foreign-affairs
G20 foreign ministers’ meet in Delhi: Momen to hold meetings on the sidelines
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will have a number of bilateral meetings including with his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi on March 1-2.
Talking to reporters at the Jatiya Press Club on Tuesday, Momen said he cannot tell all the names at this moment but there are meetings with his counterparts from France, Sweden and India in addition to his counterparts from two-three more countries.
Asked whether there is any planned meeting with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on the sidelines of G20, Momen said he will be traveling to the USA in April at the invitation of the US side where he will have the meeting.
The Foreign Minister is scheduled to leave for New Delhi on March 1. The US Secretary of State will also travel to New Delhi on March 1 to participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang will attend the G-20 foreign ministers' meeting on March 2, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will be on a three-day visit to India to participate in the G2O Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi from March 1-2, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Read: Bangladesh should go for PTA with Mercosur instead of FTA: Argentine minister
The G20 foreign ministers’ meeting will focus on strengthening multilateralism and deepening cooperation on food and energy security, sustainable development, counter-narcotics, global health, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and gender equality and women’s empowerment.
India, holding G20 presidency, has invited Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as guest countries to its meetings and summit, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, India.
Under its presidency, India is expected to host over 200 G20 meetings across the country this year.
“We feel very honored,” Foreign Minister Momen said.
In the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, Momen said, Bangladesh will put forward its views and suggestions including finding ways for stopping war and proper implementation of SDGs.
“We will present our views and suggestions. We want development in a peaceful environment,” he said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been invited to attend the 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit which will take place during September 9-10 this year in New Delhi.
Hasina paid a state visit to India from September 5 to 8 last year at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
Apart from the G20 leaders, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil El-Sisi, Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Oman Head of State Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have been invited to the G20 Summit.
Reopening embassy will boost trade between Argentina, Bangladesh: Visiting minister hopes
Argentina’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Santiago Andrés Cafiero today (February 28, 2023) hoped that the economic, trade and business collaboration between his country and Bangladesh will get a boost following the reopening of the Argentine embassy in Dhaka.
He expressed the optimism while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban this morning.
PM’s speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting.
“Argentina is happy to reopen its embassy in Dhaka,” the visiting foreign minister was quoted as saying while extending thanks to Sheikh Hasina for giving the opportunity to reopen the mission in such a short time.
Read More: Bangladesh should go for PTA with Mercosur instead of FTA: Argentine minister
He hoped that economic, trade and business collaboration between the two countries will be enhanced, as well as friendship will be strengthened further with reopening the embassy.
“There is enough scope to enhance cooperation between our two countries,” Cafiero was quoted as saying.
Argentina first opened its embassy in Dhaka in 1974 but it was closed in 1978 by the military junta that ruled the South American country at the time. The Argentina embassy was reopened in Dhaka’s Banani area yesterday.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh is very keen to enhance relations with Argentina.
Read: All roads in haor areas will be elevated for unobstructed water flow: PM
“There is huge scope to enhance trade and tourism between Bangladesh and Argentina,” she was quoted.
Argentina can import garments and pharmaceutical items, jute and related products, and leather goods from Bangladesh, she said.
Bangladesh mainly imports edible oil, particularly soybean oil, animal and vegetable fats, seeds, fruits, grains, dairy products, eggs and natural honey.
“We can also collaborate in the fields of sports, education and culture,” she said, seeking cooperation from Argentina for the development of Bangladesh football.
Read More: Latin America-Bangladesh Chamber president meets Argentine business delegate in Dhaka
Sheikh Hasina said the whole world is going through turmoil caused by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, economic sanctions and counter-sanctions.
Not only Bangladesh, but many developed countries are being impacted as prices of food items and inflation have gone up significantly around the world, she said.
In this context, she said that public suffering can be eased through enhancing cooperation and relations among friendly countries.
The PM said Bangladesh has put emphasis on raising food production and setting up 100 special economic zones to generate employment, developing infrastructures and connectivity with neighbouring countries. Now Bangladesh is a marketing hub in South Asia, she added.
Read: President at Mithamain to welcome PM
The visiting Argentine minister said the people of his country are also bearing the brunt of high inflation induced by the Russia-Ukraine war and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Talking about climate change, he said relations among the member states of the global south forum can be strengthened to fight the impact.
He praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership in fighting climate change.
Appreciating the development of Bangladesh, he said, “We are highly impressed with the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.”
Read More: Bangladesh attractive destination for business, investment: Momen tells Argentine delegation
Noting that this is his first visit here, the Argentine foreign minister said he did not imagine that Bangladesh would be so beautiful.
PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin, Secretary (West) at the Foreign Ministry Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury and non-resident Ambassador of Argentina to Bangladesh Hugo Gobbi were present.
On Monday, Argentine Foreign Minister Cafiero arrived in Dhaka to inaugurate his country’s new embassy here and deepen trade and cultural relations. Diplomatic operations, such as visas in order to travel, were handled by the Argentine embassy in India until now.
Read More: Argentine FM to hold bilateral talks with Momen in Dhaka Monday
Bangladesh has capacity to patrol land and maritime borders, improved cargo and passenger airport screening: US report
Bangladesh has the capacity to patrol land and maritime borders and has improved cargo and passenger airport screening with updated equipment, procedures, and increased staff, a latest report released today by the US says.
Airline security is not as strong, Bangladesh has initiated e-passports for all and shares information with INTERPOL, but has no dedicated terrorist watchlist, according to the report.
A US “Alert List” project is under government consideration.
Read: UN reaffirms continued support to Bangladesh in overcoming unprecedented challenges
Bangladesh does not systematically use API/PNR passenger information to screen travelers before flights arrive, the report claimed.
In 2019, the ATT sentenced to death seven terrorists for their roles in the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack.
The Department of State issued the 2021 Country Reports on Terrorism (CRT), which provide a detailed look at the counterterrorism environment in that year.
Read More: Dhaka, Washington discuss cooperation on defence, IPS, maritime security
Each year, the CRT provides insight on important issues in the fight against terrorism and helps the United States make informed decisions about policies, programs, and resource allocations to build counterterrorism capacity and resilience around the globe.
EU+ saw 1 million asylum applications, including record 34,000 from Bangladeshis, in 2022
In 2022, EU+ countries received some 966,000 applications, including 34, 000 from Bangladeshis, for international protection, up more than 50 percent from 2021, and the most since 2016, according to the new analysis of the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).
The largest applicant groups were Syrians, Afghans and Turks, but applications were also high for a wide range of other nationalities, while the caseload of applications pending decision hit its highest level since 2017.
The EUAA analysis represents a significant increase in 2021, by around half, and is owed in part to the removal of Covid-related restrictions and longer-term underlying trends such as conflicts and food insecurity in many regions of origin, resulting in strong push factors. Furthermore, secondary movements within the EU and significant numbers of applications by nationals from visa-free countries who arrived legally contributed as well.
It comes in addition to around 4 million people fleeing Ukraine who benefit from temporary protection.
In activating the Temporary Protection Directive, the decision to offer a dedicated channel that does not require an individual examination of protection needs prevented the collapse of Europe's asylum systems. However, the combined five million people seeking protection in Europe have placed its national reception systems under considerable pressure.
Syrians (132,000) and Afghans (129,000) remained by far the largest applicant groups, and nationals of both countries lodged substantially more applications than in 2021, in fact, the most since 2016.
The EUAA recently issued Country Guidance on Syria and Afghanistan, with conclusions largely substantiating the protection needs of Syrian nationals, and finding inter alia that restrictions placed on Afghan women by the Taliban amount to persecution.
With more than doubling numbers, Turkish applicants (55,000) became the third largest group. They were followed by Venezuelans (51,000) and Colombians (43, 000), who both lodged about three times as many applications as in 2021.
Read more: Apparel export to EU grew 15.04 % during July-Jan of FY23
Turks, Venezuelans, Colombians, Bangladeshis (34,000), and Georgians (29,000) all applied the most on record.
At lower levels, record applications were also lodged by citizens of India (26,000), Morocco (22,000), Tunisia (21,000), Egypt (15, 000), Moldova (8,300), and several others.
In 2022, EU+ asylum authorities issued some 632,000 decisions at first instance, up by a fifth from 2021.However, applications increased by far more – in fact outnumbering them by about 333,000 – resulting in the largest gap since 2015. It largely translated into an increase in pending cases at first instance.
At the end of the year, some 636, 000 cases were awaiting a decision at first instance, a 44 percent increase compared to 2021.
The EU+ recognition rate was 40 percent in 2022, up by five percentage points from 2021 and the most in five years. Of the two-in-five applicants receiving a positive decision at first instance, around 147 000 were granted refugee status and 106 000 received subsidiary protection.
Recognition rates were especially high for Syrians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, Eritreans, Yemenis, and Malians.
In contrast, recognition rates were especially low for citizens of India, North Macedonia, Moldova, Vietnam, Tunisia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Nepal among others.
Equipped with a strengthened mandate to support the implementation of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), in 2022 the Agency substantially increased its technical and operational support.
The number of countries benefiting from the EUAA Operational Support has quadrupled to 13 EU member states since just 2019, with over 1,500 deployed personnel. The agency is also providing support in a third country, Moldova.
Deadly shipwreck in Italy must trigger action to save lives: UN
The UN chief and agencies serving refugees and migrants urgently called for safer travel routes and bolstered rescue operations following the deadly shipwreck that left at least 60 dead on Sunday off the coast of Crotone, Italy.
“Every person searching for a better life deserves safety and dignity,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said. “We need safe, legal routes for migrants and refugees.”
The UN refugee agency (UNCHR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in a joint statement, expressed condolences for the victims and called on countries to increase resources and capabilities to effectively meet their responsibilities.
Rescue crews searched by sea and air Monday for the dozens of people believed still missing from a shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast that drove home once again the desperate and dangerous crossings of migrants seeking to reach Europe.
At least 80 people survived Sunday’s shipwreck off the Calabrian coast, but rescue crews recovered 60 bodies, including those of several children and the corpse of a young man Monday morning. Dozens more were feared dead given survivor reports that the ship, which set off from Turkey last week, had carried about 170 people.
“It is unacceptable to witness such horrors, with families and children entrusted to unseaworthy boats,” said Chiara Cardoletti, the UNHCR representative for Italy, the Holy See and San Marino.
The boat had left Turkey, with many passengers coming from Afghanistan and Pakistan. In 2022, people from Turkey accounted for around 15 percent of total arrivals by sea in Italy, the UNHCR said, noting that nearly half of the people arriving along this route were people fleeing Afghanistan.
The agencies said European Union mechanisms for rescue operations are “urgently needed.”
To avoid tragedies like this, Cardoletti said, it is “more necessary than ever before to strengthen the rescue capacity, which is still insufficient.”
Read more: Rescuers find 60th body off Italy after migrant shipwreck
Laurence Hart, director of the IOM Coordination Office for the Mediterranean, said this shipwreck demonstrates how the phenomenon of migration by sea must be tackled by all European nations.
This requires humanitarian support and adopting an approach that considers the multiple drivers that are causing people to flee, she said.
The IOM Missing Migrants Project reported that at least 220 people, including those who perished on Sunday, died or went missing along the central Mediterranean route in 2023.
Bangladesh should go for PTA with Mercosur instead of FTA: Argentine minister
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has hoped that Argentina would support Bangladesh's initiative to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the South American regional economic organisation Mercosur during its current presidency.
In response, Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Santiago Andres Cafiero suggested that Bangladesh pursue a preferential trade agreement (PTA) instead of FTA.
Momen also requested Santiago to consider lowering the existing 35 percent duty imposed by Argentina on readymade garments (RMG) products and withdrawing $0.16 per kg anti-dumping duty on jute bags and sacks from Bangladesh to have greater market access.
A 34-member high-level Argentine delegation, led by the Argentine minister, is paying a two-day state-level visit to Dhaka.
Read more: Bangladesh attractive destination for business, investment: Momen tells Argentine delegation
The non-resident Argentine ambassador to Bangladesh, undersecretary of trade and chief of cabinet to the Argentine foreign minister, are also accompanying the minister.
Momen received his Argentine counterpart this morning at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Later, Santiago led a delegation to the Brac Foundation. The purpose was to learn from the Brac development programmes and success stories focusing on women's empowerment and rural women's financial inclusion.
Both sides agreed to collaborate to share knowledge on how to bring about financial inclusion in a responsible manner to pull millions of vulnerable women in rural and urban areas of Argentina out of poverty.
Read More: Reopening embassy in Dhaka a stepping stone to build better ties with Bangladesh: Argentina
Santiago had a meeting with Momen at state guest house Jamuna this evening. Momen expressed gratitude to the Argentine government for reopening its diplomatic mission in Dhaka.
The foreign minister showed interest in wider cooperation between Bangladesh and Argentina in agriculture, agro-processing, cattle and poultry industries, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, the ICT sector, heavy and light machinery and equipment.
Santiago and Momen emphasised the importance of enhancing close collaboration to increase bilateral trade and investment.
Read More: Argentina’s foreign minister in Dhaka to reopen embassy, deepen ties.
Latin America-Bangladesh Chamber president meets Argentine business delegate in Dhaka
Md Anwar Shawkat Afser, president of the Latin America-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, met Franco Agustín Senilliani Melchior, head of the Economic and Trade Section of the Embassy of Argentine in India, at a Dhaka hotel Monday.
Latin America-Bangladesh Chamber board of directors also met the Argentine business delegate.
Afser highlighted trade and commerce between Bangladesh and Argentina as well as Latin America. He also mentioned that a high-profile business delegation from Latin America-Bangladesh Chamber will visit Argentina and Brazil from May 12 to 17.
Read more: Bangladesh attractive destination for business, investment: Momen tells Argentine delegation
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Latin America-Bangladesh Chamber will organise the visit.
Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman will lead the delegation. The executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) will also be part of the team.
Afser, Latin America-Bangladesh Chamber Senior Vice-President Md Shahid Alam, Joint Secretary General and Director Md Sayem Faroky; directors Md Shakawat Hossain Mamun, Jobayer Ahmed, Razeeb Haider, Noafel Bin Reza, Md Kawser Hossain; Coordinator Biswajit Roy, Administrative Officer Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, and Assistant Secretary Mohammad Emdadur Rahman were present at today's meeting.
Bangladesh attractive destination for business, investment: Momen tells Argentine delegation
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said Bangladesh made “significant strides” in improving its infrastructure, streamlining regulatory processes, and creating a conducive environment for foreign investment.
“Our strategic location, skilled workforce, and abundant natural resources make us an attractive destination for business and investment,” he informed his Argentine counterpart Santiago Cafiero, and the business entrepreneurs and investors of Argentina.
Momen said that the Bangladesh government is building one hundred specialised economic zones to attract private investments.
The two ministers had a bilateral meeting which was followed by a dinner in honour of the Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship.
“We had an extensive discussion—I should say a fruitful and productive one –in which we exchanged views and ideas on how to expand and consolidate the existing bilateral relations as well as explore new and emerging areas of cooperation,” he said.
The two countries signed a number of instruments – an agreement on exemption of visa for the holders of diplomatic and official passports, agreement on football cooperation and memorandum of understanding between the Foreign Service Academies in the field of diplomatic training.
“I am confident that signing of these agreements and MoU will greatly facilitate our enhanced engagement and lead to fruitful cooperation in other areas,” Momen said.
Argentina was one of the leading South American countries to recognize independent Bangladesh, on 25 May 1972.
“We attach great importance to our relations with Argentina. The relations between Bangladesh and Argentina have always been cordial based on shared values and friendship,” Momen said.
“I truly believe we have so much to offer and benefit from each other. We need to explore the untapped potentials,” he said.
“What never changed is our love for the great football of Argentina. I wish the bond we have through football will be felt in other sectors as well,” Momen said.
PM Trudeau fondly recalls travelling to Bangladesh with his father: Canadian Minister
Bangladesh has invited Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to pay a bilateral visit to Bangladesh in September this year as he will be attending the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India.
“We have specially invited their Prime Minister (Trudeau). He came to Bangladesh when he was a little kid. Now he is a household name,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters after a meeting with Canadian International Development Minister Harjit S. Sajjan.
In September, Momen said, the Canadian Prime Minister will be coming to India to attend the G20 Summit. “If time can be managed at that time, it will be a plus point.”
Read: Canada wants agro collaboration with Bangladesh, says visiting minister
The Canadian Minister said he would personally let their Prime Minister know about the invitation, noting that he (Canadian PM) does remember and is very fond of his time when traveled to Bangladesh with his father.
The Canadian Prime Minister always shares his stories, Sajjan said, adding that, “So, if the opportunity does come, I know how much he would really welcome to come here.”
Trudeau visited Bangladesh as a child in 1983 with his father Pierre Trudeau, who was the then Prime Minister of Canada.
In March, 2021, the Canadian Prime Minister said the independent and democratic Bangladesh was built based on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s love for his people.
“Something we are able to celebrate (50 years’ of independence) today because of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s vision for independent and democratic country, one which built on his love for its people,” he said in a video message marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence.
Read: Canada-Bangladesh parliamentary friendship group formed
Minister Momen and Canadian Minister Sajjan discussed the Rohingya issue and challenges of climate change.
“We had a great discussion. We will be working together,” said the Canadian Minister.
Momen reiterated its long-standing request for the extradition of Noor Chowdhury, the self-confessed and convicted killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Canadian International School Bangladesh unveils pre-university studies prog
The Canadian International School Bangladesh (CISB) on Monday unveiled the pre-university studies program.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between the CISB and Nova Scotia Department of Education Ministry, Canada at a hotel in Dhaka.
The MoU will help CISB students to get admitted directly to Canadian universities and universities around the world, said a media release.
Deputy Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury was present as the chief guest.
Dr. Vera Grayson-Kocay, former director of International Programs and Jerry Thibeau, Director International Programs, Education and Early Childhood - Development, Nova Scotia, Canada were also present.
Among others, Angela Dark, Counselor and Senior Trade Commissioner of Canadian High Commission to Bangladesh, Shirin Akhter, MP, Chairman Mohammad Kamal Uddin, CEO Begum Shirin Jahan and Principal Janice Smales were also present.