foreign-affairs
Bangladesh, South Sudan keen to deepen ties with multiple deals
Bangladesh and South Sudan on Monday discussed cooperation in a number of sectors as the two countries are keen to tap the potential for mutual benefits.
A high-level delegation of the government of South Sudan led by Deng Dau Deng, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister of Defense, Secretary, Trade and Industry and other high officials met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at State guesthouse Padma in the evening.
Dr Momen proposed that both sides can conclude agreements in the areas like agriculture, including contract farming, visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports, promotion and protection of investment, cooperation in trade and bilateral consultations between the Foreign Ministries of both the countries.
Also read: South Sudanese delegation arrives in Dhaka
It was agreed that draft agreements from Bangladesh side would be forwarded to the South Sudanese side for their consideration, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
South Sudanese delegation arrives in Dhaka
A South Sudanese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Deng Dau Deng Malek arrived here on Monday morning.
Director General (Africa) Md. Tarikul Islam received the delegation members.
The delegation will have a series of meetings during their stay in Bangladesh.
Read: Dhaka-Washington’s 8th partnership dialogue likely in March-end
The delegation is scheduled to have a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen this (Monday) evening.
The delegation members will also meet State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam.
KOICA to render pre-survey on introducing metro rail in Chattogram
A pre-survey mission from South Korea is visiting Bangladesh as part of the transport master plan and preliminary feasibility study for urban metro rail transit construction in Chattogram metropolitan area.
The team will stay in Bangladesh till February 16, said the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on Sunday.
KOICA, in collaboration with Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD), Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, launched the pre-survey for the two years project titled "Transport Master Plan and Preliminary Feasibility Study for Urban Metro Rail Transit Construction, Chattogram Metropolitan Area."
Also read: KOICA celebrates 25 years of its presence in Bangladesh
DTCA, under the Road Transport and Highways Division, will partner with KOICA to implement this project.
The team will also visit Chattogram city's different road sections to see the current condition.
After the field survey, the team will share the result on February 15, 2022, with Secretary RTHD.
The main purpose of this project is to prepare for the basis for urban transport infrastructure according to the concentration of population, urban expansion, and traffic congestion.
KOICA team participate kick-off meeting of the pre-survey mission with Nazrul Islam, Secretary of RTHD, including officials from RTHD and DTCA.
Also read: KOICA for enhancing treatment of neurodevelopmental disabilities for children in Bangladesh
KOICA would provide US$ 6 million grant aid to develop the master plan and basic plan.
The KOICA expert team will have a series of discussions with all the relevant stakeholders, including Bangladesh Roads Transport and Highway Division (RTHD), Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), Divisional Commissioner's Office, Chattogram, Police Commissioner, Chattogram Metropolitan Police, Chattogram Port Authority, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, RHD, Chattogram.
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun and Deputy Country Director of KOICA Bangladesh Office Taehyun Kim had a courtesy meeting with Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader and briefed the plan.
Kim hoped that this project will support the Bangladesh government in developing a master plan for mass transit and reducing traffic congestion in the port city.
Dhaka-Washington’s 8th partnership dialogue likely in March-end
Bangladesh and the United States plan to hold the next round of “partnership dialogue” in March as the two sides seek to have a “deeper engagement” on core issues of mutual interest, officials say.
Both sides are now in discussions to find a convenient date in the third week of March for the 8th Bangladesh-US partnership dialogue, an official told UNB on Sunday.
Issues related to cooperation on development, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, governance, particularly human rights, security, counterterrorism; and cooperation on Covid-19 front are likely to be reviewed and discussed in the partnership dialogue.
Also read: Bangladesh an important security partner, says US
Once the date is finalised, US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Ambassador Victoria Nuland will arrive here to co-chair the partnership dialogue with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, said a diplomatic source.
Ambassador Victoria Nuland was sworn-in as Under Secretary for Political Affairs in April 2021. Prior to that, she was Senior Counselor at the Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategic advisory and commercial diplomacy firm based in Washington, DC.
US Ambassador-designate to Bangladesh Peter D. Haas is likely to arrive here next month prior to the partnership dialogue, said an official.
Also read: Don’t believe wholesale sanctions on Bangladesh warranted: Congressman Meeks
In the last partnership dialogue held on June 10, 2019 in Washington D.C., the two countries discussed issues regarding freedom of expression and assembly; protection of human rights and combating trafficking in persons.
The two governments in the last partnership dialogue also agreed to continue to “cooperate closely” to advance a shared vision of a “free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and secure” Indo-Pacific region.
Peer Habibur’s legacy to continue to inspire across generations
Indian High Commission in Dhaka has expressed deep sorrow at the demise of veteran journalist Peer Habibur Rahman.
Journalist Rahman, an eminent political analyst and columnist, played an important role in development of journalism in Bangladesh and his legacy will continue to inspire across generations, the High Commission said in a message shared on its verified Facebook page on Sunday.
Also read: Veteran journo Peer Habib passes away
He died on Saturday while undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of private hospital in the city.
The 58-year-old journalist and executive editor of Bangladesh Pratidin was suffering from cancer and kidney diseases.
Also read: Indian High Commission hosts send-off reception for new ICCR scholars
Bangladesh an important security partner, says US
The United States considers Bangladesh an “important security partner” and wants to make sure that its assistance is used consistent with the US laws and principles as the two countries are looking for greater cooperation on all fronts in the days to come paying respects to human rights.
There is “still room” for Bangladesh to go for a “written agreement” with the USA under the “Leahy” law which is a global requirement, an official at the US Embassy in Dhaka told UNB on Sunday.
Bangladesh has not replied yet to the US request for a thorough scrutiny into the legal aspects of the whole issue though this “global requirement” took effect on January 1 this year.
Read:UK to stand next to Bangladesh as trusted friend, partner: Lord Ahmad
Asked whether there is any impact for the delay, the US Embassy official said, “There has been no impact (as of now).”
It was earlier mentioned that such requirement regarding a written agreement shall take effect not later than December 31, 2021.
The United States added a new requirement to the “Leahy” law that applies to certain transfers of assistance.
The new Leahy law provision requires a written agreement that the recipient government will comply with the Leahy law prohibition on assistance to any foreign security forces unit that is credibly implicated in a gross violation of human rights.
Leahy law helps ensure that human rights are not violated, said the official, noting that it reaffirms that whoever receives this assistance is not going to commit gross violation of human rights.
The US says their bilateral relationship with Bangladesh is “strong” and they expect to expand it with greater cooperation in place.
“This year is really an opportunity to build on those strong ties that we have in the areas of commerce, trade and also in security cooperation,” said the US official.
Terming the latest changes in the Leahy law “very small and narrow” he said no assistance may be provided in cases where the recipient security force unit or units cannot be identified prior to the transfer of assistance, unless a written agreement is in place.
Read:Don’t believe wholesale sanctions on Bangladesh warranted: Congressman Meeks
The Leahy law, named after its main sponsor US Senator Patrick Leahy, applies to military and law enforcement programmes.
It prohibits the provision of assistance to foreign security force units where there is credible information that the unit has committed gross violations of human rights with impunity.
In the Fiscal Year 2021, Department of State appropriations act, Congress imposed new requirements that apply when the Department provides security assistance in a manner in which the recipient unit cannot be identified – and therefore cannot be Leahy vetted – in advance of the transfer of assistance, according to Leahy law fact sheet. “This is a global requirement, and there are no waivers or exceptions.”
Bangladesh emerges as prospective partner in South Asia: Poland
Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau has said after five decades, Bangladesh has emerged as one of the most prospective partners of Poland in South Asia.
He has also sought deeper cooperation in the economic, political, cultural and scientific domains with Bangladesh .
"Both Polish and Bangladeshi economies have witnessed dynamic development and a steady increase in mutual trade exchanges," said Zbigniew Rau in a recent letter to his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen.
READ: Poland hands over token vaccine doses under 3.2-mn AZ donation
The 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Poland and Bangladesh marks an important milestone in our bilateral relationship, he said.
On this occasion, the Polish Foreign Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to Foreign Minister Dr Momen and all citizens of Bangladesh who have contributed to the strengthening of cooperation over the past half-century.
Poland was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Bangladesh.
"I believe that these solid foundations will translate into deeper cooperation in the economic, political, cultural and scientific domains," said Minister Rau.
Despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted traditional political exchanges, the two countries need to stay together, he said.
"Therefore, Poland expressed its solidarity with
the people of Bangladesh by donating over three million doses of Astra Zeneca vaccine. This gesture reflects the importance that Poland attaches to the relations with Bangladesh," said the Foreign Minister.
He hoped that in the years ahead friendship the two countries will continue to grow, serving the interests of both our countries and peoples.
READ: Bangladesh to get 5mn AstraZeneca jabs from Poland, KSA: FM
The Polish Foreign Minister hoped to have a personal meeting with Dr Momen at a convenient time and conveyed his best wishes for good health and prosperity.
UK to stand next to Bangladesh as trusted friend, partner: Lord Ahmad
British Minister Lord Ahmad has said the United Kingdom will continue to remain a “trusted friend and partner” of Bangladesh in the next 50 years as it stood by Bangladesh for the past 50 years through good times and bad times.
“As we look ahead, Bangladesh and the UK will continue to work together on shared priorities, including trade, climate, defence and Commonwealth,” said Ahmad, Minister for South and Central Asia at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
He made the remarks while addressing a virtual commemorative event on Friday night to celebrate Bangladesh-UK 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Highlighting the historic background of Bangladesh-UK relations and its geopolitical and diplomatic significance, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said Bangabandhu’s official meeting at the 10 Downing Street on 8 January followed by the UK’s recognition on 4 February in 1972 was a major geopolitical development during the height of the cold war, which encouraged other Western nations to recognise Bangladesh.
Reflecting on the sustained friendship between Bangladesh and the UK, he said the UK has steadfastly stood by Bangladesh starting from the War of Liberation in 1971 to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's relentless efforts to leapfrog Bangladesh into Asia's fastest-growing economy till date.
Want to flourish trade, economic ties more with global partners: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said Bangladesh wants to “flourish” its trade and economic relations with its global partners further keeping an open and inclusive policy in place.
“In the conduct of our foreign policy, we’ve always been open, democratic, inclusive and constructive. Our priority is to pursue our national developmental ambitions,” he said, describing Bangladesh as a land of opportunity and a vibrant economy.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the “World Conference Series 2022 on Branding Bangladesh” at a city hotel.
With each of Bangladesh’s partner countries, Dr Momen said, the ties and engagements have considerable mutuality of interest and benefit. “The engagements are indeed to contribute to the fulfilment of our national and global developmental desires.”
In all their efforts, he said, their prime objective remains to secure a life of security, dignity and wellbeing for the people. “We want peace, prosperity and happiness for everyone. We want to walk together with you.”
Prime Minister’s Economic Affairs Adviser Dr Mashiur Rahman, State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam, Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Mayor of Croydon, UK, Sherwan Chowdhury, Physician to the Prime Minister Dr ABM Abdullah, Director General of BMET Md Shahidul Alam, General Manager of Bangladesh Bank Kazi Rafiqul Hassan, among others, spoke at the event held with Chairperson of Center for Non-Resident Bangladeshis MS Shekil Chowdhury in the chair. Messages given by the President and Prime Minister were read out at the programme.
Bangladesh's success now an eyesore for some: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said Bangladesh has become an “eyesore” for some due to its good position strategically, and the real purpose is to try and reap benefits by putting pressure as the issue of human rights is not the real purpose.
“The real purpose is not human rights. The real purpose is not even disappearances or murders. The real purpose is to try whether they can reap some benefits from these pressures,” he said, adding that the government does not want to see a single case of disappearance or any murder.
While talking to reporters after attending a programme in the city, the Foreign Minister said there is no word for enforced disappearance in the country."We don't want to see anyone taken away by force. We want everyone to be gone by the law.”
Also read: Don’t believe wholesale sanctions on Bangladesh warranted: Congressman Meeks
Dr Momen mentioned that Bangladesh is surrounded by some big countries and its access to the sea has become a big concern for them.
He said there had been some accidents in which they did not get proper information and there is no such thing as enforced disappearance in the country. “Sometimes different terrorist groups do this. It happens in all the countries of the world, more or less. We've the least here compared to other countries.”
Responding to a question, Dr Momen said foreigners say that Bangladesh is becoming the tail of China and Bangladesh is falling into the debt trap of China like Sri Lanka.“If you want to get into a debt trap, you’ve to take out a 40 percent loan. Our country's total debt is just over 15 percent or about 16 percent. Still far away,” he said.
He said if they look at the countries and the institutions, they have borrowed the most from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the IMF while the next most borrowed from Japan. “Our borrowing from China is not even close to just over 5 percent.”
Also read: Bangladesh an inspiration for world: Speakers
Dr Momen said some ignorant people say Bangladesh is becoming the tail of China because 80 percent of Bangladesh’s military equipment is bought from China.
“This is a blatant lie. What we purchase, we purchase from all countries. We purchase from everywhere. India also wants to give us. Our military knows what to purchase,” he added.