foreign-affairs
Last-minute isolated incident presented by a handful of diplomats never reflects a day-long peaceful election: Shahriar Alam
Bangladesh has conveyed its dismay to 13 envoys in Dhaka over their “undiplomatic behavior” by issuing a joint statement recently, “violating diplomatic norms.”
“We expressed our dissatisfaction. I hope that after our discussion today, they will realize that their joint statement has been presented prematurely, out of step with the flow of events, and they will refrain from such undiplomatic behavior in the future," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam told reporters at Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday afternoon.
He said they advised the diplomats to be constructive, reminding them of the Vienna Convention.
The diplomats have also been warned that bypassing the government and behaving “devoid of objectivity, neutrality and impartiality” will only create a crisis of mutual trust, Shahriar Alam said.
He said there were some fundamental flaws that Bangladesh pointed out and called for no such repetition.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the ambassadors or high commissioners of the 13 foreign missions that issued a joint statement recently after a candidate was assaulted during a by-election to the Dhaka-17 constituency.
Read: EU Special Representative holds meeting with trade unions, labour rights experts
The statement called for a full investigation and accountability for the perpetrators of the assault on independent candidate Ashraful Alom, better known as Hero Alom.
In the joint statement, the foreign missions had said, “We condemn the July 17 attack on Dhaka-17 constituency candidate Ashraful Alom, popularly known as Hero Alam. Violence has no place in the democratic process.”
"Everyone involved in the upcoming elections should ensure that they are free, fair, and peaceful,” said the diplomatic missions in Dhaka.
The joint statement was signed by the embassies/high commissions of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States and the delegation of the European Union.
Shahriar Alam said they have conveyed to the diplomats that this is an isolated incident that cannot be used to judge peaceful, fair and free elections.
Other candidates did not complain of any violence or any other irregularities, he observed.
Read: Foreign Ministry braced for showdown as heads of 13 missions likely to come in Wednesday
"So only a last-minute isolated incident at a center presented by a handful of diplomats never reflects a day-long peaceful election. In giving a quick response, they did not give due importance to the objectivity of their assessment," he said.
As soon as the incident came to light, the Election Commission and the government took prompt and legal action, said the State Minister.
“Two persons were arrested long before the diplomats' statement. However, after taking legal measures, these diplomats were calling for legal measures which is unnecessary,” he said.
“To be honest,” Shahriar Alam said, “with the speed and importance with which they criticized the isolated incident, they did not appreciate the immediate and speedy legal action taken by the government.”
Therefore, the objectivity and purpose of the joint statement is open to speculation, the state minister for foreign affairs said.
Read more: All countries including Bangladesh should have free and fair elections: US State Dept
EU Special Representative holds meeting with trade unions, labour rights experts
European Union’s Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore on Wednesday had a meeting with trade unions and labour rights experts.
They discussed wages, working conditions and trade union recognition in the context of EU trade preferences.
There was a meeting with women and LGBTQI activists to discuss gender issues as well.
Wish to see fair polls conducted in peaceful, democratic atmosphere: EU Special Representative
Gilmore is on his second visit to Bangladesh with a wide-ranging agenda.
Earlier on Monday, acting Foreign Secretary Rear Admiral (retd) Khurshed Alam received Gilmore upon his arrival in Dhaka.
Gilmore is visiting at the invitation of the government of Bangladesh.
EU welcomes Dhaka's move to further develop human rights: Official sources
During his six-day visit, Gilmore is holding meetings with concerned government officials over the Rohingya issue and will visit refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During his recent visit to Brussels, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam held a series of meetings, including with Gilmore, in the first week of May.
The tasks of the Special Representative for Human Rights are to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy.
EU Special Representative for Human Rights in Dhaka with ‘wide-ranging’ agenda
The Special Representative has a broad, flexible mandate, which provides the possibility of adapting to evolving geopolitical circumstances.
The Special Representative works closely with the European External Action Service, which provides full support to his work.
Journalists encourage EU delegation to support sending observers regardless of what the next election may look like
Gilmore was Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade from 2011 until July 2014 in a coalition government which succeeded in steering Ireland from an IMF bailout to become one of the fastest-growing economies in the European Union.
South Korea to provide $3 million in humanitarian assistance for Rohingyas in Bangladesh
The government of the Republic of Korea on Wednesday announced its plan to provide 3 million US dollars in 2023 to support humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dhaka said this year’s humanitarian assistance will be provided through international organizations in Bangladesh such as UNHCR, IOM, WFP, and UNICEF.
Come to Bangladesh with bigger investment: President Shahabuddin urges South Korea
Since 2017, the government of the Republic of Korea has continued to provide 3 to 5 million US dollars annually to the Rohingyas and their host communities in Bangladesh in close cooperation with the Bangladesh government and international organizations.
Economic cooperation needed among countries in South and Southeast Asia: PM tells outgoing Korean envoy
South Korea’s funding has been used for various humanitarian activities over the last six years including the provision of LPG, education and food in support of the Joint Response Plan (JRP).
The embassy said the government of the Republic of Korea supports dialogues between the governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar for the repatriation of the refugees and supports safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to their communities.
South Korea to expand support for Ukraine as President Yoon Suk Yeol makes a surprise visit
Foreign Ministry braced for showdown as heads of 13 missions likely to come in Wednesday
The ambassadors or high commissioners of the 13 foreign missions that issued a joint statement last week after a candidate was assaulted by ruling party activists during a by-election to the Dhaka-17 constituency, are all likely to jointly visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Wednesday.
The government is likely to convey its displeasure to the envoys over the issuance of the joint statement, considering it as meddling in the country's internal affairs.
The statement called for a full investigation and accountability for the perpetrators of the assault on independent candidate Ashraful Alom, better known as Hero Alom.
Also read: Boycott those who comment on 'internal affairs': Momen
In the joint statement, the foreign missions had said, “We condemn the July 17 attack on Dhaka-17 constituency candidate Ashraful Alom, popularly known as Hero Alam. Violence has no place in the democratic process.”
"Everyone involved in the upcoming elections should ensure that they are free, fair, and peaceful,” said the diplomatic missions in Dhaka.
Also read: ‘Do foreign missions issue statements when similar things happen in US, UK, France?’ — Momen asks
The joint statement was signed by the embassies/high commissions of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States and the delegation of the European Union.
Also read: Assault on Hero Alam: Foreign missions in Dhaka call for investigation, accountability of perpetrators
Wish to see fair polls conducted in peaceful, democratic atmosphere: EU Special Representative
European Union’s Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore on Tuesday said they wish to see free and fair elections in Bangladesh conducted in a “peaceful and democratic” atmosphere.
Talking to reporters after his meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Gilmore mentioned the recent visit of an Election Exploratory Mission (ExM) from the EU.
The main objective of the Election Exploratory Mission was to assess the “advisability, usefulness and feasibility” of a possible EU Election Observation Mission for the upcoming parliamentary election.
Also read: EU welcomes Dhaka's move to further develop human rights: Official sources
Gilmore said he and the state minister discussed the need for a healthy environment for civil society, and free and open media in the country.
“My role is to visit countries and talk to governments about the importance of human rights in relation to those countries,” he said, adding that they have discussed the importance of human rights as it is at the heart of the relationship.
Responding to a question, State Minister Alam said they have discussed the election issues but have not discussed how to bring in other political parties to the election.
Also read: All countries including Bangladesh should have free and fair elections: US State Dept
"It is completely up to them (political parties)," he said.
State Minister Alam reiterated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to holding free and fair elections in Bangladesh.
"Brussels has all the information. They are in a very suitable position to judge," he said, adding that Bangladesh is welcoming foreign observers.
Gilmore said when they look at the elections, they do not just look at the voting day only. Rather, they look at the atmosphere before and after the elections too.
Also read: EU Special Representative for Human Rights in Dhaka with ‘wide-ranging’ agenda
He said they have also discussed the Digital Security Act and are aware of the government's plan to make amendments.
Twitter account of Ambassador Peter Haas 'fake': US Embassy
The US Embassy has identified a fake twitter account of US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas.
"Dear Followers, please note that Ambassador Peter Haas does not have a personal Twitter account," the Embassy tweeted.
The followers have been requested to unfollow and report this impersonated account @PeterHaasAmb.
For Embassy updates and information on Ambassador Haas's activity, the followers have been requested to follow @usembassydhaka.
WFP lauds Bangladesh on joining Global School Meals Coalition
The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has congratulated the government of Bangladesh on joining the Global School Meals Coalition.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Secretary, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Farid Ahmed on the opening day of the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment in Rome.
Since 2010, the government of Bangladesh has been investing in the national school feeding programme, with WFP as a key partner.
Also read: Bangladesh signs agreement with WFP to expand school feeding programme
By 2022, more than 3 million children in 104 sub-districts had been reached with fortified biscuits, and in some locations, hot meals.
Study shows that the programme resulted in a 4.2 percent increase in school enrolment and a 7.5 percent reduction in dropouts.
With Farid Ahmed signing the declaration of commitment, Bangladesh is now a part of the Global School Meals Coalition.
“Meals in school are more than food to the children. It is a systemic solution to combat child hunger and nutrition, but it also supports the local economy through improving opportunities for small farmers and local entrepreneurs,” said Dr Momen.
Also read: Japan provides critical funding to WFP’s lifesaving food assistance for Rohingyas
Building on the success of the past programmes, the new school feeding programme aims to reach 3.5 million students of 20,000 government primary schools over the next three years.
“In the next programme we are planning to shift from just fortified biscuits to a diversified food menu. It will include seasonal fruits, egg, bread and milk during a week. We will pilot hot meals in some poorer districts. Diversification will help us achieve nutritional outcomes,” added Foreign Minister Momen on the government’s plan for the new national school feeding programme.
“WFP is fully committed to continuing supporting the Government of Bangladesh to make school meals available to all targeted children, particularly those from poor and remote areas,” said Domenico Scalpelli, WFP Representative and Country Director in Bangladesh.
Also read: With Mocha bearing down, WFP notes Rohingyas' vulnerability
“We congratulate the Government for joining the Global School Meals Coalition and investing in school meals to secure a brighter future for the children of Bangladesh,” he added.
The School Meals Coalition is an emerging initiative of governments and a wide range of partners to drive actions that can urgently re-establish, improve and scale up food and education systems, support pandemic recovery, and drive actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Currently, more than 80 countries are members of the coalition.
Also read: Bangladesh suggests WFP to set up Regional Food Bank in S Asia
EU welcomes Dhaka's move to further develop human rights: Official sources
The European Union (EU) on Tuesday welcomed Bangladesh's initiative for development of the human rights further, official sources said.
The remarks came from a meeting between a delegation of the European Union led by it's Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
EU's special representative for human rights due in Bangladeash
During an over one hour meeting starting at 10.00am, Gilmore also expressed satisfaction over the Awami League government's move to amend the Digital Security Act and the country's labour law.
When contacted, PM's Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher confirmed holding of the meeting, but he declined to say anything more.
EU Special Representative for Human Rights in Dhaka with ‘wide-ranging’ agenda
However, official sources said that issues of development of human rights in Bangladesh, sending EU observers ahead of the next general election, Digital Security Act and labour law have prominently came for discussion, among other issues, in the meeting,
PM's Principal Secretary has assured the special representatives of providing the EU all sorts of cooperation from the government of Bangladesh they required.
He also called upon the EU to make sure that Bangladesh's exports to EU member countries will increase further after its complete graduation from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a developning nation.
European External Action Service (EEAS) Political Adviser Viktor Velek, Ambassador Charles Whiteley and First Secretary (Political) Sebastian Riger-Brown, among others, were present at the meeting.
Gilmore, who arrived in Dhaka on Monday on a six-day visit, will hold meetings with government officials and other stakeholders to discuss human rights issues.
He will also discuss with government officials concerned the Rohingya issue and will visit refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Gilmore is likely to hold meetings with Law Minister Anisul Haq, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, according to official sources.
Bangladesh signs agreement with WFP to expand school feeding programme
Bangladesh has signed an agreement with the World Food Programme (WFP) for expanding and improving school feeding programme for the country's primary school students.
The agreement was inked in an event attended by Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.
Bangladesh government introduced a school feeding programme in 2010 and now some 23 lakh students of 15,000 primary schools in 104 upazilas are getting free meals.
Read: PM Hasina offers Nepal use of Payra port during meeting with Nepalese counterpart in Rome
Under the new agreement, the school feeding programme will be expanded to more than 150 upazilas, raising the number of beneficiaries to 37 lakh students. Besides, fruits, milk, bread, eggs and other nutritious foods will be served instead of fortified biscuits.
Thanks to the feeding programme, the dropout rate has declined by 7.5 percent and the enrolment rate has increased by 14 percent in the primary schools, said Momen.
Read: Bangladesh-Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Room opened at FAO Headquarters
Moreover, Bangladesh has become the 85th member of the School Meals Coalition at an event here on Monday.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy Md Shameem Ahsan and PM’s speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam were present.
Bangladesh seeks IFAD support to boost wheat and edible oil production
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought assistance from the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD) to boost the production of wheat and edible oil in Bangladesh to reduce its export dependency for the two items.
The assistance was sought when IFAD President Alvaro Lario met her at the FAO headquarters, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told reporters after the meeting on Monday (July 24, 2023).
Read: Bangladesh signs agreement with WFP to expand school feeding programme
Hasina also asked the IFAD to help Bangladeshi small agro-enterprises in marketing their goods and help the country build an efficient food storage system.
Also on Monday the prime minister asked the World Food Programme (WFP) to raise funds for Bangladesh particularly displaced Rohingyas who took shelter in Bangladesh as per capita fund for Rohingya declined to US$ 8 from US$ 12.
She made the call when WFP Executive Director Cindy Hensley McCain met her at the FAO Headquarters on Monday.
Hasina said Bangladesh has successfully raised food production thanks to her government's taking various steps in this field.
Read: PM Hasina offers Nepal use of Payra port during meeting with Nepalese counterpart in Rome
Bangladesh is in a good position in producing not only crops but also fish and other foods, she said.
Cindy Hensley McCain is the wife of former US presidential candidate John McCain who adopted a three-month Bangladeshi girl in the early 1990s.
Meanwhile, the prime minister along with other heads of government and states attended a reception hosted by Director General of Food and Agriculture Organization Qu Dongyu at the FAO headquarters.