foreign-affairs
Languages essential tools to communicate, share knowledge: UN expert
States must be more inclusive in the treatment and use of minority and indigenous languages, the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Fernand de Varennes, said on Monday ahead of International Mother Language Day.
“Languages are essential tools to communicate and share knowledge, memory, and history, but they are also key to full and equal participation,” he said in a statement issued from Geneva.
One of the most effective ways of empowering minorities and indigenous peoples is to guarantee the use of their language in education – particularly as medium of instruction – as long as it is practical, and to provide public services and employment opportunities in these languages, said the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues.
He said language rights are also important human rights matters for both minorities and indigenous peoples.
“Special Rapporteurs, including my own mandate, have already been critical of the reduction, and in some cases exclusion, of education in minority and indigenous languages which are discriminatory and thinly disguised efforts to assimilate minorities and indigenous peoples.”
Read more: Help us in relocating Rohingyas to Bhasan Char: PM Hasina urges UN
The UN expert said rather than reducing or even eliminating the use of minority and indigenous languages in education, States should invest in the development of teaching materials, the training of teachers and the promotion of mother tongue as a medium of instruction – where feasible – to ensure that minority and indigenous children are provided with the literacy and numeracy skills that will be most useful in learning other languages, including official languages.
“This is the most effective way of guaranteeing equality and non-discrimination with respect to international law,” he said.
In celebrating the richness and beauty of the global linguistic tapestry, it is essential to move away from new forms of nationalist majoritarianism that assume that societies and states should have only one language to the exclusion of all others, said the UN expert.
“This is inconsistent with inclusive societies that are respectful of the human rights of linguistic minorities and indigenous peoples. International Mother Language Day and the International Decade of Indigenous Languages are opportunities to promote and celebrate the world’s linguistic and cultural diversity – and to fully recognise and protect equally the human rights of minorities and indigenous peoples and their languages,” he said.
Bangladesh delegation off to Fujairah for ITI Congress
A seven-member delegation from Bangladesh has left for Fujairah, United Arab Emirates to attend the 36th world congress of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) to be held from 20 to 25 February, 2023.
The members of the delegation are Ramendu Majumdar, Honorary President (worldwide) of ITI, Prof Abdus Selim, newly elected President of Bangladesh ITI, Prof Shafi Ahmed, Vice-President, Debaprasad Debnath, Secretary General, Babul Biswas, Publication Secretary, Junaid Eusuf, Organising Secretary and Rahul Ananda, the actor-singer.
This is for the first time ITI congress is being held in an Arab country under the patronisation of the Fujairah government. There will be several artistic events, seminars and organisational activities.
Ramendu Majumdar will introduce his book ‘The World of Theatre: My ITI years’ in the Speakers’ session while Rahul Ananda will give a solo performance as a young practitioner.
South Korea reaffirms its support for ultimate resolution of Rohingya crisis
Sympathizing with the diminishing hope and frustration of the Rohingyas as the repatriation to their homeland is prolonged and as the prospect is dim, South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun has stressed that there is no other way but to repatriate the Rohingyas to Myanmar for the ultimate resolution of the crisis.
Reaffirming Korea’s continued support for the protection of refugees forcibly relocated to Cox’s Bazar, Ambassador Lee expressed Korea’s interest in strengthening the host community, supporting the vulnerable population in particular women and children and refugees with disability.
Since the outbreak of the Rohingya refugee crisis in 2017, the government of the Republic of Korea has been supporting the operations of the UN agencies and other international organizations in Bangladesh for their humanitarian works in the refugee camp and host community including in Bashan Char.
The total amount of Korea’s funding so far is over twenty-three million US dollars. UNHCR is the biggest recipient of Korea's funding followed by UNICEF, IOM, WFP, IFRC and UNFPA. In addition to the government funding, JTS Korea, a Korean Buddhist NGO, provided a total of 200,000 gas stoves to the refugee camp in 2019 and 2022 respectively.
Sri Lanka wins Silver Jubilee BIMSTEC quiz contest held in Thimphu
The team comprising Medhini Wanigaratne and Sayurangi Premasiri representing Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the BIMSTEC Silver Jubilee Quiz held in Thimphu recently.
The team representing Nepal comprising Aayusha Bohara and Sushank Paudel became the first runner-up, while the team representing India comprising Reet and Ron Dutta stood as the second runner-up.
Dr. Tandi Dorji, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan handed over the winning trophy and medals to the champions from Sri Lanka, said the BIMSTEC Secretariat on Monday.
The Ambassador-designate of Bangladesh to Bhutan Shib Nath Roy handed over medals and certificates to the first and second runners-up from Nepal and India.
The team representing Sri Lanka scored 130 points, while the second and third runners-up Nepal and India scored 87 and 84 points respectively.
Expatriates in USA urged to spread Bangladesh’s language, culture among all
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran has urged the Bangladeshi diaspora in the USA to spread country’s rich language, culture and heritage among all.
Paying his deep respect to all language martyrs and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he termed the great Language Movement as an unforgettable event in the national life in Bangladesh and called upon all to uphold the spirit of immortal Ekushey.
The Ambassador was speaking as the chief guest at a function in Arlington, Virginia on Saturday evening on the occasion of “Mohan Shaheed Dibosh” and the International Mother Language Day.
DC Ekushey Alliance, a platform of various socio-cultural organizations in and around the US capital region, organized the event under the supervision of Dhaka University Alumni Forum Inc (DUAFI).
Describing the background of the language movement, Ambassador Imran mentioned that the movement taught the Bangalees not to tolerate injustice and inequalities and not to bow down to repressive forces.
The spirit of immortal 21 February gave us endless inspiration and courage in achieving self-determination, struggle for freedom and the War of Liberation led by Bangabandhu, he said.
The Bangladesh Ambassador also highlighted the importance of protecting the endangered languages and culture of smaller communities under the threat of extinction.
Christian Dorse, Chair of the Arlington County Board, addressed the function as the special guest, while its members also spoke on the occasion.
The Chair of the Arlington County Board referred to Bangladesh’s initiatives for realizing recognition of the 21st February as the International Mother Language Day and mentioned that Bangladeshi people fought for preservation of their own language and culture in 1952 and then presented it as a gift to the rest of the world.
On the occasion, a colorful cultural function was arranged which featured performing of chorus song and group dance, recitation of poems and staging drama by Bangladeshi and foreign artistes.
Later, the Ambassador and the officers of Bangladesh Embassy paid tributes to the language martyrs by placing a floral wreath at the makeshift Shaheed Minar on the dais. Leaders of all the participating organisations also paid respect to the martyrs with floral tributes at the Shaheed Minar.
Dr. Ishrat Sultana Mita was the coordinator of the event, while Dr. Aminur Rahman and Dr. Runa Haque jointly conducted it.
Bangladesh sees potential for cooperation in expanding digital economy with Kosovo
State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak has said there is a lot of potential for partnership and cooperation with Kosovo in the areas of e-commerce, online marketplaces and online payment gateways.
“We are connected and dependent in this globalised world. The future lies in planning today for an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. We all must be on this journey together,” he said.
The state minister said cooperation and partnership with software development companies and IT outsourcing in Kosovo could be an excellent opportunity for Bangladesh to start a mutual collaboration.
“If you want to go fast and far, innovate together,” he said, quoting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and emphasised working together to build a better world.
The state minister was speaking at a reception hosted by Kosovo Ambassador to Bangladesh Güner Ureya and his wife Umeri-Ureya on the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of the Independence of Kosovo held Sunday night at a hotel in Dhaka.
Palak said Bangladesh has a strong commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation with all the nations.
Ambassador Güner said despite many challenges and difficulties, Kosovars are immensely proud of the progress of their country and people.
After the liberation, with the support of the majority of the international community, including Bangladesh, Kosovo had a transitional period of fewer than nine years, he said, mentioning that Kosovo declared its independence on February 17, 2008.
“The Republic of Kosovo, the youngest country in Europe, has advanced remarkably in every area over the past 15 years. Today we have a functional, prosperous, stable and multi-ethnic state with a diverse society and steadily growing economy,” said the ambassador.
He hoped that his beautiful country would be recognised by all South Asian countries.
“We have good dialogue with some countries which still don't recognise us, but this is not enough. We deserve and need official recognition. For example, Bangladesh, one of the South Asian countries, as well as Pakistan and the Maldives recognised us and now we have a friendly and very close relationship with them,” said the envoy.
He said they also want to establish diplomatic relations and develop cooperation with other South Asian countries, such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
Despite difficulties and challenges, he said, Kosovo will continue to strengthen itself, contribute to regional peace, integrate into Euro-Atlantic structures, and move forward as a respected entity of the international community.
Current and former diplomats, senior officials from the ministry of foreign affairs and business leaders were present at the event.
Read more: Kosovo says its excellent relation with Bangladesh a model
Pranay Verma highlights importance of youth as "precious link" between Bangladesh, India
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday emphasized the importance of the youth as a "precious link" between Bangladesh and India.
Speaking at a function, he expressed his conviction in the "ability of the vibrant and dynamic youth" of Bangladesh in building closer ties between the two countries, and establishing strong bonds of friendship based on mutual respect and understanding.
The High Commissioner also highlighted the significance of the ties between India and Bangladesh, which are rooted in the shared sacrifices of the Liberation War.
He expressed his confidence that the Bangladesh Youth Delegation alumni, through their diverse backgrounds and experiences will make a significant contribution to their communities, their country, and to the world.
Deputy Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and High Commissioner Pranay Verma jointly inaugurated the Bangladesh Youth Delegation (BYD) Corner in the Indian Cultural Centre in Gulshan as part of High Commission’s outreach initiatives to engage with the youth of Bangladesh.
The event was part of programme to reconnect with the alumni of the Bangladesh Youth Delegations.
China's Handa shows interest in setting up MMF-based fabric factory in Bangladesh
China-based apparel manufacturing company Handa has shown interest in setting up an MMF-based fabric factory in Bangladesh.
Deng Peilei, vice-president of Handa Industries and Takashi Nakahashi, general manager of MN Inter-Fashion, met with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Acting President Md Shahidullah Azim in Dhaka Sunday.
They sought the support of the BGMEA in setting up a garment factory in Bangladesh and also talked about the market potential of MMF-based high-value-added apparel.
Handa has manufacturing units in China, Myanmar, and Egypt. They export apparel worth more than $2 billion to the EU and Japan.
MN is a Japanese buying house operating its business for more than six years in Bangladesh.
Shahidullah said the BGMEA has already prioritised the non-cotton segment – particularly MMF and polyester.
"Since the BGMEA envisages exporting apparel worth $100 billion by 2030 as part of its strategic growth target, there will be a huge opportunity in the non-cotton garment segment and backward linkage industries, where we need more foreign investments," he added.
FM scheduled to leave for US Sunday night
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen is scheduled to leave here for the US on Sunday night to attend several events there.
He is expected to inaugurate a newly constructed Shaheed Minar, an initiative of expatriate Bangladeshis, in the city of Paris, Los Angeles, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Seheli Sabrin told the reporters during a weekly briefing on Thursday.
Also read: FM Momen likely to visit US this month
Momen will also inaugurate a Bangladesh Corner at a public library there. He will also deliver a lecture on climate change.
On February 23, Momen will attend several meetings at the UN headquarters in New York, said Seheli.
Bangladesh excels in pragmatic foreign policy: Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury
Citing the example of Bangladesh’s pragmatism in foreign policy interactions, renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh caretaker government Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury has said Bangladesh often takes dual approach, meaning high profile in low-risk environment and low profile in high-risk environment.
In a constellation of play of power, small and middle powers have to find their own place for interaction, said Chowdhury, also honorary fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS), National University of Singapore (NUS).
He emphasized on the point that in order to understand the foreign policy of a country, understanding its historical foundation and elite behavior is important.
As a keynote speaker at a “Lecture Club Discussion” on “Foundations of Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy Interactions” on Saturday, he also talked about the growing importance of soft power in foreign policy interactions and cited the example of non-formal primary education concept promulgated by BRAC.
Chowdhury said Bangladesh possessed non-technological or intellectual resources that can be pressed into the service of foreign policy as 'soft-power”.
He deliberated on the increasing importance of economic diplomacy.
Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) recently organized a lecture club discussion on one of the core topics of national security, the eminent issue of the ‘Foundation of Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy Interactions’.
The event was moderated by BIPSS President Major General A N M Muniruzzaman (Retd).
The BIPSS president said the preservation of national sovereignty and national interest should be the prime focus in maintaining the foreign policy interactions of Bangladesh.
Dr Chowdhury in his keynote speech said that historically the essential attribute that distinguishes the present day Bangladeshis from the major regional communities is their ‘Muslimness’ and ‘Bengaliness’.
These are invoked when one or the other attribute is threatened. This behavioral pattern forms a part of the political heritage of the Bangladeshis and largely guides the international interactions of their sovereign country.
He said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s guiding principle of 'friendship towards all and malice towards none' was derived from the complexities of such historical experience.
Upon achieving sovereignty, Bangladeshi had two broad aspirations, first the preservation of security and second the quest for resources for development, he said.
“These led to the need for the creation of a web of extra-regional linkages. The country was also driven by the need to live in concord with but distinct from the powerful neighbor, India,” he was quoted as saying in a media release issued by the BIPSS on Sunday.
Static and dynamic compulsions led to five behavioral characteristics in foreign policy interactions; one, extreme circumspection and avoidance of flashy politics; two, joining as many wider groupings of countries as possible; three, taking 'higher profile' on low-risk issues, and 'lower -profile' on high risk issues'; four, conformity to as many global club-rules among nation-states as possible, and finally emphasizing relations with multilateral institutions, he said.
The moderator said the international system is in a flux and major shifts in the regional and international systems are visible.
“It is time for Bangladeshi diplomats and security thinkers to take note of the system that is about to emerge internationally so that Bangladesh can maintain its strategic position and interest,” he said.
Diplomats stationed in Dhaka, former Chief of Air Staff, former foreign secretaries, heads of international organizations, former senior military and civil officials, editors and members of academia, among others, were present.