foreign-affairs
‘Best of Bangladesh Europe’ Kicks off in Amsterdam
The ‘Best of Bangladesh Europe’ has started at Wastergas in Amsterdam of Netherlands on Monday.
The 2-day nation branding event has been organized by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE), with support from the Embassy of Bangladesh, Commerce Ministry, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh and in association with PDS.
Tipu Munshi, commerce minister, Michiel Sweers, vice minister of Foreign Economic Relations in Kingdom of the Netherlands, Shahriar Alam, state minister for Foreign Affairs, Md Siddiqur Rahman, former president of BGMEA, M Riaz Hamidullah, ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands, Leslie Johnston, chief executive officer of Laudes Foundation, Pallak Seth, founder and vice chairman of PDS Limited and Mostafiz Uddin, founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, joined the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Best of Bangladesh’.
Tipu Munshi said, “Bangladesh has travelled distance in the past half century. Emerging from a brutal war of independence and the constraints or limitations, aspiration – innovation – resilience of the people reached us to a stage of stability and robust growth.”
Read: 7th China-South Asia Expo kicks off in China's Yunnan
Michiel Sweers said, “On behalf of the government of the Netherlands I welcome you all and thank you for choosing Amsterdam as the location of Best of Bangladesh. I believe dialogues here in the Best of Bangladesh will accelerate the momentum of sustainable business.”
Shahriar Alam said, “Presence of some of the best of our entrepreneurs under one roof in Westergas speaks of coming of the age of the drive and innovation of our private sector. Their transcend beyond labour-centric manufacturing. They are increasingly keen to step into many other sectors. As much as business, they are here also to tap into niche technology or innovation with the Dutch or European peers.”
Prof. Jan Peter Balkenende, minister of State and former Prime Minister of Kingdom of the Netherlands, in his video message put emphasis on the Netherlands and Bangladesh cooperations for sustainable growth.
Mostafiz Uddin said, “Best of Bangladesh Europe is a testament to Bangladesh’s ability in sustainable and responsible manufacturing.”
Read: 13th ‘Social Business Day’ kicks off in Malaysia’s Langkawi tomorrow
M Riaz Hamidullah said, “To Europe let alone the Netherlands, contemporary Bangladesh interests on myriad of economic considerations. Growing trade volume is just one pillar.”
French President Macron to arrive on September 10 to "deepen" ties with Bangladesh
President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron will arrive here on September 10 which is seen as an "opportunity to deepen" the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and France.
The French government confirmed the visit on Monday describing Bangladesh as a country that is experiencing "rapid economic growth and seeking to diversify" its partnerships.
"Bangladesh and France also show great convergence in the face of global challenges, particularly within the framework of the Paris Agenda for Peoples and the Planet, which Bangladesh actively supports," reads the announcement.
Since the country is particularly vulnerable to climate change, the President will recall France's determination to stand by Bangladesh on its humanitarian front, in particular in the face of regular floods.
Bangladesh is also an important contributor to international solidarity actions, whether through its contingents in peacekeeping operations or in hosting Rohingya refugees.
In Bangladesh, the President of the French Republic will continue the concrete declination of the French strategy in the Indo-Pacific, after welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Paris this summer and visiting Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Sri Lanka.
The President of the French Republic will go to New Delhi to take part in the G20 Summit, on September 9 and 10.
He will then come to Dhaka on September 10 for the bilateral visit.
The G20 Summit will allow the President of the French Republic to maintain the constant dialogue with his counterparts from all continents in order to fight against the risks of partitioning of the world.
Read: French President Macron visits his counterpart in Sri Lanka
It will also be a matter of advancing in the implementation of joint responses to the major global challenges. This can only be tackled effectively through multilateral action: peace and stability, the fight against poverty, climate and planet preservation, food security and digital regulation.
The G20 will also be an opportunity to follow up on the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact held in Paris last June.
This Summit allowed to establish the Paris Agenda for Peoples and the Planet, offering a framework for collective action to ensure that no country has to choose between the fight against poverty and the planet protection.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said Bangladesh and France would discuss ways to enhance trade and investment between the two countries apart from discussing issues like climate change and regulated migration during President Emmanuel Macron's visit.
The President will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“Women empowerment, enhancing trade and commerce and regulated migration – these are normal issues. Climate change is a big issue. The President of France has taken a leadership role,” Momen said, adding that Bangladesh will raise the loss and damage issue and its making functional of its relevant fund in a big way.
At the invitation of the President of the French Republic, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited France in November, 2021.
Apart from holding bilateral talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the French President will visit Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in city's Dhanmondi to pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
The two leaders are scheduled to attend G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10.
Read: PM greets French President Macron on re-election
France and Bangladesh welcomed the growth of their friendship, and highlighted their shared will to develop and deepen all aspects of their partnership through regular political consultations for strategic guidance.
Both countries reiterated their determination to enhance cooperation in all areas, including politics and diplomacy, defence and security, trade and investment, sustainable development and climate change, and education and cultural exchange.
Both countries also recognized the importance of sustained and substantive cooperation in relevant regional and multilateral fora.
Bangladesh and France stated their will to further develop the defence and security component of their partnership.
To that end, both countries agreed to strengthen dialogue and continue their cooperation, in particular the area of training, which was launched during this visit.
Furthermore, they committed to stepping up cooperation in the area of defence equipment based on the needs expressed and each party’s ability to respond to them, including through capacity building and potential technology transfer. In this regard, both parties welcomed the signing a Letter of intent on defence cooperation.
Read more: French President Macron appoints 3 new government ministers
France and Bangladesh shared the same vision for a free, open, peaceful, secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, based on international law and with shared prosperity for all.
Elevated expressway a big step towards Smart Bangladesh: Korean Ambassador
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik has described the formal opening of the country's first elevated expressway as a big step forward towards becoming a “Smart Bangladesh” and said the Korean government and companies will put in their best efforts to help Bangladesh in its new journey.
“This is another big step forward towards becoming Smart Bangladesh. This is just a starting point for another end. If you start in a very good way, the outcome will also become meaningful,” he said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday opened the 11.5 km Airport- Farmgate segment of 19.73-km Dhaka Elevated Expressway, the first of its kind in the country, raising high hopes to reduce traffic congestion and commuters’ travel time in the capital.
The long-awaited expressway, one of the mega infrastructure projects under the current government, was opened to traffic on Sunday morning and commuters were excited to drive in just 10 minutes to reach Farmgate from Kawla with a speed up to 60 km per hour.
The ambassador visited the office of the N8 Expressway Management, Padma Bridge and other relevant points with the members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) on Saturday.
Read more: Traffic jam at landing points as Dhaka Elevated Expressway opens
He said it was not very easy to understand what Smart Bangladesh does mean but the automatic toll collection system for the Padma Bridge and other relevant activities helped him understand in a better way how Smart Bangladesh is working.
He said South Korea has become a good partner in the development of Bangladesh and is contributing to its infrastructure development.
Quoting the latest report of World Economics, published in June 2023, the envoy said, Bangladesh has the fastest growing economy in the Asia-Pacific region out of 32 countries.
“There is a big potential to achieve sustainable economic development,” he said, adding that developing infrastructure is the most pressing task for the government.
Ambassador Park said his country will be working with Bangladesh on its journey for a Smart Bangladesh in every possible way.
Read more: Another dream comes true: PM Hasina opens country’s first elevated expressway
“So, the target of achieving Smart Bangladesh as a developed nation by 2041 is very meaningful,” he said.
The ambassador showed his country’s interest to contribute in developing infrastructure in Bangladesh like in the past when Korea helped in developing the readymade garment industry.
The Korean officials highlighted the areas of advanced tolling system with an integrated payment and clearance system at N8 Expressway and Padma Bridge as Korea wants to introduce a similar system across Bangladesh covering all tolling points.
Cash Payment
Same as before, but vehicle classification is automated instead of manual. Vehicles that cannot be automatically classified, misclassified, or exempted will be manually classified by eye for the time being
Read more: PM Hasina to inaugurate Dhaka Elevated Expressway Saturday
Touch & Go Payment
Until a bank or financial institution is identified to sell or manage it, it can only be used by the user (driver) who has purchased a pre-charged card. The purchased card can be recharged at Toll Booths.
Automatic Fee Collection
A system that collects in cash but automatically classifies vehicles with advanced mechanical and Artificial Intelligence Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) & Object Recognition methodology.
Contributing Benefits
Korea Expressway Corporation’s Jinwoo Park said the advanced toll collection systems will bring benefits like increased efficiency, reduced labor costs, lower operational costs, higher revenue collection, real-time data analysis, enhanced security, better customer service, reduced travel time, cost savings
The automatic toll collection system for the Padma Bridge is ready for official inauguration. The Korean Expressway has completed its installation of the “Hi Pass” touch-and-go service in the entry points along with the conventional cash methods.
“We are waiting for the approval from the government,” Jinwoo Park said. The Korea Expressway Corporation got the deal last year to operate and manage the expressway.
The N8 Expressway is a 55km, four-lane highway and the first expressway in Bangladesh connecting Dhaka with the Bhanga in the southwest through Padma Bridge.
Under the contract, they will install the Hi Pass automatic toll service and intelligent traffic management systems on the N8 Expressway and conduct toll collection, road and structure maintenance, safety patrol, and disaster management, among others, for five years after opening the systems.
Russia expected to increase grain supplies to foreign market by 4.5pc
Russia has said they are actively exploring alternative ways of supplying food to the poorest countries in order to compensate them for the damage caused by the forced suspension of the Black Sea Initiative.
“Let me remind you that all the problems with the Black Sea Initiative have been caused by the illegitimate, illegal and immoral sanctions imposed by the US and the EU, as well as countries that joined these sanctions against our country or adopted them in the same unilateral manner under pressure from the United States,” said the Russian Embassy in Dhaka quoting Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
Russia is expected to increase grain supplies to the foreign market by 4.5 percent to 46.5 million tonnes, said the Embassy.
The Embassy said Russia continues to responsibly and conscientiously fulfill its obligations under international contracts involving agricultural goods, fertilisers, energy resources and other critical products.
Read: PM directs import of additional food grains
“We are well aware of the importance of supplies of socially significant goods, including food, for the socioeconomic development of Asian, African, Latin American and Middle Eastern countries, as well as for food security and the achievement of the SDGs,” reads press release on the situation in the global grain market.
This approach has been confirmed by the initiatives put forward by President Vladimir Putin to transfer tens of thousands of tonnes of Russian fertilisers (seized in European ports) and grain (25,000-50,000 tonnes each to countries in need such as Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic, and Eritrea), it said.
Read: Govt to procure 9.5 lakh mts foodgrains this fiscal year: Minister
According to estimates, the main suppliers of wheat in 2022/2023 agricultural year will include Russia with 45.5 million tonnes, EU countries (35 million tonnes), Australia (28.5 million tonnes), Canada (25 million tonnes), United States (21 million tonnes) and Ukraine (14.5 million tonnes).
According to the US Department of Agriculture, about 800 million tonnes of wheat will be harvested in the 2023/2024 crop year – just over the 2022/2023 level (788.5 million tonnes).
At the same time, global stocks will increase by 1.5 percent to 270.1 million tonnes in 2023/2024. The high production volumes will push global wheat trade up 0.8 percent to 215 million tonnes.
Read more: Quinoa: Cultivating the 'mother of all grains'
US Deputy Assistant Secretary Mira Resnick in Dhaka
Bangladesh and the United States will hold the ninth annual bilateral security dialogue in Dhaka on September 5 as part of the "comprehensive security relationship" between the two governments.
The US delegation will be led by Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Mira Resnick. She arrived in Dhaka on Monday (September 4, 2023).
The security dialogue is an annual, civilian-led discussion that touches on all elements of the security relationship between the two countries.
Representatives from both sides will discuss Indo-Pacific regional issues, security and human rights, military cooperation, peacekeeping, security assistance, and counterterrorism, among other topics, said the US Embassy in Dhaka in a media note on Sunday.
Read: Malaysian envoy hails Showcase Malaysia in strengthening trade relations
The United States and Bangladesh have a strong security partnership and share many interests in the Indo-Pacific region, said the embassy.
Both countries share a vision to ensure the Indo-Pacific region is free, open, peaceful, and secure.
"We have a variety of dialogues throughout the year in pursuit of these mutual objectives," the media note reads.
This year, the security dialogue closely follows the bilateral defense dialogue, which took place August 23 and 24 in Dhaka.
The bilateral defense dialogue featured senior officers and civilians from the US and Bangladeshi militaries.
They discussed a range of issues specific to the military-to-military relationship, including military education, peacekeeping and upcoming military exercises, including next year’s Disaster Response Exercise & Exchange.
Read: Dhaka keen to avail regional opportunities for security, connectivity
Resnick oversees the Bureau’s Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, which manages over $40 billion annually in government-to-government defense equipment transfers through Foreign Military Sales, Third Party Transfers, and Excess Defense Articles.
Resnick is also responsible for the Bureau’s Office of Security Assistance, which manages approximately $6.5 billion in US security sector assistance annually; coordinates State Department oversight, planning, and input for over $9 billion in the Defense Department security sector assistance programs; and provides State Department input for Department of Defense planning and military activities.
The security dialogue covers a wide range of issues related to partnership between the two countries including strategic priorities and regional security issues, defense cooperation, civilian security cooperation, UN peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and countering violent extremism.
Bangladesh is likely to reiterate its call to return Rashed Chowdhury, a convicted killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to Bangladesh to face justice. The Rohingya issue may also come up for discussion as a threat in the regional and global contexts.
Read: Sweden, UNDP continue to work on climate adaptation in Bangladesh
At the 8th Security Dialogue held between the two countries at US Department of State in April last year, the two sides had “constructive discussions” on defence agreements like GSOMIA and ACSA as the US is keen to enhance security cooperation with Bangladesh.
General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) are “essential” to enable a closer defense relationship, expand opportunities for defense trade, information sharing, and military-to-military cooperation between the United States and Bangladesh.
These issues are likely to come up for discussion as follow up, a diplomatic source told UNB.
Malaysian envoy hails Showcase Malaysia in strengthening trade relations
Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim today said that Showcase Malaysia is a unique initiative aimed at boosting the mutual trade relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia
The high commissioner made the remarks at a press briefing organised by Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) on the occasion of 6th Showcase Malaysia at a hotel in the capital.
High Commissioner Haznah Md Hashim was present as the guest of honor.
BMCCI Secretary General Md. Motaher Hoshan Khan welcomed everyone at the briefing.
BMCCI President Syed Almas Kabir made the introductory remarks at the beginning and thanked all for being present at the press briefing.
After that Chairman of the Showcase Organizing Committee Chairman, Syed A Habib briefed the media about the whole programme.
The 6th Showcase Malaysia 2023 – to be organised by Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) –will be held at Sheraton in Dhaka from 5th to 6th September 2023, according to a press release.
The showcase is supported by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPMM), and the Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA), as well as the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA), the Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia, and the High Commission of Malaysia in Bangladesh.
The 6th Showcase Malaysia will feature a series of seminars on contemporary issues, the BMCCI Business Excellence Awards, the modest fashion show, and the Grand Gala Night showcasing Malaysian products and services.
The chief guest of the event will be Industry Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Senior Secretary of Ministry of Commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh, FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam will attend as special guests.
Malaysian High Commissioner Haznah Md Hashim will attend as guest of honour.
The main objective of this showcase is to enhance Malaysia's image as a reliable business hub in Asia and to connect with the Bangladeshi business community through BMCCI.
The showcase will provide a platform to attract businessmen, professionals, and visitors to Malaysia.
During the showcase, there will be seminars on various topics such as trade and business opportunities, healthcare, halal industry, knowledge and skills, and technology.
These seminars will provide insights into current issues and opportunities for collaboration between Bangladesh and Malaysia, the press release reads.
According to BMCCI, this showcase will provide a great avenue to attract a large number of businessmen, professionals, and visitors, and is expected to achieve its purpose of projecting Malaysia as the preferred destination for higher education, healthcare, ICT, tourism, automobiles, construction, building materials, banking & financial services etc.
To mark the occasion, a special issue of quarterly BMCCI Journal will be brought out, which will incorporate articles on different issues related to trade and industry.
The Malaysian High Commissioner welcomed this initiative and gave her best wishes.
At the end of the press briefing, Showcase Malaysia Director Motaher Hoshan Khan expressed BMCCI’s gratitude to all of the sponsors and cosponsors such as Green Delta Insurance Co. Ltd., Eastern Bank Ltd., PHP Automobiles Ltd, Sheltech Ceramics, UCSI University-Bangladesh Campus, Robi Axiata Ltd., Bengal Meat Processing Industries Ltd, Wingspeed Propellers Ltd, ADN Telecom Ltd, and Community Bank Ltd.
Transition to circular economy can unlock potential for Bangladeshi textile industry
Shifting from linear to circular economy holds the potential to create new avenues of value within the waste chain. Bangladesh, the second largest garment exporter in the world, is a big producer of pre-consumer waste. The country can turn this challenge into an opportunity through moving towards a circular economy.
The observations came from a panel of distinguished industry leaders, manufacturers, buyers representatives and experts who took part in a lively discussion on a topic “unlocking the waste value chain with an integrated circular approach.”
The discussion was as a part of a dialogue titled “Switch to Upstream Circularity: Pre-consumer Textile Waste in Bangladesh.” It took place in the Amari Hotel in Dhaka on September 3.
Also read: Stakeholders collaboration, innovative business model stressed for transition to circular economy in Bangladesh’s textile and garment industry
This event was organized under the Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains project (SWITCH2CE), co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Finland. SWITCH2CE is led by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in collaboration with Chatham House, Circle Economy, and European Investment Bank, and supports the switch to circularity in selected global value chains.
Distinguished panelists included Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh; Abu Syed Belal, Trade Counselor, EU Delegation to Bangladesh; Francesca Rulli, Founder-Process Factory & Sustainability Manager; Faisal Rabbi, Stakeholder Engagement & Public Affairs Manager - H&M; and Nin Castle, Co-Founder, Reverse Resources.
Also read: Policy framework, institutional leadership and public private collaboration key for circular economy transition
Dhaka, Washington to discuss Indo-Pacific, military cooperation, rights issues Tuesday
Bangladesh and the United States will hold the ninth annual bilateral security dialogue in Dhaka on September 5 as part of "comprehensive security relationship" between the two governments.
The security dialogue is an annual, civilian-led discussion that touches on all elements of the security relationship between the two countries.
Representatives from both sides will discuss Indo-Pacific regional issues, security and human rights, military cooperation, peacekeeping, security assistance, and counterterrorism, among other topics, said the US Embassy in Dhaka in a media note on Sunday.
The US delegation will be led by Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Mira Resnick.
The United States and Bangladesh have a strong security partnership and share many interests in the Indo-Pacific region, said the embassy.
Read: Teesta water sharing issue to be raised during Hasina-Modi talks in Delhi: FS
Both countries share a vision to ensure the Indo-Pacific region is free, open, peaceful, and secure.
"We have a variety of dialogues throughout the year in pursuit of these mutual objectives," the media note reads.
This year, the security dialogue closely follows the bilateral defense dialogue, which took place August 23 and 24 in Dhaka.
The bilateral defense dialogue featured senior officers and civilians from the US and Bangladeshi militaries.
They discussed a range of issues specific to the military-to-military relationship, including military education, peacekeeping and upcoming military exercises, including next year’s Disaster Response Exercise & Exchange.
Resnick oversees the Bureau’s Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, which manages over $40 billion annually in government-to-government defense equipment transfers through Foreign Military Sales, Third Party Transfers, and Excess Defense Articles.
Read: Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook focuses on inclusive development, not about critical choices between major powers: Shahriar Alam
Resnick is also responsible for the Bureau’s Office of Security Assistance, which manages approximately $6.5 billion in US security sector assistance annually; coordinates State Department oversight, planning, and input for over $9 billion in the Defense Department security sector assistance programs; and provides State Department input for Department of Defense planning and military activities.
The security dialogue covers a wide range of issues related to partnership between the two countries including strategic priorities and regional security issues, defense cooperation, civilian security cooperation, UN peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and countering violent extremism.
Bangladesh is likely to reiterate its call to return Rashed Chowdhury, a convicted killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to Bangladesh to face justice. The Rohingya issue may also come up for discussion as a threat in the regional and global contexts.
At the 8th Security Dialogue held between the two countries at US Department of State in April last year, the two sides had “constructive discussions” on defence agreements like GSOMIA and ACSA as the US is keen to enhance security cooperation with Bangladesh.
Read: Sweden, UNDP continue to work on climate adaptation in Bangladesh
General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) are “essential” to enable a closer defense relationship, expand opportunities for defense trade, information sharing, and military-to-military cooperation between the United States and Bangladesh.
These issues are likely to come up for discussion as follow up, a diplomatic source told UNB.
Flooding in Sylhet, Chattogram shows Bangladesh’s vulnerabilities to impacts of climate change: UK
UK Development Director and Deputy High Commissioner in Bangladesh Matt Cannell has said the devastating flooding in Sylhet last year and Chittagong division this year demonstrates Bangladesh’s vulnerabilities to the impacts of climate change.
“The UK is proud to partner with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office to support greater disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in Bangladesh. I am pleased to announce this during the government of Bangladesh and UNDP’s Disaster Resilience Week,” he said, announcing that the UK is providing £500,000 to the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office to support disaster preparedness, response and recovery in Bangladesh.
Read: Teesta water sharing issue to be raised during Hasina-Modi talks in Delhi: FM
The Deputy High Commissioner said this will help guarantee that disaster responses are coordinated and well-informed, and that more preparations are made ahead of disasters, limiting their impact and saving lives.
“This builds on the UK's historic support for humanitarian response in Bangladesh and complements the Government of Bangladesh's remarkable work on disaster resilience and response to date,” he said.
UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis said the partnership with the UK will enhance coordination across the UN and NGOs in Bangladesh, and as a result strengthen support to the government of Bangladesh, and most importantly to the people most affected by natural disasters.
“The impacts of climate change and the resulting intensity of disasters means this work is more important than ever. Our efforts are focused on better early warning systems, anticipatory action and a quick and timely response to emergencies and disasters,” she said.
Read: Elevated expressway a big step towards Smart Bangladesh: Korean Ambassador
This money will aid in the coordination of humanitarian assistance provided by the Government of Bangladesh, donors, the UN, and NGOs prior to, during, and after disaster events.
It will also ensure that this help reaches the most vulnerable people with the most essential relief supplies, said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Sunday.
Read: Bangladesh, Vietnam on right track to pursue $2bn trade target: Ambassador
Furthermore, it will assist the government of Bangladesh in developing a new risk assessment and contingency plan for earthquakes, as well as expand its work on anticipatory actions and early warning systems to assist people in taking precautions to protect their lives before disasters strike.
Teesta water sharing issue to be raised during Hasina-Modi talks in Delhi: FS
Bangladesh will raise the Teesta water sharing issue along with other issues of mutual interest during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s planned bilateral meeting with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in New Delhi next week.
“We have the issue of Teesta water sharing that the Prime Minister will certainly raise. We have other issues. We have 54 common rivers,” Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told reporters on Sunday, adding that the Ganges water treaty is another issue which will expire soon.
Read: Dhaka keen to avail regional opportunities for security, connectivity
The Bangladesh-India Ganges water-sharing deal was signed in 1996 after long negotiations. The 30-year deal will expire by 2026.
Responding to a question, the Foreign Secretary said Bangladesh and India had always discussed the Teesta issue at the highest political level. “We always kept it on the discussion agenda. This time too, we expect the Prime Minister will talk about it.”
Bangladesh thinks the water-sharing issues between the two countries would be resolved through discussions as the two countries are “mentally agreed” to work on the basis of mutual understanding.
Read: FM Momen discusses trade, investment issues with US Bangladesh Business Council leaders
Recalling earlier discussions, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated Bangladesh’s long pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta River, the draft of which was finalized in 2011.
During PM Hasina’s state visit to India in September last year, both leaders also directed the officials to work together to address issues such as pollution in rivers and to improve riverine environment and river navigability in respect of common rivers.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s participation at the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10 will add yet another feather to the ‘Golden Chapter’ in Dhaka-Delhi ties.
Read: Positive momentum, energy fueling Bangladesh economy: USBBC President
The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Hasina and her Indian counterpart Modi is likely to be held on September 8.
Follow-up Discussion on Water Issues
Earlier, the Foreign Secretary attended a follow-up discussion on Bangladesh’s 10 commitments made at the 2023 UN water Conference.
Talking to reporters, he said they mainly discussed how to implement those commitments and how the development partners can help Bangladesh in this process.
The Foreign Secretary said most of the commitments will be fulfilled by 2030 and many countries of the world made their commitments separately.
The UN 2023 Water Conference saw the adoption of the Water Action Agenda, representing voluntary commitments of nations and stakeholders to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their targets connected to water.
The event brought together over 6,500 participants. By the close of the meeting, the Water Action Agenda had received approximately 700 commitments in the form of financial pledges, collaborative projects, and actions to protect the world’s most precious and irreplaceable resource.
The Foreign Secretary said water is an important factor for livelihood and sustainability and they discussed issues related to coastal area, salinity problems, ground water level declining, plastic pollution, agriculture water wastages, rain water harvesting and ways to boost efficiency in water management.
He said there are reasons to be worried after a few years and laid emphasis on international cooperation and resource mobilization.
The UN says water is a dealmaker for the Sustainable Development Goals, and for the health and prosperity of people and the planet.
But, the UN added, progress on water related goals and targets remains alarmingly off track, jeopardizing the entire sustainable development agenda.