foreign-affairs
Dhaka optimistic about climate cash flow
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday expressed optimism about adequate flow of funds to address climate change- related challenges, noting that Bangladesh has taken a very strong leadership role in COP26.
"We've got a lot of good assurance from the private sector and the governments. We're hopeful," Dr Momen told reporters at a virtual briefing joining from London.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem were present.
The COP26 summit, hosted by the UK in Glasgow, has brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh needs to work a lot, especially in preparing good proposals, which he sees as a challenge but achievable.
"We've a long way to go. We've a challenge but we can manage to get plenty of funds," he said, adding that there is willingness to provide funds.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been identified as one of the five influential dealmakers at COP26 being held at Glasgow, according to a BBC report that described Hasina as “voice of the vulnerable”.
Read: Effective climate plans not possible without funds: Hasina
UNHCR urges govts to accelerate progress, resolve plight of world’s stateless
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has said more action is needed to resolve the plight of millions around the world who are still without citizenship as it marked seven years since the launch of its #IBelong Campaign to End Statelessness.
“Significant progress has been made over the past few years, but governments must do more to close the legal and policy gaps that continue to leave millions of people stateless or allow children to be born into statelessness,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on Thursday.
Statelessness, or the situation of not being recognized as a citizen by any country, affects millions of people around the world, said the UN agency.
Also read: Grab investment opportunities in Bangladesh: PM to British entrepreneurs
UNHCR’s decade-long #IBelong campaign calls on states to end statelessness by 2024.
Stateless people cannot often access the most basic of rights, including being able to go to school, work legally, access health services, marry, or register the birth of a child, it said.
Since UNHCR launched its #IBelong campaign in 2014 to raise attention and advocate for an end to global statelessness, more than 400,000 stateless people in 27 countries have acquired nationality, while tens of thousands of people across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas now have a pathway to citizenship as a result of newly enacted legislative changes.
Over the past seven years, 29 states have acceded to the Statelessness Conventions, signaling strengthened political will to end statelessness.
“We’re encouraged by this global momentum to tackle statelessness, which with concerted efforts by States, we can eradicate. But unless progress accelerates, the millions who remain deprived of a nationality will be stuck in a human rights limbo, unable to access the most basic rights,” said Grandi.
Statelessness has many causes which are typically the result of gaps or flaws in nationality laws, and how they are implemented, said the UNHCR.
Also read: World's first partnership for transnational solar power grid launched in Glasgow
Discrimination - including on the basis of ethnicity, religion and gender - is a major driver of statelessness, it said.
Because they are not recognized as citizens, stateless people are often deprived of legal rights or basic services, said the UN agency.
This leaves them politically and economically marginalized and vulnerable to discrimination, exploitation, and abuse, it said.
They may also not be able to access Covid-19 testing, treatment or vaccination, and may have little access to support or protection in the face of climate risks, the UNHCR said.
It said governments hold power to enact legal and policy reforms that can help stateless people on their territory acquire citizenship or prevent statelessness from occurring in the first place, sometimes with the stroke of a pen, or a relatively simple legal change. “It remains an easily avoidable and solvable issue.”
Strengthening Zila Parishad crucial for SDGs: Speakers
Speakers at a national workshop on Thursday said Bangladesh should strengthen the local government bodies like Zila Parishad to ensure development and help the country to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The workshop titled "Strengthening Zila Parishad in Achieving SDGs" was jointly organized by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (MLGRD&C) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Read: SDGs performance: Hasina’s leadership earns huge appreciation
Speaking as the chief guest, LGDR and Cooeratives Minister Tajul Islam said thought the local government institutions are now stronger and more people-friendly than any time in the past, but Zila Parishad still needs further support to build their capacity if we want to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
The Minister urged all the development partners to come forward in this regard.
“Zila Parishad can solve their problems by utilizing the local resources properly. Coordination with other local government bodies is essential for that,” he said.
Nathalie Chuard, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, was present in the workshop as a special guest.
She highlighted the number of projects supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), which are currently underway through the partnership Between Bangladesh and Switzerland.
"An integrated whole of society approach can ensure inclusive development to achieve SDGs for Bangladesh. I hope that Switzerland's development assistance will continue to strengthen the local government initiatives and implement the Sustainable Development Goals," Nathalie said.
Sudipto Mukerjee, Resident Representative of UNDP, said UNDP has been working with the Government of Bangladesh for many years.
“We are also supporting the Government to localize the SDGs and also strengthening the capacity of Upazila and Union Parishads.”
Chairing the workshop, Senior Secretary to the Local Government Division Helaluddin Ahmed thanked UNDP for their continued support to build the capacity of various local government institutions and hoped the support would continue further to increase the capacity of Zila Parishad.
Read: Bangladesh performing well in fulfilling SDGs, but many challenges ahead
He said, "In order to coordinate development activities at the district level, capable and people-friendly Zila Parishad is necessary."
Earlier, Dr Mobasser Monem, Professor of Public Administration department of Dhaka University, presented the keynote paper on "Zila Parishad: Challenges, Prospects and Way Forward."
Among others, Local Government Division officials, representatives from different local government institutions, development partners, academics and experts, civil society representatives were also present.
ARTICLE 19 greets journalist Rozina Islam
ARTICLE 19, a UK-based international human rights organization, has congratulated Daily Prothom Alo journalist Rozina Islam on receiving the 'Free Press Award-2021'.
She won the award under the “Most Resilient Journalist 2021” category presented by Free Press Unlimited, an Amsterdam-based organization in the Netherlands.
Read: ARTICLE 19 lauds tax exemption move for 3rd gender citizens in proposed budget
In a press statement on Wednesday, Faruq Faisel, Regional Director for Bangladesh and South Asia of ARTICLE 19, said: “On behalf of ARTICLE 19, I would like to felicitate Rozina Islam to get 'Free Press Award-2021' under the “Most Resilient Journalist 2021” category.”
Attacks, lawsuits, torture and harassment of journalists and free-thinking people are on the rise and this award is recognition of Rozina Islam for continuing journalism with honesty and courage, said Faisel.
Rozina Islam was detained in the Ministry of Health for five hours on May 17, 2021 while performing her professional duties.
Faruq Faisel said free media and courageous journalism ensure accountability in society.
Read:Include digital literacy programmes in the school curriculum: ARTICLE 19
“Rozina Islam carrying out investigative journalism amid hostility, which is highly commendable. As Rozina Islam's passport was confiscated, she was unable to attend the awards ceremony in The Hague, Netherlands, which is a great shame”.
ARTICLE 19 called on the government to withdraw the case against Rozina and demanded the return of her passport, mobile phone and accreditation card.
KOICA for enhancing treatment of neurodevelopmental disabilities for children in Bangladesh
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in collaboration with Institute of Pediatric Neurodisorder and Autism (IPNA) held a knowledge sharing seminar on Thursday to enhance the treatment of neurodevelopmental disabilities for children in Bangladesh.
Young-Ah Doh, Country Director, KOICA Bangladesh Office and Prof Dr Shaheen Akhter, Director, IPNA among other doctors, therapists, psychologists, and teachers joined the seminar titled “Enhancement of Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities for Children in Bangladesh” held at IPNA in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
At present, there is a significant prevalence of childhood neurodisability in Bangladesh where approximately 12.86% of the population is children, said KOICA.
Also read: KOICA helps Bangladesh strengthen road maintenance, management system
There are more than 1.6 million people with disabilities in Bangladesh which makes 10% of the country's population.
Research shows that the number of NDDs (Neuro-Developmental Disabilities) is increasing as well as mental health issues.
The government has undertaken various initiatives for its improvement, however, challenges such as, limited support centers, inadequate space, lack of rehabilitation system, education and professionals, high dropout rate still exist.
Dhaka, Delhi plan exchange of visits eying Dec 6, 16 mega events
Bangladesh and India are working together eyeing two mega events next month - Maitri Diwas and Victory Day of Bangladesh - on December 6 and December 16 respectively with exchange of high-level visits, officials said.
Bangladesh is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of its Independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Bangladesh and India decided to commemorate December 6 as Maitri Diwas (Friendship Day), the day when India recognized Bangladesh in 1971.
Read:Australia interested to help Bangladesh build climate resilience
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind is likely to visit Bangladesh on December 16 and 17 at the invitation of his Bangladesh counterpart Abdul Hamid to attend the Victory Day celebrations apart from his other key engagements, said a diplomatic source, adding that the two sides are working to give it a final shape.
If it is confirmed, this will be the first visit by the 14th President of India to Bangladesh as he was sworn in on 25 July, 2017.
On March 26 to 27, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a state visit to Bangladesh from 26 to 27 March 2021 to join the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
The visit symbolised the partnership of half a century between Bangladesh and India that has strengthened, matured and evolved as a model for bilateral relations for the entire region, both sides reconized.
During the visit, the Prime Minister of India called on President Abdul Hamid. Modi laid a wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar as a mark of respect to the memory and contribution of the great freedom fighters of Bangladesh.
Read: US-funded cultural preservation project on SM Sultan’s artworks opened
He also paid rich tribute and respect to the memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Mausoleum in Tungipara, Gopalganj.
To cherish this landmark day in history – December 6 -, the government of Bangladesh and the government of India are jointly organizing a “Logo and Backdrop” designing competition.
The logo and backdrop are to represent the spirit of the Bangladesh Liberation War, the ideology and vision of the Bangladeshi struggle, and the spirit of fraternity and solidarity extended to this struggle by the people of India, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The contest is open to all the citizens of India and Bangladesh, resident in respective countries or anywhere in the world. The last date for accepting entries has been extended up to November 13.
Australia interested to help Bangladesh build climate resilience
Australia has shown keen interest to help Bangladesh over Rohingya repatriation and building climate resilience.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison came up with the message while holding a bilateral meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of COP26 on Tuesday.
“The bilateral meeting was held at the invitation of the Australian Prime Minister,” said PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim said.
He said both the leaders discussed the cooperation between the two countries and they particularly emphasized the importance of climate cooperation and Rohingya repatriation issues.
The Australian Prime Minister said his country will help Bangladesh, especially in climate resilience building and Rohingya repatriation.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is a climate vulnerable country and Australia is also experiencing extreme climate events, including bushfire, floods, coral reef bleaching. “Both the countries can work closely to build resilience against the impacts of climate change,” she said.
Hasina mentioned that although Bangladesh is not historically responsible for climate change, the impact of climate change is severe on it. “As such, it’s important for the international community and especially major carbon-emitting countries to respond to the needs of the developing countries that are most vulnerable to climate change. And the developed world must deliver on the $100 billion dollars they promised in climate finance and make it a reality,” she said.
The Bangladesh Prime Minister underscored the urgency for the transfer of green and clean technologies from developed to developing countries to effectively respond to climate change, resilience building and socio-economic development for the post-Covid recovery. “If shared, many countries could be benefitted from Australia’s technology-led emission reduction approach.”
She thanked Australia for its continued support to Bangladesh over the Rohingya issue.
Expressing concern for not having made any progress in repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar since 2017, Hasina urged Australia to exert more international pressure on Myanmar so that it takes its nationals back.
PM attends bilateral meeting with Johnson, after calling on Charles
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting with her British counterpart Boris Johnson on the sidelines of COP26.
The Prime Ministers discussed various issues of bilateral and multilateral import.
The meeting was held at the designated UK Meeting Room of the Scottish Exhibition Centre in Glasgow, where the UN-led COP26 climate conference is being held.
Earlier, the Prime Minister called on Prince Charles, heir to the British throne.
BGMEA showcases RMG industry’s strides in sustainability in COP26
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has showcased RMG industry’s strides in sustainability in COP26.
The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) began in Glasgow, Scotland on October 31.
A pavilion of Bangladesh was inaugurated in the official venue of COP26 on November 1.
BGMEA’s official delegation to the COP26 headed by its President Faruque Hassan attended the inaugural ceremony.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam, MP was present at the inaugural ceremony, said BGMEA on Tuesday.
The BGMEA delegation also included Vice President Miran Ali, Directors Asif Ashraf and Abdullah Hil Rakib, and Shams Mahmud, Managing Director of Shasha Denims Ltd.
One of the objectives of BGMEA was to showcase all the good works of the RMG sector on sustainability and highlight green revolutions and commitments.
Read: BGMEA sees the future in value-added, high-end apparel items
US-funded cultural preservation project on SM Sultan’s artworks opened
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller and Director General of Bangla Academy Mohammad Nurul Huda on Tuesday inaugurated the US-funded cultural preservation project on SM Sultan’s artworks at Bengal Shilpalay in Dhanmondi.
The 3-year initiative, funded through the U.S. government’s prestigious Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), supports study, analysis, and restoration of the largest collection of paintings by one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated artists and will train young Bangladeshi conservation professionals on sustainable conservation techniques, methodologies, and restoration models.
Ambassador Miller presented a ceremonial plaque to the Bengal Foundation’s Director General Luva Nahid Chowdhury to formally inaugurate the project and toured the SM Sultan exhibition at the gallery.