foreign-affairs
Rohingya crisis is a security concern: FS
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Wednesday said the Rohingyas are citizens of Myanmar and successful repatriation to Myanmar is the only practical option to solve this long standing humanitarian catastrophe.
"This is not just a humanitarian crisis; rather, it is a security concern that demands a collective, comprehensive, and collaborative response from the regional and international community," he said.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar, Foreign Secretary Masud said the Rohingya influx followed by their presence and subsequent events have been creating multifarious security threats for Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the seminar on “Rohingya Crisis: Contemporary Security Dimensions and Future of Repatriation Process” at the BIISS Auditorium.
Also read: EU “sustaining its support” to Rohingya crisis, says Ambassador Whiteley
BIISS Director General Major General Sheikh Pasha Habib Uddin delivered the welcome address and its Chairman A F M Gousal Azam Sarker presided over the seminar.
In his welcome address, Major General Sheikh Pasha Habib Uddin mentioned that the displacement of the Rohingyas has not only caused immeasurable human suffering but also accelerated regional instability and insecurity.
He underscored the security issues like arms trafficking, drug smuggling, and the rising risks of increased radicalisation among the Rohingya people.
He drew attention to the fact that different global events such as the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Palestine, and the great power competition in the Indo-Pacific region are putting the Rohingya crisis out of sight from the international community.
He emphasised the need for a strong commitment from all stakeholders involved, including the governments of Myanmar, Bangladesh, and the international community to ensure a peaceful and durable repatriation of the Rohingyas.
Also read: PM Hasina seeks EU's support for Rohingya repatriation to ensure regional peace, stability
Three presentations were made in the seminar.
Md Jahan Shoieb, Research Fellow, BIISS, delivered a presentation titled “The Rohingya Crisis: An Overview”; Major General (Retd) Md Nayeem
Ashfaque Chowdhury presented on “The Rohingya Crisis: The Contemporary Security Dimensions”; and Professor Imtiaz A Hussain, PhD, Department of Global Studies and Governance, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) made his presentation on “Rohingya Crisis: Future of Repatriation Process”. These were followed by an open discussion session.
Gousal Azam said that the Rohingya crisis has captivated the world’s attention and also left an indelible mark on collective conscience.
"Therefore, the solution to the crisis demands upholding the principles of justice, dignity, and the inalienable rights of every individual," he said.
He said that the discussion organised by BIISS has shed light on the evolving security dimensions of the Rohingya crisis and explored ways and means of a solution to the Rohingya problem.
Senior officials from different ministries, diplomats, former envoys, senior military officials, media, researchers, academics and students from various universities, and representatives from different think tanks and international organisations participated in the seminar.
Also read: We’re focused on Rohingyas’ sustainable return: Afreen Akhter
Visiting EU team lauds Bangladesh’s development, positive changes in RMG sector
Visiting delegation of the European Union (EU) on Wednesday highly commended Bangladesh’s socio-economic development over the last decade as well as the positive changes in the RMG sector.
They expressed satisfaction at the constructive discussion they have had under 3+3 format with the Secretaries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The visiting Mission, led by Paola Pampaloni, deputy managing director of the European External Action Service, met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam at the latter’s office.
Read: Japan extends BDT 14.7m to two grass-roots human security projects
Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh Ambassador Charles Whiteley also attended the meeting.
The State Minister reiterated Bangladesh government’s firm commitment to implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) on the Labour Sector of Bangladesh (2021-2026) amidst numerous constraints.
Both sides appreciated the progress made so far while recognising the need for further progress for obtaining GSP+ facility after expiry of EBA (Everything but Arms) facility in 2029, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read: Saima Wazed recommends dedicated climate, mental health resilience day at COP28
The two sides expressed satisfaction at the joint launching of negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 25 October 2023 in Brussels to expand and develop the multi-dimensional relationship between Bangladesh and the EU.
Both sides also shared their views on the Rohingya crisis, climate change, EU’s Global Gateway initiative and issues of regional and international mutual interest.
Japan extends BDT 14.7m to two grass-roots human security projects
Japan on Wednesday extended a grant of $135,508 (approximately BDT 14.7 million) to two Bangladeshi NGOs.
The NGOs are SKS Foundation and Good Neighbors Bangladesh.
Read: Repeatedly raised concerns about threatening rhetoric directed at Peter Haas with Bangladesh govt: US Embassy
Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori signed the ‘Grant Contracts’ for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) at the Embassy of Japan with the respective organizations.
SKS Foundation has been awarded $82,027 as a grant for the project for procurement of eye care equipment for SKS Eye Hospital in Gaibandha District. With the assistance of the GGHSP funding, SKS Foundation will procure two eye care equipment (1 Optical Coherence Tomography and 1 Visual Field Analyser) to provide quality and affordable eye care diagnosis and treatment in the targeted area.
Read: EU team urges Bangladesh to accelerate necessary reforms in labour, human rights
Good Neighbors Bangladesh has been awarded $53,481 as a grant for the Project for the construction of drinking water supply facilities in Barguna District. With the assistance of the GGHSP funding, Good Neighbors Bangladesh will construct a Drinking Water Supply Facilities to increase access to safe and sustainable drinking water in local communities and improve the lifestyles of local residents to make a difference in the current situation, where people are collecting unsafe drinking and daily use water from the communal wells and ponds in the targeted area.
Japan has supported 215 NGO projects through its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) since 1989 with the view to enhancing economic and social human security in the grass-roots levels. The total sum of these GGHSP grants extended to NGOs in Bangladesh to date amounts approximately to $16.9 Million.
Saima Wazed recommends dedicated climate, mental health resilience day at COP28
Saima Wazed, advisor to the director general of the WHO for Mental Health and Autism and Thematic Ambassador for Vulnerability of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), has recommended that the Commonwealth organizes a dedicated climate and mental health resilient day at the first-ever Health Day to be held at the COP28.
Saima, also the Regional Director-elect of WHO South-East Asian Regional Office (SEARO) and Chairperson of Shuchona Foundation, was presenting the keynote speech at a high-profile roundtable on “Climate Vulnerability and Mental Health: Voices of Women.”
Also read: WHO chief 'looking forward to working closely' with Saima Wazed for a healthier South-East Asia
The event was hosted on Tuesday by Bangladesh High Commission, London and the Commonwealth in partnership with the Shuchona Foundation on the eve of the Commonwealth Women Leaders' Summit taking place 15-16 November 2023 at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.
She highlighted the significance of climate and mental health resilience and suggested that Commonwealth nations collaborate more closely to address climate-related challenges and their adverse effects on mental health since countries do not have sufficient resources to handle these challenges on their own.
She emphasized the importance of early detection and appropriate management of mental health conditions through a collective approach and global awareness, according to Bangladesh High Commission, London
Also read: JP MPs congratulate Saima Wazed for being elected as WHO regional director
During her keynote speech, she also shed light on the state of mental health and universal health coverage in Bangladesh and called for global cooperation with Bangladesh in addressing these growing challenges.
Saima is participating in a two-day Commonwealth Women Leaders' Summit. She will chair the launching ceremony of the Commonwealth NCD Guiding Framework on 16 November 2023.
UK Minister for Environmental Quality and Resilience Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Rebecca Pow MP, Shadow Minister for Equalities Office Yasmin Qureshi, Conservative MP for Kensington and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Housing and Homelessness Felicity Buchan and Chair of UK All Party Parliamentary Group for UN Women Baroness Verma spoke on the occasion as special guests.
Commonwealth Secretary-General RT Hon Patricia Scotland KC, co-host of the event, made introductory remarks and High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem chaired the event as the host in her capacity as the President of Women in Diplomacy Network, London.
Also read: WHO SEARO Director election: Momen thanks India, other countries for supporting Saima Wazed
UK Minister Affairs Rebecca Pow MP spoke highly of Bangladesh's efforts to address climate change and mental health challenges. She commended the country's achievements in women's empowerment, girls' education, and primary healthcare under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Commonwealth Secretary-General RT Hon Patricia Scotland KC praised Bangladesh's leadership on championing mental health at the Kigali CHOGM 2022 and declaration of the Dhaka-Kigali Mental Health Compact.
The Secretary-General also recalled the Commonwealth CVF climate prosperity partnership launched at COP26.
In her opening speech, High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem praised the global leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at COP26 as the CVF President in voicing the climate justice, loss and damage and reparations for displaced people due to climate change.
The High Commissioner also recalled the contribution of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who honoured 300000 women who were raped during Bangladesh’s War of Liberation as War Heroes.
The high-profile roundtable was also participated by a large number of ambassadors, women diplomats, academics, environmental and mental health experts and UK government high officials including Bárbara Montalvo Álvarez, Ambassador of Cuba, Simona Leskovar, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, Agnes Oswaha, Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan, Racher Croney, High Commissioner of Grenada, Lady Tunnicliffe, Chair, Commonwealth Association for Science Technology, Professor Mala Rao, Director, Ethnicity and Health Unit and Senior Clinical Fellow, Imperial College, London, Dr Valentina Iemmi, Senior Lecturer in Global Public Health, University of Essex and Rawan Al Faqir, President, Young Diplomats, London.
Nobody will be allowed to obstruct polls, says FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said nobody will be allowed to create barriers to holding the national election, noting that the government is committed to arrange a “free and fair” election.
“If anyone wants to obstruct the polls, we will not allow that. Nobody can create a barrier, we will punish them,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Responding to a question on Washington’s call for political dialogue, Momen said it is irrelevant what foreigners say. “We don’t pay heed to them unless it is practical and reasonable.”
Also read: Repeatedly raised concerns about threatening rhetoric directed at Peter Haas with Bangladesh govt: US Embassy
He said Bangladesh Awami League is a pro-election party and will take part in the election as the party believes in election and relies on the people and their verdict. “Which embassy says what is irrelevant?”
Momen said people are waiting for the polls eagerly but they also talk about their problems including price hike of essentials which the government is trying to address.
Responding to a question, the foreign minister said BNP is a big party but they should prove it through their works.
Referring to very poor results by BNP in the past elections, Momen said BNP will realize when they will come and join polls.
Also read: Security beefed up at EC, regional election offices: DMP
Appreciating Prime Minister's courage and confidence, the foreign minister said his party has a vision and always takes correct decisions. “We rely on people.”
He said they do not want arson attacks and noted that BNP destroyed public properties and set 154 vehicles on fires.
“We won’t tolerate arson attacks. We have the right to protect public property and people. We will not allow killing people,” Momen said.
Also read: Try to figure out a way to have dialogue without pre-conditions: Peter Haas urges parties
Responding to a question, the foreign minister said those who are criticizing Bangladesh’s human rights are actually sleeping and they do not talk about brutality in Gaza.
“If they are not sleeping, they are very partisan,” he said, referring to statements on Bangladesh issues.
Repeatedly raised concerns about threatening rhetoric directed at Peter Haas with Bangladesh govt: US Embassy
Violence, or threats of violence, directed at diplomatic personnel is unacceptable and deeply troubling, the US Embassy in Dhaka said today.
PM Hasina orders action against AL leader for threatening US Ambassador
"We have repeatedly raised our concerns about the threatening rhetoric directed at Ambassador Peter Haas with the Bangladeshi government," US Embassy Spokesperson Stephen Ibelli told media.
Try to figure out a way to have dialogue without pre-conditions: Peter Haas urges parties
The embassy spokesperson also said the Bangladesh government has the obligation to ensure the security of US diplomatic missions and personnel under the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
Peter Haas has requested meetings with senior leaders of 3 major parties: US Embassy
EU team urges Bangladesh to accelerate necessary reforms in labour, human rights
The visiting European Union (EU) delegation has recommended that Bangladesh step up its efforts to ensure that its policies and practices are aligned with International Labour Organization’s (ILO) standards.
The monitoring mission stressed the need to fully implement the National Action Plan on the labour sector, particularly guaranteeing freedom of association, collective bargaining, and an inclusive and representative participation of labour unions through tripartite consultation.
Visiting EU delegation hasn’t raised questions on min wage but highlighted rights issues: Foreign Secretary
The EU officials welcomed progress made on safety standards in the garment sector and noted some positive steps towards improving economic and social rights.
“Challenges, however, remain in both labour and human rights,” said the EU team in a statement.
Current labour issues discussed with visiting EU delegation
On the human rights front, more efforts are needed to comply with the core EBA conventions, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), safeguarding the freedom of expression, freedom of association, the right to peaceful assembly, and creating an enabling environment for the civil society to carry out its activities, it said.
The EU encouraged Bangladesh to accept and implement the recommendations of the 2023 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council in this regard.
EU “sustaining its support” to Rohingya crisis, says Ambassador Whiteley
The EU monitoring mission is in Dhaka to assess Bangladesh’s compliance with its commitments under the “Everything but Arms” (EBA) trade arrangement.
The EBA arrangement offers duty-free and quota-free access for least developed countries that respect the core conventions on human and labour rights to the European market.
Bangladesh is the largest beneficiary of the EBA, with exports to the EU market reaching 24 billion euros in 2022.
The EU delegation is led by Paola Pampaloni, deputy managing director of the European External Action Service, and included European Commission representatives on employment and trade.
The monitoring team met with Bangladesh government officials, civil society representatives, trade unions, ready-made garments brands and the BGMEA.
The mission regretted that the recent amendments of the Bangladesh Labour Act only partially addressed the concerns of the EU and ILO.
The mission welcomed the commitment by the government to swiftly introduce further amendments of the Bangladesh Labour Law towards these objectives.
Noting delays in the agreed timetable under the NAP, the EU team urged the authorities to accelerate the necessary reforms.
Paola Pampaloni said the visit to Bangladesh has provided a valuable opportunity to engage with key stakeholders on the importance of fulfilling the human rights and labour rights that are an intrinsic part of the EBA arrangement.
“We will continue to work closely with the Bangladesh authorities, business, civil society and trade unions to accelerate the necessary reforms,” she said.
The EU will continue the enhanced monitoring process of EBA compliance through the existing bilateral dialogue with the government of Bangladesh and all stakeholders.
The next EU GSP report, which includes a detailed assessment of compliance by Bangladesh with the EBA conditionality, will be published at the end of November.
The EU will take stock of progress on the reforms at the next EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission, which is likely to take place in Spring 2024.
Visiting EU delegation hasn’t raised questions on min wage but highlighted rights issues: Foreign Secretary
The visiting delegation of the European Union (EU) during their meeting with the government today did not raise questions regarding the recently announced minimum wage for readymade garments (RMG) factory workers, but observed that all are yet to be on board.
The Bangladesh side explained the issue in details and the EU side hoped that the current situation in the RMG sector will ease soon through discussion.
Current labour issues discussed with visiting EU delegation
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen briefed reporters after the EU team’s meeting with the foreign, labour and commerce secretaries at the state guesthouse Padma.
Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS), Paola Pampaloni, is leading the delegation accompanied by EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley.
US has ‘kind of alignment’ with recommendations made by IRI-NDI mission: Foreign Secretary
The EU delegation talked about human rights issues while the Bangladesh side briefed them about the country’s successful defence at the universal periodic review (UPR) of UN Human Rights Council.
The EU delegation hoped that the next government will be formed through a free and fair election, said Foreign Secretary Masud.
US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom meets Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen in New York
The two sides discussed the reforms of National Plan of Action and its progress.
Bangladesh adopted a National Action Plan (2021-2026) on the labour sector and the plan is closely linked to the roadmap submitted by the government of Bangladesh to the ILO Governing Body as the result of an Article 26 complaint.
The roadmap aims to improve the country’s observance of labour rights including freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
“We also discussed how we can get access to the GSP plus scheme. We informed the various steps taken by the government on labour sector reforms,” said the foreign secretary.
Masud said Bangladesh has been working sincerely to improve the situation in the labour sector. “The government is committed not only to enact laws but also to implement those effectively.”
The EU side appreciated the progress that Bangladesh has made in many areas but said there is scope of improvement in the areas of child labour, workplace safety and labour union.
“We highlighted Bangladesh’s progress in human rights and labour rights fronts,” said the foreign secretary.
The two sides also discussed in detail the GSP plus facility that Bangladesh needs after LDC graduation.
In March next year, they will discuss it further with labour reforms issues.
The foreign secretary said the framework on GSP plus will be finalised soon. “Once it is finalised, it will give space to discuss it in a concrete manner,” he added.
Labour Secretary Ehsan E Elahi said there are 9 targets in the National Plan of Action and 80 percent have been fulfilled.
The EU delegation wanted to know whether the ILO is satisfied or not.
“Most of the ILO suggestions have been accommodated. Some of the suggestions, we could not take as there are other parties,” he said.
On Tuesday, representatives of trade unions and workers’ organisations met the visiting EU delegation and discussed workers’ rights.
They acknowledged the important role of the EU, noting that the EU is the largest trading partner of Bangladesh.
They conveyed to the visiting delegation that there might be various types of problems but they want the trade relations to continue and develop further.
They also suggested that the EU delegation talk to the government and BGMEA, making representations that can contribute to improving the human and labour rights situation.
Paola Pampaloni also had wide-ranging exchanges on labour and human rights with senior government figures, including State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian and PM’s Principle Secretary Md Tofazzel Miah.
The delegation arrived in Dhaka on Sunday to have discussions with relevant stakeholders in the country’s labour sector.
Last month, Ambassador Whiteley said aligning labour law with international standards will be an “essential element” for the European Parliament and the Commission in considering Bangladesh’s application for market access, the GSP+. “Bangladesh has the option to accede to GSP+ which is the next most generous GSP programme after the Everything but Arms (EBA),” he said while speaking at a seminar in Dhaka.
Try to figure out a way to have dialogue without pre-conditions: Peter Haas urges parties
The United States has reiterated that it remains neutral, without taking any side, and urged all political parties of Bangladesh to de-escalate and eschew violence and find ways for peaceful elections.
“We are on no particular political party’s side. We want free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner,” US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas told reporters today (November 15, 2023).
No scope for dialogue now: Quader acknowledges receiving Donald Lu’s letter from Peter Haas
He called upon all sides to de-escalate, eschew violence and try to figure out a way to have dialogue without pre-conditions to improve the election atmosphere.
Ambassador Haas made the remarks after a meeting with Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader at the Secretariat.
Peter Haas has requested meetings with senior leaders of 3 major parties: US Embassy
He said they delivered the same message to all political parties in Bangladesh, that the United States remains neutral ahead of the upcoming polls.
Earlier, Ambassador Haas requested meetings with senior leaders of the three major political parties to underscore the US position regarding the upcoming election.
Haas meets CEC, hopes all sides will engage in dialogue without preconditions
Meanwhile, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller on Tuesday said, “We have consistently said that we believe elections in Bangladesh should be free and fair and open, and they should take place free of violence.”
UN experts urge Dhaka to seize UPR as opportunity to renew commitment to rights
UN experts on Tuesday said the universal periodic review of the Human Rights Council is an opportunity for Bangladesh not only to reiterate its commitment to human rights in words but to take urgent, concrete action to end attacks on human rights defenders and journalists.
“We urge the Human Rights Council and the international community to press upon Bangladesh the urgency and importance of ensuring a safe, open and conducive environment for free and fair elections,” they said in a joint statement issued from Geneva.
Also read: BNP’s demand for caretaker govt unconstitutional: Law Minister tells UN Human Rights Council
The experts are Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Clément Nyaletsossi Voule; Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; and Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.
Law Minister Anisul Huq, who led the Bangladesh delegation at the UPR meeting, on Monday said a total of 111 countries joined the meeting and 90 percent of the countries appreciated Bangladesh’s progress on the human rights front.
He said even countries like the United States, the UK and Canada did not criticise Bangladesh in a major way, rather they came up with some constructive recommendations.
The law minister said he responded to all the questions on rights issues including regarding those on the next national election.
“Despite promises from the government of significant legal change, which we warmly welcomed, the new Cyber Security Act has made only few improvements and continues to retain many of the flaws of the legislation, threatening the legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of expression,” the UN experts said.
Also read: Bangladesh: UN review on human rights in Geneva on Monday
“As Bangladesh heads towards national elections in early 2024, we are deeply disturbed by the sharp rise in political violence, arrests of senior opposition leaders, mass arbitrary detention of thousands of political activists, use of excessive force by the authorities and internet shutdowns to disrupt protests, and allegations of harassment, intimidation and unlawful detention of family members as a retaliatory measure,” the experts added.
The Law Minister, however, conveyed to the UN Human Rights Council that there has been no arbitrary arrest.
Guided by the obligations emanated from the constitution, Bangladesh side said that the government has been allowing and extending necessary cooperation to all political parties including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to arrange assemblies, protests, processions etc.
In this spirit the government allowed mass assemblies convened by different political parties on October 28, 2023 on the streets of Dhaka despite the declared objective of a major opposition party – BNP – to create anarchy and disconnect Dhaka from other parts of Bangladesh as a pressure tactic.
Also read: Bangladesh's response to UN rights chief: Letter to PM written ‘hastily without full information’
During its rally and strike on October 28-29, the unruly activists of BNP – “misguided” by the propaganda of its leaders – took recourse to indiscriminate street violence, arson, other forms of violent activities on the apolitical law enforcement agency members, police stations, CCTV cameras, the judiciary, media personnel, innocent civilians, state institutions, hospitals, ambulances, fire service vehicles and public properties, according to Bangladesh’s reply to UN human rights chief Volker Türk.
A member of the police was beaten to death while more than 100 police officers were injured, a bus worker was burnt alive, residences of the chief justice of Bangladesh and other judges of the Supreme Court were attacked, it said.
On the following days, as BNP spread the “campaign of arson and terror” all over Bangladesh, a few more people were killed, the government said.
The UN experts highlighted the case of investigative journalist Rozina Islam, in which the "prosecution has failed" to produce material evidence after two years of investigation, repeated hearings and a travel ban that is affecting her work.
“When prominent civil society leaders like Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus or human rights defenders like Adilur Rahman Khan or Nasiruddin Elan are charged or convicted in retaliation for human rights work, it sends a chilling message to all journalists and human rights defenders that any dissent or criticalopinion may lead to the most severe sanctions, no matter how outrageous the accusations or how prominent the person,” the experts said.