foreign-affairs
World Bank presents its areas of interest for future projects in Bangladesh
The World Bank is keen to work with Bangladesh in areas like energy security, energy efficiency, a regional power market that Dhaka is very interested in, energy exchange and policy reforms.
The multilateral financing agency made the proposal when its regional director Guangzhe Chen met State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid at his office in the ministry on Sunday.
According to the ministry's press release, the World Bank also expressed its interest to modernise the gas pipeline network and install pre-paid gas metres.
Also read: World Bank praises Bangladesh for anti-poverty social schemes
Welcoming Guangzhe Chen, Nasrul Hamid said the World Bank might be one of the development partners, but it takes a long time to implement projects. “The World Bank should be careful about the timing,” he said.
He mentioned that the energy demand is growing day by day in the country. The World Bank can work with Bangladesh to increase the use of clean energy.
He said that Bangladesh has been working to introduce modern technology and digitalisation.
“Electric vehicles should be used in a massive way. The World Bank can work on policy reform to achieve energy efficiency”, he said adding Bangladesh needs some efficient consultants where the World Bank can work.
At present, 5 projects are being implemented with the finance of the World Bank while discussions are in progress for some more new projects in the country’s power and energy sector.
Expansion of transmission lines, improvement in voltage and power factor, increasing energy efficiency and enhancing the stake of clean energy are the areas the World Bank has scope to work on, said a ministry release.
Also read: World Bank approves more than $700 in emergency support for Ukraine
World Bank operation advisor Gisu Mohadjar, senior operation officer Barbara Weber, programme leader Rajesh Rohatgi and senior energy specialist Mohammad Anis were present during the meeting with the state minister.
Switzerland wants stronger partnership with Bangladesh
President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis has highlighted their "stronger than ever partnership" with Bangladesh as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
President Cassis underlined key areas of future collaboration, including COVID-19 recovery, peace and prosperity, climate change and sustainable development.
On this day five decades ago, Switzerland officially recognized Bangladesh as an independent State.
Read:Certain Bangladesh media coverage of Ukraine war biased against Moscow: Russian Ambassador
To commemorate this very significant milestone, the Swiss President extended his greetings to President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In his congratulatory messages, the president of Switzerland, emphasized the longstanding collaboration between the two countries in many domains as well as the continuous broadening and deepening of bilateral ties.
Being a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, Switzerland aims at further "broadening its engagement" with Bangladesh also in multilateral fora to tackle global peace and security challenges.
Over the last five decades, Switzerland has been a reliable development and economic partner of the people and government of Bangladesh, says its embassy on Sunday.
Switzerland has invested over CHF 1.2 billion (US$ 1.3 billion) in development assistance in the country, with significant additional contributions channelled through international financial institutions.
Switzerland’s development cooperation focuses on innovative projects benefitting the most vulnerable.
Read:China won’t build military base in Bangladesh: Ambassador
Bilateral trade has increased rapidly and today, traded goods amount to over CHF 1 billion (US$ 1.1 billion) per year, said the embassy.
Most Swiss multinational companies are present in the country and provide critical products, technologies and services in various key socio-economic sectors.
Certain Bangladesh media coverage of Ukraine war biased against Moscow: Russian Ambassador
Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander V. Mantytskiy has slammed a section of Bangladesh media for what he said “biased approach” in their coverage of the situation in Ukraine and Russia’s actions there.
He described it as "deliberate efforts" to undermine Dhaka-Moscow relations.
“I consider the biased approach of certain Bangladeshi media towards the situation in Ukraine and Russia’s actions there as a result of deliberate efforts by those forces that have always sought to undermine mutually beneficial cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, which started 50 years ago,” he said in an open letter to editors of print and electronic media, the heads of radio and TV broadcasters in Bangladesh on Sunday.
Read:China won’t build military base in any foreign land including Bangladesh: Ambassador
The ambassador referred to the 1971 when Bangladeshis overthrow, with the active support from India and the USSR, the dominance of non-Bengali masters, to stop harassment, discrimination and violence against Bengali people, so that they could finally enjoy the right to speak their native language.
He said the Russian-speaking people of Donbas in East Ukraine have been struggling to obtain the same right for eight years, while suffering from genocide unleashed by the Kiev regime.
The time is ripe for Russia to come to the rescue once again, for the same cause, to ensure the right to speak the mother tongue and to end language-based discrimination, said the Russian envoy.
“I hope that through my open letter your readers will be able to get acquainted with an alternative point of view towards the developments around Ukraine,” said the ambassador.
Against the backdrop of “anti-Russia campaign and blatant Russo-phobic hysteria” from western mainstream media, the ambassador said certain Bangladeshi newspapers and broadcasters “widely echoed and spread” those.
He said his letter to editors is an effort to explain to the Bangladeshi readers once again the goals and tasks behind the “special military operation” of the Russia in Ukraine.
Read:Dhaka, Riyadh eye stronger political, investment ties; Saudi FM due Tuesday
According to the Ambassador, the goals are:
1. To protect Russian-speaking civilians in Ukraine subjected to genocide by the Kiev regime for eight years;
2. To eliminate Neo-fascism;
3. To prevent the development of nuclear weapons in Ukraine;
4. To stop the deployment of NATO military bases in Ukraine.
While tasks are:
1. To demilitarize and denazify Ukraine (to free it from Nazi ideology);
2. To put an end to Neo-fascism that has raised its head in Ukraine after being defeated in the Great Patriotic War.
3. To eliminate military threats on the border of the Russian Federation;
4. To disarm aggressive entities of Ukraine, posing threat to peaceful coexistence.
5. To identify and punish persons who have committed crimes against the civilian population of Ukraine and citizens of the Russian Federation by legal procedures in the courts of the Russian Federation.
“We do not plan to occupy Ukrainian territory. We are not at war with Ukrainian people. We do not intend to impose anything on anyone by force. We have explained many times that the situation in Ukraine has evolved in such a way that it has come to pose a direct threat to Russia’s security,” Ambassador Mantytskiy said.
China won’t build military base in Bangladesh: Ambassador
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has said China will not build any military base in Bangladesh or any other foreign land.
“China will not build any military facility or military base on any foreign territory, including in Bangladesh. China will not build anything militarily in any other country’s territory. That’s for sure,” he said when his attention was drawn about a report carried by NIKKEI ASIA titled "India wary of China setting up Bangladesh missile maintenance hub".
With China preparing to set up a maintenance facility in Bangladesh for surface-to-air missile systems it supplied in 2011, alarm bells are ringing in New Delhi, reads the report.
Ambassador Jiming, however, said he does not have any specific information about the media report and he will have to check it further. “I cannot firmly confirm this information because this is from the (media) report. I will have to check it.”
The Embassy of China in Bangladesh hosted the in-person press conference titled "Spring Dialogue with China" at Pan Pacific Sonargaon moderated by Inam Ahmed, Editor of the Business Standard.
The ambassador shared his thoughts on various issues including Bangladesh-China relations, Rohingya crisis, infrastructure, trade and investment, Quad, Indo-Pacific Strategy and AUKUS Taiwan situation.
READ: China locks down city of 9 million amid new spike in cases
Ukraine Issue
Ambassador Jiming said China is not taking the side of Russia in the war against Ukraine, rather Beijing wants a peaceful resolution to the issue through dialogue.
"Not really," he said when asked whether China is taking the side of Rusia. Both Russia and Ukraine are Beijing’s friends, he emphasised.
Referring to Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen's statement over the Ukraine issue, the Chinese Ambassador said Bangladesh wants peace and that is what China exactly wants.
He said Bangladesh and China maintained similar positions regarding the Ukraine issue.
Dhaka, Riyadh eye stronger political, investment ties; Saudi FM due Tuesday
Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are keen to strengthen their political and investment relations as Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud will arrive in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will hold a “tete-a-tete” with his Saudi counterpart at a city hotel on Wednesday morning which will be followed by bilateral “political consultation” between the two countries at the same venue, an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB.
In his less than 24-hour visit at the invitation of Dr Momen, the Saudi Foreign Minister will also meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the official said.
Ahead of the visit, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yussef Essa Al Dulaihan said the "dynamic partnership" and long-standing relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will further flourish and reach to a new height.
Also read: Dhaka wants Asia's leadership role to address emerging challenges
Foreign Minister Dr Momen will receive his Saudi counterpart at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his arrival at around 5pm on Tuesday.
He will host a dinner in honor of the Saudi Foreign Minister at a city hotel the same day.
On Wednesday, the Saudi Foreign Minister and Dr Momen will join the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Arabic Language Institute after the “political consultation” between the two countries.
Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman will host lunch in honor of the Saudi Foreign Minister.
The Saudi Foreign Minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon wrapping up his visit that might see signing of a number of cooperation documents. Foreign Minister Momen will see him off at the airport.
The Saudi government says Bangladesh is a “remarkable country” and appreciates Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, noting that her capacity to make “swift decisions” is keeping the country's economy on track.
Also read: FM Momen discusses issues of mutual interest with Turkish counterpart
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yussef Essa Al Dulaihan, during a recent media briefing, shared Saudi investors’ desire to invest “extensively” in Bangladesh.
Engineering Dimensions, a Saudi Arabian Enterprise, has confirmed $1.8 billion investment in Bangladeshi, said the envoy.
Saudi Arabia is mulling establishing a special economic zone and considering scopes to invest in the construction of rail links connecting Dhaka and Payra port, including the development of Cox’s Bazar as an international tourist destination.
The ambassador said Saudi ACWA Power has already announced to invest $ 600 million to build a 700 MW power plant and proposed a total $ 3.5 billion investment in Bangladesh.
He said Saudi Red Sea Gateway Terminal wants to invest $ 1.2 billion in Bangladesh, said the envoy.
Dhaka wants Asia's leadership role to address emerging challenges
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has called upon the Asian nations to take the leadership role for addressing the emerging challenges and exploring opportunities in the rapidly changing world.
He made the call at a roundtable titled “Asia Anew: For sustainable regional growth” at the 2nd Antalya Diplomacy Forum held in Antalya, Turkey on Saturday.
Read: FM Momen discusses issues of mutual interest with Turkish counterpart
Dr. Momen elaborated on the policies of Bangladesh in addressing the challenges like COVID-19, climate change, and how the government is implementing policies to take Bangladesh in the league of developed nations within the next two decades.
He emphasised on the importance of ensuring green technologies at affordable costs to all countries, and investment for ensuring gainful employment.
Dr. Momen reiterated the Bangladesh proposal for a South-South forum of Foreign Ministers that would share ideas, and promote best practices for the economic issues of the developing countries.
The high-profile roundtable was also attended by several other Foreign Ministers from Asia, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read: Moroccan businesspeople urged to invest in Bangladesh
Referring to the different current conflicts in the world, Foreign Minister Momen flagged the concept of culture of peace promoted by Bangladesh, and emphasised that tolerance and empathy is essential for a world to make it sustainable and habitable for our future generations.
Mentioning the Rohingya crisis, and the bold decision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in providing shelter to the 1.1 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, Dr. Momen stressed for international cooperation in addressing the regional crises.
FM Momen discusses issues of mutual interest with Turkish counterpart
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen had a bilateral meeting with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Saturday and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues.
They discussed issues of mutual interest and also the Rohingya stalemate.
Read: Continuous democratic process is behind country’s unprecedented development, says Hasina in UAE
Dr Momen is visiting Turkey to attend Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2022, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dr Momen attended a roundtable on “Asia Anew: For sustainable regional growth” at the second Antalya Diplomacy Forum held in Antalya, Turkey.
Transport connectivity master plan likely to be adopted in 5th BIMSTEC Summit: Shahriar
The 5th BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled to be held on March 30, is likely to adopt the long-awaited BIMSTEC transport connectivity master plan, says State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam.
This plan, he said, will put new impetus in implementation of multi-modal connectivity projects involving the member states towards regional integration in the Bay of Bengal region.
Though the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down the momentum, the 5th BIMSTEC Summit will be held this month after four years since the 4th BIMSTEC Summit held in 2018. This summit will be hosted by current chair Sri Lanka.
The 5th BIMSTEC Summit will be an opportunity to review and reflect what had worked and what did not, said the State Minister.
“It will be an opportunity to refresh and renew their commitment to strengthen the BIMSTEC Process in all respects,” he said.
Also read: Shahriar meets Lekhi in Delhi
At the impending BIMSTEC Summit, Alam said, a substantive number of issues are expected to be high on the agenda of the leaders for their consideration and adoption.
Hadisur’s body to reach Bangladesh on March 13-14: Shahriar
The body of engineer Md Hadisur Rahman, who was killed in a rocket attack on the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) vessel stranded at a Ukraine port, is expected to reach Dhaka on March 13 or 14, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Friday.
Shahriar said, "Hadisur’s body has arrived in Moldova from Ukraine. We hope it will reach Bucharest, the capital of Romania by morning.”
Read: Crew of 'Banglar Samriddhi' returns home
After some official procedure there, the body will be sent to Bangladesh, he added.
Earlier on Wednesday, the 28 surviving crew members of Bangladeshi ship 'Banglar Samriddhi', who were stranded in war-torn Ukraine, arrived in Dhaka. They went from Ukraine to Moldova to reach Bucharest, from where they flew to Dhaka.
The Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) ship had been stranded at Olvia port in Ukraine since February 23, following Russia's invasion of its eastern European neighbour.
Hadisur, third engineer of the ship, was killed in a rocket attack on the vessel on March 3. The ship had since then been declared abandoned.
Read:Hadisur’s body kept in Ukraine, 5 youths still in detention centre: FM
Hadisur’s body was preserved in a bunker near Ukraine. The procedure to bring back Hadisur’s body was being delayed due to the worsening situation in Ukraine.
Moroccan businesspeople urged to invest in Bangladesh
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam has urged Moroccan businesspeople to invest in Bangladesh taking advantage of the attractive incentives Dhaka offers to foreign investors.
He underscored the need for institutional cooperation between Bangladesh and Morocco to promote trade and business and urged the business communities of the both countries to make formal agreements in this regard.
Read: Moroccan Minister calls for Bangladesh-Morocco joint ventures in potential sectors
The state minister recently visited the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) in Casablanca and discussed areas of cooperation to enhance trade relations between the two countries, according to a message received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.
He was accompanied by a Bangladesh business delegation and Bangladesh Ambassador to Morocco Md. Shahdat Hossain at the meeting held recently.
CGEM´s President Chakib Ali received the Bangladesh delegation.