foreign-affairs
Switzerland will continue to be a reliable partner for Bangladesh: Nathalie Chuard
Outgoing Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard has said her country will continue to be a reliable partner for Bangladesh in the days ahead.
She paid a farewell call to Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen Monday (January 16, 2023) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Momen congratulated Nathalie on her successful tenure in Bangladesh and appreciated her efforts to further strengthen and broaden Bangladesh-Switzerland ties.
Read more: Switzerland a serious global player, reliable partner of Bangladesh: Ambassador Chuard
Highlighting the similarity of the foreign policies of the two countries, the foreign minister recalled Bangabandhu's vision of turning Bangladesh into the "Switzerland of the East."
The Swiss ambassador expressed her satisfaction at the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of trade and investment and development cooperation.
The foreign minister invited more Swiss investment into Bangladesh, particularly in the advanced manufacturing sector.
Read More: Newly appointed Bangladesh envoy Sufiur presents credentials to Swiss president, seeks better relations
Also, Momen hoped that as a member of the United Nations Security Council for 2023-24, Switzerland would further contribute to global peace and security.
He sought Switzerland's continued support towards the early repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to their country.
Robust leadership, political trust fortified Dhaka-Ankara economic, defence ties: Turan
Outgoing Turkish Ambassador Mustafa Osman Turan has credited “very strong leadership” on both sides and deep political trust for the significant progress in Dhaka-Ankara relations in recent times – with growing economic and defence cooperation hand in hand.
“I think there are a couple of factors. One is the fact that both countries – Turkey and Bangladesh – are growing economies; and they have high growth rates and very strong leadership on both sides,” Turan told UNB in an exclusive interview.
The Turkish envoy, who is set to complete his tenure later this month, said they have found the opportunity to increase their trade and investments.
“I think Bangladesh and Turkey have very complementary economies; we can diversify our trade and increase the volume up to $2 billion in the years to come. Currently, it’s around $1.2 to $1.3 billion,” Ambassador Turan said.
The two countries were aiming for $1.5 billion trade annually but it slowed down because of the current global economic crisis.
“But I am confident that we can increase our trade to $2 billion easily in the next one or two years,” he said.
Read more: PM seeks cooperation from Turkey in defence sector
GROWING DEFENCE COOPERATION
Turan said there is a “political aspect” which he sees as a “political factor” behind the stronger bilateral ties between the two countries.
Turkey is now considered as one of the most reliable partners of Bangladesh, he said. “We can safely say this.”
The ambassador explained that the two countries maintain cooperation in defence.
“We were able to sign some contracts recently, in the past one year in particular. This shows and proves that the relations between our countries at the political level are based on mutual trust,” he said.
Ambassador Turan referred to his recent farewell meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and said she confirmed that the “defence cooperation will continue” between the two countries.
“We are hoping that after the economic troubles everywhere around the world are over, we will enhance our defence cooperation. So, that’s a very good indication,” he said.
Politically speaking, the Turkish envoy said, they are hoping that after the elections in both countries, respective leaders will have high-level visits.
Turkey will hold presidential and parliamentary elections in mid-2023 while Bangladesh will hold the next national election in January 2024.
BANGLADESH-TÜRKIYE BUSINESS FORUM
At the end of his three years tenure in Bangladesh, Ambassador Turan said he is confident that the upward trend in relationship will continue and their trade and investments will be diversified.
ICT and pharmaceutical industries appear as promising fields of cooperation as well as agro-industry and light engineering, he said.
Bangladesh can also benefit from growing interest of the Turkish contracting companies to participate in infrastructure and transport projects.
Read more: Energy supply to Bangladesh: Turkey will be “more than happy” to be a transit country, says ambassador
As a result of growing interactions between businesses and entrepreneurs, the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka took the initiative to encourage and support the establishment of ‘Bangladesh-Türkiye Business Forum’ (BTBF).
Led by Dr. Rubana Huq, Managing Director of Mohammadi Group, and Salahuddin Kasem Khan, of A.K. Khan and Company Ltd, BTBF brings together 13 Bangladeshi conglomerates and 6 Turkish companies operating in Bangladesh.
BTBF will be launched officially as a trust on January 17, following inauguration of its office in Dhaka’s Gulshan.
“Now, we have a leadership of the business forum and there will be a legal status as it will be formed as a trust,” said the Turkish ambassador.
With this business forum, he said, there are three objectives. One of the objectives is to promote trade and investments in both countries. The second is to facilitate business partnerships and the third is to rebrand Bangladesh in Turkey and rebrand Turkey in Bangladesh through exchanges, said Ambassador Turan.
He also highlighted the importance of cultural exchanges because the two countries have a strong shared cultural history and values. “The Business Forum would bring to light historical facts about our countries.”
Read more: Election Bangladesh’s own issue, not foreigners’ concern: Turkish Ambassador
PROMOTING BANGLADESH IN TURKEY
The Ambassador said they have tried to promote Bangladesh in Turkey because their business community does not know enough about the country and the opportunities it offers. “I think here we have done a good job together with the Government of Bangladesh.”
“I think the level of awareness in Turkey about the opportunities and potential in Bangladesh is increasing day by day,” he said, adding that another factor – people to people contacts – also contributed to growing relations.
The ambassador said he suggested to the Bangladesh PM that the two countries can establish cultural centres reciprocally. “We will look into that possibility. I think she was positive because she really likes our culture. I gave her a culinary book on Turkish cuisine because I know she likes to cook. She really appreciated the gift.”
The ambassador said the two countries can also increase cooperation between universities. “Education is a very important area; we can do more in this field.”
Responding to a question on Rohingya repatriation, Ambassador Turan said Turkey has been supporting Bangladesh but the problem is that the key goal for safe repatriation is yet to be realized.
“Of course, repatriation is the real solution to this issue. But it requires the Myanmar government to prepare the favourable conditions for repatriation. They need to be willing to receive their own people. And it must be a safe, voluntary and dignified return,” he said.
Ambassador Turan said he will always remember the scenic beauty of Bangladesh. “I had an opportunity to fly over Bangladesh by helicopter. And when you fly by helicopter, you can see more because it’s close to the ground – how beautiful it is.”
He said he is hoping that there will be more tourism in Bangladesh to highlight the natural beauty of the landscape.
Read more: "We will be stronger in every field", says Turkish Ambassador Turan seeking broader partnership
TAKING A PATHAO RIDE TO AVOID DHAKA TRAFFIC JAM
“Yes, I wanted to try Pathao, because one of the important memories I have here is that I interacted a lot with young entrepreneurs and start-ups. Pathao is one of them,” said the Ambassador, adding, “And I wanted to see how it works. It worked really well and helped me arrive on time at my farewell dinner hosted by the Palestinian ambassador!”
US will condemn violence – from opposition or govt security forces in Bangladesh: Donald Lu
US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu has emphasised the government and the opposition “working together peacefully” to ensure the freedom of assembly as Bangladesh moves towards the next national election.
“We as Americans, we will condemn violence when we see it – if it is on the part of the opposition, or it is on the part of government security forces. At the same time, we are going to focus on whether there is any intimidation during the election… we will say this publicly,” he told Channel 24 in an interview before wrapping up his visit on Sunday (January 15, 2023).
Lu referred to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to a fair election and said US also wants a free and fair election without “violence and intimidation.”
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday conveyed to the United States that they, as a government, want a “free, fair, transparent and credible” election and there should be no doubt about that.
Read more: Civil society voices crucial to upholding people’s right to freedom, dignity in every country: US
Lu also expressed US’ commitment to upholding democracy and human rights. “We will speak when we see problems and when we can offer suggestions. We will stand up for freedom of speech, freedom of expression. And we look forward to working very closely with our partners here in Bangladesh,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Responding to a question, the US Assistant Secretary told Channel 24 that they did not designate more individuals from the Rab to face individual sanctions. “We did not do that because we recognize the progress being made by the government and by the Rab itself.”
Talking to reporters at MoFA, Lu said they had “quite a good discussion” about the Rab. “If you have seen the statement this week by the Human Rights Watch, they recognised and we recognised tremendous progress in the area of reducing extrajudicial killings by the Rab,” he said.
On the security of diplomats, Lu said they take the security of Bangladeshi diplomats in the US very seriously.
Read more: Lu pledges US administration's continuous support, cooperation for all future efforts
“We spend a lot of time making sure that they are safe. We expect the same treatment from Bangladesh,” he said, adding that he was given assurance from every meeting he attended during his Bangladesh visit.
The United States has also said civil society voices in every country are crucial to upholding people’s right to freedom and dignity.
Assistant Secretary Donald Lu and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas hosted a dinner on Sunday night and listened to the work of human rights advocates in Bangladesh.
Lu left Dhaka early Monday (2 am), wrapping up his quick visit with a series of meetings.
Read more: Donald Lu: Issues of participatory polls, CHT discussed over lunch at FSA
Civil society voices crucial to upholding people’s right to freedom, dignity in every country: US
The United States has said civil society voices in every country are crucial to upholding people’s right to freedom and dignity.
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas hosted a dinner on Sunday night listened to the work of human rights advocates in Bangladesh.
Lu left Dhaka early Monday (2am) wrapping up his quick visit with a series of meetings.
Read more: Lu pledges US administration's continuous support, cooperation for all future efforts
Flood responses: UN resident coordinator visits Sylhet to discuss lessons learnt
The UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh Sunday met with the authorities, NGOs, and UN agencies' representatives in Sylhet to discuss the lessons learnt from some of the key projects of the Flash Flood Humanitarian Response Plan implemented following the devastating floods that hit the region in summer of last year.
In support of the government, the UN and NGO partners launched the Flash Flood Humanitarian Response Plan in July 2022 to provide lifesaving support to vulnerable communities in the five worst-hit districts.
Among the themes discussed at the meetings were the implementation of the risk information and early warning system, information management, food security and livelihoods, and the protection of vulnerable people.
The Humanitarian Response Plan aimed to mobilise efforts to tackle the consequences of the floods has been produced by the Humanitarian Coordination Task Team jointly headed by the UN resident coordinator and Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md Kamrul Hasan.
A total of $20.45 million have been provided for the essential needs of those affected by floods. And 468,408 people in five heavily impacted districts of Sunamganj, Netrokona, Sylhet, Habiganj, and Moulvibazar were reached, the UN said.
An estimated 7.2 million people have been affected by flooding and water congestion in the nine northeastern districts of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrakona, Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria, Mymensingh, and Sherpur.
The extent of the flooding surpassed any in previous decades, including the ones in 1998 and 2004.
Lu pledges US administration's continuous support, cooperation for all future efforts
US Assistant Secretary of State for Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu has committed the US administration's continuous support and cooperation for all future endeavours of Bangladesh and referred to the tremendous socio-economic development of the country since its independence.
Both sides acknowledged the current trajectory of "excellent" bilateral relations and wished to explore new avenues and approaches to increase their economic cooperation and trade.
Lu had separate meetings with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen Sunday.
During the meetings, they discussed the entire gamut of bilateral and political issues of mutual priorities between Bangladesh and the US.
They discussed a wide range of bilateral issues of mutual interests, including trade and investment, development cooperation, defence, security, Indo-Pacific strategy, labour, human rights and democracy.
Both sides also discussed the issue of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, including their repatriation and resettlement.
PM shocked at loss of lives in Nepal plane crash
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her deepest condolences at the loss of lives in a plane crash in Pokhara, Nepal.
In a condolence letter to Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda", she said "I am deeply saddened to learn about today’s most tragic passenger plane crash in Pokhara, Nepal, carrying 72 people on board, mostly Nepalese and foreigners from a few other countries, which has reportedlycaused the death of all."
"At this moment of profound grief, our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families who lost their most beloved family members and friends and the mourning people of Nepal for their strength to bear this irreparable losses," she said.
"We also offer our prayers for the eternal salvation of the departed souls," said the PM.
No discussion on RAB reforms with US: Home Minister
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday said the US side did not discuss anything on the reforms of elite force RAB; rather they described RAB’s current activities “satisfactory.”
“Withdrawal of sanctions is a complex process and it might take time,” he said, adding that Bangladesh is on the right track to complete the process but there is no timeframe of withdrawal of the sanctions.
The Home Minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after his discussion with Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu at the Foreign Service Academy.
Earlier, Assistant Secretary Lu, in a separate briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, appreciated the “tremendous progress” made by R in “respecting human rights” while performing its duties.
Also Read: Rab made ‘tremendous progress’ in ‘respecting rights’ while performing duties: Donald Lu observes
“We had quite a good discussion about the Rab. If you have seen the statement this week by the Human Rights Watch, they recognised and we recognised tremendous progress in the area of reducing extra judicial killings by the RAB,” Lu told reporters.
“This is amazing work. It shows the Rab is able to carry out its important counterterrorism and law enforcement function while respecting human rights,” the US senior diplomat added.
The Home Minister said he conveyed to Lu that the government is allowing all to demonstrate peacefully.
“We don’t create any barrier if there is any peaceful demonstration by any political party,” he said, adding that if they destroy public property or block streets, steps are taken only.
We want fair, credible election: Momen tells Donald Lu
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday conveyed to the United States that they, as a government, want a “free, fair, transparent and credible” election and there should be no doubt about that.
“No country is perfect, not even the USA. We are trying hard to improve,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that Bangladesh Awami League came to power always through democratic process.
Also read: Rab made ‘tremendous progress’ in ‘respecting rights’ while performing duties: Donald Lu observes
Earlier, visiting Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu had meetings with Foreign Minister Momen, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at the MoFA to discuss strengthening Bangladesh-US relations and the importance of human rights for all.
Momen said they will accept if they get any good suggestions and Bangladesh has shown that sign already.
Definitely, he said, they will take care of those issues if they find any weaknesses anywhere. “We want people’s welfare.”
“They are our good friends. Among the friends we can talk about issues very openly without any reservations. That’s what we did,” Momen said.
Also read; Not worried about next election; it'll be held on time: FM
The Foreign Minister said there are transparent ballot boxes and a stronger and independent Election Commission.
“We believe in people. We want peace across the world. We had very good discussions on many issues.
Donald Lu: Issues of participatory polls, CHT discussed over lunch at FSA
Participatory election, overall election process and Chittagong Hill Tracts issues were briefly discussed at a meeting over lunch with US Assistant Secretary of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu held at Foreign Service Academy on Sunday.
Awami League International Affairs Secretary Dr. Shammi Ahmed, Prof. Imtiaz Ahmed, Dr. Lailufar Yasmin, Dr. Delwar Hossain and Chief Executive of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) Syeda Rizwana Hasan, among others, were present.
“They (US side) said, we don’t speak on behalf of any political party; we talk about certain processes and the rights of the people,” said Syeda Rizwana while talking to the reporters after the meeting.
She said only participation of the BNP and other parties and the election process were discussed and there was no further discussion on any other aspects of the election scenario in Bangladesh.
Also Read: Rab made ‘tremendous progress’ in ‘respecting rights’ while performing duties: Donald Lu observes
She mentioned that no BNP leader was present at the meeting.
According to a meeting source, two of the participants expressed optimism about the BNP’s participation in the next election.
“There was no conclusive discussion about human rights issues, but the Chittagong Hill Tracts issue was discussed during the meeting,” said Syeda Rizwana in response to another question.
The US senior official is visiting Bangladesh to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relationships, expand economic engagement, and go over the labor and human rights situation.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen hosted the lunch in honour of Donald Lu and his delegation members.