foreign-affairs
‘Foreign friends and partners’ call for inclusive electoral processes in Bangladesh
Foreign friends and partners of Bangladesh have reaffirmed the importance of "free, fair, inclusive and peaceful" electoral processes in line with the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"We support and promote democratic governance as a set of values and principles to follow for meaningful participation, equality, security, and inclusive human and economic development," according to a joint statement issued by foreign missions in Dhaka on Tuesday on the upcoming Human Rights Day.
The Missions are Australian High Commission, British High Commission, High Commission of Canada, Embassy of Denmark, Delegation of the European Union, Embassy of France, Embassy of Germany, Embassy of Italy, Embassy of Japan, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain, Embassy of Sweden, Embassy of Switzerland and Embassy of the United States.
Read more: Diplomats don’t have the power to put anyone in power: Information Minister
"As we approach Human Rights Day on December 10, we would like to highlight the fundamental role democracy plays in protecting human rights and promoting development," the statement reads.
"We celebrate the freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirm the importance of all UN member states adhering to their commitments to free expression, peaceful assembly, and elections, among others outlined in the Declaration."
10 journalists win UNICEF award for outstanding reporting on children’s rights in Bangladesh
UNICEF has awarded 10 Bangladeshi journalists for their outstanding reporting on children’s rights at the 17th UNICEF Meena Media Awards.
Launched by UNICEF in 2005, the Meena Media Awards recognize excellence in journalistic reporting that promotes the cause of children.
The winning entries were selected by an independent panel of judges from nearly 300 submissions from print, photo and video journalists working in both national and local media outlets, according to a press release.
Stories by winners and nominees are about children forced into marriage and hard labour; of girls struggling to manage their menstrual hygiene without access to clean water; of boys whose only home is the streets; of children whose lives have been disrupted by climate shocks, persecution and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more: UNICEF wants investment in world's first child-focused climate risk financing solution
“The powerful reporting that we honour today demonstrates the vital role that journalists play in bringing children’s rights to light, and in holding people in power to account. These stories of bitter deprivation, but also everyday triumph against adversity, are an inspiration to us all,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh.
Talented child journalists under the age of 18 were also awarded.
Their moving reports highlight the importance of giving children the tools and platforms that enable them to voice their own opinions, ideas and thoughts on issues of concern to them.
“We saw some powerful stories this year, and in coming days, weeks and months we need to maintain high standards of compassionate, empathetic reporting to the highest moral standards. Ethics and sensitivity are at the heart of good reporting and the more compelling the story, the more care needs to be given to how it is handled,” said Ruma Paul, Chief Correspondent of Reuters Bangladesh and one of the 2022 award judges.
The UNICEF Meena Media Awards are named after Meena, the popular cartoon character held dear by children and adults in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world.
The Meena character has been speaking up for the rights of children, and reminding adults of their responsibilities, in Bangladesh and beyond since 1993.
The 2022 UNICEF Meena Media Awards is the 17th in a tradition that started in 2005.
Read more: Heatwaves to impact almost every child by 2050: UNICEF report
The award ceremony was hosted by UNICEF on Tuesday in a Dhaka hotel.
The guests included Matiur Rahman, Editor, Prothom Alo; Selina Hossain, Novelist and President of the Bangla Academy; Shameem Akhtar, film maker and lecturer at the Pathshala Institute; and Mahfuz Anam, Editor, The Daily Star, who sent a video message for the nominees.
Winners of the UNICEF Meena Media Awards 2022
Emran Hasan Sohel, Kaler Kantho for “Manta children have only the water” (print journalism), Himu Chandra Shil, bdnews24.com for “A day in the life of Rohingya child Ayat Ullah” (print journalism), Jesmin Akter Papri, News Bangla 24.com for “Rising salinity: Adolescent girls take birth control pills to stop their periods” (print journalism), Md. Sazid Hossain, Prothom Alo for “Child education” (photojournalism), Nawaz Farhin Antara, Dhaka Tribune for ‘‘Pad Apa’: A beacon of hope for rural menstrual hygiene” (print journalism)
Shahnaz Sharmeen, Nagorik TV for “Child marriage has officially decreased … but what is the reality?” (videojournalism), Tanvirul Islam, Dhaka Post for “Are we harming children by using terms like ‘auto pass’ and ‘COVID batch’” (print journalism), Zahidul Karim, Daily Prothom Alo for “Price of rice” (photojournalism)
Winners of the UNICEF Children’s Meena Media Awards 2022 (under-18)
Mohammad Mosharof Hossain, Jago News 24.com for “Physical and mental health of Bede children deprived of education are at risk” (print journalism), Khalidul Islam Tanvir, ATN Bangla for “When education becomes deadly” (videojournalism), Dhee Aroni Paul, hello.bdnews24.com for “The road is their address” (photojournalism).
Diplomats don’t have the power to put anyone in power: Information Minister
The people of the country will decide who will be in power and diplomats do not have the power to put anyone in power, said Information Minister Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday.
“People own this country. They will decide who will be in power and who will not be. Diplomats do not have the power to put anyone in power,” he said in response to a question from reporters after a meeting with Bangladesh Climate Change Journalists’ Forum at the secretariat.
The government will not allow anyone to create chaos in the country and resist any such bid along with Awami League leaders and activists and the people of the country, said the minister.
“BNP has been given a venue as they wanted Suhrawardy Udyan. Why are they so reluctant to go there after getting permission? They just want to hold public meetings on the streets but citizens don’t want street rally. Because, it causes public suffering,” he said.
Read: Govt helping BNP to make Dhaka rally a success: Info Minister
In fact, they want to make an issue, not a public meeting, said the minister.
About the arrest warrants against BNP leaders Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Ishraque Hossain , he said BNP leaders and activists are involved in arson violence. “We have the videos and audios of their instructions. Court has issued arrest warrants, police will take action as they are accused in cases. Court has rejected bail, the government has nothing to do here,” Hasan Mahmud added.
BSEZ can provide investors best possible environment in region: Ito Naoki
Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has said the just-launched Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) at Araihazar in Narayanganj will undoubtedly attract investment not only from Japanese companies but also from other international companies.
He said the BSEZ fully meets the international standard in terms of facilities and infrastructure SEZ has to offer.
Read more: PM opens Japanese Economic Zone: Expected to draw $1.5bn investment, create over 1 lakh jobs
“I expect more than 100 companies will operate here in the future, with US$ 1.5 billion investment in total. BSEZ can provide prospective investors with the best possible environment in the region,” he said on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially opened Bangladesh Special Economic Zone, also known as the “Japanese Economic Zone” at Araihazar in Narayanganj. She joined the event virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka.
There have already been inquiries from approximately 30 Japanese companies and 10 foreign companies looking at the possibility of investing in the BSEZ.
In 2026, Ambassador Naoki said, Bangladesh will graduate from the LDC status and it is a wonderful feat for Bangladesh under this government.
“Then, the country aims to become a developed country in 2041 by achieving Vision 2041. I want to reiterate that Japan will continue to stand by Bangladesh in its development journey and work to build a win-win partnership for our prosperous future,” he said, adding that the success of BSEZ will surely guide them to get there.
The Ambassador said he will return to Japan next week completing his tenure in Dhaka and he put in his best efforts over the last three years for the development of Bangladesh.
Read more: Japan will continue to work toward resolution of Rohingya issue: Ambassador
“I sincerely hope that the dream of Bangabandhu to build Sonar Bangla and a happy and prosperous country will be realized,” he said.
Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun and President and CEO, Sumitomo Corporation Masayuki Hyodo also spoke.
BSEZ is the first Special Economic Zone in Bangladesh designed and developed by Japanese companies. Eight years have passed since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shared their intention to cooperate for economic zone development.
“I am delighted that our leaders' intention was finally materialized, overcoming all the challenges we faced, including the Covid-19,” said the Ambassador.
“This is the Japanese Economic Zone. But, BEZA gave the name 'Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ).’ I believe BEZA and the government did so with the expectation that it would become the flagship SEZ in Bangladesh,” he said.
Naoki said it will play a pivotal role in boosting FDIs and become a symbol of the growing business partnership between Japan and Bangladesh.
This month, following the opening of BSEZ, Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line 6 will start commercial operation.
MRT Line 1 and Line 5 North will start construction next year in 2023. Then, the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion of terminal 3 will do a soft-opening next October, said the Japanese Ambassador.
Read more: Momen ‘not worried’ about Japanese Ambassador’s remarks, calls him a ‘simple, good person’
Matarbari Deep Sea Port is also under construction, with the prospect of completion of the Power-plant in 2024, and Bangabandhu Railway Bridge will open in the same year, he said.
These quality infrastructure projects by JICA will transform the nation and significantly enhance Bangladesh's economic opportunities, he said.
The ambassador said Bangladesh needs to continuously address some challenges to improve the business climate and Japan and Bangladesh should join hands to that end.
“It is noteworthy that BSEZ has declared to be a corruption-free SEZ, showing its determination to eliminate corruption for a fair and favorable investment and business environment,” he said.
BEZA Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun said the economic zone will help attract US$ 1.5 billion investment and create employment opportunities for over 100,000 people.
Sumitomo Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Masayuki Hyodo said this economic zone is so special and is strongly supported by the two governments and private sectors.
“We have more than 30 years of experience in this business and we have been actively engaged in various infrastructure projects in Bangladesh,” said the President and CEO of the Corporation.
Hyodo said they have been contributing to Bangladesh for sustainable economic development and prosperity.
We don't expect US to impose more sanctions: Shahriar
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Sunday said Bangladesh does not expect the US to impose more sanctions considering the growing engagements between the two countries.
"We continuously remain engaged. We have enhanced our engagements and shared relevant information. We don't expect that the US administration will impose new sanctions," he told the media at his office in Dhaka.
In December 2021, the US imposed human rights-related sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and seven former and current officials of the agency, including recently retired Inspector General of Police Benzir Ahmed, also a former director general of the paramilitary force.
The state minister said it is very unfortunate that the opposition party BNP is spending too much money on lobbyists to see more US sanctions against Bangladesh.
He said the party has chosen December 10 as part of its plan and is putting in efforts against the country.
On September 27, the BNP announced a series of public rallies in 10 divisional cities. The party will end its divisional programmes by holding its last rally in Dhaka on December 10.
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December – the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"The BNP is conspiring against the country by calling for a rally in Dhaka on International Human Rights Day," Shahriar said.
"On the advice of foreign lobbyists, the BNP has called for the rally on December 10. However, their attempt to bring in new sanctions against Bangladesh will not work," he added.
The 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be celebrated on December 10, 2023.
Ahead of the milestone, starting on this year's Human Rights Day on December 10, the UN will launch a year-long campaign to showcase the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by focusing on its legacy, relevance and activism.
US won’t let Rohingyas become a forgotten crisis: Asst Secretary Noyes
Visiting US Assistant Secretary, for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Julieta Valls Noyes said that the United States, together with its international partners, will not allow the Rohingyas to become a "forgotten crisis".
She made the comment after meeting with the UN agencies which are working on the ground.
Noyes thanked all the partners who work tirelessly to improve conditions for and to advance the rights of Rohingyas.
read more: Japan will continue to work toward resolution of Rohingya issue: Ambassador
US Assistant Secretary Noyes will also meet government officials to express US' gratitude for their generosity in hosting Rohingya and other refugees fleeing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.
She is here on a five-day visit to Bangladesh (December 3-7) to highlight the US commitment to supporting the Rohingya refugee response and impacted host communities.
Noyes also appreciated the role of the US Embassy in Dhaka.
read more: CERF allocates $9 million to Rohingya response in Bangladesh
"I’m always impressed and humbled by the hard work performed every day by our U.S. Embassies. US Embassy Dhaka is no exception. Thank you Ambassador Peter Haas and all your team for your diligence, consistency, and unwavering advocacy for those in need," she said.
Umrah e-visa: Biometric data must for pilgrims from Bangladesh, 4 other countries
Umrah pilgrims from five countries including Bangladesh must provide their biometric data, including “fingerprints” in order to get an electronic Umrah visa, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced.
The four other countries are the UK, Tunisia, Kuwait and Malaysia.
Read more: Age limit for Hajj pilgrims may be lifted from next year: State Minister
Interested pilgrims will have to use the Saudi Visa Bio app that allows for visa registration via fingerprints and selfie biometrics to attend significant Muslim pilgrimages, reports The Gulf News.
The new app delivers on a commitment made by the Saudi government late last year to allow biometrics enrolment through mobile devices so pilgrims to Mecca can avoid visiting visa centres in person, and makes the country one of the first in the world to accept biometrics by mobile for visa issuance.
Read more: How to Perform Umrah from Bangladesh?
In February 2022, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) released an electronic passport with a chip that stores the user’s biometrics for authentication purposes.
Bangladesh International Travel and Tourism Expo draws to close
The first Bangladesh International Travel and Tourism Expo that started Thursday to boost the country's tourism industry and showcase it to global tourists drew to a close Saturday at a Dhaka hotel.
The Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) organised the three-day expo at Bangabandhu International Conference Center.
According to organisers, airlines, hospitals, travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, resorts and other travel and tourism-related service organisations of more than 15 countries including India, Malaysia, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Oman, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Azerbaijan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and the UAE, joined the expo.
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun was present as the chief guest and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen as the special guest at the closing ceremony.
Francisco de Asís Benítez Salas, ambassador of Spain, Ito Naoki, ambassador of Japan, Haznah Md Hashim, high commissioner of Malaysia, Pham Viet Chien, ambassador of Vietnam, Ghanshyam Bhandari, ambassador of Nepal, were also present.
At the event, the industries minister announced that the Bangladesh International Travel and Tourism Expo 2023 will be held from December 1 to 3.
Read more: FBCCI partners with CNN to promote trade, investment opportunities in Bangladesh globally
Sylhet-Silchar Festival to boost ties with India's north-east: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said engagements such as the first Sylhet-Silchar Festival 2022 will boost Bangladesh's ties with India's north-east.
The prime ministers of both countries have emphasised building a common platform of understanding and cooperation to further strengthen Bangladesh-India ties, he added.
The foreign minister is attending the first-of-its-kind two-day Silchar-Sylhet Festival 2022, which was inaugurated on December 2 in Silchar, in India's north-eastern state of Assam.
The peace and stability in Bangladesh are also helping Indian states neighbouring Bangladesh, Momen said on the sidelines of the festival.
Sylhet and Silchar have shared close cultural ties for ages. The festival, which aims at boosting bilateral ties, is being organised by India Foundation in association with the Bangladesh Foundation for Regional Studies. It coincided with the 75th year of India's independence and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's liberation.
Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, minister of state for external affairs of India, met Momen, Saturday on the sidelines of the festival.
Read more: Momen inaugurates ‘Bangabandhu Corner’ and ‘Bangabandhu garden’ at NIT, Silchar
They discussed issues of mutual bilateral interest and appreciated the joint efforts in arranging the festival.
Lawmakers Iqbalur Rahim, Gazi Mohammad Shahnewaz; Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Mustafizur Rahman, and former foreign secretary Shamsher Mubin Chowdhury were present at that time.
Read more: 'Time for Indian businesses to focus more on Bangladesh'
'Time for Indian businesses to focus more on Bangladesh'
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said the business communities of both Bangladesh and India should draw close and play their due role in fostering mutual prosperity and economic advancement of their peoples.
"Time is ripe for the Indian business community to focus more on Bangladesh and take advantage of its economic growth, cheaper cost and huge consumer base," he said.
Momen said both the governments are sincerely exploring the avenues to further facilitate their trade and investment relations and have agreed to introduce negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The Foreign Minister was speaking as the chief guest at a session titled "Trade and Commerce" at the police ground in Silchar, Assam that was chaired by Kambhampati Hari Babu, Governor of the state of Mizoram, India
Read more: Momen inaugurates ‘Bangabandhu Corner’ and ‘Bangabandhu garden’ at NIT, Silchar
Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister for Environment and Forests, Act East Policy Affairs and Welfare of MinoritiesGovernment of Assam, India and Mustafizur Rahman, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India also spoke.
Momen said Bangladesh is India’s most important development and trading partner.
"India receives the highest number of tourists and medical patients from Bangladesh. Thousands of Indian nationals are working in Bangladesh, contributing to both the economies," he said.
"I am confident that the deep bonds of friendship existing between Bangladesh and India shall continue to grow and flourish," Momen said.
The India Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India organized the session at the Silchar-Sylhet Festival.
Read more: Bangladesh delegation led by FM Momen attends 1st Silchar-Sylhet Festival-2022
Momen said Bangladesh is uniquely located to enable Indian investors to export their products to not only to the North Eastern States of India, but also to Nepal, Bhutan, and to South East Asian countries.
On the other hand, he said, geographical proximity makes the North East Region lucrative for Bangladesh to invest in small and medium scale sectors like food-processing industries, agro-based industries, IT sector, and forest-based and tourism based industries.
"I would urge Indian investors to consider possible investments in infrastructure projects, manufacturing, in energy and transport sectors. Indian investors and business houses can set up industries in Bangladesh through Buy-Back arrangements by reducing time, cost and resources," said the Foreign Minister.