foreign-affairs
Indian HC hails signing of MoU on establishment of BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said an important area of cooperation among the BIMSTEC countries is to enhance energy cooperation and electricity trade, and the signing of the MoU on establishment of BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection is a step in that direction.
He said a hallmark of the ever-deepening India-Bangladesh relationship is the growing cooperation in the field of power and energy.
Also reead: Pranay Verma appointed next Indian envoy to Bangladesh
An important example of this is the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline which was inaugurated by Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh in March this year which has a capacity to transport one million Metric Tonnes Per Annum of High-Speed Diesel to Bangladesh in a sustainable, reliable and cost-effective way with minimal carbon footprint, said the High Commissioner.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) organized the BIMSTEC Energy Conclave on Sunday. High Commissioner of India Pranay Verma graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The High Commissioner highlighted the importance of regional cooperation under BIMSTEC in the context of the current global uncertainties.
Also read: Pranay Verma highlights importance of youth as "precious link" between Bangladesh, India
He underscored that the India-Bangladesh relations is an important anchor of the cooperation architecture of BIMSTEC.
The High Commissioner highlighted the importance of the proposal for 765 kV cross-border electricity interconnection between Katihar (India) – Parbatipur (Bangladesh) – Boranagar (India) and its potential to revolutionize intra-regional electricity trade.
He emphasized that this project can be an important starting point to develop a synchronous and robust grid interconnection in the sub-region which can facilitate seamless exchange of power between energy surplus and deficient regions.
He further said that such interconnections would also help drive investments in the Renewable Energy Sector promoting generation and transmission of clean energy in the region.
Also read: Yoga a gift of India to world: Pranay Verma
High Commissioner Pranay Verma said that the connectivity cooperation between India and Bangladesh towards developing multi-modal linkages stands at the forefront of sub-regional connectivity aspirations under BIMSTEC. Restoration of five of the seven pre-1965 railway linkages, five cross-border buses, the Protocol on Inland Waterways Trade and Transit (PIWTT) and a Coastal Shipping Agreement, are all examples of these multi-modal linkages.
The High Commissioner highlighted the importance of building a robust physical, energy and digital connectivity to help boost intra-BIMSTEC trade that still remains limited.
He said India and Bangladesh on their part have taken important steps in the last few years for improving the cross-border trade and immigration infrastructure including upgradation of infrastructure at 36 Land Customs Stations.In the area of digital connectivity, High Commissioner said that both countries are in the midst of a programme for exchanging 50 start-ups from both sides with the objective to promote collaboration in digitization, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The recent inauguration of the India-Bangladesh ‘Start Up Bridge’ provides an institutional gateway for the startup communities to engage and explore knowledge-sharing, niche markets and business collaborations.
High Commissioner Verma said that the cornerstones of India’s foreign policy, i.e., "Neighbourhood First Policy” and "Act East Policy”, both intersect at BIMSTEC. He further said that India remains strongly committed to further building the momentum towards deepening of regional cooperation under the BIMSTEC framework and will work closely with Bangladesh and all BIMSTEC partners towards making the organization stronger, more vibrant and resilient, and more effective and result-oriented.
The event was also attended by special guests including Tenzin Lekphell, Secretary General, BIMSTEC, Aung Kyaw Moe, Ambassador of Myanmar, Jigdrel Y. Tshering, Cd’A, Embassy of Bhutan, Md. Nurul Amin, Chairman, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, and Abdul Matlub Ahmad, President, India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IBCCI). Also in attendance were members of ICC and IBCCI.
PM Hasina’s dynamic leadership ensured regional stability: Momen tells Indian business delegation
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday conveyed to an Indian business delegation that due to the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, regional stability has been ensured, which has benefited both the countries to augment economic growth.
Momen emphasised on working for the promotion of bilateral trade and commerce in a balanced manner and stressed the need for removing all kinds of trade barriers, especially tariff and non-tariff barriers, for enhancement of trade volume between Bangladesh and India.
He received the business delegation from Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The foreign minister, during his interaction with the delegation, expressed his satisfaction over the excellent bilateral relation between the two neighbours.
Read: US prioritizing global anti-corruption efforts, to focus on business aspects in future: US official tells foreign secretary
He noted that both Bangladesh and India have made remarkable growth in trade and investment in the recent years.
Momen said that the two countries should work together to complement their economies, especially when the world is experiencing economic recession due to Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical crisis.
He invited the business delegation to invest in Bangladesh and take advantage of the congenial investment regime of the country.
Read: BJP chief says they will work with Bangladesh Awami League for greater interest in South Asia
Momen said that Bangladesh is developing two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) at Mirsarai and Mongla dedicated for India at an expeditious manner, so that more investment can be accommodated.
The Indian delegation appreciated the recent remarkable socio-economic growth achieved under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
They expressed their readiness to engage with various business bodies for promoting trade and commerce with a view to achieving economic development in both the countries.
They also expressed their keen interest in investing in Banglades, especially in health, education and power sector.
Read: Indian companies keen to invest in Bangladesh
They also proposed to launch BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce to promote trade and commerce among the BIMSTEC member states.
Momen appreciated the idea and assured of extending necessary support in this regard.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce, which was set up in 1925, has a special focus on promoting trade and commerce in the South Asian and South East Asian countries.
They are visiting Dhaka on August 6-8 and meeting various chambers and business houses in Bangladesh.
US prioritizing global anti-corruption efforts, to focus on business aspects in future: US official tells foreign secretary
Bangladesh has laid emphasis on more transparency and accountability over issues involving money laundering, noting that in most cases Bangladesh does not get required feedback when it comes to mutual legal assistance.
"We want all countries to cooperate… one single country or institution cannot do it," Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told reporters after his meeting with US State Department Coordinator for Global Anti-corruption, Richard Nephew, at Foreign Service Academy on Monday.
Momen said he emphasized cooperation so that there is no impunity and adverse impact on society.
Also read: BJP chief says they will work with Bangladesh Awami League for greater interest in South Asia
The foreign secretary said the US side has invited Bangladesh to attend the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention Against Corruption in Atlanta in December this year.
He said Bangladesh will take part in the meeting where the host US will seek renewed commitment from the participating countries or institutions to jointly tackle global corruption.
Masud Bin Momen said Bangladesh will also attend a meeting at G20 on similar issues and the law minister is likely to lead the Bangladesh delegation.
Also read: US ready to provide Bangladesh with "more advanced capabilities through foreign military sales: Ambassador Haas
The foreign secretary said the US side appreciated Bangladeshi organizations while Bangladesh expressed interest in collaborating more on capacity building.
Responding to a question, he said the visiting US official told him that sanctions are a tool against corruption around the world.
Richard Nephew arrived in Dhaka on Sunday and met Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) officials.
On Monday, he met civil society members at the US embassy.
Also read: US hopes new Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy will further enhance cooperation with Bangladesh
Momen said Nephew told him that the US was giving priority on global anti-corruption efforts and would, in future, tag the issue in areas of business and investment.
"We also spoke of capacity building and support of the countries that received laundered money," he said.
In July 2022, Richard Nephew was named as US coordinator on global anti-corruption. This position will integrate and elevate the fight against corruption across all aspects of US diplomacy and foreign assistance.
The Foreign Secretary said there was no discussion on any individual but in future the US will consider viability of projects in terms of integrity and environment, especially while funding big projects.
He said Bangladesh has the National Integrity Strategy, but all should practice it to have true impacts.
He also detailed how Bangladesh maintains the obligations to the international conventions including the UN Convention Against Corruption, especially how it coordinates with the Anti-Corruption Commission and Bangladesh Bank.
BJP chief says they will work with Bangladesh Awami League for greater interest in South Asia
Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President J. P Nadda on Monday said the BJP and the Bangladesh Awami League will work for greater interest in the South Asian region.
“The BJP has a historic relation with the Awami League for a long time and we want to carry forward our relation by strengthening party level contacts in the days to come,” he said when a five-member AL delegation held a meeting with the BJP president at his residence in New Delhi.
Also read: Five member AL delegation leaves for India at BJP's invitation
AL Presidium Member and Agriculture Minister Dr. Md. Abdur Razzaque MP led the Bangladesh delegation while AL Joint-General Secretary and Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hassan Mahmood MP, party’s Organising Secretary Sujit Roy Nandi, Aroma Dutta MP and Prof. Marina Jahan MP attended the meeting, according to the Bangladesh Mission in New Delhi.
In the meeting they discussed a wide range of issues including political stability in the region, Bangladesh’s economic development, curbing militancy and India-Bangladesh relations as well.
Also read: AL delegation to leave Dhaka for New Delhi on Sunday
Nadda said India has a historic as well as emotional relation with Bangladesh from the very inception of the country in 1971 through War of Liberation.
On Bangladesh-India relations, he said the relations between the two countries reached a new height during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina.
He mentioned that the long standing Bangladesh-India Land Boundary and Maritime Disputes and crisis in the Indian North-Eastern states were solved during the tenure of the two premiers.
The BJP President also mentioned with gratitude that the crisis in India's North-Eastern states were resolved due to the pro-active initiative of the present AL government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Also read: Go all out for the victory of AL-nominated candidates in upcoming national election: PM Hasina asks party members
Hailing the present economic development in Bangladesh, he said that Bangladesh achieved a tremendous success in the country’s socio-economic sectors in the region, which is considered as an example for other countries.
Dr Hasan Mahmood said the meeting, which lasted for more than one and a half hours, was held in a ‘very cordial atmosphere’.
Indian companies keen to invest in Bangladesh
Indian companies have shown keen interest to invest in Bangladesh in the areas of energy, healthcare and education.
They observed that Bangladesh’s market size is gradually becoming larger and the connectivity between the two neighbours is getting stronger.
Chairman and Managing Director of West Bengal’s Desun Hospital Sajal Dutta said they are looking for land in four places – Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet and Khulna – for establishing specialized hospitals of cardiac, cancer, neurology and gastro.
“Our target is to establish the hospitals in five years and the investment of Tk 1000 crore,” he said at a press conference organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka on Sunday.
Read: Bangladesh Ambassador to US Imran pays tributes to Sheikh Kamal
ICC Director General Dr Rajeev Singh led a delegation of 85 Indian companies to Bangladesh for the India-Bangladesh Business Leaders’ Meet where the Indian and Bangladeshi businesses discussed business opportunities.
According to the Indian government data, annually some 2.5 million Bangladeshis go to India for healthcare.
According to an ICC handout, the healthcare market in Bangladesh is projected to be $14 billion this year, making it a huge opportunity for the Indian healthcare sector.
Sajal Dutta said India provides high quality healthcare service, while Bangladeshis have a high demand for this. On the other hand, many Indian students also study medicine in Bangladesh.
"Thus, there is a huge scope of collaboration between the two countries in this sector."
Prashant Sharma, managing director at the Charnock Hospital, said Bangladesh can focus on nursing education as the profession is of high demand globally.
The Indian education entrepreneurs said India too provides high quality education and Bangladesh has a high demand for this. Especially, they said, India can provide quality education in IT, agriculture and technical education.
They said there appears to be not much on-campus jobs placement programme in Bangladesh and the Indian educational institutions can have collaborations with Bangladeshi institutions towards this end.
Read: Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi observes birth anniversary of Sheikh Kamal
Punjab-based Guru Kashi University’s director (corporate affairs) Dr B Abdul Rafeeq said they have a long-term investment plan in Bangladesh on education.
“We have opportunities to invest if Bangladesh government cooperates and coordinates with us. We want to establish a group of institutions, universities in Bangladesh,” he told reporters.
According to the ICC, the higher education market size of Bangladesh is $4.6 billion.Official of an Indian public sector hydropower company, NHPC Ltd, said Bangladesh has a huge demand for power, and given the climate change aspects, hydropower will be an important component in energy.
Bhutan and India’s Northeast can also be an important source of hydropower, he said, adding that the company is already producing hydropower in Nepal and can eventually import it to Bangladesh.
Business delegations from Bangladesh and India also discussed the business potentials of agriculture products between the two countries.
They said there are still tariff and non-tariff barriers that need to be removed for smooth business.
India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Abdul Matlub Ahmad also spoke.
Meanwhile, BIMSTEC Energy Conference was held at the hotel.
Read: Scientific Advisory Board for Independent Advice on Breakthroughs in Science and Technology
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma said energy connectivity needs to be strengthened in the region, apart from transport connectivity as the future of the region depends on these two sectors.
Bangladesh Ambassador to US Imran pays tributes to Sheikh Kamal
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran has recalled with deep respect valiant Freedom Fighter Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal's great contributions to the Liberation War, rebuilding the war-ravaged Bangladesh and the development of sports and culture after independence.
He said Shaheed Sheikh Kamal, who possessed multidimensional talents, was the pioneer of country’s modern sports and a role model for the youthfolk.
After the great Liberation War, Sheikh Kamal dedicated himself to building “Sonar Bangla” envisaged by Bangabandhu, as well as development of sports, culture and other fields, said the Ambassador.
He paid profound homage to Shaheed Sheikh Kamal and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other martyrs of the August 15 carnage.
Ambassador Imran hoped that the country's young generation would take sports and cultural arenas to the highest peak of the success by following the ideology of Shaheed Sheikh Kamal.
The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC Saturday observed the 74th birth anniversary of valiant Freedom Fighter Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal, recalling his outstanding contributions to the fields of sports and culture alongside rebuilding the war-ravaged Bangladesh.
The Embassy organised different programs at the Bangabandhu Auditorium in the morning to observe the birth anniversary of Shaheed Sheikh Kamal, also the eldest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi observes birth anniversary of Sheikh Kamal
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Saturday paid homage to valiant freedom fighter Captain Sheikh Kamal on the occasion of his 74th birth anniversary.
The 74th birth anniversary of Captain Sheikh Kamal was observed with due solemnity.
The Mission held elaborate programs on the day involving a discussion session, documentary screening and a special prayer.
At the outset, High Commissioner Md. Mustafizur Rahman laid a wreath at the portrait of Captain Sheikh Kamal. All mission officials accompanied him during this time.
The messages of the President and the Prime Minister on the occasion were read out to the audience.
The High Commissioner later presided over a discussion session on the life and works of Sheikh Kamal at the chancery’s Bangabandhu conference hall.
In his speech, the High Commissioner mentioned his exceptional leadership quality in the field of sports, art and music after the 1971 War of Liberation. He got all his attributes from his family and these attributes were reflected in his personal, social and cultural life.
He also recalled Sheikh Kamal’s role during the Liberation War when he acted as the ADC of Commander-in-chief Gen. MAG Osmani.
Though his life was cut short on the fatal night of 15 August 1975, Shaheed Sheikh Kamal left behind his significant mark as an ideal Bangali during his short lifetime, he added.
Selim Md. Jahangir, Minister (Consular) of the Mission also spoke on the occasion and reflected on the legacy of the valiant freedom fighter Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal.
A documentary on the life of Capt. Sheikh Kamal was also screened.
A special prayer seeking eternal peace and salvation of the departed soul of Sheikh Kamal and his family members was also offered.
Scientific Advisory Board for Independent Advice on Breakthroughs in Science and Technology
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the creation of a new Scientific Advisory Board to advise UN leaders on breakthroughs in science and technology and how to harness the benefits of these advances and mitigate potential risks.“Scientific and technological progress can support efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – but they are also giving rise to ethical, legal and political concerns that require multilateral solutions.” Mr. Guterres said.
UN Secretary General appointed Saleemul Huq as one of the seven global scientific scholars of his Scientific Advisory board.
“My Scientific Advisory Board will strengthen the role of the United Nations as a reliable source of data and evidence, and provide advice to me and my senior management team.”
The Advisory Board will comprise seven eminent scholars alongside the Chief Scientists of UN System entities, the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, and the Rector of the United Nations University. The Board will be associated with a network of diverse scientific institutions from across the world.“The Secretary-General's decision to establish a Scientific Advisory Board underscores the unwavering dedication of UN leaders to the principles of the scientific method. I look forward to supporting the UN Secretary-General in raising the voice for science-based policy and decision-making,” expressed Professor Yoshua Bengio, Scientific Director of Mila - Quebec AI Institute and Professor at the Université de Montréal.
The primary objective of the Board is to provide independent insights on trends at the intersection of science, technology, ethics, governance, and sustainable development. Through their collaborative efforts, the Board and its Network will support UN leaders in anticipating, adapting to, and leveraging the latest scientific advancements in their work for people, planet, and prosperity.
“By ensuring that UN policies and programs are founded on the best available scientific evidence and expertise, the Board will play a crucial role in navigating the complex moral, social, and political dilemmas presented by rapid scientific and technological progress.”, said Ms. Ismahane Elouafi, Chief Scientist at the Food and Agriculture Organization.
With the formation of the Scientific Advisory Board, the United Nations takes a momentous stride towards better bridging science and policy. This initiative marks a vital step towards embracing the full potential of science and technology for the collective benefit of all Member States. Through collaborative efforts and inclusive representation, the Board will bolster the UN's capacity to address the intricate challenges and opportunities at the forefront of science and technology, fostering a path towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
UN rights body urges 'peaceful, inclusive, safe environment' ahead of election
The United Nations has urged all political parties, their supporters and the security forces to ensure a "peaceful, inclusive and safe environment enabling a free and fair ballot" as Bangladesh gears up for a general election.
"We also call on the authorities to ensure all those canvassing ahead of next year’s ballot are assured a safe and peaceful environment that respects and promotes political plurality and the expression of diverse views, in full respect for fundamental rights and freedoms," said Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Jeremy Laurence in Geneva on Friday.
In recent months, the Spokesperson said, recurring violence has erupted at a number of opposition rallies, where police have used rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons.
Police, alongside men in plain clothing, have been seen using hammers, sticks, bats and iron rods, among other objects, to beat protesters, said the UN rights body.
"Many opposition supporters – as well as some police - have been injured. Senior opposition leaders have been beaten in broad daylight, and their homes raided by people claiming to be law enforcement personnel," said the Spokesperson.
Hundreds of opposition leaders and supporters have been arrested before and during the rallies, said Jeremy Laurence
Authorities must abide by their human rights obligations and allow people to exercise their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of opinion and expression, and to act diligently to protect against attempts by third parties to suppress or limit exercise of those rights, said the Spokesperson.
"We urge the police to ensure that force is only used when strictly necessary and, if so, in full compliance with the principles of legality, restraint and proportionality," said Laurence.
"Excessive use of force must be promptly investigated, and those responsible held to account," the Spokesperson mentioned.
Millions at the risk of hunger; Dhaka advocates for collective response to conflict-induced global food insecurity
Strongly denouncing the use of famine and starvation as weapons of war, Bangladesh has called upon all member states to refrain from employing starvation as a tactic of warfare and also urged conflicting parties to adhere to international law and humanitarian principles.
"In the face of conflict-induced global food insecurity, a fragmented approach will not suffice. We must come together in a collective endeavor to address this crisis"-said Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York, during his address at the Security Council's open debate on Famine and Conflict-induced Global Food Insecurity on August 3.
Citing the devastating impact of the ongoing conflicts and climate change on global food security, Ambassador Muhith shed light on the various measures undertaken by the government of Bangladesh to address food insecurity at both the national and international levels.
He pointed out that to tackle the conflict-driven global food crisis, Bangladesh government has taken various fiscal and policy measures and prioritized investments in agri-food systems.
Furthermore, he mentioned that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon all the citizens to actively participate in homegrown food production practices and cultivate unused lands in every household
To bolster collective action against food insecurity, Muhith stressed the importance of addressing underlying factors that affect food prices and access to food during conflicts.
In this regard, he pledged full support for the Secretary-General's call to keep markets open, remove unnecessary export restrictions, and release food reserves to improve food supply.
He also underscored the urgency of renewing the 'Black Sea Grain Initiative' to ensure stable food supplies.
Moreover, he emphasized the need for increased international cooperation, including South-South cooperation, climate financing, and technology transfer, to support vulnerable countries like Bangladesh in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change on food security.
Drawing the attention of the council to the protracted Rohingya crisis and the funding shortfall in the humanitarian response plan for the Rohingya, Muhith urged the Security Council to pay immediate attention to the situation in Myanmar.
He appealed for collective efforts to create a conducive environment in the country to enable safe and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas.
He called upon the international community to continue providing adequate funding to support the displaced Rohingyas pending their return.