foreign-affairs
Dhaka-Riyadh engagement increasing across range of areas
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan has said Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are working to further ease visa process, noting that currently the Embassy is issuing around 5000 visas everyday from Dhaka.
He also suggested the Bangladeshis to complete their visa process directly to get the job done quickly.
The Ambassador was speaking to reporters at the Embassy on Tuesday marking the launch of the Saudi Volunteer Program (EBSAR) in Dhaka.
Also read: Bangladesh welcomes increased investment interest from Saudi Arabia
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre’s (KSRELIEF) Assistant Supervisor General for Planning and Development Dr Aqeel Al Ghamdi launched the programme in presence of the Ambassador.
Under the program, 30,000 students across 50 schools in Dhaka will get eye treatment.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia thinks Bangladesh is an emerging economic power in Southeast Asia, and Saudi Arabia is keen to invest in various sectors of Bangladesh.
Many renowned Saudi companies and investors have shown keen interest in investing in different sectors.
Also read: Many renowned Saudi companies interested to invest in Bangladesh: Ambassador
The traditionally strong Saudi-Bangladesh relations were further strengthened after the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the Kingdom in 2016 and meeting with the King of Saudi Arabia, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, as well as visits by a number of Saudi ministers who accompanied high-level officials from the Kingdom to Bangladesh.
The Saudi Ambassador also said the relationship between the two countries is deep-rooted and outstanding, based on a strong foundation of religious and cultural ties.
Millions of Bangladeshis are working in different sectors in the Kingdom, which is recognized as the “greatest labor market in the world.”
“The Kingdom has made a great contribution to the betterment of the living standards of this country, as migrant workers are sending remittances to their beloved family members constantly,” he said recently at a reception.
Also read: Saudi Arabia’s DataVolt to invest US$100 million at Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City
The Saudi Ambassador said the Kingdom is leading in always extending its hand for cooperation and helps Bangladesh whenever it is affected by disasters.
Speaker Shirin Sharmin stresses early operationalization of BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement for greater sub-regional connectivity
Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury has stressed early operationalization of the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement for greater sub-regional connectivity.
She hoped that once the construction of the Buddhist monastery funded by the Bangladesh government is completed, it will boost religious tourism.
The Speaker of the parliament stressed initiating a Parliamentary Group on Bangladesh-Nepal relations, while interacting with a high-level parliamentary delegation from Nepal, led by Dr. Arzu Rana, Chair of the Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources Committee.
The delegation is visiting Bangladesh to learn about Bangladesh’s success stories in Agriculture, especially achieving self-sufficiency in food and see some agriculture projects in Bangladesh, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read: Nepal parliamentary delegation meets Speaker Shirin Sharmin
During the interaction, the Speaker noted that the two countries can cooperate with each other in sectors like power, connectivity and tourism to further strengthen the relations.
The delegation started their official program in Bangladesh by paying tribute to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi-32, Dhaka.
During the visit, they mentioned that Bangladesh is lucky to have such a charismatic leader like Bangabandhu.
Following their visit to the memorial, the delegation met the Standing Committee on the Ministry of Agriculture of Bangladesh Parliament.
The delegation was briefed about the tremendous success achieved in the agriculture sector of Bangladesh.
Both sides stressed on sharing and exchange of the ideas and best practices in the agriculture sector.
Read: High-level parliamentary delegation from Nepal visits Bangabandhu Memorial Museum
In the afternoon, the parliamentary delegation called on Md. Shahriar Alam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the Ministry.
They discussed various areas of cooperation to further strengthen the bilateral relations.
The discussion focused on power, and connectivity, among others.
The visiting delegation appreciated the current government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for making phenomenal socio-economic progress during the last 14 years.
The delegation called on Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, the Minister for Agriculture.
The two sides emphasized on scientific expertise sharing and facilitating technology transfer for bolstering agricultural cooperation between the two nations.
The delegation would visit places like Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), SAARC Agriculture Center (SAC), Bangladesh Seed Association (BSA) as well as various agriculture projects in Bangladesh in the next couple of days.
The delegation would depart Dhaka on October 7, 2023.
Read more: Nepal for promoting economic partnership with Bangladesh as centerpiece of bilateral relations
USAID-funded RDM activity concludes, leaving a “lasting impact” on Bangladesh and beyond
Deputy Office Director, Office of Population, Health and Nutrition, USAID/Bangladesh Miranda Beckman has said Research for Decision Makers (RDM) activity generated a prolific number of studies, papers, and briefs, and hoped this evidence proves useful to the government of Bangladesh and other health stakeholders.
“We need to have evidence-based programmes. We must measure and use the best available evidence in science to inform our decisions,” Beckman said on Tuesday marking the conclusion of an “important chapter” in evidence-based health planning and decision-making in Bangladesh as icddr,b wrapped up the “successful” RDM activity, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Initiated in May 2017, RDM has been a cornerstone in strengthening Bangladesh's health system. It has produced a variety of knowledge products, including policy briefs, technical reports, and national surveys, that have been instrumental in shaping health planning and decision-making across various sectors such as maternal and child health, nutrition, and tuberculosis, said a joint media release.
Read: USAID awards fellowships to 26 young Bangladeshi political leaders
The initiative's contributions are numerous. It has been involved in the execution of five national-level surveys, including the first Bangladesh Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Survey 2019-20.
RDM has also conducted 18 implementation research projects that have led to actionable insights in areas like adolescent health, nutrition, and family planning.
USAID's support has been key in RDM's success, enabling it to serve as an example for other low and middle-income countries striving to advance their health systems.
The initiative has been effective in implementation and has set a standard for how research can directly inform and improve health planning and decision-making governance and delivery.
RDM's influence extends to policy analysis and governance. It has contributed to various sector programmes and has been instrumental in updating key governance strategies and guidelines, including the National Newborn Monitoring Checklist and the National Guideline for the Management of Tuberculosis in Children.
Read: Committed to strengthening ties with Bangladesh as key strategic partner: New USAID Mission Director
Moreover, RDM has been a catalyst for capacity building. It has empowered 2,378 participants, facilitated 8 PhDs, and supported 23 principal investigators, thereby strengthening the local capacity to design, manage, and utilise implementation research.
During the event, Dr Shams El Arifeen, Chief of Party for RDM and Senior Director at icddr,b, presented an overview of the project.
The keynote session was followed by a discussion moderated by Dr Quamrun Nahar and Dr Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman.
The session was attended by Dr Sheikh Daud Adnan, Deputy Director (Hospitals); Dr Syeda Naushin Parnini, Director, Research, Health Economics Unit (HEU); Dr Md M Islam Bulbul, Program Manager, NNS; and other key stakeholders. The discussion focused on how RDM's evidence-generating activities have shaped national health planning and decision-making.
Dr Tahmeed Ahmed, Executive Director at icddr,b attended the event as special guest and thanked USAID and the government of Bangladesh.
Read: 5 years of USAID MaMoni Maternal and Newborn Care Strengthening Project: Achievements in collaboration with Health Ministry
He also said, "We have a long history of translational research; many of our studies have been scaled up by the Government and the WHO, having an incredible impact on the lives of millions. These include population control, the tetanus toxoid vaccine, and oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution. We are committed to continuing this impactful work in the future."
Md. Humayun Kabir, former Senior Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said, “In our system, we often talk about evidence-based decision-making, but many times we ignore the evidence and continue doing what we're accustomed to.
“I have utilised icddr,b's research and strongly encourage government officials to engage with this institution for informed decision-making.”
The closing ceremony served as a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the initiative's achievements and discuss the way forward for sustaining its impact.
Read more: USAID’s MaMoni project improves maternal, newborn health care services in Bangladesh’s 17 districts
As RDM concludes its journey, its legacy is bound to endure, inspiring similar initiatives that aim to transform health planning and decision-making through evidence-based research and policy-making, said the media release.
29 Bangladeshi citizens return home from Myanmar
Twenty-Nine Bangladeshi citizens returned home today (October 03, 2023) after serving jail terms in different prisons of Myanmar.
They came back to Bangladesh through Teknaf border following a “Battalion Commander level flag meeting” between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Border Guard Police (BGP) of Myanmar.
The steadfast and continued efforts by the Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon and its Sittwe Consulate made the latest repatriation possible after a long hiatus of 18 months when 41 Bangladeshi nationals were repatriated from Myanmar on March 23, 2022, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon.
US announces $116 million in humanitarian assistance to people in Bangladesh, Myanmar and Region
Among the returnees, 23 are from Cox’s Bazar district, 4 from Bandarban, and 2 from Rangamati of Bangladesh. BGP detained the Bangladeshis on charges of illegally crossing the border into Myanmar at different times.
Lt. Col. Mohiuddin, commander of BGB’s Teknaf battalion, led the 10-member Bangladesh team, which included, among others, Zakir Ahmed, Consul of the Bangladesh Consulate in Sittwe, during the handing over/taking over process.
Bangladesh-Myanmar visa exemption reinstated
US visa restrictions: State Dept spokesperson once again refrains from mentioning media
The United States has reiterated that it does not support any particular party and does not want to influence the outcome of the election in Bangladesh.
The US only wants to ensure that the people of Bangladesh can freely choose their leaders.
“So, let me restate or state in slightly different language what I said last week, which is the United States wants what the Bangladeshis themselves want: free and fair elections that are conducted in a peaceful manner,” US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said during a regular media briefing in Washington on October 2.
He, however, once again refrained from mentioning visa restrictions on media. US Ambassador in Dhaka, Peter Haas, during a recent TV interview had mentioned possible visa restrictions on media.
Read more: Eminent citizens voice disappointment over US ambassador’s remarks on visa restrictions against media
During the US State Department briefing, a questioner said that radical groups that advocate “Taliban-style rule” in Bangladesh along with opposition leaders, have hailed the US ambassador’s remark on including media under the visa restrictions, and have already threatened media persons, circulating a list of journalists who have been critical of radical views.
On the other hand, rights activists, anti-war crimes campaigners, editors, writers, minority community leaders found the statement by the US ambassador on possible visa curbs on media to be an “affront to freedom of press” that has been pivotal to the fight against terror, the questioner added.
He asked the State Department spokesperson whether the US supports the statement of the ambassador and denies the concerns raised by such a large group of liberals.
Miller did not give a direct response, but said that the government, political parties, civil society, and the media in Bangladesh have all expressed their desire that the upcoming national election be free and fair and conducted in a peaceful manner – “as we want.”
Read more: No discussion held on visa policy with US Assistant Secretary Bitter: Acting FS
“The visa restriction policy that we’ve announced supports this objective and the desire of the people of Bangladesh to freely choose their leaders,” he said.
India will always stand with Bangladesh: Pranay Verma
Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Monday said that it wasn't just in the struggle for independence (1971), India would always stand with Bangladesh.
"India-Bangladesh relations are lifelong. We are working together on all issues like social, cultural, trade and communication system. We believe that India-Bangladesh relations will last forever," he said.
Also read: Commemoration of Int'l Day of Non-violence reaffirms universality of values of peace, tolerance, understanding: Pranay Verma
He said this while inaugurating the newly constructed modern honors building of the traditional Kashinagar Degree College in Chauddagram of Cumilla on Monday (October 2) afternoon.
Local MP and former Railway Minister Md Mujibul Haque was present as the special guest.
Also read: Yoga a gift of India to world: Pranay Verma
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma inaugurated the newly constructed four-storey modern building of the traditional Kashinagar Degree College in Chauddagram with the grant of the Government of India for the development of rural education in Bangladesh.
Also read: Pranay Verma appointed next Indian envoy to Bangladesh
Commemoration of Int'l Day of Non-violence reaffirms universality of values of peace, tolerance, understanding: Pranay Verma
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Monday said Mahatma Gandhi's conviction in the innate goodness of humanity and his unwavering faith in peace and non-violence as a force for change remain as relevant today as they were during India’s freedom struggle.
He highlighted that Gandhi's historic visit to Noakhali in 1946 exemplified the extraordinary power of dialogue, empathy, and understanding, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
"His unyielding dedication to the principles of non-violence and communal harmony not only brought solace to Noakhali, but also left an indelible mark on the conscience of humanity," said the Indian High Commissioner while addressing a seminar.
Read: EU's Global Gateway Strategy to support Bangladesh in meeting its green energy transition ambitions: Peteris Ustubs
On the occasion of the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, High Commissioner Verma visited the historic Gandhi Ashram in Noakhali and offered floral tributes to the Father of the Indian nation.
He also addressed the seminar hosted by the Gandhi Ashram Trust on the theme “Gandhiji’s quest for peace and harmony in Noakhali and its relevance in the contemporary world”.
The envoy also pointed out that the commemoration of International Day of Non-violence on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary every year reaffirms the universality of the values of peace, non-violence, tolerance and understanding, and highlights their relevance in dealing with the current global challenges such as terrorism.
The International Day of Non-violence is a strong affirmation of India’s long-standing belief that no cause can justify acts of violence and that humanism shall always prevail, said the High Commissioner.
Read: ‘Boycotting election isn’t good for anyone’: Info minister tells Japanese ambassador
High Commissioner Verma also visited the museum at the Gandhi Ashram showcasing memorabilia associated with Gandhiji’s stay at the Noakhali in 1946 and encouraged the Gandhi Ashram Trust to forge regular cooperation and exchanges with various institutions devoted to Gandhian studies in India.
Bangladesh, Indonesia achieve stronger partnership in 2023: Ambassador Heru
Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Heru Hartanto Subolo has said Bangladesh and Indonesia have shown resilience and determination to progress and develop during the 51-years of diplomatic relations.
“In 2023, the two nations have attained a stronger partnership,” he said as the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Dhaka celebrated its 78th Independence Day on Sunday evening.
During the bilateral meeting between President Joko Widodo and President Mohammed Shahabuddin in Jakarta last month, both leaders agreed to a concrete cooperation between the two countries.
To make a concrete cooperation, three MoUs have been signed, which are cooperation in the field of health, energy, and agriculture sector.
Indonesia launches Southeast Asia's first high-speed train, funded by China
Royal Thai renews contract with VFS Global for processing visa applications in Bangladesh
Continuing its partnership with the Thai government, VFS Global, an outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, has re-won the contract to process visa applications for Thailand from Bangladesh.
The company will cater to travellers from Bangladesh across visa categories through its visa application centres (VACs) in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet, said VFS Global.
VFS Global’s relationship with the government of Thailand dates to nearly two decades. The company has processed more than 1.14 million Thai visa applications since 2005.
“The renewal of the Thai visa contract attests to VFS Global's superior business performance, commitment to improving customer experience, and unshakable faith placed in us by the 70 sovereign governments we work with, including Thailand,’’ said Prabuddha Sen, Chief Operating Officer - South Asia, VFS Global.
Thailand has some of the most popular tourist destinations of choice for travelers from Bangladesh, according to VFS Global.
EU's Global Gateway Strategy to support Bangladesh in meeting its green energy transition ambitions: Peteris Ustubs
European Union (EU) Director for Middle East, Asia, and Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (INTPA) Peteris Ustubs has said the Global Gateway Strategy will support Bangladesh in meeting its green energy transition ambitions in a sustainable and smart way .
"It is the European Union’s response to boost cooperation with partners worldwide. We believe it marks a new era of the longstanding EU-Bangladesh cooperation. This comes at a timely moment, as Bangladesh sets the ground for its LDC graduation in 2026,”he said.
Ustubs visited Bangladesh from September 30 to October 2 to discuss further strengthening EU-Bangladesh cooperation on the green energy transition.
In the context of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, his visit focused on strengthening the partnership between the European Union and Bangladesh, particularly in the domains of climate change, energy efficiency, renewable energy, regional energy connectivity, and sustainable development.
Read: In Egypt, host of COP27, a small step toward green energy