foreign-affairs
‘We've a very transparent democracy’: FM Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said Bangladesh maintains a "very stable and transparent" democracy and the US might have invited those countries with weak democracies for its Democracy Summit. "We've had a stable democracy over the last several years, a very clear and transparent democracy. Free and fair voting is happening," he told reporters while responding to questions on Democracy Summit. After attending a programme in the city, the Foreign Minister voters can cast their votes freely and anybody can contest elections if they want.
Read: In eulogy, S African FM calls Bangabandhu, Mandela great visionary leaders In Myanmar, Afghanistan many cannot vote, said the Foreign Minister. "In our country, all people can vote. When there’s a will, there’s a way. From that perspective, we’re much better." Dr Momen said those who are weak were convened and the US side said they will hold the Summit in two phases. In the first phase, some countries that are weak in democracy will join. He said there is nothing to be worried as the people of Bangladesh will work for further strengthening the democracy, if required. Dr Momen said the US itself faced problems in the recent past despite being an old democracy. Those who are weak in democracy were possibly called by the US. "I don’t say they’ve dropped us." Since day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has made it clear that renewing democracy in the United States and around the world is essential to meet the unprecedented challenges of time.
UNGA adopts historic resolution on graduation of Bangladesh from LDC category
UN General Assembly (UNGA) has unanimously adopted the historic resolution on the graduation of Bangladesh from the LDC category, recognizing the country’s remarkable development journey.
With the adoption of this resolution, Bangladesh completes all the procedures to graduate from the LDC category.
This is a landmark achievement in Bangladesh’s development journey, which coincides with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence and the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Read: PM briefs President Hamid about her UNGA visit
"What better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our independence and birth centenary of Bangabandhu! Fulfillment of national aspiration and Prime Minister's vision 2021," Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Rabab Fatima tweeted on Wednesday.
Speaking after the adoption of this landmark resolution, she thanked all the Member States, especially the development partners, for their support to reach consensus for the adoption of this resolution.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina envisioned transforming Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed country by 2041. She has led us from the front in this exciting journey despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic," said the Ambassador.
Turkey attaches no political conditions in defence sales: Envoy
Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan on Wednesday said his country has no political conditions attached as it sells defence equipment to Bangladesh or other countries.
“Turkey always provides maintenance, spare parts and there are no political conditions attached…we see this as a long term partnership, we see this as reflection of our deep level of political relationship as well,” he said, mentioning that there is a long-term defence partnership with Bangladesh.
The Turkish envoy made the remarks during an interaction with the members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Turkish Embassy.
DCAB Vice President Md Mahfuzur Rahman Mishu and General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the event.
Ambassador Turan said Turkey has made big progress in defence industry in the last 15 years against the backdrop that the advanced economies always attached some political conditions when it came to defence purchase and that is something that prompted Turkey to be self-sufficient.
“We’re able to be self-sufficient in 75 percent of our defence industry. We can manufacture almost anything,” he said, adding that Bangladesh and Turkey have a comprehensive defence partnership.
The Ambassador said Turkey had delivered Multi-Launcher Rockets to Bangladesh and that it is keen to have joint ventures including in ship building.
Asked about specific defence equipment, the Ambassador said there are several conversations between various Turkish companies and Bangladesh counterparts. So I’m not able to give any specific details of the products.”
The Turkish chief of Naval Force will visit Bangladesh at the end of this month and Turkish President Erdogan is also likely to visit Bangladesh at a time convenient to both sides.
Ambassador Turan said the trade between the two countries was $850 million two years back but now it has risen to $1.2 billion. The two countries have a target to take the bilateral trade volume to $3 billion.
The Turkish envoy said Bangladesh has become an important player in Asia, with its rising economy and the geostrategic location.
Bangladesh can increase its exports to Turkey in the areas of IT services, pharmaceutical products, jute and even readymade garments, he said.
Hasina's strong solidarity message to Erdogan elevated ties: Envoy
Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan Wednesday listed two watershed moments of solidarity that elevated the relations between Bangladesh and Turkey to a new height and could make it stronger with the exchange of high-level visits in the coming days.
He said there are some circles that do not want to see Bangladesh and Turkey stay so close but Turkey will not fall into that trap if there is any attempt to spoil the "long-standing and deep-rooted" relations.
"There may be some disagreements, which are sometimes unfortunately misinterpreted, but we are too close," said the ambassador without naming the circles. "You can interpret it as you hear it. I am not here to name names."
Ambassador Turan made the remarks while interacting with the members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the embassy. DCAB Vice-President Md Mahfuzur Rahman Mishu and General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke.
Referring to the two significant moments of solidarity, he said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was one of the first world leaders to send a strong message of solidarity to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after the "very unfortunate coup attempt" in Turkey in 2016.
"No other countries, not even Turkey's allies in Europe, sent a message to the Turkish government but Bangladesh did. That shows how close the two countries are."
Referring to the second moment of solidarity between the two countries, the envoy said Turkey's First Lady Emine Erdogan visited Bangladesh immediately after the Rohingya crisis had begun in 2017.
"Probably Turkey is the country which understands Bangladesh the best when it comes to hosting over a million Rohingya refugees. We are hosting more than 4 million refugees," he mentioned.
The ambassador said they are very much present on the ground in Cox's Bazar to support the Rohingyas and the host communities. "However, repatriation of the Rohingyas should be the real solution to the crisis."
There was a strain on bilateral relations as Turkey reacted following the execution of war criminals and top Jamaat leaders who had assisted the Pakistan army and participated in genocide during the nine-month Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971 and committed crimes against humanity.
About Turkey's current position on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the ambassador said they do not have a position on political parties in Bangladesh. "We have a position on our bilateral relations."
Ambassador Turan said it is up to Bangladesh and its people how they will treat political parties and Turkey respects Bangladesh's position as a friendly country.
He said Turkey and Bangladesh enjoy long-standing and deep-rooted relations and nothing can change that.
Responding to a question on a high-level visit, the ambassador said President Erdogan will visit Bangladesh to take relations to the next stage. "We are working on it and trying to decide the best time to make that happen."
Also, he said they see no obstacles to further improving the relations between the two countries. "We should have some highest level bilateral visits at the level of the president and prime minister."
When such visits take place, the ambassador said, the relations will certainly become stronger with the signing of many bilateral and business deals. "Our relations are gradually growing."
Maldives VP seeks support in regularising all Bangladeshi workers
Noting that unregularised workers may be more easily exploited, Vice President of the Maldives Faisal Naseem has sought support from the relevant ministry in regularising all Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives.
At a meeting with Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad on Tuesday, the Vice President detailed the Maldives goal to regularise all themes expatriate workers in the Maldives at the earliest.
They also discussed partnerships for technical training and skills development programmes as well as exchange programmes to help employees build critical skills.
The Vice President first met Salman F Rahman, Advisor to the Prime Minister, and discussed the current situation in the Maldives and Bangladesh following the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on both countries.
The Vice President highlighted the Maldives' priority to improve decentralised healthcare, and the ensure the need for further technical and vocational training as well as higher education opportunities to specialise in different areas of the healthcare systems.
Contract Farming: Bangladesh looks for signing framework with potential African countries
Bangladesh is looking for ways to sign a framework with potential African countries to explore untapped contract farming opportunities and identify particular countries in Africa for initiating a pilot project.
An inter-ministerial meeting co-chaired by Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaq and Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on taking lands one lease in African countries for contract farming by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs was held at the Foreign Service Academy on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by the Executive Chairman, BIDA, Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary), representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Commerce and Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Armed Forces Division, the Prime Minister Office and Bangladesh Bank.
The meeting focused on identifying ways and means for establishing contract farming in African countries by Bangladeshi farmers and entrepreneurs.
The Foreign Minister said by leasing land in the African countries, employment opportunities may be created for a very large number of Bangladeshi workers and farmers.
He suggested that peacekeeping Missions in the African countries may establish contacts with local authorities for contract farming opportunities.
The Foreign Minister also suggested that exchange of training on agriculture may be made with the African countries to make them familiar with our advancements made in the field of agriculture.
Guideline coming for IORA’s engagement, cooperation in Indo-Pacific
The Member States of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) have planned to "develop a statement" to help guide IORA how to engage in the Indo-Pacific Region and cooperate with other regional organisations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday issued the "Dhaka Communique" adopted at the recently held 21st Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the IORA. The IORA states welcomed Bangladesh as the Chair, and Sri Lanka as the Vice Chair of the Association for the period of 2021 to 2023.
Read: Don't want to be dominated by any powerful nation: S Africa on IORA "We vow to work closely with Bangladesh in its quest to make IORA a more vibrant platform and to ensure inclusive development of the region through enhanced cooperation," reads the Dhaka Communique. The Member States reaffirmed their utmost solidarity and unwavering commitment to IORA to play a pivotal role in promoting inclusive development in the Indian Ocean through constructive dialogue and concerted efforts. "We endeavour to address challenges and key issues facing our region, including recovery from the unprecedented COVID-19 impact." They welcomed the Russian Federation as the 10th Dialogue Partner of IORA. "We believe that Russia will make noteworthy contributions towards bolstering IORA’s regional agenda in accordance with the IORA Charter’s principles and objectives," reads the Dhaka Communique. IORA welcomed Sheikh Fazle Fahim from Bangladesh as the Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Business Forum (IORBF).
"We believe under his able and dynamic leadership, IORBF will facilitate the promotion of the trade and investment agenda in the Indian Ocean Rim region."
Read: Bangladesh assumes IORA chairmanship; eyes inclusive development IORA appreciated the Ministerial ‘Strategic Dialogue’ held between IORA member States and Dialogue Partners. IORA welcomed the adoption of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for promoting resilience of new and the existing infrastructures to reduce and eliminate climate and disaster risks within the Indian Ocean Region. The Ministers and Heads of Delegation of the Member States of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Australia, Bangladesh, Union of Comoros, French Republic on account of Reunion (henceforth France/Reunion), India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Republic of Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen met on the 17th of November 2021 for the 21st Meeting of the Council of Ministers (COM) which was convened in hybrid format and hosted by Bangladesh, the Chair.
ICCB chief leads delegation to ICC’s 12th World Chambers Congress in Dubai
A nine-member delegation led by International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICCB) President Mahbubur Rahman is attending the ICC’s 12th World Chambers Congress in Dubai.
Organised by the ICC World Chambers Federation, the World Chambers Congress is the international forum for chamber leaders and professionals to share best-practices, exchange insights, develop networks, address the latest business issues affecting their communities and learn about new areas of innovation from chambers around the world.
Read: Success of businesses drives growth, help creates jobs: ICCB
The three-day 12th World Chambers Congress of ICC and World Chambers Federation (WCF) began on Tuesday in Dubai.
The theme of the Congress is Generation Next: Chambers 4.0 to be jointly organized by Dubai Chamber.
Rizwan Rahman, President, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has been invited as a speaker in the Congress, said the ICCB on Tuesday.
Abdul Hai Sarker, Chairman, Purbani Group; Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), Managing Director, Evince Group; Mir Nasir Hossain, Managing Director, Akhter Hossain Limited; Mohammad Hatem, Executive President, BKMEA & Managing Director, MB Knit Fashion Ltd.; Matiur Rahman, Chairman & Managing Director, Uttara Group of Companies; Rizwan Rahman, President, DCCI, Md. Salauddin Yousuf, Member, CCCI & Director, Lub-rref (Bangladesh) Ltd. and Ataur Rahman, Secretary General, ICC Bangladesh are the delegation members.
Read: ICCB seeks climate change mitigation, role of private sector
The delegation is expected to return home on November 27.
Maritime connectivity: Maldives to establish direct shipping line with Chattogram
Bangladesh and the Maldives have agreed to establish a direct shipping line with Chattogram as Malé is keen to enhance connectivity and bilateral trade between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen discussed the issue when they had a meeting with visiting Vice President of the Maldives Faisal Naseem at a city hotel on Monday evening.
The Vice President of the Maldives is accompanied by two Cabinet Ministers and the Foreign Secretary of the Maldives.
The Bangladesh Foreign Minister was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also read: It’s enlightening to learn about Bangabandhu’s life: Maldives VP
Dr Momen assured the Maldives of extending necessary assistance in providing medical education, training and skill development in various areas of the Maldives.
He stated that Bangladeshi expatriate workers in the Maldives are diligently contributing to the host economy.
The Maldives side expressed keen interest to recruit specialized professionals and medical doctors from Bangladesh.
Both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, discussed ways and means for further strengthening cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues.
Dr Momen stated that Bangladesh attaches high importance to the Maldives which are rooted in shared religion, culture and values.
He recalled that the state visit of the President of the Maldives on the occasion of birth centenary of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh on 17-19 March 2021 had contributed to advancing Bangladesh-Maldives bilateral relations to a great extent.
Dr Momen thanked the government of the Maldives through the Vice President for the gift of 2,00,000 Covid-19 vaccines for the people of Bangladesh.
Also read: Bangladesh looks to export resort wear to Maldives
Earlier, Faisal paid tribute to the memories of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, Dhanmondi, Dhaka with a floral wreath.
Faisal Naseem arrived here on Monday on a three-day official visit.
He is expected to meet President Abdul Hamid and a few cabinet ministers during the visit.
Rajnath visits Delhi mission to pay tribute to country's Armed Forces
On the occasion of Bangladesh's Armed Forces Day, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday visited the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and paid tribute to 1971 Liberation War heroes.
Record keepers said it was perhaps the first time since Indian independence that a defence minister visited a country’s mission in Delhi to pay tribute to that country’s armed forces.
"On behalf of the Armed Forces of India and the Government of India, I congratulate the Armed Forces of Bangladesh on the 50th anniversary and wish them the very best in their endeavour towards peace and security," he said.
The Indian Minister said this year is of "extraordinary significance" for Bangladesh-India relations, as the two countries commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Liberation of Bangladesh, the fifty years of India-Bangladesh diplomatic ties and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangaandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
READ: Rajnath Singh pays tribute to Bangabandhu
"In this momentous time, I salute the valiant struggle of the Muktibahini in the Muktijuddha – War of Liberation - in 1971. Spirit of Muktijuddha forms the core of today’s Armed Forces of Bangladesh," he said.
The Indian Minister also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces, who stood steadfast with their Bangladeshi brothers and sisters during the epic War of Liberation of Bangladesh.
"On this day, I also remember the extraordinary leadership in India, which rose to the occasion against all odds and limitations in 1971, in support of a struggling nation fighting against the injustice and unspeakable atrocities perpetrated by the Pakistani Army."