The vast and unexplored resource frontiers of the oceans have the potentials to bring transformative changes to the lives and livelihoods of more than one billion people in the LDCs, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Rabab Fatima has said.   "And the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) can indeed be the pathway to an ocean of opportunity for them," she said. Ambassador Rabab Fatima was speaking at a high-level event of the International Seabed Authority on the opportunities offered by UNCLOS to LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS. Read: Bangladesh deeply committed to human rights, fundamental freedoms: Rabab Fatima The event held on Tuesday was moderated by Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority Michael W. Lodge.  A significant number of Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives including the LDC Chair also attended the event. As LDCs are among the world’s most resource-constraint economies in the world, the Permanent Representative urged the International Seabed Authority to ensure the fair share of various benefits and opportunities for LDCs in the deep-sea particularly in the areas of marine scientific research, capacity building and access to marine technologies for exploration of resources in the high sea. Ambassador Fatima is co-chairing the Preparatory Committee for the LDC5 Conference to be held in Doha in January 2022.   Read:AIBTRI holds development programme on Bangladesh's LDC graduation Referring to the dedicated focus of the Draft Doha Program of Action on the devastating impacts of climate change on oceans, she stated that various forms of pollution are seriously disrupting the balance of marine food webs and ecosystems.   She emphasized the importance of scaling up global efforts to combat marine pollution and uncontrolled activities in the deep sea.  The Ambassador concluded her remarks with a call to create more space for the women and youth of the LDCs to have enhanced access to the new and emerging opportunities that the ocean can offer. 

Bangladesh has received a positive response from Mexico regarding a proposal for enhancing military cooperation and sharing its vast experience in the tourism sector. The Mexican side has confirmed that their country will reciprocate this kind gesture of Bangladesh by sending a military delegation to Dhaka to participate in the forthcoming Victory Day celebration in December next. Bangladesh has already shown its interest by sending a 39-member military contingent who participated in the 200-year Celebration of Mexican Independence at the National Palace in Mexico City. Read: Comoros looks for trade deal with Bangladesh The issues were discussed at the first-ever Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between Bangladesh and Mexico held virtually on Tuesday. Both sides expressed their firm convictions in finding new avenues to further deepen the existing friendly bilateral relationship. Toufiq Islam Shatil, Director General (Americas) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka led the Bangladesh Delegation whereas Ambassador Claudia Franco Hijuelos, Director General (Asia-Pacific) of Mexican Foreign Ministry led the Mexican delegation. As members of the delegations of their respective countries, Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico, Abida Islam and Federico Salas Lotfe Ambassador of Mexico to India, concurring to Bangladesh, actively participated in the discussions. The Bangladesh delegation consisted of representatives from Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Cultural Affairs, as well as from National Board of Revenue (NBR). Read: Middlemen, the biggest obstacle in Bangladesh's food chain? The entire gamut of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Mexico were discussed during the meeting with focus on the economy and trade, exchanges between Foreign Service academies, bilateral cooperation in cultural, gender equality, defence and tourism, including visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders. While taking stock of the overall state of Bangladesh-Mexico relations, the leader of the Bangladesh delegation stressed the importance of regular exchange of high-level visits and increased engagements to further foster the friendly ties between the two countries. He also emphasized the need for carrying forward the momentum that was created during the successful visit of State Minister of Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam in September 2021 while attending the 200-year celebration of Mexican Independence. The Bangladesh side requested for opening a resident mission of Mexico in Dhaka in the near future. The Mexican side proposed to form a Parliamentary Friendship Group between lawmakers of two countries. Trade and Investment In the area of trade and investment, Bangladesh highlighted the impressive investment possibilities and benefits provided by the government to foreign investors. In response, the Mexican side showed its keen interest in the sector of construction and auto parts industries in Bangladesh. Read: UK announces £18m new funding to end child marriage in Bangladesh, 11 other countries Terming economic affairs as a key aspect and one of the priorities in foreign policy, both sides agreed to create a Joint Working Group between the governments to explore the potential untapped areas and take advantage of their respective economic opportunities. Referring to the recently concluded MoU between COMCE and the FBCCI in September 2021, the two sides stressed frequent engagements, even in virtual platforms, in the coming days. With regards to the Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, the Mexican side conveyed that upon review of the draft Agreement, they will share it with its Bangladesh counterparts for their consideration. Under the segment of bilateral cooperation, the MoU between Diplomatic Academies, Promotion of Gender Equality, MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Culture as well as Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education were discussed. It has been learned from the Mexican side that the discussion with regards to the MoU regarding an exchange program between the Diplomatic Academies of Mexico and Bangladesh is ongoing and is expected to be concluded soon. The issue of gender equality features prominently during the discussion and both sides agreed to work closely and share their best practices to promote gender equality in their respective organizations and countries. The Mexican side further stated that the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico is presently reviewing the MoU regarding cultural cooperation proposed by the Bangladesh side and Mexican Secretariat of Public Education is still working with the proposed MoU of Bangladesh on Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education. During the consultations, the two sides also discussed possible cooperation in mutually beneficial areas at regional and multilateral level including the United Nations. To improve the people-to-people contacts, the Bangladesh side requested the Mexican government to establish a Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Center in Dhaka or adopt any other mechanisms so that Bangladesh nationals could provide all the required information including the biometrics without traveling to India. He also requested to exempt visas for diplomatic and official passport holders. Currently, in absence of a Mexican Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladeshi visa seekers have to travel to New Delhi to provide their biometrics to obtain a Mexican visa and the situation has further worsened owing to the restrictions and limitations associated with COVID-19 pandemic. Read: Number of Bangladeshi students on the rise in US Ambassador Claudia Franco took note of the concerns of Bangladesh and said that Mexico is continuously evaluating the need for opening new consular offices in different parts of the world. However, the Director General (Consular Affairs), who was also present at the meeting, assured to find ways to bring both the countries closer in terms of people-to-people contacts. Regarding the exemption of visas for diplomatic and official passport holders, Ambassador Claudia Franco said that the concerned office is reviewing the draft to find out the likelihood of this agreement. Both sides appreciated the candid exchange of ideas and based on the momentum created by the consultation, intended to enhance their progress for mutual benefit in the days ahead. The 2nd FOC is expected to take place during the second half of 2022 preferably in person if the conditions permit, either in Mexico City or Dhaka, at a mutually convenient date and time.    

Indonesia is going to send a strong message to Myanmar seeking steps to resolve the prolonged Rohingya crisis. “We’re going to send a strong message to Myanmar for resolving the Rohingya crisis,” visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said when she met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office. Sheikh Hasina said another three years have elapsed since the crisis has broken out and Bangladesh’s wait for the reparation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. “…it’s a huge burden for Bangladesh,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying. PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting. The Indonesian Foreign Minister conveyed her country’s President’s greetings to the Prime Minister. Talking about the Covid-19 pandemic, Marsudi lauded Bangladesh for its success in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic situation under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “Indonesia has also been able to bring the situation under control and we’re strict in maintaining health protocols,” she said. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present during the meeting. Read: No religious excesses, says PM Hasina The Indonesian Foreign Minister arrived in Dhaka to attend the 21st Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers’ Meeting. Later, South African Minister for International Relation and Cooperation Dr Pandor, who is also in Dhaka to attend the 21st IORA Meeting, met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Prime Minister told Dr Pandor that the struggle of Nelson Mandela and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the same as both the leaders made tremendous sacrifices apart from languishing in jail for a long time. “Our aim should be to keep the Indian Ocean peaceful for developing the Blue Economy,” PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted the Prime Minister as saying. The South African Minister for International Relation and Cooperation referred to the pandemic and said South Africa is producing Covid-19 vaccines of Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present on the occasion. Read: Momen stresses importance of a healthy heart to Sylhetis The Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Professor GL Peirisin in a separate meeting highly appreciated the economic progress of Bangladesh, especially the online connectivity and business and bank operation, and social safety network. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mentioned about the micro-savings programmes of the government. Ihsanul Karim said the Prime Minister also mentioned about the government’s steps to avoid any food scarcity in the country during the post-pandemic situation. “We’ve given a special emphasis on food protection,” she was quoted as saying. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present. Read: Comoros looks for trade deal with Bangladesh

Foreign Minister of Comoros Dhoihir Dhoulkamal has underlined the importance of signing a trade agreement between the two countries. Mentioning that both Bangladesh and Comoros are growing economies, the Comoran Foreign Minister said the two countries can enhance cooperation in trade and economic sectors. Read: Dhaka, Colombo look for quick conclusion of PTA Foreign Minister Dhoihir Dhoulkamal met his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen at the State Guest House Padma on Tuesday and discussed the issues of mutual interest. The Foreign Minister of Comoros is visiting Dhaka to participate in the 21st Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers and related meetings. He highly commended the excellent economic performance of Bangladesh and mentioned that Comoros would consider importing RMG and other products from Bangladesh. Bangladesh exports various goods to the African countries, including RMG, leather, jute and pharmaceutical products. Dr Momen thanked the Foreign Minister of Comoros for the support of the Comoros government for the chairship of Bangladesh at IORA. He requested the Comoran side for extending support at the candidature at the IMO and Human Rights Council. Dr Momen mentioned that Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in the socio-economic sectors, and maintained a robust growth in the economy during the last decade in addition to achieving an excellent success in the agricultural sector. Read: France firmly with Bangladesh over Rohingya issue: FM Momen The Comoran Foreign Minister also proposed that the Comoran officials may be trained in natural gas exploration fields at Bangladesh institutes and showed interest in visiting some pharmaceuticals and garment industries here. The Bangladesh side proposed that there may be direct trade of goods like spices and vanilla from Comoros to Bangladesh. The two sides also expressed intention to continue cooperation under the framework of IORA as its members alongside exchanging visits by business delegations.

Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar Ratsimandao Tahirimiakadaza has proposed that both Bangladesh and Madagascar can establish cooperation in the blue economy, including collaboration among maritime universities and extraction of marine nutrients. He said the Madagascar government is eager to establish cooperation in the IT-ICT sector of Bangladesh and suggested establishing G2G cooperation in expanded IT-ICT areas. Tahirimiakadaza met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the State Guest House Padma on Tuesday and discussed the issues of mutual interest. Dr Momen sought support of the Madagascar government in favour of the candidature of Bangladesh at the forthcoming IMO election as well as Humans Right Council. Read: US donates 18 freezer trucks for vaccine delivery in Bangladesh The Madagascar Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs was accompanied by officials of the Madagascar government who are participating in the 21st Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers and related meetings. At the outset of the meeting, Dr Momen welcomed the Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry of Madagascar to Dhaka. He mentioned that Bangladesh has achieved tremendous socio-economic progress during the last decade. Dr Momen mentioned that Bangladesh has expertise in the IT-ICT sector and the government is offering various types of digital services to people. He also suggested that the two countries may establish cooperation in the IT-ICT sector and Madagascar may import RMG and pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh. Read: Counter-terrorism police arrest online head of banned Ansar Al Islam The Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry of Madagascar briefed Dr Momen about measures taken by the government of Madagascar in order to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. He congratulated the Bangladesh government for the measures undertaken by the government of Bangladesh for containing the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. He mentioned that Madagascar and Bangladesh are working together at international platforms on matters of mutual interest and commended the role of Bangladesh at IORA in protecting the interest of the developing countries. Recognising the importance of cooperation in agriculture areas, both sides agreed to establish cooperation in food and agriculture areas, including collaboration in seed technology and agricultural production. Dr Momen suggested that a Fact-Finding Mission may go to Madagascar to discuss the possibilities of contract farming opportunities in Madagascar. He also sought continued support of Madagascar on the Rohingya repatriation issue.  The Permanent Secretary assured Dr Momen of their continued support to Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue.  

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has donated 1.5 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Bangladesh to help the country deal with the Covid-19 situation in a better way. Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Al Duhailan formally handed over the vaccine doses to Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque a function held at the State Guest House Padma. Dr Momen said Saudi Arabia is a good friend of Bangladesh and the relations between the two countries is very strong. Saudi Arabia also helped Bangladesh during the difficult times in the previous years and the pandemic period. Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen, Health Services Division Senior Secretary Lokman Hossain Miah and King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre Director Dr Abdulla Alwadee, among others, were present. Appreciating the Saudi government and King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, the Foreign Minister said Bangladesh is grateful for their support in the past years and during Covid-19.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on Tuesday announced £18 million of new funding to end child marriage in Bangladesh and 11 other countries through partners UNICEF and UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund). Apart from Bangladesh this funding will benefit women and girls in 111 other countries, including Sierra Leone, Uganda, Ethiopia and Yemen. UK support for this work has already helped avert 25 million child marriages over the last decade. This investment will strengthen laws and policies, improve girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health services, support girls to access formal and informal education and tackle the harmful beliefs underlying child marriage. Liz Truss launched a major global campaign to stop sexual violence against women and girls in conflict around the world. Speaking at an event for the Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC) – established under the UK’s G7 Presidency to support women and girls around the world – the foreign secretary, who is also the UK’s Minister for Women and Equalities, kick started a major new push by the UK to shatter the culture of impunity around the use of rape and sexual violence as weapons of war. She is bringing together close partners to condemn rape and sexual violence in conflict as a “red line”. All options are on the table, including an international convention, to end such heinous acts once and for all. She also announced that the UK will host a global conference next year to unite the world in action to prevent sexual violence in conflict. The conference will bring together foreign ministers from all over the world in support of the campaign to end impunity for violence against women and girls.   The announcements are the start of a wider move by the foreign secretary to ensure women and girls are at the centre of the UK’s foreign policy priorities. The UK is already a world leader in tackling violence against women and girls, and supporting their rights internationally.

Bangladesh has stressed the importance of an early conclusion of bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Indonesia by making it inclusive and mutually beneficial. Bangladesh observed that signing of the PTA, now under negotiation, could be an effective tool for further strengthening the trade and economic relations between the two countries. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen discussed issues when visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met him on Tuesday. Also read: Indonesian envoy pays farewell call on President Hamid The Indonesian Minister is visiting Bangladesh to attend the 21st IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting in Dhaka. Momen thanked his Indonesian counterpart for their supportive role in the UNGA, OIC, Human Rights Council on the issue and urged them to play a more proactive role within the ASEAN to ensure an early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their motherland. He highlighted the plights of 1.1 million forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens who are being temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh on humanitarian ground. Momen also focused on the huge socio-economic pressure caused by the Rohingyas saying the problem is exerting on Bangladesh. While exchanging views on the Covid-19 pandemic, he pointed out the very low level of positivity rate currently prevailing in Bangladesh and informed her of the government drive for vaccinating people en masse. The Indonesian foreign minister congratulated Bangladesh on successfully organizing the 21st Council of Ministers Meeting in Dhaka. While discussing the importance of IORA, Foreign Minister Momen reiterated that Bangladesh believes in a free, open, peaceful and inclusive indo-pacific for the common global benefit. The two foreign ministers expressed satisfaction over the flourishing bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest over the last five decades. Also read: Indonesia seeks more oxygen for COVID-19 sick amid shortage Terming Indonesia as one of our trusted friends, Momen pointed out the excellent understanding and goodwill prevailing among the highest political level of the two countries. Referring to the 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries that falls next year, both the ministers agreed to celebrate the special occasion in a befitting manner.

Bangladesh has urged the United Kingdom to repatriate the convicted war criminals currently living there to implement the court verdict as Bangladesh believes in the rule of law. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen made the request when visiting UK’s Minister for South Asia Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon met him on Monday. Dr Momen also asked them to facilitate visas for those working in the curry industry, which will create an opportunity for skilled manpower to work in the UK. He urged the UK to continue to remain engaged in the questions of Rohingya repatriation. Lord Ahmad assured the Minister of standing by the Rohingyas to help find a durable solution. Also read: Pakistani war criminals should be brought under trial: Envoy The UK Minister expressed satisfaction at the recent understanding reached between the government of Bangladesh and UN for the latter’s work on Bhasan Char. The two ministers exchanged views on cyber security issues and the challenges for religious tolerance and communal harmony. They talked about further accelerating the UN’s work on promoting responsible behavior in cyberspace by involving the concerned private sector. During the meeting, the UK Minister discussed his aspirations for the ever closer Bangladesh-UK friendship with opportunities for increased trade and investment, closer security cooperation, cyber security and UK support to critical climate projects and quality education for girls. Lord Ahmad congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association and recognized Bangladesh’s efforts in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. Foreign Minister Momen thanked the UK government for removing Bangladesh from the travel restrictions imposed in the wake of the Delta variant. He commended the role of the UK presidency for COP26 on climate change held in Glasgow this month. Lord Ahmad acknowledged Bangladesh’s proactive role as the chair of the Climate Vulnerability Forum and recalled his conversations with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Glasgow. Also read: Bangladeshi war criminal Mueen Uddin sues British Home Secretary The UK minister informed the Bangladesh Minister about the UK’s funding support of 120 million GBP for climate action in Bangladesh, with focus on addressing the vulnerability of women and girls. Lord Ahmad also stressed the UK Government’s priority in girl’s education and announced a new funding support of 54 million GBP targeting female students and disadvantaged children affected by the pandemic. Earlier, Lord Ahmad delivered a speech on “Bangladesh – UK: Partners for Progress” at the Foreign Service Academy. Lord Ahmad is on a three-day visit to Bangladesh to attend the 21st IORA Council of Ministers’ meetings.

Universities in Bangladesh will work to build capacities among the youth  for entrepreneurship and business innovation in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Under the project universities will be able to set a link of a model curriculum through which students will get knowledge to be entrepreneurs and find out need-based business modules to build as their career. The Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) centre of Dhaka University (DU) organized a consultation conference at Nabab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban on Tuesday. Md. Rashedur Rahman, associate professor and founding executive director of ICE, gave a presentation about the journey of the project. Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman, Vice-Chancellor of DU and chairman of ICE, Young-Ah Doh, country director of KOICA, Derik Kim, project manager of the project management consortium, Heakyung Bae, consultant of the project, Prof Muhammad Anisuzzaman Talukder of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Prof  Khondoker Bazlul Hoque, vice chairman of ICE, among others, spoke on the occasion. Also read: KOICA for enhancing treatment of neurodevelopmental disabilities for children in Bangladesh Teachers from universities of Chittagong, Rajshahi, Shahjalal and Khulna joined the program using virtual platform while teachers and more than 700 students of DU, representatives from banks and financial institutions attended the program physically. An 11-member team of experts of the project management consortium (PMC) comprising Korea Polytechnic University (KPU) and Korea Productivity Center (KPC) is visiting Dhaka to conduct “Front-end Survey” and develop “Action Plan” with insights, experience and opinions of relevant stakeholders as part of the project from November 5-18, 2021 are also attending the program and sharing their survey experience. Prof Akhtaruzzaman said that the 17th goal of the SDGs in collaboration between Korea and Bangladesh will be strengthened. He emphasized implementation and revitalized the global partnership for sustainable development and hoped that this is just the beginning which will be continuing to make it more viable. Young -Ah Doh, Country Director, KOICA said that this is the first consultation aimed to create an environment to promote youth entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. She said universities can play a great role in entrepreneurship by sharing opinions, exchanging ideas and creating action plans. Also read: KOICA helps Bangladesh strengthen road maintenance, management system Derik Kim expressed his hope that this project will be able to bring all the stakeholder groups from govt., industry, academia and others in one platform to develop an effective entrepreneurship ecosystem in Bangladesh. The project under the Ministry of Education will be implemented by the University Grant Commission (UGC) and DU in partnership with the KOICA, other leading public universities, and relevant stakeholders.  The overall objective of the project is to improve the environment for potential youth entrepreneurs through the capacity building of Bangladeshi universities on entrepreneurship education. Some of the activities under the project include: curriculum development on entrepreneurship education; capacity development of faculties, professionals, and students; advocacy and awareness initiatives; entrepreneurial roadmap through research, and infrastructural development. "Capacity Building of Universities in Bangladesh to Promote Youth Entrepreneurship" under the Government-to-Government (G2G) modality has been already signed between the Government of Bangladesh and South Korean Government on January 31, 2021.