foreign-affairs
Bangladesh, Hungary sign three instruments
Bangladesh and Hungary on Monday signed one agreement and two MoUs to enhance cooperation in different fields including economic and health.
The documents were signed in presence of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Hungarian Foreign and Commerce Minister Peter Szijjarto.
The three instruments are: ‘Agreement on Economic Cooperation’, ‘MoU on Cooperation within the Framework of Stipendium Hungaricum Programme for the years 2024-2026’, and ‘MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Health for the years 2023-2025’.
Read: ‘A friend can give advice to another’: Momen on Bangladesh-US relations
They signed the instruments at a bilateral meeting on the sideline of 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, according to a press release.
During the meeting, the ministers of the two countries discussed food safety, energy security, climate change and other issues. They also agreed on the need to end war to alleviate the suffering of people around the globe.
They discussed the proposed visit of the Hungarian Prime Minister to Bangladesh and hoped that during the tour three instruments — "Avoidance of Double Taxation", "Agreement on Investment Protection" and "Agreement on Water Cooperation" — would be signed, added the release.
Read: Rajshahi's new 'American Corner' inaugurated by US envoy
The ministers also discussed increasing bilateral trade cooperation between the two countries.
Momen sought Hungary's support in repatriating the Rohingyas to their motherland. Hungary's foreign minister assured that his government would keep pressure on Myanmar to repatriate Rohingyas.
While Momen drew the attention of the Hungarian Foreign Minister to simplify the process of applying for Hungarian visa from Dhaka for Bangladeshi citizens, the Hungarian minister apprised that Budapest has already taken initiatives in this regard.
Read: TICFA: Bangladesh, US to discuss full range of issues impacting bilateral trade
Foreign Minister Dr. Momen invited his Hungarian counterpart to attend the opening ceremony of Rooppur nuclear power plant in Bangladesh.
‘A friend can give advice to another’: Momen on Bangladesh-US relations
The government has made a commitment that it would hold a free and fair election as the Election Commission was given absolute authority in this regard, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said in New York on Monday.
“It requires utmost sincerity from all, irrespective of their political background and views, for the arrangement of a free, fair and violence-free election. If so, we Inshallah will be able to hold a free and fair election. We want to set an example in the world that we can do it,” he said.
Momen made the remarks while replying to a question at a press briefing over Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s engagements in New York.
He said the Election Commission is constituted under a law, and the Prime Minister doesn’t appoint election commissioners.
Read: Bangladesh, Hungary sign three instruments
“The election commissioners can’t be terminated even if the President or the Prime Minister wants. The EC can suspend, terminate or punish any government employee in case of irregularities,” he added.
Besides, the EC can cancel voting at a polling station in case of vote-rigging or irregularities, he went on.
“The Election Commission was given absolute authority (regarding election),” he reiterated.
In reply to another question, the Foreign Minister said Bangladesh has a warm relationship with the US.
“We have a very warm relationship with the US. US President Joe Biden wants to strengthen and embolden this relationship further,” he said.
Read: Rajshahi's new 'American Corner' inaugurated by US envoy
He said the US president sent more than one delegation (to Bangladesh) to deepen this relationship, and “they gave us some advice as our friend.”
Noting that a friend can give advice to another, he said, “We have accepted many of their advice as well. We said that if the advice is objective, we’ll definitely accept it.”
Citing an example, Momen said the US expressed concern over our Digital Security Act, saying that it was being misused to some extent. “So, we worked on it… We’re working together.”
He said that the US announced the new visa policy against those would undermine the election.
“This is good for us. Because, we want all to join the election, the polls to be free and fair, and none to create disruption or commit violence. The US is working with us. We’re working very closely on these issues,” the Foreign Minister said.
Read: Bangladesh welcomes ICJ ruling in favor of Guyana: Momen
Talking about the PM’s engagement in New York, Momen said the Director General of World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Monday, called on her.
“During the meeting, the WHO director general highly lauded the government for taking steps to develop the overall health system and ensure health services for all in Bangladesh,” he said.
Momen said community health clinics are an innovation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the clinics provide 30 types of medicines free of cost. This initiative has reduced child and maternal mortality sharply in Bangladesh, and the average life expectancy has gone up significantly, he added.
Read: TICFA: Bangladesh, US to discuss full range of issues impacting bilateral trade
“Today we have told the WHO director general that we would like to share our experiences and expertise with other countries whose health sector faces similar problems,” he said.
Rajshahi's new 'American Corner' inaugurated by US envoy
U.S. Ambassador Peter Haas has inaugurated a new American Corner in Rajshahi city. This initiative is a joint effort between the Embassy of the United States of America and Varendra University, that aims to foster knowledge exchange, promote people to people ties, and strengthen the ties between the United States and Bangladesh.
U.S. exchange alumni, government officials, educators, students, and members of the local community gathered to witness the unveiling of this vibrant center for learning and exploration.
The American Corner is designed to be a hub of intellectual engagement, providing access to a wide range of resources, including books, digital materials, multimedia content, and online databases.
Read: Workshop on building awareness against disinformation among youth held at Rajshahi American Corner
It serves as a space where students, researchers, and enthusiasts can gather to expand their horizons, engage in discussions, and collaborate on projects that contribute to educational and social development.
The American Corner also hosts a variety of programs, workshops, and events focused on areas such as English language learning, entrepreneurship, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and American literature and history. These activities not only enhance participants' skills but also foster a deeper appreciation for the diversity of thought and ideas.
Read: Unilever partners with Orange Corners Bangladesh
The inauguration ceremony was a testament to the strong collaboration between the American Embassy and its local partners, reflecting their shared commitment to promoting educational excellence and intercultural dialogue, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.
As the American Corner in Rajshahi embarks on its journey, it is poised to become a vital resource for individuals seeking to broaden their horizons and make meaningful contributions to society.
Read more: SAJIDA Foundation, Orange Corners sign deal to support young entrepreneurs
Bangladesh welcomes ICJ ruling in favor of Guyana: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said Bangladesh welcomes the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in favor of Guyana.
He was chairing the virtual meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana (CMGG) held on the sidelines of the 78th UNGA in New York on September 17.
Read: PM Hasina reaches NY for 78th UNGA session
Dr Momen mentioned that Bangladesh is pleased to continue in the role of the chair of the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana.
"I look forward to our usual discussions, camaraderie, and, in accordance with the consistent views of Heads, our expression of unwavering support for Guyana’s territorial integrity," said the Foreign Minister.
Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, delivered opening remarks, while Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, Consul General at the Consulate General of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in New York, on behalf of Hugh Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, addressed the meeting and provided an update on recent developments.
Read: TICFA: Bangladesh, US to discuss full range of issues impacting bilateral trade
The Ministers of CMGG took part in the discussion session and agreed to prepare a concluding statement to convey to the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting, to be held on September 21, 2023.
PM Hasina reaches NY for 78th UNGA session
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reached New York to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The premier and her entourage flew by a regular flight of British Airways to land at the JKF International Airport, New York on Sunday night at 10:42pm (New York time).
Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad Abdul Muhith and Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran greeted the prime minister at the airport.
Besides, leaders of Awami League and its associate bodies were also present at the airport to welcome the Prime Minister.
During her stay in New York from September 17-22, the premier will attend the first day of the high-level General Debate of the 78th UNGA session at the General Assembly Hall of the UN Headquarters on September 19.
She will address it on September 22 between 1pm to 2pm local time.
Read: UNGA resolution on Ukraine: Dhaka says ‘constrained to abstain’
Hasina is scheduled to join a dinner hosted by US President Joe Biden on September 19 as well.
On the sidelines of the UNGA session, she will also attend a number of high-level side events including Rohingya and climate change, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), universal health, and finance alongside taking part in several bilateral and courtesy meetings.
The prime minister is expected to deliver a keynote speech at a high level conference titled "Thought for Food -Collaborating for Food Supply Chain Innovation to accelerate the SDGs" organised by the UNIDO and Deloittte at Rockefeller Center, New York on September 18.
She will also address another conference titled "SDG Summit -Leaders' Dialogue 4 (strengthening integrated policies and public institutions for achieving the SDGs) at the Trusteeship Council Chamber on the same day.
In the evening, the premier is likely to attend a high-level private dinner to mark the United Nations' 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summit hosted by Gordon Brown, UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Global Education and WHO Ambassador for Global Health Financing and Sarah Brown Executive Chair of the Global Business Coalition for Education at Lexington Venue, New York.
Read: Bangladesh abstains in UNGA vote calling on Russia to pay reparations
On September 19, she will also address a High Level Roundtable titled "Towards a Fair International Financial Architecture" convened by the Spanish prime minister and President of the European Council and European Union (EU) at CR-16, UN Headquarters.
On the same day, Sheikh Hasina will also attend a High-Level Side Event on Community Clinic based on Medical Services co-organised by Bangladesh, Antigua and Barbuda, Bhutan, China, Malaysia, Chatham House and Suchona Foundation at CR-11, UNHQ.
On September 20, the prime minister will address as keynote speaker along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a High-level Debate on Financing for Development (FfD) titled "Scaling up affordable and accessible international public financing for sustainable development and ensuring efficiency" at the Trusteeship Council Chamber.
On the same day, she will also attend Secretary General's Climate Ambition Summit, High Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, Annual Meeting of UNGA Platform of the Women Leaders, High-Level Thematic Session of Climate Ambition Summit alongside signing the agreement under the UN Convention on the law of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).
Read: PM Hasina off to NY to attend 78th UNGA session
On September 21, she will attend a High-Level side event on Rohingya Crisis hosted by Bangladesh, Canada, Gambia, Malaysia, Turkey, UK, and USA alongside joining Breakfast Summit on "Addressing the Existential Threats Posed by Sea-level Rise" and High Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage.
During the visit, UN Secretary-General, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UN Secretary-General's Genocide Adviser, newly elected International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General and International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General will pay courtesy call on the prime minister.
The Bangladesh premier is likely to hold bilateral meetings with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen and President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe at Bilateral Booth, UNHQ.
After attending the events, she will leave New York for Washington DC at 9am (New York time) on September 23 where she will stay on 23-29 September.
Then, she will leave Washington DC for London at 10.45pm (Washington time) by a flight (BA-292) of the British Airways on September 29 and will arrive at London's Heathrow Airport at 11am on September 30.
Read: UNGA was a success for Bangladesh: PM
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) Saida Muna Tasneem will receive her at the airport.
The prime minister will depart from London's Heathrow Airport for Dhaka by a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG 208) at 8:35pm (London time) on October 3 and will arrive at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka at 12:30 pm (Bangladesh time) on October 4.
TICFA: Bangladesh, US to discuss full range of issues impacting bilateral trade
Bangladesh and the United States will discuss a range of issues this week in Dhaka impacting the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries, including market access, labor rights, trade policies, intellectual property issues and investment climate.
Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh and acting Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch will co-chair the Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement (TICFA) Council on September 20.
Read: Moscow is and will remain a time-tested friend of Dhaka despite Western campaign: Russian Embassy
Both delegations will include officials from trade, labor, agriculture, and other relevant ministries.
This is going to be the 7th round of TICFA meetings between Bangladesh and the US.
The United States and Bangladesh have formally engaged on trade issues since the U.S.-Bangladesh TICFA entered into force in 2013.
Read: France, Germany ‘regret Bangladeshi court's decision regarding Adilur Rahman and ASM Nasiruddin’: Joint Statement
The last meeting was held in Washington on December 6, 2022. In that meeting, Bangladesh proposed zero tariff on finished apparel products — made with American cotton — being exported to the US.
Bangladesh is likely to reiterate its request for preferential market access during the meeting, officials said.
US Ambassador Peter Haas has recently said Bangladesh and the United States can “go fastest together” in building trade and investment relationship between the two countries.
“I truly believe it. This is not just talk,” he said, noting that the United States is willing to go as fast as Bangladesh is prepared to, towards deepening and expanding the bilateral partnership.
Read: EU calls on Bangladesh to foster enabling environment for civil society to work 'without fear of reprisals'
Bangladesh has achieved steady growth over the past decade and is set to graduate into a developing country by 2026.
With surging domestic demand, growing service and industry sectors and steady investment in digitization, the country will continue to attract foreign investments,” he said.
Expatriates greet foreign minister in London
Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen was greeted by Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem on Saturday, during his stopover at Heathrow en route to New York to attend the UN General Assembly.
Read: TICFA: Bangladesh, US to discuss full range of issues impacting bilateral trade
Expatriate Bangladeshis in London, leaders of London Awami League and Juba League welcomed the foreign minister with flowers and exchanged pleasantries.
Newly-elected mayor of Sylhet Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury was also present at that time.
Moscow is and will remain a time-tested friend of Dhaka despite Western campaign: Russian Embassy
Russia has said Westerners' "attempts to smear" their country in the eyes of the Bangladeshi people will not succeed.
"Russia remains and will be a reliable, time-tested friend of the People's Republic of Bangladesh," said the Russian Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday.
The embassy noted that their attention has been drawn to a publication in a Bangladeshi English-language newspaper signed by 14 heads of diplomatic missions.
Read: Russian House in Dhaka organises seminar on study opportunities in Russia
The idea of the article is that Russia, with no solid evidence, is accused of "aggression", "invasion" and "illegal war in Ukraine", which, they say, has led to the disruption of supply chains for Ukrainian grain to world markets and, as a consequence, destroyed the global security architecture.
"It's even more bizarre to hear from the Western diplomats that “Russia’s continued attacks will be long-standing damage to the Ukrainian agricultural sector”. This is another attempt to put things upside down," said the Russian Embassy.
Read: Import 300,000 metric tons of wheat from Russia gets cabinet body’s nod
The use of depleted uranium munitions in the Balkans and later on in the Persian Gulf has resulted in global environmental contamination not only at the bombing sites but also thousands of kilometers away, said the Embassy.
This is yet another confirmation of the West's ongoing policy of exploiting countries for its own resource support in the interests of securing its claims to world domination, maintaining a high level of its own welfare, military and economic dominance, it said.
Read: Russian foreign minister’s recent comment in Dhaka is ‘not the most self-aware’: US State Dept Spokesperson
"We note that the "collective work" of 14 Western diplomats was published on the day of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Larov's working visit to Dhaka. In talks with his counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he gave comprehensive comments on the reasons for launching the Special Military Operation (SMO), the current situation around and in Ukraine, and the conditions for the completion of the special operation," said the embassy.
Bangladesh needs to cut dependency on imported second-hand cars: S Korean envoy
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik has said Bangladesh needs to pay more attention to encourage domestic production cutting dependency on import of reconditioned second-hand cars that will also help reduce pollution.
“Bangladesh should cut dependency on imported second-hand cars. Domestically made cars will also be good for the environment,” he told reporters while visiting the Fair Technology-Hyundai factory at the Bangabandhu Hi-Tech Park on Saturday.
The South Korean Ambassador said many countries have already stopped importing old cars and Bangladesh can also adopt a similar policy.
Resolution moved by European Parliament disregards Odhikar’s error-ridden advocacy for radical forces, minority leader says
A recent resolution moved by the European Parliament on Bangladesh has sparked condemnation from minority community leaders.
They believe the projection of the “controversial” entity Odhikar’s two officials as “defender and staunch advocate for rights issues” is a shot in the arm for radical groups as the resolution completely ignored a disinformation campaign to “justify killings of bloggers and freethinkers” and to defend extremist elements that publicly deem minorities as “enemies of Islam”.
The resolution deplored prison sentences of Odhikar Secretary Adilur Rahman Khan and Director Nasiruddin Elan and called on the Bangladesh government to “immediately and unconditionally rescind the penalty and reinstate Odikhar's registration.”
"If we look back at the mayhem unleashed by Hefazat-e-Islam, in league with other hardliners including Jamaat-e-Islami, on May 5, 2013 in the capital, and the set of demands pressed by these ‘ultra radical forces’, it was clear they they were revolved around installation of a Taliban type rule for the country where minorities would be attacked, tortured and forced to flee ceaselessly with full impunity for the attackers," said Advocate Rana Das Gupta, secretary general of the country’s largest minority group Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad.
Days after the police intervention, Odhikar came up with a report that not only presented inflated causality toll, claiming 61 activists died, but also completely turned a blind eye to the radical demands from these groups and their strong aversion towards minorities as the report described Hefazat as “any other social non-political and cultural orgazination” that “aims to take into consideration socio economic cultural political matters that affects the values and practices of Islam,” added Das Gupta.
Read: Fakhrul demands immediate release of Odhikar’s Adilur, Nasiruddin
“The report also concealed the active participation of Jamaat-e-Islami and other radical groups that expressed solidarity with these outright communal demands,” the minority leader said.
“But the reality is, had the law enforcers not intervened, it would have turned into attacks on minorities as well as on secular and progressive individuals,” he added.
Only after police intervened to subdue these radical elements, Odhikar came up with a report claiming that the drive left as many as “61 activists killed” and projected them as “activists out to restore democracy” — turning a blind eye to their demands that belied the basic tenets of democracy.
The Daily Star, on September 1, 2013, published a report on Odhikar's list, calling it “A list riddled with holes”.
“Nineteen are traceless, five named twice, three alive. Six died in Narayanganj violence and one of heart attack. Slot number 10 is left vacant.
These are the holes a police investigation has found in the rights body ‘Odhikar's list of 61 people killed in the crackdown on Hefazat at Motijheel Shapla Chattar in the early hours of May 6.’
“The remaining 26 were not killed in the operation either,” The Daily Star report said.
Odhikar clearly and deliberately peddled the narrative as if writings of bloggers are some sort of justification for their killing.
Read: Bangladesh appalled by favouritism reflected in European Parliament’s resolution to politically biased entity Odhikar: MoFA
“With their report, Odhikar, I would like to say Adilur and his associate, not only confused or instigated the public, but also operated as the mouthpiece for ultra-radical forces”, the minority leader added.
Calling out the resolution, alongside statements from different international rights bodies “a sheer act of hypocrisy,” Das Gupta said, “At the hands of these radical forces, as advocated by Adilur and his associates, minorities are attacked, killed and forced to leave the country but ironically we have not seen similar clamor from these organizations to address our plights.”
Basherkella, exposed as a mouthpiece for Jamaat-e-Islami, a radical group whose leaders committed crimes against humanity — along with the Pakistan army — in 1971 to stop the birth of Bangladesh and perpetrated ruthless attacks against minorities, also tweeted for freeing Adilur, hailing him as “a champion for standing to the cause of human rights” with the “Free Adilur” hashtag.
Read more: Odhikar’s Adilur, Nasiruddin get 2-year jail in ICT case
Ironically, just months back, Basherkella posted a series of hate campaign against the minority Ahmadiyya community, condemning police action to stop the violence over an Ahmadiyya religious event in Panchagarh town that left the minority community shocked and bewildered.