foreign-affairs
Asia, Pacific must avoid K-shaped recovery: UN report
The Asia-Pacific region needs large, yet attainable, investments in resilience to protect development gains amid a fragile and inequitable post-COVID-19 economic recovery, says a report released on Tuesday.
The report was released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok.
Also Read: ADB forecasts developing Asian economies in recession
The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2021: Towards post-COVID-19 resilient economies forecasts that, on average, developing Asia-Pacific economies are expected to grow by 5.9 per cent in 2021 and 5 per cent in 2022, after having experienced an estimated contraction of 1 per cent in 2020.
Despite a reasonably strong rebound expected in 2021, a “K-shaped recovery” is likely, with poorer countries and more vulnerable groups marginalized in the post-pandemic recovery and transition period.
The Survey estimates that because of the pandemic, an additional 89 million people in the region could have been pushed back into extreme poverty in 2020 at the $1.90 per day threshold, erasing years of progress in poverty reduction.
Working-hour losses in 2020 equaled 140 million full-time jobs, while severe disruptions of economic activity and education are likely to have caused a significant setback to human capital accumulation and productivity in the region.
For a more robust and inclusive recovery, the Survey calls for a more synchronized COVID-19 vaccination programme across countries and highlights opportunities to leverage regional cooperation.
At the same time, it recommends that fiscal and monetary support should be sustained, as premature tightening could increase long-term scars.
“COVID-19 is a shock like no other and it requires a response like no other,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.
“The time is now for the Asia-Pacific region to seize this opportunity to speed up and make its transition towards more resilient, equitable, and green development the centerpiece of the post-pandemic economic recovery.”
Looking beyond the pandemic, the Survey examines the broader risk landscape facing Asia-Pacific countries, including epidemics, natural disasters and financial crises.
It finds that adverse shocks, both economic and non-economic, result in permanent economic, social and environmental losses, and advises countries to take a more comprehensive approach to building resilience against future shocks.
Specifically, the Survey proposes a “build forward better” policy package for resilient post-COVID-19 economies that aims to ensure universal access to healthcare and social protection, close the digital divide and strengthen climate and clean energy actions.
It estimates that the package would reduce the number of people living in poverty in the region by almost 180 million people and cut carbon emissions by about 30 per cent in the long run.
Notably, the package would result in a modest fiscal and debt burden if accompanied by bold policy actions, such as ending fossil fuel subsidies and introducing a carbon tax.
Among other potential financing solutions, the Survey also recommends debt swaps-for-development initiatives for countries with special needs and those with limited fiscal space.
It also calls for international assistance to least developed countries burdened with significant “resilience gaps.”
For his part, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has recommended in a policy brief on Preventing Debt Crises In the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond: The Time to Act is Now, that countries address immediate liquidity constraints; debt overhangs and creating space for investment in crisis response, the Sustainable Development Goals and climate action; and reformation of the international debt architecture.
In conclusion, the Survey recommends that countries in the region should respond aggressively to adverse shocks to minimize the reversal of hard-won development gains. Swift and robust policy responses are needed to safeguard sustainable development in crisis times, and risk management must become central to development planning and policymaking.
Produced annually since 1947, the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific is the oldest United Nations report on the region’s progress.
The Survey provides analyses to guide policy discussion on the current and emerging socio-economic issues and policy challenges to support inclusive and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.
International relief needed on Bhasan Char: IFRC
International support is needed to maintain humanitarian services for more than 13,000 people who have been relocated to Bhasan Char island from Cox’s Bazar, the IFRC said Monday.
This appeal follows an independent visit by representatives from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to the river island.
It requested the Government of Bangladesh, humanitarian agencies and international donors to do everything possible to keep people displaced from Rakhine State safe and able to live with dignity, wherever they are located, including on Bhasan Char.
The team found that the Government of Bangladesh has made progress on Bhasan Char in terms of the development of infrastructure.
However, it also found urgent investment is needed to ensure that women and children are adequately protected, and that food security, health care and schooling is assured both in the short and longer-term.
While evacuation centres are in place to keep people safe from disasters, there remain concerns that the island could be exposed during the upcoming cyclone season and that systems are further strengthened to manage the potential isolation caused by storms.
Feroz Salah Uddin, Secretary General, Bangladesh Red Crescent, said, “After nearly four years of living in precarious camps in cramped conditions, many people are relocating to the island of Bhasan Char and we are providing a range of relief services at this critical time.
Also read: 6 lakh people in Rohingya camps “exposed” to cyclone risks: IFRC
“Bangladesh Red Crescent is working with authorities to deliver food packages, hygiene items, sanitation and health services to thousands of people on the island for the coming months.”
Sanjeev Kafley, Bangladesh Head of Delegation, IFRC, said with the cyclone season fast approaching, people on Bhasan Char could become stranded with a shortage of food when major storms strike, leaving the sea passage impassable, in turn denying the delivery of relief, medicines and other vital supplies.
“Everyone relocating must have access to all of the essentials for a healthy life, including nutritious food, hygiene items such as soap, along with health and medical care. Women and children must be afforded protection from violence and other risks.
Also read: 1,800 more Rohingyas moved to Bhasan Char
“People who are now living on Bhasan Char have been through so many hardships and they deserve opportunities for a fulfilling life, with opportunities to start new livelihoods and access to education and other activities,” Kafley said.
Bangabandhu laid foundation of strong Bangladesh-UK partnership, friendship: UK Minister
British Foreign and Development Office (FCDO) Minister for South Asia and Commonwealth Lord Tariq Ahmed has said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman laid the foundation of a strong partnership and deep friendship that Bangladesh-UK has been enjoying in the past five decades.
He lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for upholding the spirit and values of Bangabandhu in building a self-reliant, secular and inclusive Bangladesh with maximal climate prosperity and resilient green future; and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to remain a critical partner of Bangladesh seeking to support peace and prosperity for its entire people.
Addressing a virtual programme in London recently, the British Minister congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the people of Bangladesh and the British-Bangladeshis as Bangladesh celebrated 50 years of its Independence, according to Bangladesh High Commission in London.
Bangladesh High Commission in London commenced a nine-month celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence and hosted a high-profile discussion and diplomatic reception held recently where ministers, leader of the opposition, members of House of Lords, Mayor of London and eminent parliamentarians from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales paid their profound homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the martyrs of 1971 War of Liberation.
They highly praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the unprecedented growth and prosperity the country achieved under her visionary leadership.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland Saida Muna Tasneem chaired the event.
Also read: Bangabandhu is an inspiration to many who fight for liberty, democracy: UK Minister
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Labour Party Deputy Leader and Chair Angela Rayner, MP, Foreign Affairs Select Committee Chair at the House of Commons Tom Tugendhat, MP, Conservative Party Vice-Chair Ms Nickie Aiken, MP, International Ambassador of the Conservative Party Lord Hannan, Chair of All-party Parliamentary Group on Bangladesh and the UK’s Trade Envoy for Bangladesh Rushanara Ali, MP, Apsana Begum, MP, Sarah Boyack, MSP and IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim spoke as panelists.
Dhaka, Delhi want enhanced connectivity for prosperity
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday reiterated the importance of enhancing connectivity for facilitating regional economic integration for the benefit of all parties involved.
To facilitate better connectivity and simplify movement of passengers and goods between the two neighbouring countries, both leaders agreed to an early operationalisation of the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement through expeditious signing of the enabling MoU for Bangladesh, India, and Nepal to commence the movement of goods and passengers, with provision for Bhutan to join at a later date.
India expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Hasina’s initiative of revitalising the pre-1965 rail connectivity as well as for Bangladesh’s support for the numerous connectivity initiatives through rail, road and waterways, according to joint statement issued on the occasion of the visit of Prime Minister of India to Bangladesh.
In the same spirit, Bangladesh reiterated its eagerness to partner in the ongoing initiative of the India–Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway project.
Bangladesh side also requested India for favourable consideration of the new connectivity routes proposed by Bangladesh, namely allowing additional land ports of Bhadrapur-Bairagi Galgalia, Biratnagar-Jogmani and Birganj-Raxaul to be connected with Banglabandha-Fulbari and Birol-Radhikapur by road as alternative routes.
India was also requested to consider connecting Birol-Radhikapur and Rohanpur-Singhabad rail-interchanges with Biratnagar-Jogmani as this would help reduce the distance and cost of transportation of goods by rail from Bangladesh to Nepal.
Bangladesh side also sought rail connectivity with Bhutan through the newly inaugurated Chilahati-Haldibari route.
Also read: Hasina seeks fair share of Teesta water
Hasina seeks fair share of Teesta water
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday reiterated Bangladesh’s long-pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of water of the Teesta River with Bangladesh's fair share to alleviate sufferings of millions.
It is necessary that Bangladesh receives its fair share of the Teesta water, the draft agreement of which has already been agreed upon by both governments in January 2011 to alleviate the sufferings and save the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on the Teesta River basin, she underscored.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts to conclude this agreement, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
“There’s positive approach (from Indian side) but a date has not been fixed when it will be delivered. They can’t spell out that it’ll happen within a week,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters at a briefing at Sonargaon Hotel.
Ground-level cooperation needed to check all border incidents: Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said ground-level cooperation is needed to check all those incidents happening along the India-Bangladesh border.
The Indian Prime Minister came up with the remark when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested him to look after the matter properly so that the sad border incidents could be reduced to a zero level.
The border incidents between the two neighbouring countries were discussed during the bilateral meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
“Ground-level cooperation will help check this kind of incident,” PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted the Indian Prime Minister as saying.
Water sharing
Talking about the water-sharing of common rivers, including that of the Teesta River, Sheikh Hasina said the decision of signing the Teesta water-sharing treaty was taken jointly nine years back.
“But it’s yet to be implemented," she said adding that the people living in the vicinity of the Teesta River have been suffering a lot.
In reply, the Indian Prime Minister said, "We’re committed to a reasonable solution to sharing of water of all the rivers."
Regarding the Rohingya issue, Sheikh Hasina expected more active role of India regarding the repatriation of over one million Rohingyas.
She mentioned that the Rohingyas should be repatriated as soon as possible for preventing their involvement in drug business and terrorist activities. “The sooner the better,” she said.
Also read: Dhaka-Delhi to accelerate momentum; eye next 50 years diversified ties
In reply, Narendra Modi said Indian wants sustainable return of the refugees.
Thanks for vaccine
Sheikh Hasina thanked the Indian government for sending Covid-19 vaccine to Bangladesh and said this reflects India’s ‘neighbour first’ policy.
She said the first commercial consignment of Covid-19 vaccine has been used and hoped that the rest of the consignments will be delivered soon.
Sheikh Hasina also thanked the Indian Prime Minister for giving 1.2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine as gift.
The Indian Prime Minister said that his country gifted another consignment of 1.2 million Covid-19 vaccine and 109 life-saving ambulances.
Meaningful cooperation
Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh and India are the biggest producers and users countries. “So we must need to cooperate more meaningfully for this sector,” she said.
She invited foreign direct investment in state-run jute mills under the public-private partnership.
In this context, she said that indiscriminately anti-dumping duties imposition is creating unnecessary conflict between our cooperation.
She drew the attention of the Indian Prime Minister for quick solution.
The Prime Minister said that Bangladesh is keen to effectively use the Indian lines of credit. She put emphasis on axing ineffective projects from the list under the Indian line of credit.
Also read: Dhaka, Delhi ink five MoUs to boost cooperation
She asked her Indian counterpart to take steps to quickly disburse line of credit so that the projects could be implemented swiftly.
Modi put emphasis on increased contacts between entrepreneurs of the two countries.
The Indian prime minister also expressed his desire to be a partner to launch the Bangabandhu-2 satellite.
Enhanced connectivity
Sheikh Hasina said that the introduction of Moitree Setu between Bangladesh and India has added a new dimension to cooperation in the communication sector.
She said that Indian state Tripura can use Chattogram Airport alongside Chattogram and Mongla ports.
Stating some routes to connect Bangladesh with Nepal and Bhutan, Sheikh Hasina expected consideration from India.
She said that if the motor vehicles agreement among Bangladesh, India and Nepal is signed, all three countries will be benefitted.
Also read: Bangladesh, India for progress of whole world: Modi
Important milestone
They also reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries marking the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, the Press Secretary said.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister termed 50 years of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and India as an important milestone.
Sheikh Hasina extended her thanks to Narendra Modi for accepting positively the proposal of Bangladesh for naming “Mujibnagar-Nadia Road” as Shadhinata Sharok.
During the meeting, the Indian Prime Minister put emphasis on expediting the ongoing projects between Bangladesh and India.
Besides, Narendra Modi said, India is going to establish “Bangabandhu Chair” at Delhi University in memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Dhaka, Delhi to accelerate momentum; eye next 50 years of diversified ties
Bangladesh and India have agreed to accelerate the momentum that exists between the countries with an eye on the next 50 years of cooperation in diversified areas.
Emphasis was also put on enhanced connectivity, not just between Bangladesh and India but beyond the two countries to ensure broader economic benefits.
“We not only need to continue the momentum, we need to accelerate the momentum,” Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said sharing the outcome of talks between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday evening.
Modi had a “productive meeting” with Hasina and reviewed the full range of Bangladesh-India relations and discussed ways to deepen economic and cultural linkages in the times to come.
He said Prime Minister Hasina raised the Teesta issue while the Indian Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment to that end, sharing India’s sincere and continued efforts to conclude the agreement.
Also read: Hasina seeks fair share of Teesta water
The Indian Foreign Secretary said cooperation in the areas of common rivers water is an important issue.
Dhaka, Delhi ink five MoUs to boost cooperation
Bangladesh and India on Saturday signed five MoUs to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including disaster management, resilience and mitigation, trade, ICT and sports.
Those are: MoU on Disaster Management, Resilience and Mitigation, MoU between Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) and National Cadet Corps of India (INCC) and MoU on the Establishment of a Framework of Cooperation in the Area of Trade Remedial Measures between Bangladesh and India.
Also read: Hasina, Modi jointly open five projects
Besides, a tripartite MoU on Supply of ICT equipment, courseware and reference books and training for Bangladesh-Bharat Digital Service & Employment and Training (BDSET) Centre and another tripartite MoU on Establishment of Sports facilities in Rajshahi College field and surrounding areas.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the MoU exchange ceremony after the bilateral talks between Bangladesh and India that took place at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami and Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief of Bangladesh Md Mohsin exchanged the MoU on Disaster Management, Resilience and Mitigation on behalf of the respective governments.
Director General of Bangladesh National Cadet Corps Brigadier General Nahidul Islam Khan and High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami exchanged the MoU between Bangladesh National Cadet Corps and National Cadet Corps of India.
Also read: Bangladesh, India for progress of whole world: Modi
The Indian High Commissioner and Commerce Secretary Dr Md Jafar Uddin exchanged the MoU on the Establishment of a Framework of Cooperation in the Area of Trade Remedial Measures between Bangladesh and India.
Senior Secretary to the Information and Communication Technology Division of the Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology Ministry Bangladesh NM Zeaul Alam and Vikram K Doraiswami exchanged the MoU on Supply of ICT equipment, courseware and reference books and training for Bangladesh-Bharot Digital Service & Employment and Training (BDSET) Centre.
Also read: Hasina-Modi Talks: Focus on connectivity, trade, health
The Indian High Commissioner and Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh Md Mahbub Hossain exchanged the MoU on Establishment of Sports Facilities in Rajshahi College field and surrounding areas” on behalf of their respective governments.
Hasina, Modi jointly open five projects
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday jointly inaugurated five projects.
They inaugurated the projects virtually after bilateral talks between Bangladesh and India that took place at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The projects are Ground-breaking ceremony for Infrastructure Development for Power Evacuation Facilities of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, introduction of a new passenger train service, ‘Mitali Express’, between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri and extended development work at Rabindra Bhawan Kuthibari in Shilaidaha, Kushtia.
Also read: Bangladesh, India for progress of whole world: Modi
The other projects are laying the foundation stone of a monument at Ashuganj in memory of martyred members of Indian Allied Forces in Ashuganj and three new Border haats along the India-Bangladesh border.
Bangladesh, India for progress of whole world: Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday underlined that both Bangladesh and India want to see the progress of the whole world through their own development and progress.
Both countries want stability, love and peace in place of instability, terror and unrest in the world, he said adding that the same values were given to them by "Sri Sri Hari Chand Thakur Ji".
Modi sought blessings at the Hari Mandir, Orakandi and interacted with the descendants of revered Thakur family.
Also read: Modi visits Tungipara; pays homage to Bangabandhu
On the second day of his two-day visit to Bangladesh, Modi also addressed the representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri Sri Hari Chand Thakur ji disseminated his pious message of social reforms.
Prime Minister stressed that India is moving forward with the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas', and Bangladesh is 'Shoho Jatri' in it.
"At the same time, Bangladesh is presenting a strong example of development and change in front of the world and India is Bangladesh’s 'Shoho Jatri' in these efforts," he said.
Also read: Bangladesh-India bilateral talks begin at PMO
Prime Minister Modi made several announcements, including upgrading the existing middle school for girls at Orakandi and set up a primary school as well.
He also mentioned that every year a large number of people travel from India to Orakandi to participate in ‘Baruni Snan’ on occasion of the birth anniversary of Sri Sri Hari Chand Thakur and more efforts would be made to ease their travel.
Also read: Hasina-Modi Talks: Focus on connectivity, trade, health