Sheikh Russel was a symbol of simplicity, fearlessness and innocence and his ideals and character are ideal for all children and teenagers."
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He urged all to work towards building a beautiful world of Sheikh Russel's dream by converting his sacrifice into strength.
PM likely to visit Saudi Arabia to attend Conference on Women in Islam from Nov 6 to 8
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to visit Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to attend the International Conference on Women in Islam which will be held on November 6-8.
Saudi Arabia and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are taking preparations for the conference, an official told UNB.
The 49th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers held in Mauritania, in March 2023, called for holding an international conference on women in Islam and welcomed the offer made by Saudi Arabia to host it in coordination with the General Secretariat.
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The conference aims to clarify women's rights and responsibilities in Islam, especially women's rights to education and work as per the teachings of Islam, with broad participation from scholars of the Islamic Ummah.
Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Al Duhailan met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last week at her official residence Ganabhaban and handed over a letter inviting the Prime Minister to participate in the conference on women in Islam.
He also handed over another letter seeking support of Bangladesh for his country’s bid to host Fifa World Cup 2034.
The Prime Minister responded positively in this regard.
‘I’ve always known who I am, but I was also raised by a mother who had lost everything overnight’
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit Brussels, Belgium later this month to attend the Global Gateway Forum 2023.
The Global Gateway Forum will bring together representatives of governments from the European Union and from around the world with the private sector, civil society, leading thinkers, financing institutions, and international organisations in a two-day, invitation-only event to be held in the Belgian capital on October 25-26.
The Prime Minister will return home on October 27, said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen who will brief the media in detail on Sunday.
He said the Prime Minister will have a number of meetings with leaders of European countries on the sidelines of the Forum.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, invited the Prime Minister when they met at the G20 Summit recently.
PM Hasina denounces BNP as a terrorist party that kills people
EU’s Global Gateway strategy connects countries and regions around the world by encouraging public and private investments in a global network of transportation and supply chains, green energy, modern telecommunications, education and research, with an emphasis on sustainable development and European values, such as good governance, transparency and equal partnership.
The objective of the Global Gateway Forum is to bring leaders together to debate issues relating to global investment in infrastructure, including challenges faced by the public and private sectors, best practices and lessons learned.
It will focus on the themes of green energy transition and green hydrogen; education and research; critical raw materials; transport corridors; health products manufacturing; and digital infrastructure.
It will also provide a platform to demonstrate delivery of the G7 partnership for global infrastructure and investment.
Bangladesh's dependence on India, China could increase if western pressure continues: Int'l Crisis Group
Bangladesh's dependence on India and China will increase if the United States and potentially other Western countries go for further pressure and sanctions, such as visa bans on top officials, the International Crisis Group has said.
"It could also cause the government to increase its dependence on India and China, as the US (and potentially other Western countries) will probably respond with sanctions, such as visa bans on top officials," according to the October 2023-March 2024 edition of "On the Horizon" report of the Crisis Group.
The International Crisis Group is an independent organisation working to prevent wars and shape policies aiming for a more peaceful world.
BNP has declared October 28 for a movement to topple the government and the ruling party Awami League says BNP's downfall will start on that day.
Read: Free, fair, peaceful elections incredibly important: Afreen Akhter
So far, a peaceful atmosphere prevails in the country.
A disputed election could trigger fierce anti-government protests, according to the International Crisis Group.
Election-related activities, such as campaigning and voting, could become flashpoints for violent attacks; spillover could also increase from restive states in India’s northeast, it said.
Read: Bangladeshis will decide how election will be held in the country: India
What to watch for in the coming weeks and months as mentioned by the Crisis Group
1. A high-stakes and potentially violent election in January 2024.
2. The ruling Awami League is expected to ignore calls for it to step down and hand power to a caretaker government that would oversee the election.
3. Rival supporters could clash in street battles or attack party offices or candidates.
4. Islamist groups could become more active in opposing the government.
5. Facing the prospect of a disputed poll, the opposition will probably boycott the election and could become radicalised, adopting more violent tactics.
6. Lack of hope, insecurity and poverty threaten to create a vicious cycle in which desperate Rohingyas – particularly young men – could join criminal gangs and armed groups, further fuelling the violence.
Read more: Masud-Afreen Meeting: Bangladesh, US want "free, fair, peaceful" elections
Indian President wishes her Bangladesh counterpart Md Shahabuddin's good health, uplifted spirits
President of India Droupadi Murmu has prayed for her Bangladesh counterpart Mohammed Shahabuddin's continued good health and uplifted spirits in the days to come.
“I have been informed about your recent medical surgery, and I am pleased to know that you are recovering well post surgery," said the Indian President in a message on October 20.
US embassy to fly flag at half-mast Saturday
On behalf of the government and the people of India, she extended her good wishes to the Bangladesh President.
"Wishing you the best of health and great success in your future endeavors," said the Indian President.
Bangladesh offers special prayers for Palestinian victims of Israeli attacks
President Shahabuddin, now undergoing treatment at the National University Hospital in Singapore, was shifted to the cabin from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after a surgery.
Japanese investors urged to invest in Bangladesh
US embassy to fly flag at half-mast Saturday
The United States mourns every innocent life lost, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has ordered the US Embassy flag to be flown at half-mast October 21, which was earlier declared a day of mourning by the government for Palestinian victims of Israel's ongoing assault in Gaza.
Read: Major US Muslim group moves Virginia banquet over bomb and death threats“We mourn civilians of every faith and every nationality who have been killed in the conflict," said the US Embassy on Friday, quoting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Bangladesh offers special prayers for Palestinian victims of Israeli attacks
Bangladesh on Friday held special prayers for the victims of the Israeli attacks in Gaza and other Palestinian territories.
The main prayer was held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque conducted by its Khatib Hafez Mawlan Mufti Mohammad Ruhul Amin in participation with the hundreds of devotees at the south and north gates of the mosque.
At this time, many of the devotees were seen in tears while seeking Allah’s help for the tortured Palestinians.
Read: Resolving Palestine crisis depends on ‘united efforts’ by Muslim Ummah: PM
They sought eternal peace for the souls of the dead and early recovery for those wounded during Israeli raids.
In Sylhet, the special prayer for Palestinians was offered in mosques inclduign Hazrat Shah Jalal (R) Shrine Mosque as per the government directives issued on Thursday.
In Barishal, a protest rally under the banner of Khilafat-e-Majlish was brought out following the special prayer after the namaz in the city.
Read: Stop Israel-Palestine war, save women and children: PM Hasina urges world leaders
Special prayers were also offered in other parts of the country.
Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mentioned that a special mujajat would be offered at the Jumma prayers for the Palestinians in all mosques across the country on Friday.
Prayers for the Palestinians were also held in temples, churches and pagodas.
As per the premier’s announcement Bangladesh will observe one-day state mourning on Saturday for the Palestinians killed in recent Israeli attacks.
Thousands of Palestinians have so far been killed and wounded in desperate attacks by Israel since the beginning of October.
Read more: Don’t want to see any more bloodshed in Palestine: GM Quader
Humanitarian crises including lack of food, water and medicine is surging in entire Palestine due to attacks by the occupying Israel from all sides.
Japanese investors urged to invest in Bangladesh
LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam has urged the Japanese investors to invest in Bangladesh and make the relations stronger on trade and investment front.
"Japan remains a very good and trusted friend of Bangladesh. There is huge opportunity in Bangladesh to explore," he told a visiting Japanese business delegation.
A dinner was hosted at Dhaka Club in honour of the visiting Japanese delegation on Thursday night.
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Jatiya Press Club General Secretary and Editor of the daily Bhorer Kagoj Shyamal Dutta delivered welcome remarks.
The LGRD Minister said Bangladesh wants to become a developed country and there is huge potential to work for further infrastructure development.
"Bangladesh is providing all kinds of facilities for the foreign investors," he said,adding that the investors will get adequate workers in Bangladesh and a very good investment environment prevails in the country.
Describing Japan a trusted friend, Shyamal Dutta said the Japanese complete their projects even before schedule.
He said Bangladesh is walking towards next phase of development and Japan is a partner of Bangladesh's growing development.
Earlier, the Japanese delegation met PM's Advisor Salman F Rahman and discussed issues of mutual interest.
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At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio, PM Sheikh Hasina made an official visit to Japan from 25th to 28th April this year.
During the visit, Prime Minister Kishida had a summit meeting with Prime Minister Hasina on 26th April.
The two Prime Ministers confirmed that, guided by the traditional and time-tested friendship since the independence of Bangladesh, the two countries have achieved significant progress in bilateral relations based on the “Comprehensive Partnership” established in 2014.
Noting that the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022, as a manifestation of commitment and determination to contribute to enhancing the bilateral relationship based on common values and mutual interests, they decided to elevate the bilateral relationship to a “Strategic Partnership” as a guiding principle to lead the two countries’ journey into the next 50 years and beyond.
US envoy Peter Haas meets editors
US Ambassador to Dhaka Peter Haas on Thursday welcomed the members of the 'Media Freedom Coalition' and senior editors from major Bangladeshi news outlets to show support for a free and independent media.
Liberty and democracy are guarded by the freedom of the press, said the US Embassy in Dhaka after the event.
Journalism is not just a profession, it is a vital aspect of democracy to seek accountability from elected leaders, said the Embassy.
Read: Japanese delegation meets DNCC Mayor
The current political situation, upcoming political programmes and the US visa policy also came up for discussion briefly, said a meeting source.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Daily Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta, Bangladesh Protidin Editor Naem Nizam, Daily Jugantor Editor Saiful Alam, among others, were present.
UNDP-sponsored workshop tells Bangladeshi youths to join climate fight
To empower the youth of Bangladesh to take a leading role in addressing the country's climate challenges in the upcoming Climate Conference of parties- CoP28, "Youth Engagement in Climate Change Negotiation Process" workshop was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Thursday, in Dhaka, where over 30 youths from across Bangladesh took part.
The youth of Bangladesh, with a population of 45.9 million, are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts, affecting their socioeconomic well-being, security, physical and mental health, and their sense of the future.Unfortunately, their participation in political decision-making processes, both nationally and internationally, remains limited despite the far-reaching consequences of these decisions on their future livelihoods, the workshop was told.
Read: Japanese delegation meets DNCC Mayor
The event was organised with the aim of addressing this critical issue by building youth capacity. The daylong workshop empowered young leaders with the knowledge and skills to effectively engage in climate negotiations, allowing Bangladesh to advocate for equitable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient development.Also, it helped young climate negotiators with the formal negotiation process of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), enhancing their ability to engage in international climate forums effectively.
Speaking as the chief guest, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP, said, "In international arenas like COP, the voices of young people are getting louder to change the future by demanding climate actions. They are not taking 'No' for an answer as they realise that there is no time to lose."
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"The government of Bangladesh has taken several bold steps to empower youth for Climate Actions through different plans and programs," he further added.
Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative, said, " "Bangladesh, once only known as being climate-vulnerable, is now a global leader in generating resilience and adaptation solutions. Let's continue to collectively push the #ClimateChange agenda from wherever we are."
The "Youth Engagement in Climate Change Negotiation Process" workshop is part of the 'Climate Promise- From Pledge to Impact' project, jointly implemented by UNDP and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. This project aims to strengthen mitigation actions in Bangladesh, addressing emissions and contributing to global efforts to limit temperature rise in alignment with the Paris Agreement.Dr Abdul Hamid, Director General of the Department of Environment, was the Chair of this event.The event also featured contributions from Prasenjit Chakma, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh; Mirza Shawkat Ali, Director (International Convention & Climate Change), Department of Environment; Professor Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus, BRAC University; Dr. Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed, Deputy Managing Director, PKSF and Arif Faisal, Programme Specialist, UNDP Bangladesh who shared their insights and expertise.
Japanese delegation meets DNCC Mayor
A delegation of Japan paid a courtesy call on Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam on Thursday.
The meeting was held on the 6th floor at the seminar hall of Nagar Bhaban in the capital's Gulshan-2, said a press release.
During the meeting, various issues including waterlogging, air pollution, noise pollution, mosquito control, health sector, cleanliness, development of traffic system came up for discussion.
They expressed hope to work together on the development of the overall issues, added the release.
Later, the delegation visited the exhibition of paintings by 77 artists organized on the occasion of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 77th birthday.