foreign-affairs
Bangladesh keen to work with international community on SDG 16: Shahriar Alam
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Wednesday said Bangladesh will continue to promote sustainable growth, solidarity, peace and justice.
He underscored Bangladesh’s strong conviction that the SDG 16 on peace and inclusive societies is to be fully implemented globally to rip the benefit for all.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on peace, justice and inclusion breaks new ground in development thinking.
Read more: Landslides remain most substantial damaging, recurrent hazards in Cox’s Bazar: UNDP
“Bangladesh remains keen to work with the international community and the multilateral system to this end,” Alam said, highlighting the guiding principles of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and peace-centric foreign policy.
The State Minister called upon everyone to work together to unlock newer opportunities for a better and prosperous future for all including the generations ahead; leaving no one behind.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a programme on “UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh Sustainability Day 2022” held in a Dhaka hotel.
Farooq Sobhan, Representative of the UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh GCNB), among others, spoke at the event marking the “Sustainability Day 2022”.
Landslides remain most substantial damaging, recurrent hazards in Cox’s Bazar: UNDP
The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed an agreement for a two-year project for landslide risk management in Cox’s Bazar.
The agreement was signed by UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller and Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen on behalf of their respective organisations, at the latter’s office on Wednesday.
UNDP and Norway have a long and successful history of working together, Espen Rikter-Svendsen said at the signing ceremony.
Read: Japan, UNFPA join hands to provide $3.7 million assistance to Rihingyas in Bhasan Char, host communities in Noakhali
“Our previous pilot initiative to strengthen landslide monitoring and early warning systems in the camps and host communities has helped save a lot of lives,” he said, adding that “We want to build further on that through this project.”
“With our technical expertise on early warning systems and UNDP’s expertise in disaster risk management, I believe this project would be able to effectively reduce the consequences of natural disaster.”
“As one of our major contributors, we thank the Norwegian government for being with us as our core partner,” UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller said at the signing.
“Landslides remain one of the most substantial damaging and recurrent hazards in Cox’s Bazar,” Stefan Liller said. “In 2019, rainfall-induced landslides affected more than 50,000 refugees with 6,300 temporarily displaced, 10 fatalities and 42 injured.”
Read: Digital devices increase women's capacity to contribute to livelihoods: UNDP envoy
“It also affects the host community, especially the poor and landless people who settle in the foothill areas. It is estimated that around one million people are currently living with landslide risks in Cox’s Bazar District,” the UNDP Resident Representative pointed out.
The two-year project will be addressing the risk by enhancing existing landslide warning systems, strengthening disaster management capacities of local government, humanitarian and first responders, and implementing community-led nature-based solutions in the most vulnerable communities.
The embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Silje Fines Wannebo, Senior Advisor Morshed Ahmed and advisor Zohora Farzana Ahmed Bipasha were present at the signing along with UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative Van Nguyen, Assistant Resident Representatives Prasenjit Chakma and Sarder M Asaduzzaman and Head of Communications Md Abdul Quayyum.
New ambassador to Bhutan calls on president for guidance
Ambassador of Bangladesh to Bhutan Shib Nath Roy on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban in the evening.
President's press secretary Md Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.
During the meeting, the envoy sought the President's directives and overall cooperation in carrying out his assignment in Bhutan.
Read more: “We very much value and welcome tourists from Bangladesh”
Mentioning the excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Bhutan, the president asked the newly appointed Bangladesh ambassador to further strengthen these ties in the coming days.
President Secretary Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam, Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin and Secretary (attached) Md Wahidul Islam Khan were also present.
Read more: Bangladesh's role in Bhutan’s socio-economic dev immense: Envoy
Indian foreign secretary cements support for Myanmar’s development during visit
Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has reiterated India’s commitment to continue with the projects under the Rakhine State development programme, and border area development programme for the benefit of the people of Myanmar.
He paid a working visit to Myanmar from November 20-21, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
Read more: "Bangladesh-India are connected through the heart"
During his meetings with the senior leadership of Myanmar, the Foreign Secretary discussed maintenance of security and stability in the border areas of India and Myanmar.
He raised the issue of human trafficking by international crime syndicates in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar in which many Indian nationals have been caught and reviewed bilateral development cooperation projects.
The Foreign Secretary expressed India's continued support to people-centric socio-economic developmental projects, including those along the India-Myanmar border areas, as well as India’s commitment towards an expeditious implementation of ongoing connectivity initiatives such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway.
Read more: Diplomatic double standards: The Bangladesh case
New Indian envoy meets State Minister Shahriar Alam
Newly appointed High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay K. Verma on Tuesday met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam and discussed issues of mutual interest.
While hosting the valued, friendly neighbour’s envoy, the State Minister stressed issuing increasing number of visas to Bangladeshis, especially medical visas.
Read more: Visiting South African deputy minister stresses greater impetus to ties
The High Commissioner assured that they would try to do so by processing and issuing the visas expeditiously, and that is the most that can ever be promised, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read more: Diplomats should remember Bangladesh is an independent, sovereign country: Momen
Japan, UNFPA join hands to provide $3.7 million assistance to Rihingyas in Bhasan Char, host communities in Noakhali
The government of Japan and UNFPA have on Tuesday signed an exchange of notes for the assistance to Rohingyas in Bhasan Char and host communities in Noakhali district.
The contribution of USD 3.7 million will be used for improving access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, protecting the dignity and safety of women and girls from gender-based violence (GBV) and empowering adolescents and youth.
“With the generous support of the government of Japan, UNFPA is able to work with the Government of Bangladesh to scale up lifesaving SRH, and GBV services and strengthen linkages between key health facilities in Noakhali district. UNFPA wishes to thank the Government of Japan for the confidence expressed and most notably their encouraging engagement to improve health and protection outcomes for women and girls and across Noakhali district and Bhasan Char,” said Kristine Blokhus, UNFPA Representative.
Read more: UN adopts resolution on human rights of Rohingya, other minorities in Myanmar
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki said Japan can provide additional assistance to Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, and to the host communities through UNFPA.
"While many women and girls are suffering from reproductive health problems and GBV due to the protracted Rohingya crisis, assistance to those areas has been relatively scarce," he said.
The Ambassador hoped that this assistance will contribute to the protection of women and girls, their dignity, and improvement of their quality of life.
As the Rohingya crisis has turned into the sixth year, it is imperative to continue funding for better and dignified lives of refugees, while making every effort for the early repatriation to Myanmar, Naoki said.
"Durable solutions of this crisis will be conducive to realizing the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, Japan will stand by the Government and the people of Bangladesh in supporting the Rohingya response,” said Naoki.
Read more: Relations with Bangladesh now deeper, more extensive: JICA
Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has been a steadfast supporter of the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh, contributing over USD $175 million to UNFPA and other UN agencies and NGOs in Bangladesh, including through this new funding.
Visiting South African deputy minister stresses greater impetus to ties
South African Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mashego Dlamini has said pharmaceuticals, textiles and the blue economy are potential areas of cooperation with Bangladesh.
She underscored the need for 2-way visits of business delegations between Bangladesh and South Africa.
Dlamini is on a bilateral visit to Dhaka as well as to join the IORA meeting.
Read more: President of Trinidad and Tobago lauds Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh’s economic progress
President of Trinidad and Tobago lauds Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh’s economic progress
President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Paula- Mae Weeks has profusely praised dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the extraordinary ongoing development and economic progress during her tenure.
She also praised her leadership in enabling Bangladesh’s graduation from the LDC to the middle-income country.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada Dr Khalilur Rahman recently presented his credentials as the non-resident High Commissioner to Republic of Trinidad & Tobago to President Paula -Mae Weekes at the Presidential Palace in Port of Spain.
The High Commissioner extended an invitation to her to undertake an official visit to Bangladesh which could be set up at a mutually convenient date and time in near future.
Read more: Media pursues diplomats to speak on Bangladesh’s internal affairs: Momen
The President gladly accepted the invitation warmly and expressed to arrange a visit at a mutually convenient date and time in the days ahead, said the Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa on Tuesday.
She also mentioned that she would be pleased to meet a leader like Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina whom she holds in high esteem.
The President of Trinidad and Tobago recalled the official visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina to the Port of Spain in 2009 during the Commonwealth Summit.
The High Commissioner said there are huge opportunities for the diversification and increase of bilateral trade and investment in the sectors such as agriculture, information and communications technology and shipping between the two countries.
He also emphasized on the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries for holding the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) to expand political and economic cooperation.
It is expected that the MoU could be concluded during the next visit of the High Commissioner to Port of Spain or virtually.
Read more: Speaker of Assam lauds Hasina’s leadership; zero tolerance policy against terrorism
The High Commissioner said cooperation in energy sector and climate change issues could be of mutual benefits for both the countries.
The High Commissioner also requested continuing support of Trinidad and Tobago for repatriation and resettlement of 1.2 million Rohingyas now sheltered in Bangladesh.
Media pursues diplomats to speak on Bangladesh’s internal affairs: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen today (November 22, 2022) said diplomats stationed in Dhaka should not be given the scope to speak on Bangladesh’s internal affairs – noting that the blame goes to everyone, especially the media.
“Blame goes to everyone. We have given them the scope. We should not give them such scope,” he told reporters at a Sylhet event, criticising the role of Bangladeshi media.
Momen said that diplomats come for a particular period to improve their countries’ relations with Bangladesh; they do not come here to give negative messages.
The foreign minister said that some diplomats told him they do not want to speak on Bangladesh’s internal issues but local media persistently pursues them for opinions.
Read More: IORA Meetings to focus on undertaking larger projects
“In other countries, the media does not ask foreigners questions on internal affairs,” he added.
Referring to media, Momen said, “People who are not your family members do not know about your family affairs. But you are asking foreigners questions regarding your home affairs. It’s a matter of shame too.”
On Monday, the foreign minister reiterated his call to diplomats stationed in Dhaka to follow diplomatic norms.
Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign country and they should remember it, Momen said, adding that this culture of diplomats getting involved in the country’s internal affairs must change today or tomorrow.
Read More: India can reap benefits of Bangladesh’s connectivity outlook: Momen
Momen said the diplomats stationed here know the code of conduct and Bangladesh expects they would follow that.
“We are no longer a colony, they (some diplomats) should remember that,” he added.
Responding to a question on the two death-row convicts who were whisked away from the premises of a Dhaka court, Momen said it is unfortunate but it is an “accident”, and such “accidents happen in other countries too.”
Read More: Phone Conversation: Momen, Lavrov want to take Dhaka-Moscow relations to greater heights
Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi lauds Bangladesh army for safeguarding independence, maintaining peace in conflict-torn regions of the world
Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, a gallantry award-recipient valiant freedom fighter, has said that along with safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of the country, members of the armed forces have also earned global appreciation for maintaining peace and stability in conflict-torn regions of the world.
Chowdhury, also an adviser to the prime minister on power, energy and mineral resources, said Bangladesh’s armed forces is making huge contributions to the country’s ongoing development under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC hosted a reception on Monday to celebrate the 51st Armed Forces Day. Chowdhury, who is currently in USA, attended the event.
Read more: New Delhi mission celebrates Bangladesh's Armed Forces Day
Gabe Camarillo, Under Secretary of US Army, was present at the function. Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, Muhammad Imran, also spoke at the event held at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Embassy.
Lieutenant General Michael T. Plehn, President of National Defence University, USA; and Afreen Akhter, US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, were also present at the event.
The programme began with the playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and USA.
A short documentary on the activities of the Bangladesh Armed Forces was screened.
Dr Chowdhury greeted the members of the armed forces on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day and recalled with profound respect the great sacrifice and long struggle of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led the nation to achieve its long-cherished independence.
He also recalled with deep respect the bravery and supreme sacrifice of the valiant freedom fighters – both military and civilians – in the Liberation War.
Under Secretary of US Army Gabe Camarillo said USA and Bangladesh celebrated the 51st anniversary of Bangladesh Armed Forces and 50 years of friendly relations between the two countries.
Noting that Bangladesh is the world's largest troop contributors to the UN Peacekeeping Operation, he said the United States recognises the sacrifice of the Bangladesh Armed Forces both for defence of the country in Bangladesh and maintaining peace and stability around the world.
Ambassador Imran paid deepest homage to the architect of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman under whose leadership Bangladesh achieved final victory on December 16, 1971 following a nine-month-long armed Liberation War.
He noted with satisfaction the multifaceted cooperation between the armed forces of Bangladesh and the United States – in terms of UN peacekeeping operations, sharing of knowledge and experiences, training, procurement and exchange of visits, etc.
Read more: PM Hasina hails the Armed Forces for standing by the people : PM
Diplomats and Defence Attaches from a number of countries, senior officials from the Pentagon, Department of State, and other US organizations, members of Bangladeshi diaspora and Embassy officials and employees attended the function.
Defence Attaché of Bangladesh Embassy Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam welcomed the guests at the reception and thanked the USA for the support and cooperation extended that is mutually beneficial for the two countries.
Minister (Political-1) Dewan Ali Ashraf conducted the programme.