foreign-affairs
US is a strong influencer of development dynamics but it needs to rethink its role: BIDS DG Binayak Sen
Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Director General Binayak Sen has said the United States is undeniably a strong influencer of development dynamics but it needs to rethink its role.
He laid emphasis on US funding for new economic projects, duty free access, new FDI opportunities, and stopping global conflicts.
Train burning: Such tragic events likely to be organised by those trying to dissuade people from going to the polls, says economist Binayak Sen
“The language of rights will become a more compelling foreign policy instrument,” said the economist.
Income discrimination widened under current social security system: Dr Binayak Sen
In a separate message shared on X (formerly Twitter), he said almost everyone agrees that the parliament lacks strong opposition. “AL needs to find a way out.”
The country’s challenges are huge, which need to be settled through open and sharp debates, the economist said. “I propose that Article 70 of the constitution be abrogated to allow dissents and differences,” he mentioned.
Dr Binayak Sen to take helm of BIDS
Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group congratulates PM Hasina on election victory
Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.
World Economic Forum invites PM Hasina to attend its annual meeting in Switzerland
“As members of the Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group, we would like to congratulate you for winning your fifth term as Prime Minister,” a message to PM Hasina reads.
“We look forward to further deepening the ties between Canada and Bangladesh and will continue working with you and your government to that end,” the message further reads.
Canada disappointed that Bangladesh’s electoral process has ‘fallen short of’ democratic principles
“We wish you all the best as you form your new government and continue guiding your country forward,” it says.
Chair of Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group, Brad Redekopp, MP; Vice Chair Salma Ataullahjan; Kevin Waugh, MP; Larry Brock, MP; and Ken Hardie, MP jointly sent the congratulatory message.
Will continue to work with government of Bangladesh on priorities that characterise longstanding relations: EU
World Economic Forum invites PM Hasina to attend its annual meeting in Switzerland
Congratulating Prime Minister Sheikh, founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab, has said he is confident that under her leadership, Bangladesh will be able to fully realize its economic potential and become a developed country by 2041.
“The bold reforms taken forward under your leadership have helped raise Bangladesh’s economic and social standing,” Schwab said in a message to PM Hasina.
Canada disappointed that Bangladesh’s electoral process has ‘fallen short of’ democratic principles
“The World Economic Forum looks forward to working closely with you and your government to support in achieving its full growth potential,” he said.
He also invited PM Hasina to the 54th World Economic Forum annual meeting, which will take place in Davos-Klisters, Switzerland, from January 15 to 19, 2024 under the theme, “Rebuilding Trust.”
Will continue to work with government of Bangladesh on priorities that characterise longstanding relations: EU
As usual, over 100 governments, all major international organizations, the 1000 most important global companies, relevant civil society and academic institutions, as well as the global media will interact at the highest level.
“I truly look forward to engaging you in this effort and, hopefully, to welcoming you in Davos,” he said, wishing her every success in her new leadership role.
New Bangladesh Ambassador Rezina Ahmed presents credentials to Portuguese president
“On behalf of the World Economic Forum, please accept my congratulations on leading your party to a historic win in the 12th National Elections. I wish you and your colleagues every success for the new tenure,” Schwab said.
Canada disappointed that Bangladesh’s electoral process has ‘fallen short of’ democratic principles
Canada has said it remains “committed to support” the people of Bangladesh in their aspirations for a more stable, prosperous, and democratic future.
“Fair elections with a viable opposition, independent democratic institutions and freedom of the press are critical to ensuring a strong and healthy democracy,” said the Canadian government in a statement.
Will continue to work with government of Bangladesh on priorities that characterise longstanding relations: EU
Canada expressed its “disappointment” that this electoral process has “fallen short of” the principles of democracy and freedom upon which Bangladesh was founded, and called on the relevant authorities to work transparently with all parties to move forward towards democracy, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the interests of the people of Bangladesh.
New Bangladesh Ambassador Rezina Ahmed presents credentials to Portuguese president
Global Affairs Canada on January 9 issued the statement regarding the parliamentary election held in Bangladesh on January 7, 2024.
“Canada commends and supports the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens and condemns the acts of intimidation and violence that took place ahead and during the elections,” said the Canadian government.
Scottish MP congratulates PM Hasina on re-election, praises election process
The country extended sympathy to all of those who have been affected by the violence that has occurred.
Canada was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.
Will continue to work with government of Bangladesh on priorities that characterise longstanding relations: EU
The European Union (EU) on Tuesday (January 09, 2024) said it will continue to work with the government of Bangladesh on the priorities that characterise their longstanding relations in the political, human rights, trade and development spheres including the country’s possible future access to the GSP+ preferential trade scheme.
"The EU strongly encourages all stakeholders to respect political pluralism, democratic values and international human rights standards and to engage in peaceful dialogue," reads the statement issued from Brussels.
It is essential that the media, civil society and political parties can carry out their work without censorship or fear of reprisals, said the EU.
Read more: Commonwealth SG congratulates PM
The statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the parliamentary elections has taken note of the outcome of the Parliamentary elections, which were held in Bangladesh last Sunday.
It reiterated that the long-term EU-Bangladesh partnership is underpinned by the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The EU regretted that not all major parties participated in this election.
The EU welcomed the agreement of the authorities to make public the upcoming report and recommendations of the EU Election Expert Mission.
Read more: Happy with people’s verdict; no reason to worry about US, UK statements: Foreign Minister
"In the same spirit of transparency and accountability, we call upon the relevant authorities to ensure a timely and full investigation of all reported election irregularities," the statement reads.
The EU condemned the acts of violence that occurred during the electoral period and urges everybody to refrain from violence in the post-election period.
"It is also key that the rule of law, judicial independence, due process and the right to peaceful assembly are respected and upheld in this period and beyond. In this regard, detention of opposition figures is highly concerning," reads the statement.
Read more: Scottish MP congratulates PM Hasina on re-election, praises election process
New Bangladesh Ambassador Rezina Ahmed presents credentials to Portuguese president
Newly appointed Ambassador of Bangladesh to Portugal Rezina Ahmed presented her credentials to the President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at Belém Palace, Office of the President in Lisbon on January 8.
The Ambassador was escorted by an official of the Portuguese Foreign Ministry from Bangladesh House to Belém Palace in a motorcade.
On her arrival at the front courtyard of Belém Palace, the Ambassador received a military salute from the Infantry Guard of Honour.
It was followed by playing the National Anthems of Bangladesh and Portugal by the regimental band.
The Ambassador then ceremonially presented her letter of credence to the Portuguese President.
Scottish MP congratulates PM Hasina on re-election, praises election process
Lothian region MSP (Member of the Scottish Parliament) Foysol Choudhury has offered hearty congratulations to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her recent re-election, praising the country's commitment to a free and fair election process.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Choudhury, who also serves as the Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, commended the Awami League party on securing its fourth consecutive term and Hasina's fifth election victory.
Choudhury, a member of the Scottish Parliament's Cross-Party Group on Bangladesh, further expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's meeting with himself and colleagues during their visit to Dhaka last November.
He described the interaction as a "highly successful" first trip for the Group and expressed eagerness for future engagements.
"I very much hope I and the Cross-Party Group Members of the Scottish Parliament will have the opportunity of meeting Your Excellency again," Choudhury wrote.
Concluding the letter, the Scottish MP reiterated his congratulations and wished Hasina "a very successful new term."
Delegation from Indian Election Commission satisfied with Jan 7 vote
A three-member delegation from Election Commission of India saw citizens of Bangladesh exercising their electoral rights at polling stations "peacefully".
"We have visited a number of polling stations and have witnessed the polling process first hand," said the Indian delegation led by Dharmendra Sharma, Sr. Deputy Election Commissioner along with B Narayanan, Director General and Mohammed Umar, Principal Secretary.
Also read: Happy with people’s verdict; no reason to worry about US, UK statements: Foreign Minister
They visited Bangladesh as observers to their 12th Parliamentary elections.
“We thank the Bangladesh Election Commission for extending invitation to the Election Commission of India as observers to the 12th Parliamentary elections," they said.
The Indian observers appreciated the efforts of the Election Commission of Bangladesh and its "meticulous planning and arrangements" made for the conduct of the election process and facilitating this visit.
"We have a cordial relationship with the Election Commission of Bangladesh and we look forward to continuing our cooperation," the delegation said.
Also read: Bangladesh will continue boosting cooperation with neighbours for regional prosperity: Foreign Ministry to diplomats
Commonwealth SG congratulates PM
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.
"My congratulations to you- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on your electoral victory," she said.
The Commonwealth Secretariat stands ready to partner with Bangladesh to achieve national priorities and looks forward to working with the PM for the people of Bangladesh and all members of the Commonwealth Family.
Happy with people’s verdict; no reason to worry about US, UK statements: Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen today said there is no reason to worry about the US and UK statements on Bangladesh’s election, as they respect people's verdict.
"The election was held in a free, fair, credible and non-violent manner. That's it. We are very happy with it," he told reporters when his attention was drawn to the statements from two of Bangladesh’s important partners.
After attending a “meet and greet” event at State guesthouse Sugandha with diplomats stationed in Dhaka, Momen said the foreign observers also described the election as free, fair and peaceful.
The Foreign Minister said the people of the country have again exercised their right to vote.
Momen said the people of the country have given their verdict and they need nothing else.
He said the foreign observers also thanked the Election Commission for holding the election fairly and peacefully.
Read: Diplomats attend Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefing on national election
Indian High Commission's representative, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis, and high commissioners and ambassadors from various other countries were present.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was also present.
Momen described the event as just a standard “meet and greet.” “We look forward to seeing better partnership, better cooperation and better accommodation. This is essential to us,” he said.
He said Bangladesh has made many achievements due to cooperation and collaboration.
The 12th Parliamentary Election marks the continuation of a democratic Bangladesh polity that remains firmly committed to contribute to regional and global peace and security and to eliminate terrorism, counter radicalization and extremism, while championing international development objectives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Read: Fire in Rohingya camp: at least 1,500 children lost access to education, says UNICEF
“With the initiation of the new government, Bangladesh would be geared at further enhancing cooperation with its neighbours to ensure shared economic prosperity in South Asia through promotion of greater regional security, integration and connectivity,” according to a briefing note circulated among the diplomats after Momen’s remarks.
“Alongside our economic strides, Bangladesh will also succeed in building a democratic society which our future generations will take pride in,” the briefing note reads.
At the national level, the 12th Parliamentary Election results will usher in a fresh opportunity to infuse further dynamism into the impressive socio-economic performance sustained by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government during its past three tenures. Political stability under democratic rule has contributed a lot to these achievements, it said.