foreign-affairs
All countries including Bangladesh should have free and fair elections: US State Dept
The United States has reiterated that they support everyone’s right to freely exercise their role in a democratic society.
"We oppose any restrictions on human rights," US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters during a regular media briefing on July 24.
Read: Dhaka Metro Rail a symbol of Japan’s contributions to Bangladesh’s fast development: Nishimura Yasutoshi
He said visa restrictions would apply to anyone who undermines the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
"Actions that constitute undermining the democratic election process include vote rigging, voter intimidation, the use of violence to prevent people from exercising their rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly, and the use of measures designed to prevent political parties, voters, civil society, or the media from disseminating their views," said the spokesperson.
Read: EU Special Representative for Human Rights in Dhaka with ‘wide-ranging’ agenda
Responding to another question, he said they do not take a position with respect to any political party in Bangladesh or in other countries.
"But we believe that Bangladesh and all countries throughout the world should have free and fair elections," US Department of State Spokesperson Miller said.
Read: Transforming Global Food Systems: $400 billion needed per year while doing nothing could cost $12 trillion
PM Hasina offers Nepal use of Payra port during meeting with Nepalese counterpart in Rome
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has offered to Nepal the use of its newly constructed Payra port during a meeting with her Nepalese counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
The two visiting ministers met at newly opened Bangladesh-Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Room in the FAO Headquarters on the sideline of the UN Food Systems Summit. Both leaders are in Rome to attend the summit.
In the meeting, PM Hasina offered Nepal the use of theu Payra port, said Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen while briefing reporters.
Read: Italy keen to take more manpower from Bangladesh in agri & hospitality sectors
“Bangladesh has already opened the Chalna and Chittagong ports for Nepal. Nepal can use the newly constructed Payra port as well,” Momen quoted her as telling Dahal.
PM Hasina said Bangladesh is developing its Sayedpur airport as a regional hub to extend the connectivity in the region.
The Nepalese premier commended the development of Bangladesh under the successful leadership of PM Hasina, said Momen.
Read: Time has come for a climate-smart agri-food revolution: PM Hasina tells UN food summit
“You are a leader of our region,” Momen quoted him as saying.
He said there is a huge scope of hydroelectricity generation in Nepal.
In this context, Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh will take steps to import renewable energy particularly hydroelectricity after the first trilateral power trade from Nepal to Bangladesh through India for 40MW of power starts.
Read: Bangladesh-Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Room opened at FAO Headquarters
Dahal mentioned that a good number of Nepalese students are pursuing their studies in Bangladesh.
Italy keen to take more manpower from Bangladesh in agri & hospitality sectors
Italy has expressed interest in hiring more manpower from Bangladesh particularly for its hospitality and agriculture sectors.
The interest was expressed when three Italian ministers met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the UN Food Systems Summit at the headquarters of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the Italian capital city on Monday.
Read: PM Hasina offers Nepal use of Pyra port during meeting with Nepalese counterpart in Rome
Three Italian ministers are Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio.
During the meeting, the ministers told the Bangladesh premier that Italy would hire more workers through legal ways for its hospitality and agriculture sectors, said Bangladesh foreign minister AK Abdul Momen while briefing reporters about the meeting on Monday.
However, they are worried about many illegal workers as Italian voters are raising questions over them. So, they said illegal workers should be discouraged.m, said Momen.
Read: Bangladesh-Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Room opened at FAO Headquarters
He quoted PM Hasina as telling the Italian ministers that Bangladesh also wants to discourage illegal workers.
Noting that both documented and undocumented workers are contributing to the economies of both Italy and Bangladesh, she asked the Italian government to legalise the undocumented Bangladeshi workers who are well-mannered and skilled.
Read: Time has come for a climate-smart agri-food revolution: PM Hasina tells UN food summit
“They (Italy) are very happy that the government of Bangladesh would be supportive for the migration of workers in legal ways,” said Momen.
Dhaka Metro Rail a symbol of Japan’s contributions to Bangladesh’s fast development: Nishimura Yasutoshi
Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi on Monday said Dhaka Metro Rail is a symbol of Japan’s contributions to Bangladesh’s fast development.
"It’s very good and very comfortable. It's very fast, too," said the Japanese minister after taking a ride on metro rail with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam.
Also read: Japan to fully cooperate with Bangladesh towards becoming a high income country by 2041
He also visited the construction site of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka.
Talking to reporters, the Japanese trade minister said his country will continue to contribute to Bangladesh's further development.
The Japanese minister said he is surprised to see Bangladesh’s rapid development.
Also read: Metro Rail: Japanese Minister, Shahriar Alam pay tributes to victims of Holey Artisan incident
The Japanese minister and Bangladesh state minister for foreign affairs rode the metro rail from Uttara North Station and returned to the same station after crossing a few stations upto Pallabi.
They also visited the Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Centre and paid tribute to the Japanese victims of the Holey Artisan Bakery terrorist attack at the memorial there.
Nishimura Yasutoshi thanked State Minister Alam for accompanying him during the visit.
Also read: Japanese Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi in Dhaka
EU Special Representative for Human Rights in Dhaka with ‘wide-ranging’ agenda
The European Union’s Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, began his visit in Dhaka today with wide-ranging agenda.
"Great to welcome EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore on his second visit to Bangladesh," EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley tweeted.
Earlier, acting Foreign Secretary Rear Admiral (retd) Khurshed Alam received Gilmore upon his arrival in Dhaka.
Also read: EU's special representative for human rights due in Bangladeash
"Wide-ranging agenda ahead including meetings with the government, civil society and a visit to the Rohingya camps," said the EU Ambassador.
He will discuss issues of mutual interests, especially rights issues.
Gilmore is visiting at the invitation of the government of Bangladesh.
Also read: Journalists encourage EU delegation to support sending observers regardless of what the next election may look like
During his six-day visit, Gilmore will hold 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.
In Dhaka, he will hold a series of meetings with government officials and other stakeholders to discuss human rights issues.
He is likely to hold meetings with Law Minister Anisul Haq, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam apart from his meeting with civil society members.
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.
Also read: Free, fair, credible election unlikely under incumbent govt: AB Party tells EU Mission
Shahriar invited Gilmore to visit Bangladesh at the time.
The tasks of the Special Representative for Human Rights are to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy.
The Special Representative has a broad, flexible mandate, which provides the possibility of adapting to evolving geopolitical circumstances.
Also read: EU wants free, fair and peaceful election—also a commitment of AL: Quader
The Special Representative works closely with the European External Action Service, which provides full support to his work.
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.
Also read: Not possible to go to polls under AL: BNP tells EU delegation
Metro Rail: Japanese Minister, Shahriar Alam pay tributes to victims of Holey Artisan incident
Yasutoshi Nishimura, Japanese Minister for Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on Monday visited the metro rail project and construction site of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam accompanied him during the visit.
They rode the metro rail together from Uttara North Station and returned to the same station after crossing few metro stations upto Pallabi.
Read: First phase of Metro Rail test run from Agargaon to Motijheel underway
They also visited the Metro Rail Exhibition & Information Centre and paid tributes to the victims of Holey Artisan incident at the Memorial there.
The Japanese Minister was very happy to ride the metro and expressed his satisfaction on the ongoing construction work of the airport 3rd terminal.
He thanked State Minister Alam for accompanying him during the visit.
Read more: PM to inaugurate Agargaon-Motijheel section of Dhaka Metro Rail in Oct: Quader
Japan to fully cooperate with Bangladesh towards becoming a high income country by 2041
Japan’s Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi today said his country would extend full cooperation to Bangladesh in its endeavor to become a high income country by 2041.
The Japanese minister discussed areas of cooperation with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.
Earlier, the Japanese minister for economy and trade took a ride on Dhaka's metro rail.
Also read: Japanese Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi in Dhaka
State Minister Alam accompanied him.
Nishimura Yasutoshi arrived in Dhaka on July 23 on a two-day official visit.
This is the first time that a Japanese minister for economy, trade and industry is visiting Bangladesh.
Yasutoshi referred to the ‘Strategic Partnership’ of diplomatic relations jointly declared by the prime ministers of both countries during PM Sheikh Hasina’s Japan visit in April this year.
Also read: Japan will continue to support resolving Rohingya issues: Ambassador
He expressed satisfaction on the mega projects carried out in association with Japan.
He praised Bangladesh’s young and energetic population as well as the country’s strategic location between South and Southeast Asia.
State Minister Alam reiterated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to turn Bangladesh into a high income country by 2041.
He briefed the Japanese minister on the development achievements carried out by the government in the last one-and-a-half decade. He referred to the ongoing mega projects under Bangladesh-Japan collaboration and stressed the need of such joint ventures to materialize Bangladesh’s vision of becoming a smart and developed country.
Also read: Groundhandling contract for Terminal 3 will go to Japan: CAAB chairman
He invited more Japanese investment including that in the sectors of infrastructural development, ICT, human resources development and renewable energy.
He called for continuing the existing preferential treatment to Bangladesh following the graduation to a middle income country.
Minister Yasutoshi informed the Bangladesh state minister for foreign affairs that Japan is currently studying the preferential treatment that can be accorded to Bangladesh upon its graduation to a middle income country.
An Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in this regard would help, he added.
State Minister Alam thanked Minister Yasutoshi for Japan’s continued support towards the development and progress in Bangladesh.
Also read: Deal signed for $225mn loan from Japan as budget support
They rode the metro rail together from Uttara North Station and returned to the same station after crossing few metro stations upto Pallabi.
They also visited the Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Centre and paid tributes to the victims of Holey Artisan incident at the Memorial there.
The Japanese Minister was very happy to ride the metro and expressed his satisfaction over ongoing construction work of the airport third terminal.
Shared principles and ability to continually ‘form a more perfect union’ are the anchor of US-Bangladesh relations: Peter Haas
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said the story of Bangladeshis in the United States carries significance.
“The strength of our democracy is in our people, and the strength of our people gets full expression in our democracy,” he said.
Speaking at a reception marking the Independence Day (July 4) of United States on Sunday evening, Haas said that they believe the principles that define America, extend beyond its borders.
Read: EU's special representative for human rights due in Bangladeash
Speaker of the Parliament, Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was the chief guest at the event.
“And we also believe that those values with anchor US-Bangladeshi ties, now and in the future,” he said.
The US celebrated its 247th Independence Day.
In the United States, the ambassador said, Independence Day celebrations are a combination of patriotic speeches and backyard BBQs, of military parades and fireworks, and of music that runs the gamut from the “Star-Spangled Banner” to “Born in the USA” to “Bad to the Bone.”
Read: Excited to see more Bangladeshi students choosing US for higher education: Ambassador Haas
In short, they celebrate the principles upon which they were founded.
“And we have fun doing it. And that is what we are here to do tonight,” said the Ambassador.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,” Haas said.
“Standing here now, in 2023, I note these principles of equality and democracy don’t apply just to men, but also to women, and the whole diverse range of Americans, regardless of race, color, or creed,” he added.
Read: People in support of fair polls have nothing to fear, Peter Haas says on new US visa policy
The United States and Bangladesh share similar ideals that motivated struggles for independence, said the ambassador.
Almost two centuries after 1776, Bangladesh fought the Liberation War based on four similar principles: nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism, he said.
“These shared principles, and the success of our nations’ ability to continually ‘form a more perfect Union’ are – and will be – the anchor of US-Bangladesh relations,” he said.
A special photo exhibition was held on the occasion that captured the spirit of George Thorogood’s tour, with a Bangladeshi twist. This exhibition showcases Bangladeshis who have made their homes in many of the 50 states of America.
Read: Bangladesh can draw more investment if corruption remains less prevalent: Peter Haas
“These photographs are a testament to the diversity that flourishes within our borders, where people from all walks of life, including Bangladeshis, have found a place to call home,” said the US ambassador.
“Through this exhibition, we witness the remarkable stories of Bangladeshis who have embraced the American dream, contributing their skills, culture, and heritage to the vibrant mosaic of our society,” he said.
“Their presence all over the United States exemplifies the strength and resilience of the American people, a strength rooted in our shared values of liberty, justice, and equality,” Haas said.
EU's special representative for human rights due in Bangladeash
The European Union’s Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Monday to discuss issues of mutual interests, specially rights issues.
He will be visiting at the invitation of the government of Bangladesh.
During his six-day visit, Gilmore will hold meetings with concerned government officials over the Rohingya issue and will visit the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read: Japanese Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi in Dhaka
In Dhaka, Eamon will hold a series of meetings with government officials and other stakeholders to discuss human rights issues.
He is likely to hold meetings with Law Minister Anisul Haq, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam apart from his meeting with civil society members.
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.
Shahriar invited Gilmore to visit Bangladesh.
The tasks of the Special Representative for Human Rights are to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy.
The Special Representative has a broad, flexible mandate, which provides the possibility of adapting to evolving geopolitical circumstances.
Read: Australia-Bangladesh willing to take bilateral relations to new height
The Special Representative works closely with the European External Action Service, which provides full support to his work.
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.
Defence diplomacy emerges as an indispensable tool for maintaining peace, stability: BIPSS president
Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) president Major General (Retd) ANM Muniruzzaman has said defence diplomacy has emerged as an indispensable tool for maintaining peace stability in an increasingly interconnected world where global challenges and threats transcend borders.
Defence diplomacy involves the strategic use of military and security assets, not for aggression, but as instruments of cooperation, collaboration, and conflict resolution, he said while speaking at a roundtable on Sunday.
"One might question why we need defence diplomacy when traditional diplomacy already exists. The answer lies in understanding the unique nature of security challenges and how defence diplomacy complements traditional diplomatic efforts," said the BIPSS president.
Read: Japanese Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi in Dhaka
BIPSS hosted the roundtable on ‘Defence Diplomacy: A Powerful Tool of Statecraft’ at a Dhaka hotel.
The speakers of the event were Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Distinguished Fellow, BIPSS and former Foreign Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh and Air Vice Marshal Mahmud Hussain (retd), former Ambassador and Distinguished Expert, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University (BSMRAAU).
Ambassadors and diplomats based in Dhaka, government officials, defense personnel, academician, journalists, and scholars joined.
Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said there is no universal definition of defense diplomacy in international relations as it adjusts differently in different circumstances.
Read: Australia-Bangladesh willing to take bilateral relations to new height
"Although the concept lies in Western origin, Asian perspective is added to it as more and more countries are harnessing defense diplomacy in their national strategies. ‘Defense diplomacy goes beyond offensive, defensive or other forms of coercive forces," said Dr Chowdhury.
He said it can simultaneously embrace both the characteristics of hard power and soft power.
"However, it varies from state to state. In example, he mentioned the case of USA, which often relies on the hard power defense diplomacy where use of force including sanctions is evident while for China it inclines more towards soft power."
With the increasing number of issues like, extremism, maritime piracy, climate change, migration, the foreign ministry cannot solely handle them all, he said.
According to Air Vice Marshal Mahmud Hussain, defence diplomacy as a tool of statecraft is very significant for Bangladesh.
Read: Washington keen to expand trade, create job opportunities for Bangladeshis and Americans: Congressman Joe Wilson
Bangladesh has been contributing as a top-troop contributing country in UN Peacekeeping since 2012 and the fact that Sierra Leone has recognized Bengali as one of their official languages for such contribution is a proof that defence diplomacy has been successful, he said.
He emphasized on the fact that diplomacy should not be based solely on political or foreign offices, but requires collaboration with military division.
During the interactive session, Dr Chowdhury discussed about the necessity of balance procurements and diversification in defense diplomacy of Bangladesh.
Mentioning the case of Pakistan, he claimed that Pakistan balances its defence diplomacy with both USA and China very carefully according to its costs and adjustments and Bangladesh should also keep its options open rather than relying on one particular global power for defense cooperation.
He also mentioned that the role of ambassadors should not just revolve around representing the state or be ceremonial in nature but needs to be functional as well.
Focusing on realism, AVM Mahmud claimed that they must accept the fact that the more power a state has in global stage, the more contribution it makes in defense diplomacy and hence states must adjust accordingly.
Both the speakers agreed on the fact that, in case of protocol, it is wise to keep all the baskets open as overdependence in defense purchase can have a toll on Bangladesh.
Demonstrating the success story of Singapore and India in incorporating technology in defense diplomacy, the speakers recommend that Bangladesh can learn to improve its diplomatic stance in global stage.
Read: Dhaka calls on UN Secretary-General to convey OIC’s deep condemnation on burning of Holy Quran
The moderator and BIPSS President concluded the event mentioning that defence diplomacy is not a panacea, but it is an element in the pursuit of global peace and security.
By engaging in meaningful and constructive cooperation, nations can build bridges, resolve conflicts, and lay the groundwork for a safer and more prosperous world, he said.