foreign-affairs
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.
Bangladesh's hearing at ITLOS on submission by Small Island States on Wednesday
The public hearings of the International Tribunal for the Law Of the Sea relating to the request for an advisory opinion submitted by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law was opened on Monday.
The President of the Tribunal, Judge Albert Hoffmann, is presiding over the sitting.
The schedule of the hearings of Bangladesh is on Wednesday, September 13 from 3 to 6 pm.
The hearings are open to the public, and members of the diplomatic and consular corps and the general public wishing to attend the hearings are requested to register in advance with the Press Office.
Govt to send relief materials soon for victims of Libya flooding
The government is taking steps to send relief materials as humanitarian aid to the people of eastern Libya swiftly, which has been severely affected by Cyclone Daniel and flooding.
The decision was taken following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s directive, in view of the appeal of the Libyan President to the world, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release on Tuesday.
Also read: Flooding in Libya leaves 2,000 people feared dead and more missing after storm collapsed dams
More than 5,000 people are feared dead by the storm and flooding.
Thousands more are still missing.
A C-130 aircraft carrying relief materials, including medicines and dry food, for the flood-affected people of Libya is expected to depart from Dhaka as soon as possible, said the MoFA.
Also read: 151 Bangladeshis return home from Libya
Local Government Minister of the Government of Libya is expected to receive the relief materials to be sent by the government of Bangladesh at Tobruk Airport in Libya.
Also read: Deadly clashes between rival militias in Libya leave 27 dead, authorities say
MoFA official Akanda asked to return leaving current posting in Delhi
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has asked Md Abdul Wadud Akanda, counselor (political) at Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, to return to Dhaka immediately leaving his current responsibility.
The MoFA has already issued a directive in this regard.
Also read: MoFA official lands in Madaripur jail in case of dowry and torture filed by wife
A court in Madaripur recently sent him to jail and later he secured bail after his wife filed a case accusing him of demanding dowry, hiding his alleged first marriage and torture.
Madaripur Chief Judicial Magistrate Mamunur Rashid passed the order after accused Md Abdul Wadud Akanda, 37, counselor (political) at Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi appeared before the court to answer the accusations following a summons.
The court denied him bail and sent him to jail after a long hearing on the accusations, said Madaripur Bar Association secretary Advocate Golam Kibria.
Also read: Deliberate attempts made to malign image of Bangladesh: says MoFA regarding Tom Lantos briefing
According to the plaintiff Zareen Rafa Nilanti, 26, the couple got married on April 17, 2019 and they have a daughter. But she later came to know that her husband suppressed the fact about an earlier marriage to another woman.
On October 7, 2022, sitting at the house of one of plaintiff's relatives, the accused demanded Tk 40 lakh and a 5 katha plot in dowry from Zareen, according to the case.
Bangladesh, UK keen to work together more closely on economic, trade, development, security issues
British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton on Tuesday said the Strategic Dialogue with Bangladesh is a reflection of the growing relationship between the two countries.
"It's also reflection of our desire to work together more closely on our economic, trade and development partnerships and on regional and global security issues," he said.
The British senior official said he was delighted to attend the fifth Bangladesh-UK Strategic Dialogue with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen in Dhaka.
Also read: UK wants free, fair, violence-free election in Bangladesh: FS
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said she was pleased to welcome Sir Philip Barton to Bangladesh.
"The UK’s partnership with Bangladesh represents a unique, historic relationship which contributes much to the prosperity and security of both our countries," she said.
The UK emphasised its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, as evidenced by membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and ASEAN Dialogue Partner status, while Bangladesh highlighted its recently published Indo-Pacific Outlook.
Also read: UK to push for long-term solution to Rohingya crisis
The UK and Bangladesh agreed to continue cooperation on global and regional security.
The two sides reflected on their strong defence cooperation, and looked forward to the Defence Dialogue that will take place in London next year, according to the UK government.
The UK and Bangladesh discussed the negative economic impact of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.
The UK was clear that Russia should immediately cease attacks on Ukraine’s port and grain infrastructure, which are driving up the price of essential goods in Bangladesh and around the world.
The UK stressed its unwavering support for the Ukrainian government and people in the face of this assault on their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Also read: Shared commitment to develop economic, trade, security partnership: Bangladesh, UK to hold 5th Strategic Dialogue
The UK commended Bangladesh for continuing to accommodate over one million Rohingya.
The UK and Bangladesh noted that this population placed a significant burden on Bangladesh, particularly for communities living adjacent to camps.
The UK noted the need for improved livelihood provisions for the Rohingya to ensure a more sustainable return to Rakhine State.
It announced a further £3m contribution to the Rohingya response, taking its total contribution since 2017 to £368m.
The two countries reiterated their commitment to the goal of safe, voluntary, and dignified returns to Myanmar as soon as the situation allows.
Both countries expressed appreciation for the UK-Bangladesh Climate Partnership, launched in January 2020, which facilitated the exchange of expertise and whole-of-society engagement and the UK-Bangladesh Climate Accord which was signed in March 2023.
Bangladesh and the UK will cooperate closely in the run-up to COP28.
Both sides reiterated the urgent need for all countries to take ambitious action to combat climate change.
The Dialogue covered the full breadth of the Bangladesh-UK relationship, including political and diplomatic relations, economic, trade and development partnerships, and global, regional and security issues.
The UK and Bangladesh welcomed the evolution of the bilateral relationship into a modern economic, trade and security partnership, which advances shared global and regional priorities such as tackling climate change and the Rohingya refugee crisis.
The UK, as the second-largest cumulative investor in Bangladesh, welcomed the second Bangladesh-UK Trade and Investment Dialogue earlier this year, and the Aviation Trade and Investment Partnership signed in May.
The two sides agreed to work together to increase mutual prosperity ahead of Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country status.
Bangladesh welcomed the UK’s generous Developing Countries Trading Scheme and acknowledged its role in integrating Bangladesh into the global economy, creating stronger trade and investment opportunities.
The UK and Bangladesh agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on migration and returns, and other equities in the justice and home affairs space.
Both countries also agreed to conclude the Standard Operating Procedures governing the returns documentation processes and timescales prior to the first session of this Working Group by October.