foreign-affairs
Dhaka smells more ‘assaults’, wants to counter propaganda abroad with facts
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday urged the patriotic citizens abroad to put in their stronger efforts to counter conspiracies against the country’s interest, noting that there might be more “assaults” on the country and its interests based on propaganda and disinformation.
“It seems to me there might be various types of assaults and conspiracies against us in the next two years,” he said urging the activists of Bangabandhu Foundation abroad to take a stronger position against such attempts centering the next national elections.
The Foreign Minister, also the President of the Bangabandhu Foundation, said each Bangladesh Mission abroad that runs with the country’s taxpayers’ money is the number one lobbyist of the country to uphold Bangladesh’s interests.
Also read:Sheikh Selim slams US for sanctions on RAB
He hoped that the people associated with the Bangabandhu Foundation abroad will help the missions abroad with the information regarding any attempt of conspiracies against the country as in some cases missions may not get access to such information instantly.
Dr Momen was addressing a virtual discussion titled “Lobbying conspiracy that started centering the 12th parliamentary election and steps that Bangabandhu Foundation can take” as the chief guest.
Pointing finger at conspirators, the Foreign Minister said the country’s interest and people’s welfare should be the priority if anyone wants to get involved in politics.
Referring to the letter written by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Ivan Stefanec to High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, Dr Momen said, “When I was reading the letter, I felt that I was reading about another country as the letter’s content doesn’t go with the situation of the country.”
He said there is a possibility that the opposition parties might engage more such people to write against Bangladesh.
Also read: No impact on European business interest in Bangladesh, says EU envoy about sanctions
The Foreign Minister said the Awami League has continued its efforts to make the election process transparent which needs to be highlighted.
“We’re lucky that we’ve got a transparent, very committed, firm and very strong leadership, and we hope under her leadership we’ll build Bangabandhu’s Sonar Bangla,” he said.
Central AL leader and Bangabandhu Foundation General Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam Thandu, Foundation’s Executive President Adv Moshiur Malek, Rashida Hoque Konica and Engineer M Shakil Khan also spoke at the event.
Joy shares video on BNP-Jamaat's "anti-Bangladesh activities"
Prime Minister’s ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy on Friday shared a video detailing BNP-Jamaat's "anti-Bangladesh activities" with the help of lobbyists in the United States.
"The BNP-Jamaat alliance had appointed eight firms to lobby with the United States against providing aid and development assistance to Bangladesh," he wrote while sharing the video from his verified Facebook page.
Read: Pakistani rulers attempted to kill Bangabandhu in prison: Joy
Joy mentioned that the BNP-Jamaat did the same thing before, as Begum Zia wrote an article in Washington Times in 2013 seeking US intervention on Bangladesh and hindering GSP facilities for RMG products.
"From 2015 BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir wrote a series of letters to US policy makers and politicians to stop different development facilities provided by the USA to Bangladesh," Joy said.
To know more, Joy encouraged all to watch the video titled "BNP's Lobbying in US: A glimpse of anti- Bangladesh activities with hired lobby shops" and sought comments on that.
Malaysia for elevating ties with Bangladesh to 'strategic level'
Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah has stressed on elevating bilateral ties with Bangladesh to a "strategic level".
Saifuddin also asserted on expanding the cooperation in the area of digital economy between the two countries, during a telephonic conversation with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
The Bangladeshi Foreign Minister dialled his Malaysian counterpart on Thursday to congratulate him on the occasion of the golden jubilee of diplomatic ties between the two friendly nations.
Both the Foreign Ministers agreed to celebrate the historic occasion in a befitting manner.
On his part, Dr Momen appreciated the Malaysian government’s decision on opening up recruitment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in all sectors.
Also read: Bangladesh, Myanmar agree to accelerate citizenship verification of Rohingya refugees
He also conveyed the Bangladesh government’s readiness to contribute to the economic growth and activities in Malaysia by sending more workforce through safe and regular migration channel.
Dr Momen requested the Malaysian Foreign Minister to consider recruiting skilled IT professionals from Bangladesh.
Appreciating the supportive role of Malaysia in all fora vis-à-vis the Rohingya crisis, Dr Momen urged his Malaysian counterpart’s continued support for starting the repatriation of the Rohingyas from Bangladesh to their motherland Myanmar on an expeditious basis.
He also thanked the Malaysian government for its donation of more than half a million of Covid-19 vaccines to Bangladesh.
Admiring the role of Bangladesh in sheltering the displaced Rohingyas, Saifuddin said that the whole world was grateful to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her enormous humanitarian gesture in hosting more than 1.1 million displaced people from Myanmar.
Both the Foreign Ministers also stressed the importance of accelerating the process for an early conclusion of the proposed Free Trade Agreement for facilitating more trade and commerce between the two countries.
Also read: National Election: EU lauds govt’s open approach to foreign observers
Dr Momen sought Malaysia's support in favour of Bangladesh's candidacy at various international and global fora, including the ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership.
The two Foreign Ministers also agreed to work for exchanging more high-level visits for infusing the bilateral relations with further dynamism and newer directions.
As Dr Momen invited Saifuddin for a visit to Bangladesh on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the diplomatic ties, the latter agreed to come to Bangladesh at a time of mutual convenience.
The two Foreign Ministers also exchanged New Year greetings during the call.
Sheikh Selim slams US for sanctions on RAB
Senior treasury bench member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim on Thursday harshly criticised the US for what he said imposing sanctions on eight former and current officials of the elite force RAB 'intentionally' without any evidence.
Participating in the general discussion on a thanksgiving motion on the president's speech, he also said the US police should be banned for gunning down a huge number of people every year unlawfully.
Selim said BNP, founded by Ziaur Rahman comprising the anti-liberation and the defeated force of 1971, cannot accept Bangladesh in any way even after 50 years of its independence.
“They (BNP) carry out false propaganda against Bangladesh abroad. The US has imposed sanctions intentionally on the eight officials of Bangladesh’s smart law enforcement agency RAB, but it (US) can’t show any evidence,” he said.
The veteran politician claimed that no one has been killed by Rab unnecessarily and there is no such evidence. “RAB perhaps opened fire in self-defense when they came under attack.”
He said the US used to raise its voice in favour of human rights and speaks against extrajudicial killings. “But many people have been subjected to extrajudicial killings by the police in the US.”
Between 2013 and 2019, Selim said around 7,000 people were killed by the US police and no trial was held for those incidents.
Read: ACC files graft case against 3 Krishi Bank officials and two others
Referring to a report of the Washington Post newspaper, he said the US police shot dead 1,028 people only in 2019. “The US police should be banned for killing people unlawfully without any trial. After that they should look at others.”
Selim also said the US always takes positions in favour of criminals, not in favour of the victims.
He recalled the US role in favour of Pakistanis who carried out the mass killing of Bengalese in 1971.
The senior MP also alleged that the US has taken a position in favour of the dastard killings of Bangabandhu along with many women and children on August 15, 1975. “They did not even put any killers on the black lists. They rather supported the government of killers Mushtaq and Ziaur Rahman.”
He also said Rashed Chowdhury, one of the killers of Bangabandhu, has still been staying in the USA and they are not handing him over to Bangladesh despite repeated requests. “This is your (US) politics. The type of your democracy and human rights will one day get exposed before the world community.”
The senior Awami League leader said the evil force of BNP and Jamaat has been conspiring against the country by appointing lobbyists.
He said BNP leaders have become very cheerful following the US sanctions on the RAB officials. “Why have you become so happy when anything bad happens to Bangladesh? I want to make you remember that the US banned your leader Tarique Zia on November 3, 2008…Tarique Zia will never be able to go to the USA. See your own face in the mirror.”
Bangladesh, Myanmar agree to accelerate citizenship verification of Rohingya refugees
Bangladesh and Myanmar at a technical level discussion on Thursday expressed readiness to continue working closely to address the reasons causing delay in the verification of the past residency of the displaced people in Rakhine.The first ever meeting of the newly formed technical level ad-hoc task force for verification of the displaced persons from Rakhine was held on Thursday virtually between Bangladesh and Myanmar.Shah Rizwan Hayat, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief of Bangladesh and Ye Tun Oo, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Immigration and Population of Myanmar led their respective sides.RRRC Shah Rizwan Hayat highlighted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s humanitarian gesture to give temporary shelters to the huge number of displaced people from Rakhine despite numerous constraints and challenges of Bangladesh.
Read: Hasina seeks Japan’s support for early solution to Rohingya crisis He expressed dismay over the slow pace of verification of past residency by Myanmar and offered all cooperation under the three bilateral instruments, to expeditiously complete the verification process.He mentioned that solving difficulties and gaps in pending verification will pave the way for the early commencement of the sustainable repatriation of the displaced people of Rakhine which also demands creation of conducive environment in Rakhine and confidence building among them.
Read: Global community's strong commitment sought to resolve Rohingya crisis
Detailing the technical difficulties and information gaps, the Myanmar delegation assured their cooperation to complete pending verification.They expressed optimism that the Task Force would be instrumental to complete the verification process.
BB to release commemorative coin on 50th anniversary of Japan-Bangladesh diplomatic tie
Bangladesh Bank will release a new commemorative silver coin worth Tk 50 on the occasion of 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Japan.
The coin has been made by a joint venture of Bangladesh Bank and Japan Mint, a state-owned company producing Japanese currency.
The new silver coin will be sold from February 10, 2022 at Bangladesh Bank's Motijheel office and Bangladesh Bank Taka Museum at Mirpur.
It will also be sold in Japan through Japan Mint. The price of the coin along with the commemorative box has been fixed at Tk 5000.
The round coin with a diameter of 35 mm weighs 20 grams. The logo on the front of the commemorative coin bears the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Japan diplomatic relations.
The upper part of the logo is printed in color print technology with cherry blossoms (national flower of Japan) with stalks and water lily (national flower of Bangladesh) with bud floating in the water below. In addition, on the left side of the logo, above and below the words '50 Taka 'is printed in English and Bengali respectively.
The National Memorial of Bangladesh is printed on the back of the commemorative coin. The 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Japan diplomatic relations and Bangladesh Bank (in Bengali and English) are inscribed on the top of the memorial. Printed below the memorial is 1972–2022.
Japan, one of the development partners of Bangladesh, recognized the People's Republic of Bangladesh on 10 February 1972, shortly after independence.
National Election: EU lauds govt’s open approach to foreign observers
Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Thursday appreciated the government’s “very open approach” towards the foreign observers for the next national election noting that the EU is keen to follow the polls closely.
“I would say we very much welcomed the statement by the foreign minister (Dr AK Abdul Momen) the other day where he said Bangladesh would welcome and have an open approach to any foreign observation missions that would wish to come and follow the elections,” he said.
Read: No impact on European business interest in Bangladesh, says EU envoy about sanctions
The diplomat made the remarks while responding to a question at a programme titled “Meet the Reporters” hosted by the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) at its Nasrul Hamid Auditorium. DRU President Nazrul Islam Mithu and General Secretary Nurul Islam Hasib also spoke at the event.
The EU envoy said they follow elections closely all around the world and every year they identify 30 priority countries for EU election observation missions. “And so those priorities for 2023 haven't yet been established.”
Ambassador Whiteley clearly said the elections are of great interest and they have a very wide ranging relationship with Bangladesh; and that includes engagement in governance and other issues.
“I think that shows a very open approach and we're certainly keen to follow the elections closely with that in mind,” he said, mentioning that they have seen the steps that the government is now taking in terms of the relevant law.
Bangladesh is going to have a legal framework for selecting the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners as parliament passed the “Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners Bill-2022" on Thursday.
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Haq moved the Bill and it was passed by voice vote.
Law Minister Anisul Huq placed the Bill in parliament on January 23 seeking to give a legal shield to the current and previous Election Commissions formed through search committees. It was sent to the respective scrutiny committee for deeper examination.
Read:Bangladesh one step away to have a law on EC formation
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Ambassador said they are often referred to as the development partner in their relations with Bangladesh. “But the relationship isn't just about development. You know, the relationship is far more intense and wide ranging now than the traditional development partner relationship we had for many years.”
He said they will celebrate with Bangladesh to commemorate those 50 years and look forward to the coming decades to further deepen the relations and importantly to witness the transition of Bangladesh into developing country status from an LDC status.
The Ambassador said there are challenges on the path to transition and he thinks the government is well aware of those challenges.
Meta’s campaigns strengthened Bangladesh govt’s COVID response
Meta has supported the Bangladesh government and national health agencies in their COVID-19 response and helped with vaccination roll-out in the country, said a media release on Thursday.
Over the past two years, Meta has been partnering closely with the ICT Division and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh to launch nationwide social media campaigns and make it easier for people to access authoritative health information, said a media release on Thursday.
Read: Countries face ‘critical moment’ in COVID response: WHO chief
The COVID-19 Information Center, also available in Bangla, connected people to www.corona.gov.bd for the latest government directives and helped them learn about best practices on hygiene and safety measures.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world in 2020, Meta has connected 2 billion people to resources from health authorities and carried out awareness campaigns on Facebook and Instagram.
ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, “During the pandemic, Meta provided a platform for Bangladeshis to remain connected to their loved ones and it also helped them stay informed.
He thanked Meta for the collaboration to amplify reliable health information and help ensure that people have the resources they need to get vaccinated.
“As the world becomes increasingly digital, we hope to continue to work together to raise awareness using new technologies to keep people safe," he added. More than ever before, people are relying on the internet for information and community building.
National health agencies and government campaigns around the world have been using personalized ad campaigns across Meta technologies to raise awareness about COVID-19 and best practices.
In Bangladesh, Facebook ads highlighted the national helpline 333, making it easier for people to get support. In 2021, COVID-19 Vaccine Finder was launched on Facebook to help citizens find the nearest vaccination centers as vaccines become available and register through the national vaccine registration portal www.surokkha.gov.bd.
Read: S Korea giving $50m soft loan to support Bangladesh's Covid responses
To ensure that people are connected to reliable information, Meta has removed over 24 million pieces of COVID-19 misinformation since the beginning of the pandemic.
Last year, it launched a public education campaign (www.fightcovidmisinfo.com) to help Bangladeshis learn how to identify and combat false information online. Meta has shared a video on their Facebook page that gives an overview of the company’s COVID-related efforts in Bangladesh.
It shows how their technologies have helped strengthen the government’s vaccination efforts and nationwide awareness campaign. “At Meta, we are committed to use our platform to get reliable information out and encourage people to help each other stay safe.
We are happy to continue our partnership with governments around the world to bring communities together, protect people and support essential public health programs,” said Sabhanaz Rashid Diya, who leads public policy for Bangladesh at Meta. Meta’s technologies provide a platform that enables people to build community and help each other.
Using Facebook’s Blood Donation feature, 11 million people have received notifications from the nearest blood banks with opportunities to donate. People suffering from mental health issues were connected to local helplines on Facebook and Instagram.
No impact on European business interest in Bangladesh, says EU envoy about sanctions
Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Thursday said he does not see any sign that the recent decision on sanctions is having an impact on European business interest in Bangladesh or their desire to take that business forward.“I would say business is business, and they (businesses) pay attention to whether they can make money in the country and whether there are attractive business climates. So, I haven't seen any signs yet that these developments would have an impact on business engagement in Bangladesh,” he said.The EU envoy also said businesses pay attention to the overall picture in a country.Ambassador Whiteley said what matters to businesses is to do their business in a “good, clean and fair way” with a level playing field. “I think that's the primary concern. Sometimes, political developments can have an impact on businesses.”
Read: It’s done to alert, not to punish: US envoy about sanctionsThe diplomat made the remarks while responding to a question at a programme titled “Meet the Reporters” hosted by the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) at its Nasrul Hamid Auditorium. DRU President Nazrul Islam Mithu and General Secretary Nurul Islam Hasib also spoke at the programme.
One of the reporters sought the Ambassador's comments on the letter written by Ivan Stefanec, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) to Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.In reply, Ambassador Whiteley said the fact is that the letter came from an individual MEP, not from the European Parliament as a whole. “It's not coming from the European Union Commission. It's not coming from the European Union Council. I’ve full respect for the rights of individual MEPs to write their letters.”He, however, declined to comment on the allegations about why this letter may have been written. “All I can say is that this is a democratically elected MEP, choosing to highlight what he considers his concerns about Bangladesh with our High Representative.”The Ambassador said that is a perfectly normal procedure when they have a parliament with over 700 MEPs which is engaged on issues around the world. “So, it's not an unusual thing to happen.”The envoy mentioned that it is no surprise that an individual member of European Parliament would write such a letter.“I’ve no information about what you're talking about in terms of who may have supported the writing of that letter. But he's written in his capacity as an individual Member of the European Parliament to our High Representative,” he added.
Read: Momen writes to Blinken seeking removal of sanctionsThe Ambassador said when they get a letter it is their practice to always reply to that letter. “So, I'm sure the High Representative will be replying in due course.”He did not comment on the sanctions imposed by the US saying that is a matter for the United States “But of course, we as you know, follow these developments closely. We, as the European Union, conduct our own policy on human rights and have our own engagement. So, I wouldn't comment further on how the US chooses to conduct its foreign policy.”The Ambassador said the EU expressed concerns about several human rights issues in Bangladesh, including an annual Human Rights Report, which is freely available online.The European Parliament itself has adopted resolutions in the past on the human rights situation in Bangladesh, he said, adding that, “I think most recently, in 2018.”
UK open for travel with all restrictions removed for eligible vaccinated arrivals
The United Kingdom (UK) will remain open for travel with all the restrictions removed for eligible vaccinated arrivals effective from February 11.
From 4am on February 11, all the testing requirements will be removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals, with only a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) now required.
Read:France eases entry rules for vaccinated travelers from U.K.
Arrivals who are not recognised as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK.
Children aged 12-15 in England will be able to prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection via a digital NHS COVID Pass from 3 February for outbound travel.
Travel changes come in ahead of February half term, and follow the success of the booster programme.
All testing measures for eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK will be removed, as the UK government goes one step further to reopen the travel sector.
The changes announced on January 24 mean that the UK has one of the most free-flowing borders across Europe in addition to having the most open economy and society.
The simplification of travel rules comes just before half term, providing welcome news for families looking to travel abroad during the school holidays, as well as an extra boost for the tourism industry.
UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said they made the right calls at the right time and thanked their vaccine and booster rollout it’s paying off – allowing them to safely remove nearly all Covid-19 travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers.
Read: Omicron surge in India slams travel through Benapole land port
"We already have one of the most open economies in Europe with the least restrictions, and because of the changes today we now have a travel sector to match it."
UK Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said they have entered a new chapter in their fight against Covid-19 and they are taking a balanced approach as they learn to live with the virus.