foreign-affairs
UNOPS signs host country agreement with Govt of Bangladesh
In a significant milestone for development cooperation in Bangladesh, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has signed a Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
UNOPS Bangladesh Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Director Mohammad Jobayed Hosen, Chief of Protocol Nayem Uddin Ahmed, Deputy Chief of Protocol Bidosh Chandra Barman, and Director General (UN) Md. Emdadul Islam Chowdhury — attended the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on September 11.
Read: PM Hasina expresses condolences to victims of Mediterranean storm ‘Daniel'
The signatories to the HCA were the Executive Director of UNOPS, Jorge Moreira da Silva, and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.
The Host Country Agreement marks a pivotal moment in UNOPS' ongoing commitment to supporting Bangladesh in achieving its national development agenda, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UNOPS has been a key partner to the Government of Bangladesh, national NGOs, donors, partners and civil society in addressing critical challenges, particularly in the areas of climate resilience, environmental sustainability, sustainable procurement, infrastructure development, and technical capacity building.
UNOPS has a long-standing presence in Bangladesh, with a track record dating back to 2003. Over the years, the organization has played a vital role in capacity development, infrastructure building, and strengthening national systems.
Read: Bangladesh has a bright future if it chooses right development path: Dan Negrea
This includes support in procurement, human resources management, finance, and project management.
The aim has been to empower communities and enhance their resilience against the impacts of climate change, among other pressing issues.
UNOPS’s unique blend of private sector agility with public sector accountability brings forth a strong value proposition.
One notable achievement in UNOPS' partnership with Bangladesh was its role as a fiduciary management agent for the 'Strengthening Humanitarian Preparedness and Response Programme in Bangladesh.'
Funded by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, this program has significantly impacted disaster-affected communities in Bangladesh.
It improved access to essential services such as education, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and gender-based violence prevention, and addressed basic food needs.
Read: Chinese companies launch ‘localisation’ initiative to boost employment opportunities
UNOPS has also collaborated closely with the Government of Bangladesh and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to enhance workplace safety in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector. The organization has procured and installed specialized laboratory equipment and supported the strengthening of the vaccine testing laboratory of the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA).
Additionally, UNOPS has contributed to expanding oxygen therapy capacity in Bangladesh by procuring and installing pressure-swing adsorption (PSA) plants at 29 government hospitals nationwide.
The Host Country Agreement further solidifies UNOPS' commitment to supporting Bangladesh's development journey.
It is expected to facilitate and enhance cooperation between UNOPS and the Government of Bangladesh, fostering continued collaboration on critical development projects that promote sustainable development, resilience, and inclusive growth.
Bangladesh is the Vice President of UNOPS’s Executive Board.
Russian House in Dhaka organises seminar on study opportunities in Russia
The Russian House in Dhaka (RHD) on Wednesday organised an educational seminar regarding opportunities for higher studies in Russia in the academic year 2024-2025, with the possibility of receiving scholarships provided by the Government of the Russian Federation.
Its Director Pavel Dvoychenkov delivered updated data of the Russian education system and detailed the application process and submission of documents to candidates on the online platform https://education-in-russia.com.
He said that Bangladeshi students can study at any university designated for scholarship in Russia and talked about the world-class higher education and professional prospects of Russian alumni, who hold various senior positions in various public services, private companies and higher education institutions in Bangladesh.
He reminded that last year 110 scholarships were allocated, and the number of scholarships is increasing due to the huge interest of Bengali citizens in higher education in Russia.
In his speech, he gave details about the ongoing New Generation Programme organised by the Russian Government as well as the World Youth Festival-2024 (https://fest2024.com/) to be held in March 2024.
He also spoke about taking the Russian language course at the RHD to facilitate higher education studies in Russia. The new language course will begin in October.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Taibul Hasan Khan, Soviet Alumni, Former Professor of History Department of Jahangirnagar University (Doctor of History, People's Friendship University of Russia), Yasmin Sultana, Teacher, Russian Language Course, Russian House in Dhaka.
Dr. Taibul Hasan Khan confirmed from his practical experience that Bangladeshi students have employment opportunities in any country in the world, including Bangladesh, after completing their studies at any university in Russia.
At one stage of the seminar, students of the People's Friendship University of Russia (PFUR) joined the video conference. Two representatives of the Bangla Press Club of Russia and Bangladesh Students Union (PFUR) participated in the video conference.
They congratulated those interested in pursuing higher education at Russian universities. They shared their practical experience of studying in Russia and said to start the application process for Russian government scholarships to Russian universities as soon as possible without missing out on world-class study opportunities. The next seminar will be held on October 9, 2023, at the same time at Russian House in Dhaka.
PM Hasina expresses condolences to victims of Mediterranean storm ‘Daniel'
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed deepest condolences to victims and missing people in the Mediterranean Storm ‘Daniel,’ which recently hit the eastern Libya.
“On behalf of the People and Government of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I express my deepest condolences for the loss of a large number of lives and the massive destruction of property and means of subsistence caused by the devastating Mediterranean Storm Daniel that struck eastern Libya, specifically Benghazi, Al-Bayda, Derna, Sahat, Al-Mari, and Jabel Al-Akhdar region,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said this in a letter to Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Mohamed Al-Dabaiba, said a release from the Prime Minister’s Press Wing in Dhaka.
The Bangladesh PM prayed to the Almighty for the eternal peace of the departed souls.
“My heart goes out to extend the most profound sympathies to the victims’ families and those, whose nearest and dearest went missing. We have taken steps to send a humble contribution from the People of Bangladesh to the Libyan People affected by the disaster,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina lauded the well-coordinated relief and rehabilitation efforts of the Government of Libya and its concerted approach to coping with the dire situation.
MFS transaction decreased by Tk34 thousand crore in July: BB
Transaction through mobile financial service (MFS) has decreased by around Tk34 thousand crore.
This information has been revealed in the latest statistics on the MFS by the Bangladesh Bank (BB).
The report said Tk98 thousand 306 crore 80 lakhs were transacted in July this year in mobile banking services like bkash, rocket, nagad—an amount which was Tk33 thousand 868 crore less than the previous month of June.
MFS transactions record breached again in April; number of accounts now 26.5 crore
In June, Tk1 lakh 32 thousand 175 crores were transacted during the time of Eid-ul-Adha and Qurbani. This figure is the highest ever recorded transaction.
Earlier, the highest transaction in a single month was in April of this year, when around Tk 1.24 lakh crore was transacted.
BB lifts MFSP’s transaction limit; Bangla QR code by June
Bangladesh has a bright future if it chooses right development path: Dan Negrea
Senior Director of the Freedom and Prosperity Center at the Atlantic Council Dan Negrea has said Bangladesh has a bright future if it chooses the right development path that mobilizes the tremendous talent of the Bangladeshi people and empowers them to grow in the future.
“Very clearly Bangladesh has accomplished a lot in its economic development since its independence in 1971. It has a fast growth rate which is undeniable,” he said.
At the same time, he said their work shows that countries develop best when they have freedom in their choices of the development path.
Also read: Russian foreign minister’s recent comment in Dhaka is ‘not the most self-aware’: US State Dept Spokesperson
Negrea who was the State Department’s Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs between 2019 and 2021 talked about three kinds of freedom - economic freedom, legal freedom and political freedom.
Property rights, trade freedom, investment freedom and women’s economic freedom are part of the economic freedom while elections, civil liberties and political rights are part of the political freedom, he said.
Negrea said legal freedom has five components – informality, bureaucracy and corruption, security, judicial independence and effectiveness; and clarity of the law.
Freedom is the surest path to durable prosperity and free countries in general have a much higher prosperity score, he mentioned in his presentation made at the American Centre in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Also read: Dhaka, London plan to sign MoUs on economic cooperation, cyber security
Bangladesh outperforms the region on prosperity but remains behind the global average, Negrea said.
Since 2005, the freedom score of Bangladesh has been below that of the South and Central Asia region.
He mentioned that four prosperity indicators – health, minority rights, inequality, environment - are higher than the overall prosperity score.
Two prosperity indicators – income and education - lie below the overall prosperity score.
Also read: Dhaka, London plan to sign MoUs on economic cooperation, cyber security
Talking about the elections, he said free and fair elections are an international standard and it is important that the opposition is allowed to compete fairly and the press needs to remain free.
Negrea also highlighted the importance of inviting international observers to confirm that the election is free and fair.
He said education is crucially important to explain to the young people that they have rights and obligations to participate in democratic process.
Negrea said Bangladesh is a very beautiful country with very welcoming, hospitable and very smart people. “I enjoyed my visits to two universities and two think tanks where I talked about our works.”
Chinese companies launch ‘localisation’ initiative to boost employment opportunities
President of the Chinese Enterprises Association of Bangladesh (CEAB) Ke Changliang has said most of the Chinese companies are going through reforms in Bangladesh in the direction of setting up regional HQ and deepening localisation of their workforce.
The recently held ‘BRI in Bangladesh Exhibition’ organised a job fair for Bangladeshi returnee students from China.
“I hope through this job fair, both Bangladeshi returnee students can get good offers and Chinese companies can source the right people,” he told the media on Wednesday.
Also read: Future of Bangladesh should be determined by Bangladeshis: Ambassador Yao reiterates China’s non-intervention policy
Changliang said they will set up a long-term platform for such talent matching activities to boost employment for local people on a massive scale.
He said the Chinese firms here unveiled a robust ‘localisation strategy’ in a bid to tap into global expertise.
Changliang said in the recently held Belt and Road seminar, the Chinese business community expressed their commitment to give priority to Bangladeshis in building the workforce of their companies.
Also read: Bangladeshi officials call for increased Belt and Road cooperation
This will be a tremendous opportunity for overseas Bangladeshi students specially who completed their education in different institutions in China, he said.
According to CEAB officials, leaders of the Chinese business community and Bangladesh-China Alumni also urged overseas Bangladeshi students to return home and contribute to their homeland’s development.
Munshi Faiz Ahmad, Chairman of Association of Bangladesh-China Alumni (ABCA) and former Ambassador of Bangladesh to China welcomed Chinese business community’s localization trend and underscored the valuable skills and experiences that Bangladeshi returnee students could bring to their homeland as assets that align seamlessly with Bangladesh’s vision for growth and innovation.
Also read: Those who claim situation in Myanmar 'not conducive' for repatriation never visited Rakhine : Chinese Ambassador Yao
The job fair was part of the Belt and Road Initiative in Bangladesh Exhibition 2023, hosted by Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh in association with Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) and Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI).
It brought together a total of 400 government officials, diplomats and business professionals to network and explored strategies for facilitating cooperation between Bangladeshi and Chinese business communities, CEAB officials said.
Russian foreign minister’s recent comment in Dhaka is ‘not the most self-aware’: US State Dept Spokesperson
The United States and Bangladesh share a vision to ensure that the Indo-Pacific region is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient, a US spokesperson has said.
"That’s the intent of our Indo-Pacific strategy and that is our position," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters during a media briefing in Washington on September 12.
Read: Lavrov meets Bangladeshi graduates of Russian universities
He said that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent comment in Dhaka is “not the most self-aware.”
“We will work with our partners in the region to prevent any attempts to establish a dictate of countries that want to solely pursue their own interests and prescribe to others what they can and cannot do,” Lavrov told reporters while responding to a question during his recent visit to Bangladesh.
"I would say with respect to Russia, a country that has invaded two of its neighbors, is prosecuting an aggressive war where it bombs schools and hospitals and apartment buildings on a daily basis, should not be talking about any other country imposing dictates," Miller said.
Responding to a question, the spokesperson said journalists play an essential role in any democracy.
Read: End the Ukraine war thru negotiations: PM Hasina tells Russian foreign minister
"Their work uncovers corruption, safeguards the public’s right to know information that affects their lives. They need to be able to make the public aware of the issues that they face in their daily lives. They need to ensure accountability for elected officials the way that you all show up and ensure accountability for what I say here every day," he said.
Miller said journalists must be able to do their jobs without fear of harassment, violence, or intimidation.
Read: Bangladesh, Russia holding bilateral meeting in Dhaka
"And we are concerned with the government of Bangladesh’s systematic and pervasive oppression of journalists and media personalities who attempt to hold the government accountable," he said.
Dhaka, London plan to sign MoUs on economic cooperation, cyber security
Bangladesh and the United Kingdom are considering signing a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) on economic cooperation.
Expressing satisfaction at the record-breaking bilateral trade of $6.4 billion in 2022-23 and $561 million FDI from the UK, the highest from any country in 2022, Bangladesh and the UK agreed to create new institutional cooperation to promote business, trade and investments.
The issues were discussed at the 5th Bangladesh-UK Strategic Dialogue held in Dhaka on September 12.
Momen offers condolence to people and govt of Libya over deadly flood
The Dialogue, led respectively by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and UK FCDO Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton, reviewed the entire gamut of historic relations between the two Commonwealth nations, including political, economic, security and defence, migration and mobility, climate and development partnerships.
Under-Secretary Sir Barton commended the remarkable socio-economic progress and resilient economic growth achieved by Bangladesh over the past decade.
The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary commended the UK’s sustained market-access support to Bangladesh as its 3rd largest export destination and urged for its extension until 2029 and beyond following Bangladesh’s scheduled LDC graduation in 2026.
Both sides also agreed to explore signing of an MoU on cooperation in cybersecurity.
They acknowledged their long-standing value-based ties since 1971 and recalled the historic visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to London on January 8, 1972.
Under-Secretary Sir Barton expressed his deep appreciation for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s participation in the State Funeral of UK’s late monarch Queen Elizabeth II and the historic royal coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The Bangladesh side expressed hope that King Charles III would reschedule his postponed visit to Bangladesh at his earliest convenience, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
Bangladesh and the UK agreed on enhancing migration and mobility cooperation especially in gainful employment in the nursing, hospitality, agricultural, construction and masonry and other services sectors in the UK.
Commonwealth ministers pay homage at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum
Both sides agreed to constitute a ‘Joint Working Group’ to discuss migration, mobility and mutual recognition of qualifications.
They also agreed to sign an SoP on returns of Bangladeshi nationals in irregular situation in the UK.
Bangladesh thanked the UK Government for a significant increase in issuance of student, visit and business visas in 2022.
The two sides also discussed mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
Recalling the Climate Accord signed between Bangladesh and the UK in March this year, both sides expressed their determination to cooperate in climate action bilaterally and multilaterally.
They also agreed to sign a Joint Action Plan with time-bound activities under the Climate Accord towards a net-zero and nature-positive world.
The Bangladesh side expressed commitment to forge ahead with its national targets under SDG 16 for building a just, peaceful and inclusive society.
The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization.
Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation and capacity building on global and regional security issues of mutual interest including maritime and aviation safety and security in the Indian Ocean as well as countering extremist and terrorist outfits.
The UK commended Bangladesh’s leading contribution to world peace under UN peacekeeping missions, especially praising one of the highest contributions of female peacekeepers by Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's hearing at ITLOS on submission by Small Island States on Wednesday
The two countries expressed satisfaction at the First Defence Dialogue held in 2022 and agreed to sign an MoU on defence cooperation during the 2nd Dialogue in London.
The UK appreciated Bangladesh’s generous hosting of Rohingyas from Myanmar and Bangladesh appreciated UK’s humanitarian and political support to the Rohingya crisis including at the UN Security Council and Commonwealth.
Both sides expressed concern over the protracted Rohingya crisis and reaffirmed commitment to working closely towards a voluntary, safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.
Emphasizing the importance of international accountability of the atrocities committed on the Rohingyas, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary thanked the UK for joining the Rohingya justice case at the ICJ.
The UK side welcomed Bangladesh’s recently announced ‘Indo-Pacific Outlook’.
Both sides agreed to forge new partnerships towards ensuring a free, open, peaceful, secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific for shared prosperity.
Bangladesh and the UK agreed to intensify cooperation in different regional and multilateral fora including at the UN, Commonwealth, IMO and IORA.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke joined their respective delegations along with representatives from various ministries and agencies of the two countries.
The next round of Strategic Dialogue is expected to be held in London in 2024.
Momen offers condolence to people and govt of Libya over deadly flood
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has condoled and expressed sympathy to the people and government of Libya following the deadly flood that struck some parts of the country, leaving thousands dead and missing.
In a condolence message sent to acting Foreign Minister of the State of Libya, Al Tahir Salem Mohamed Al Bour, Dr Momen said, "I am deeply saddened to learn of the destructive effects of Mediterranean Storm Daniel on eastern Libya, especially in Benghazi, Al-Bayda, Derna, Sahat, Al-Mari, and Jabel Al-Akhdar."
Academic activities of 60 schools suspended amid flood in Gaibandha
He offered his heartfelt condolences for the loss of more than 2,800 precious lives in this tragedy and the thousands more that are still unaccounted for.
Thousands are feared dead and thousands more are missing in flood-ravaged eastern Libya
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who are going through this heartbreaking loss. It is truly upsetting to see the huge destruction, widespread flooding, and terrible cost to life and infrastructure," Momen said.
"I am convinced that the nation's cohesion and fortitude will see it through these tough times," said Dr. Momen in the message. "May the Almighty give them the strength and courage to endure this and the resilience to build a bright future."
Flooding in Libya leaves 2,000 people feared dead and more missing after storm collapsed dams
Dr. Momen wished his counterpart good health and happiness, and also extended his wishes for peace, progress, and prosperity to the friendly people of the State of Libya for the future.
Commonwealth ministers pay homage at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum
A group of Ministers from the Commonwealth of Nations visited Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on Tuesday to pay homage to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Among others- Ministers from Cameroon, Tuvalu, Lesotho, Sri Lanka and Chairman of CWEIC- Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council were part of the visiting group of dignitaries.
These dignitaries are visiting Bangladesh to participate in the Commonwealth Investment and Trade Forum 2023.
CWEIC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority- BIDA, is organizing the event.
More than 200 delegates from over 40 countries registered themselves to attend the event.
At Least 12 Ministers are expected to represent their countries in the Forum.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the event at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center on September 13.