foreign-affairs
Bangladesh seeks Portugal's investment, expertise in blue economy, wind power generation
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Friday said Bangladesh would welcome visible Portuguese investments and expertise in the blue economy, including for exploring the potentials for offshore wind power generation.
Portugal’s large-scale and judicious investment in renewable energy over the past years has largely cushioned it from the present energy crisis around the world, he said while speaking at a seminar as the chief guest.
“We have many untapped potentials for economic cooperation between our two countries. We believe that there are opportunities for further expanding two-way investments in each other’s countries,” said State Minister Alam.
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the seminar titled “Bangladesh-Portugal Relations: Quest for Deeper Bilateral Cooperation”as part of its Eminent Person Lecture Series (EPLS).
Dr Francisco André, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Republic of Portugal, attended the seminar as a guest speaker and Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury, Secretary (West), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was present as a discussant.
BIISS Chairman Ambassador Kazi Imtiaz Hossain chaired the programme and its Director General Major General Sheikh Pasha Habib Uddin delivered the welcome remarks.
Bangladeshis face certain constraints with regard to visas - especially for their family members - in the absence of any Portuguese diplomatic or consular mission in Bangladesh.
Read: EU’s EBA Scheme for LDCs: Portugal terms Bangladesh best success story
“We are assured by Dr. André that his administration will work towards finding a pragmatic solution to the issue in the near future. This will indeed have a huge qualitative difference in the substance of our bilateral ties, he said.
Bangladesh counts on Portugal to speak for Bangladesh within the European Union.
As a 27-member body, the EU has many competing priorities, and it certainly helps to have a reliable partner within this critically important institution for Bangladesh.
“It is reassuring for us that Portugal is favourably disposed to Bangladesh’s obtaining the GSP+ facility in the EU market beyond 2029. I am certain that Portugal will also play a catalytic role over time in realizing our efforts to take our engagements with the EU towards a more strategic direction,” said the State Minister.
He urged Portugal to maintain its voice and support for humanitarian assistance, justice and accountability, and safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya.
Bangladesh thanked Portugal for its forward-leaning approach to climate action, including for its support for the ‘loss and damage’ agenda.
“We look forward to working with Portugal on conserving and protecting our oceans from climate change impacts. We have taken due note of Portugal’s desire to serve the cause of international peace and security as an elected member of the UN Security Council in 2027-28,” he said.
The State Minister laid emphasis on continued investment in people-to-people connectivity between the two countries.
Read: Friendly conditions to be created for Bangladeshi immigrants in Portugal: Francisco Andre
The two countries will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024.
“We have agreed to draw up plans from now on to commemorate the occasion through befitting events,” Alam said.
He said the renewed journey and engagements that they have started with Portugal this year will mark the beginning of a “mature, vibrant and multi-dimensional interface” in the years to come.
The speakers shed light on the historic tie between Bangladesh and Portugal which can be traced back to the 16th century.
They highlighted the growing trade relations between these two countries and emphasised on advancing the current economic relationship by exploring new avenues.
The speakers also stressed on expanding the overall bilateral relations in the diverse areas that include renewable energy, green transition, sustainable development, manpower export
Dhaka, Seoul to explore untapped potential for brighter future: Ambassador
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun has said Bangladesh and South Korea will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties together next year and will head for a brighter future making the anniversary a milestone year for relations bettween the two countries.
“I have many plans and ideas to make it happen. But it requires support and participation of all important stakeholders,” he said while speaking at KOICA Alumni Night-2022 at a hotel in Dhaka on Thursday.
Though the two countries have enjoyed close and strong ties, the ambassador said, there still is huge untapped potential.
“Our relations can surpass the level of Korea’s relations with other regional partner countries such as Vietnam and India, the third and eighth major trading partners of Korea,” he said.
The ambassador said KOICA Bangladesh Alumni Association (KBAA) can be and should be the leading agent and facilitator in their joint efforts for untapping potentials.
This year, the Korean government decided to significantly increase the amount of the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) funding to Bangladesh, from US$ 0.7 billion to US$ 3 billion over the next five years.
Read more: Dhaka, Seoul to work together for their prosperity
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in collaboration with KOICA Bangladesh Alumni Association (KBAA) hosted the grand annual event known as “KOICA Alumni Night” strengthening friendly ties between Bangladesh and South Korea.
State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak spoke as the chief guest.
Nasima Begum, Member (Secretary), Planning Commission and President, KBAA, A.B.M. Amin Ullah Nuri, Secretary, Road Transport and Highways Division, Young-Ah Doh, Country Director, KOICA Bangladesh Office and Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Additional Secretary, Wing Chief (Asia, JEC and F&F), Economic Relations Division also spoke.
ITEC alumni in Bangladesh showcased strong bonds of friendship between Bangladesh, India: Pranay Verma
High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said Bangladesh, as one of India’s closest development partner, occupies an important place in the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
He described the unveiling of the Suborno Jayanti Scholarship this year as an example, where Bangladesh is recipient of 500 dedicated slots for ITEC every year, in addition to several tailor-made programmes for civil servants organised as per the requirement of Government of Bangladesh.
The High Commissioner said the ITEC alumni in Bangladesh showcased the strong bonds of friendship between India and Bangladesh.
The High Commission of India, Dhaka hosted a reception-cum-get together on Thursday evening to celebrate the 58th ITEC Day at the the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB).
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq attended the occasion as the chief guest.
ITEC, a flagship programme of the government of India, was instituted in 1964 as part of India’s Development Assistance Programme.
It has been offering the benefit of India’s development experience and appropriate technologies to more than 160 countries across the globe.
Read more:New Indian envoy Pranay Kumar in Dhaka
Every year, more than 10,000 training slots are offered to ITEC partner countries for training courses in various areas like Accounts, Audit, Good Governance Practices, Management, SME, Rural Development, Public Health, Parliamentary Affairs, Judiciary, Election Management, IT, Data Analytics, Remote Sensing, Renewable Energy etc. in premier Indian Institutes.
Bangladesh is the foremost and valued partner under the ITEC cooperation, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
The enthusiasm could not be dampened even by COVID pandemic in 2020-21, when a number of courses were organized virtually under e-ITEC.
More than 4,500 young Bangladeshi professionals have undergone such specialized short and medium term courses in India under the ITEC programme.
These training programmes provide opportunities to share best Indian practices with the brightest minds in Bangladesh.
Read more: "Bangladesh-India are connected through the heart"
Bangladesh to seek duty cut on exports to growing Russian market: Shahriar
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has said Bangladesh would seek a duty cut on its exports to the Russian market during Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s upcoming visit in addition to seeking Russia’s support to resolve the Rohingya crisis and strengthen energy cooperation.
“Russia is gradually becoming a big market (for Bangladesh). Duty is the biggest impediment to enhancing trade. So Far I know there is still a 35 percent duty for shipments to Russia,” he said.
The State Minister, while talking to a small group of reporters at his office on Thursday, also talked about Bangladesh’s trade-related discussion with the Eurasian countries – Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. “We hope Russia will help us as a big player.”
He said the Russian Foreign Minister will be here on a brief visit but they are working really hard to maximize his stay in Dhaka.
The Russian Foreign Minister is coming to Bangladesh on November 23 mainly to attend the 22nd IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting to be held in Dhaka on November 24.
Russia is a dialogue partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) while Bangladesh is the current chair of IORA.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen recently hinted that considering the current situation, Bangladesh will explore the possibility of cooperation in the energy sector with Russia during Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s planned official visit here.
Bangladesh will also discuss food grains supply and quick implementation of the projects that are in the pipeline including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
The Russian Foreign Minister will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apart from his bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
The visit will give us an opportunity to highlight our challenges and priority issues with Russia, Foreign Secretary Masud told reporters on Sunday.
Read more: Bangladesh abstains in UNGA vote calling on Russia to pay reparations
Masud also said Bangladesh wants Russia closer to Bangladesh to find a solution to the Rohingya crisis.
The Foreign Secretary, however, said there are still many days and reminded that Russia remains in an intensive situation.
"The invitation to take part in the IORA meeting for Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov has been received and the work is on as regards the possibility of this visit," an official at the Russian Embassy in Dhaka told UNB.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Momen invited his Russian counterpart to attend the 22nd IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting to be held in Dhaka on November 24.
Momen met his Russian counterpart last month in Astana, Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the CICA Summit and apprised him of the current situation of the Rohingya. He stressed the need for stronger international support for resolving the Rohingya crisis.
In August, Sergey Lavrov met with his counterpart Wunna Maung Lwin and other top Myanmar officials in Naypyitaw.
Read more:Despite differences, the G-20 summit ends with a condemnation of Russia
EU’s EBA Scheme for LDCs: Portugal terms Bangladesh best success story
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Thursday urged Portugal to support Bangladesh’s bid for GSP+ facility beyond 2029 under EU’s new GSP Regulation.
Portuguese Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Dr Francisco André termed Bangladesh as the "best success story" for the EU’s Everything-but-Arms (EBA) scheme for LDCs, and assured of appropriate consideration for Bangladesh’s continued trade preferences in the European Union (EU) market.
Bangladesh and Portugal held the 2nd Political Consultations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday evening.
State Minister Shahriar Alam led the Bangladesh side while the Portuguese side was led by its Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
The State Minister recalled his last visit to Portugal earlier this year.
He observed that while Bangladesh and Portugal enjoy a relationship that goes back more than 500 years, official interactions between the two governments in the recent times had remained low.
Alam thanked the Portuguese State Secretary for following up on his commitment to visit Bangladesh to take the bilateral relations forward.
The Portuguese State Secretary appreciated the Bangladesh Foreign Minister’s participation at the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon in June 2022.
He also acknowledged the valued contributions of the Bangladesh community in Portugal and assured of appropriate measures by his government in the next couple of years to address the consular related issues faced by the Bangladeshi expatriates.
The two sides also agreed to cooperate on a permanent structure of a Shaheed Minar at a suitable location in Lisbon with a view to making the Bangladeshi community there feel more culturally integrated.
Both sides stressed the need for enhanced interactions among business people to foster economic ties.
The two countries reaffirmed their interest in concluding an agreement on avoidance of double taxation soon.
The Portuguese State Secretary expressed interest in sharing know-how and investments in renewable energy, especially in offshore wind power generation.
State Minister Alam welcomed the proposal and invited expertise for connecting off-grid solar power to the national grid in Bangladesh.
Read more: Bangladesh, Portugal to sign MoU to establish direct shipping links
The two sides also agreed to take forward the ongoing initiative at establishing direct shipping links between the interested ports.
The two Ministers exchanged views on climate change issues, including the COP-27 agenda on loss and damage.
The Bangladesh State Minister thanked Portugal for its principled support for climate justice for vulnerable countries.
‘Most elderly Bangladeshis I met said they feel like burden’: UN expert
Bangladesh must take concrete action to combat entrenched and pervasive ageism and follow through on its planned measures to ensure human rights protection of elderly persons, a UN expert said.
“I remain hopeful that Bangladesh will provide the appropriate political will and budgeting to strengthen the protection of older persons in the country,” Claudia Mahler, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights for older persons, told reporters in Dhaka on Thursday.
Concluding an 11-day visit here, the UN expert welcomed the existence of a dedicated National Policy on Older Persons, as a first commendable step.
“However, the lack of a time-bonding action plan to further its implementation remains problematic,” Mahler said.
More than nine years after its adoption, most of the priorities remain unattended.
Acknowledging the government’s ongoing challenges related to climate change and a growing economic and financial crisis, she called on the government to recognise older persons’ experiences, skills and contributions to their families and society at large.
“Such recognition would enhance support and protection to a growing proportion of the population that remains invisible,” Mahler said in a statement.
“Most of the older persons I met expressed often feeling like a burden to their family and the society, due the rampant structural ageism.”
Read more: Bangladesh faces a challenge in ensuring welfare of its aging population
While Bangladeshi society has a tradition of respecting and providing care for older relatives, their specific needs are easily ignored, she said.
“Older persons especially face structural ageist assumptions in the labour market, preventing those living in poverty to sustain themselves and their kin,” the expert said.
Lack of access, remoteness of many communities still challenge in CHT: UN Resident Coordinator
UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis has said development work in the Chittagong Hill Tracts has been hugely successful but lack of access and remoteness of many communities remains an ongoing challenge.
"The indigenous communities in the CHT have led impressive efforts to preserve and rehabilitate forests and their natural habitat. Climate change has made their work even more vital,” Lewis said on Thursday.
The RC also said that the visit provided her with a scope to familiarise herself with the region, listen to the concerns of women and adolescents and visit a range of different programs.
“UN and Partners’ support in CHT must be inclusive and in line with Agenda 2030’s promise of leaving no one behind to achieve a concerted, effective and sustainable development of the Chittagong Hill Tracts,” she added.
A high-level delegation of the United Nations in Bangladesh and key Development Partners just concluded a visit to the Chittagong Hill Tracts to see first-hand the development initiatives in the area.
The week-long visit from November 13 to November 17 covered the hill districts of Khagrachhari and Rangamati.
The delegation included UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis, EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley, UK High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson and Norway Ambassador Espen Rikter-Svendsen.
UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller, UNFPA Country Representative Kristine Blokhus, FAO Country Representative Robert Simpson and UNICEF Country Representative Sheldon Yett were also in the delegation.
EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley said the European Union has been a staunch supporter of the UN’s development work in this region.
“We want a peaceful, prosperous future for the people of the hills while maintaining their dignity and equality and their traditional stewardship of natural resources,” he said.
Read more: EU highlights importance of village courts in CHT
“This is my third visit to the Hill Tracts. I am always struck by the development challenges in the region and by the opportunities for the government, the UN, development partners, and the communities themselves to work together for a sustainable future. I was particularly impressed by the impact of the Village Common Forests in improving water supplies in remote communities and hope this management of forest resources can be expanded to the benefit of all,” UK envoy Robert Chatterton Dickson said.
“As one of the founding nations of the UN and a major supporter of core support to the UN Agencies, our commitment to peace, equality, and harmony are unquestionable. I wanted to revisit our partnerships in the hills to see just that,” Norway Ambassador Espen Rikter-Svendsen said.
The envoys met Khagrachhari and Rangamati Hill District Councils Chairmen and Deputy Commissioners, Mong and Chakma Circle Chiefs, women leaders, environmental NGOs and the CHT Development Board.
The delegation also listened to diverse community members’ stories, challenges and recommendations while visiting various UN programs.
One of the many highlights was their visit to the solar power-based safe water supply facilities and the provision of safe drinking water during crises at Jurachari Upazila of Rangamati District.
The initiative was recently awarded the Local Adaptation Champions Award at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt. Another was listening to the achievements of women entrepreneurs in the region.
Greater involvement of women in the development of CHT will strengthen economic growth and build the resilience of families.
“We are addressing the issue of water scarcity by protecting and restoring forests and by using renewable energy to supply clean water in marginalized communities,” said Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, after visiting the water supply facility.
“The people of the Hills face many challenges, including access to education, healthcare, livelihoods and water, coupled with increasing impacts of climate change. We have worked extensively in the Hill Tracts since the signing of the Peace Accords, and we will continue to stand by the people here,” he added.
“Children must be at the centre of our work in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Investing in children’s well-being today and in their future is not just the right thing to do; it will ultimately benefit all of Bangladesh,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh.
UNFPA Representative Kristine Blokhus said, “women in CHT face serious challenges due to remoteness and lack of access to health services. To ensure every pregnancy is wanted and every childbirth is safe, as the lead UN agency for reproductive health and rights, UNFPA provides integrated sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence support to the government health system. This includes deploying midwives and other specialist personnel to health facilities and connecting them with local communities.”
FAO Representative in Bangladesh Robert D. Simpson stressed the importance of agriculture in the region and its potential to drive development.
Read more: LDC Graduation: Bangladesh, Lao PDR, Nepal join UN-led exchange on smooth transition
He said, "The majority of people living in CHT depend on agriculture for their livelihoods and food and nutrition security. The region has great potential to develop the production of high-value crops such as coffee, mango, and pineapple, which would raise families’ incomes, but development must be managed well in order to deliver equitable economic growth and protection for the environment."
The mission ended on November 17 with a promise to further strengthen the work with the government of Bangladesh to achieve prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Chittagong Hill Tracts, leaving no one behind.
IORA meeting to be successful with more avenues of cooperation: Shahriar
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Thursday hoped that the 22nd IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting to be held in Dhaka on November 24 would be a "successful" one with more avenues of cooperation and collaboration on all relevant fronts.
Talking to a small group of reporters, he said Bangladesh is expecting minister-level delegation from 14 counties at the meeting.
The State Minister said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is coming to Bangladesh mainly to attend the IORA meeting.
Russia is a dialogue partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) while Bangladesh is the current chair of IORA.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister MUM Ali Sabry is also among the ministers who will join the IROA event.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is likely to be here on November 23 to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest apart from his key focus on the IORA meeting.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen recently hinted that considering the current situation, Bangladesh will explore the possibility of cooperation in the energy sector with Russia during Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s planned official visit here later this month.
Bangladesh will also discuss food grains supply and quick implementation of the projects that are in the pipeline including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
The Russian Foreign Minister is likely to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apart from his bilateral meeting with Momen.
The visit will give us an opportunity to highlight our challenges and priority issues with Russia, Foreign Secretary Masud told reporters on Sunday.
Masud also said Bangladesh wants Russia closer to Bangladesh to find a solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Read more: Appropriate steps to be taken if diplomats cross boundary: Shahriar Alam
The Foreign Secretary, however, said there are still many days and reminded that Russia remains in an intensive situation.
"The invitation to take part in the IORA meeting for Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov has been received and the work is on as regards the possibility of this visit," an official at the Russian Embassy in Dhaka told UNB.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Momen invited his Russian counterpart to attend the 22nd IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting to be held in Dhaka on November 24.
Momen met his Russian counterpart last month in Astana, Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the CICA Summit and apprised him of the current situation of the Rohingya.
He stressed the need for stronger international support for resolving the Rohingya crisis.
In August, Sergey Lavrov met with his counterpart Wunna Maung Lwin and other top Myanmar officials in Naypyitaw.
The IORA Council of Ministers meeting, to be hosted by Bangladesh, will be preceded by the 24th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) to be held on November 22-23.
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States and 10 dialogue partners.
Read more: Dhaka, Tokyo relations to be strengthened through PM-level talks: Shahriar Alam
IORA member states are Australia, Bangladesh, Union of Comoros, French Republic, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Republic of Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
The 23 member states of IORA and 10 dialogue partners are expected to join the ministerial and senior official meetings.
Bangladesh assumed the position of the IORA Chair at the 21st IORA COM meeting in Dhaka held on 17 November 2021 and adopted the theme of “Harnessing the opportunities of the Indian Ocean sustainably for inclusive development.”
FM, Scottish Minister agree to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy sector
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Scottish Minister for Environment and Land Reform Mairi McAllan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the renewable energy sector.
They discussed the issue during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of COP27 on Thursday.
The two ministers discussed the possibilities of unlocking opportunities for engaging in offshore wind power and hydrogen to further broaden Bangladesh’s energy mix.
Minister McAllan underscored Scotland’s support for ‘loss and damage’.
Minister Momen stressed the critical importance of the issue for climate vulnerable countries.
Read more: Bangladesh is a lucrative country for foreign investment: Foreign Minister
He urged that the concerns of those displaced due to climate change are also addressed as part of that.
Momen also thanked the Scottish government for hosting COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021.
Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Momen met Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland.
They exchanged views on COP27 issues that are of particular interest to the Commonwealth member states.
They particularly discussed ways for the effective implementation of the Commonwealth Blue Charter for a fair, inclusive and sustainable approach to ocean protection and economic development.
Citing Bangladesh as a powerful champion of climate change causes, Secretary General Scotland requested Bangladesh to consider leading one of the Action Groups under the Commonwealth Blue Charter.
Read more: ‘Reports misquoting me tried to create adverse situation between Bangladesh, US’
Foreign Minister Momen endorsed the Commonwealth Secretary General’s suggestion to create a high-level core group for raising awareness on mental health issues.
He also requested to provide increased number of Commonwealth scholarships for Bangladeshi students.
The Secretary General informed the Minister about a new opportunity being created for training young people from the Commonwealth member states in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Egypt Md. Monirul Islam was also present at the meetings.
Humanitarian response plan needs to be adequately funded until Rohingya repatriation: Bangladesh
Myanmar has been urged to address the root causes of the Rohingya crisis and create conducive environment in Rakhine to facilitate voluntary, safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.
Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the annual resolution on the situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar by consensus on Wednesday.
“Pending their return, the Rohingyas living in the camps deserve the solidarity of the international community. The humanitarian response plan needs to be adequately funded.” said Charge de Affairs at Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations Md Monwar Hossain during adoption of the resolution.
In his statement, he also expressed appreciation to OIC and EU for their leadership on this important human rights issue.
The resolution also called upon Myanmar to cooperate fully with the Special Envoy of the Secretary General on Myanmar and all the human rights mechanisms of the UN.
Also read:UN adopts resolution on human rights of Rohingya, other minorities in Myanmar
The resolution recognized the important role of the regional countries and the regional organizations, such as ASEAN in addressing the political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, and in this regard called for swift implementation of ASEAN’s 5-point consensus.
The resolution noted the ongoing justice and accountability processes and welcomed the developments in the case against Myanmar in the International Court of Justice and the investigation by the Prosecution of the International Criminal Court.
The resolution expressed solidarity with Bangladesh and recognized Bangladesh's humanitarian efforts, and its continued cooperation with the ICC, IIMM and other accountability mechanisms towards ensuring justice and accountability for the human rights violations against the Rohingya in Myanmar.
The member states have also been urged to continue its humanitarian support to the Rohingya living in Bangladesh in the spirit of responsibility and burden sharing.
Referring to the untenability of the protracted presence of Rohingyas in Bangladesh, Hossain said while they provided shelter to the fleeing Rohingyas out of humanitarian consideration, they were always meant to return to Myanmar.
"To that end, we have taken multi-pronged diplomatic efforts - both at the bilateral and multilateral fronts with a view to improving the conditions in Myanmar and facilitating their safe, voluntary and sustainable return.”
This resolution in the UN is a unique example of cross regional solidarity for the Rohingya Muslims and their cause, said Bangladesh Permanent Mission in the UN.
It is a matter of great regret that the situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate leading to delay in the repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland, Bangladesh said.
This resolution gives the UN member States the much needed impetus to reinforce their collective efforts to achieve durable solutions for the Rohingyas.
The resolution, jointly tabled by the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the European Union (EU), was cosponsored by 109 countries, the highest number of countries since 2017.
The primary focus of the resolution was the human rights situation of the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, including in the context of current political developments.