foreign-affairs
Bangladeshi student enrolment in the United States hits record high: Report
The number of Bangladeshi students studying in the United States has reached an all-time high, according to the 2023 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.
The report, released by the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education, found that 13,563 Bangladeshi students were enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities during the 2022–2023 academic year.
Also read: Peter Haas has requested meetings with senior leaders of 3 major parties: US Embassy
This represents a 28% increase from the previous academic year, and one of the highest overall increases in the world.
The surge in Bangladeshi students is part of a broader trend of increased international student enrolment. The total number of international students in the U.S. surpassed one million during the 2022–2023 academic year, thanks to the fastest annual growth rate in four decades.
"We are excited to see that more and more Bangladeshi students are choosing the United States for higher education study," said U.S. Ambassador Peter Haas, in his initial reaction.
Also read: US Embassy’s University Fair on Sep 23: Bangladeshi students can talk to admission officials
"From engaging in groundbreaking research to enriching campus life through cultural programs, Bangladeshi students continue to make impressive achievements across U.S. campuses."
The 2023 Open Doors Report also found that the number of Bangladeshi undergraduate students increased by more than 50%, with 2,500 students enrolled in undergraduate (bachelor’s and associate degrees) studies.
Nearly 10,000 Bangladeshi postgraduates are enrolled in U.S. institutions, making Bangladesh seventh in the world for graduate student enrolment in the United States.
During the past decade, Bangladeshi students in the United States have increased by more than 300%, from 3,314 students during the 2011–2012 academic year to 13,563 students during the 2022–2023 academic year.
Also read: Cheapest countries for Bangladeshi students for higher studies
Current labour issues discussed with visiting EU delegation
Representatives of trade unions and workers organisations met the visiting delegation of the European Union (EU) on Tuesday 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.
EU calls for 'immediate pause in hostilities' in Gaza
"These are the two messages we conveyed to the EU team," one of the leaders told the media after the meeting.
They also suggested the EU delegation talk to the government and BGMEA, making representations that can contribute to bettering the human and labour rights situation.
The EU delegation members wanted to hear from the leaders about the current labour issues.
"We are expecting that a stable situation will prevail," another participant of the meeting told the reporters.
EU “sustaining its support” to Rohingya crisis, says Ambassador Whiteley
There is a demand for withdrawal of cases against the workers and release of the workers who are arrested on charge of vandalism and the demand will be placed through a press conference on Wednesday.
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.
On Monday, the EU team exchanged views with the Rohingyas in the camps in Cox's Bazar and assured them of their continued support.
Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni is leading the delegation.
EU delegation in town to assess labour conditions
Bangladesh can be an ideal location for BRI, IPS cooperation: Prof Imtiaz
Prof Dr Imtiaz Ahmed has said Bangladesh can be an ideal place for ushering cooperation between Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) members.
While delivering the keynote speech at a seminar, he said that the BRI project, China’s "Mega Marshal Plan", is an excellent scheme for infrastructural development for both Bangladesh and China.
Prof Imtiaz, from Dhaka University's International Relations department and executive director of Centre for Alternatives, also emphasized Chinese investment in Bangladesh's roads and connectivity, which he defined as a win-win situation for the country.
Read: US State Dept spokesperson says will ‘refrain from being drawn into’ internal Bangladeshi political matters
The Centre for Alternatives (CA), in collaboration with the Embassy of China in Bangladesh, hosted an academic seminar on “BRI and Bangladesh” at a Dhaka hotel on Monday.
Due to personal urgency, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen could not attend the seminar, said the organisers on Tuesday.
In his place, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy, Song Yang, joined the occasion as the chief guest.
Dr ASM Ali Ashraf, Professor of International Relations at University of Dhaka, delivered welcome remarks.
There were two distinguished speakers: Dr M.M. Akash, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka and Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Professor and Chairman, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka.
Read: White House hoping Biden-Xi meeting brings progress on military communications, fentanyl fight
Song Yang addressed the audience after the distinguished speakers’ presentations.
Dr. M.M. Akash referred to BRI as an excellent opportunity for Bangladesh and the world, and he said that the world should be cautious about the "Thucydides Trap".
He also identified China as an actor who can adapt to the time and context.
Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir emphasized the importance of BRI, considering Bangladesh's economic and political condition.
He admired the current position of Bangladesh, as it is counted by every world actor, especially China, as a close partner in its BRI development dream.
Song Yang addressed BRI as a "2000-year-old Silk Road spirit" based on mutual benefits, peaceful coexistence, and shared destiny.
Read: UNDP, China to enhance livelihood opportunities for urban poor
He also said that BRI was a new initiative for high-quality development, modernizing all countries, including Bangladesh.
He placed a particular emphasis on the alignment of the dream of the Chinese nation with the dream of Bangladesh's Father of the Nation.
Dr ASM Ali Ashraf discussed the BRI and how it aligns with Bangladesh's critical foreign policy principle, “friendship towards all, malice to none.”
He discussed BRI through the lenses of three major theories of international relations: liberalism, realism, and constructivism. Dr Amena Mohsin, Professor of International Relations, University of Dhaka, delivered the vote of thanks.
US State Dept spokesperson says will ‘refrain from being drawn into’ internal Bangladeshi political matters
The United States has once again said it supports "free and fair" elections in Bangladesh.
"We think the future of the Bangladeshi government should be determined by its people," US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at a regular media briefing on Monday (November 13, 2023) when a reporter wanted to know why the US government must discuss Bangladesh-related issues with India.
Miller said the United States is not taking a side in Bangladesh’s elections.
Read: Peter Haas has requested meetings with senior leaders of 3 major parties: US Embassy
"We do not support one political party over the other. We support free and fair elections," he added.
Miller also said, "I welcome the attempts by various reporters to draw me into internal Bangladeshi political matters, and I’m going to continue to refrain from doing so."
On Monday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam reiterated that the next general election in Bangladesh will be held as per the constitution, regardless of “who’s doing what.”
He said election is an internal matter of the people of Bangladesh and the election will be held under the constitution and relevant laws.
The Election Commission is taking preparations to hold the next national election by January next year and is likely to announce polls schedules soon.
Read: Election will be held as per constitution regardless of ‘who’s doing what’: Shahriar Alam
Earlier, Law Minister Anisul Huq conveyed to the UN Human Rights Council that opposition party BNP’s demand for holding the next national election under a caretaker government is “completely unconstitutional and illegal.”
Mentioning Bangladesh’s independent Election Commission, he said the government is committed to hold the next national election in a “free, fair and peaceful” manner with the participation of people.
UNDP, China to enhance livelihood opportunities for urban poor
To enhance livelihood opportunities and address economic challenges, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, in association with the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, organised a community handover event on Monday at Beder Bosti of Korail Community in Dhaka's Banani and distributed 1,425 automated sewing machines.
The event was part of the China-UNDP Triangular and South-South Cooperation Project on Strengthening Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)-related Manufacturing Capacity in Asia and the Pacific Region.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) MAyor Atiqul Islam Chinse Ambaddasor to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller were present on the occasion.
“Giving the urban poor, particularly women, the tools and skills they need to improve their livelihoods, we can create a city where no one is left behind and everyone is uplifted," said Atiqul.
"As the Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation, I find it encouraging to see the work that UNDP and China are doing to bring the poor out of poverty, he added.
“I am happy to witness the positive impact of the China-UNDP collaboration in empowering vulnerable communities," said the Chinese ambassador.
"We appreciate China's support, not only in our work within China itself but also in various countries through south-south cooperation mechanisms, which involve expertise and funding to promote economic empowerment and skill development, like today at this distribution of automated sewing machines for the urban poor community, mainly women," said Liller.
UNDP is supporting 1,245 individuals and six cooperatives by providing a total of 1,425 automated sewing machines received from China. These machines, coupled with skill-enhancement training, aim to encourage entrepreneurship and readiness for job opportunities in the ready-made garment sector.
Peter Haas has requested meetings with senior leaders of 3 major parties: US Embassy
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has requested meetings with senior leaders of three major political parties to underscore the US position regarding the upcoming national election.
The United States will continue to implement their "3C policy" in an even-handed manner against those who undermine the democratic election process, a media statement issued by the US embassy today said.
The United States wants free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner and calls on all sides to eschew violence and exercise restraint, the embassy said.
Read: EU “sustaining its support” to Rohingya crisis, says Ambassador Whiteley
It reiterated that the United States does not favor any particular political party.
The United States urged all sides to engage in dialogue without preconditions.
Earlier, a new visa policy was announced under Section 212(a)(3)(C) or “3C” of the US Immigration and Nationality Act to support Bangladesh’s goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful national election.
Read: BNP’s demand for caretaker government unconstitutional, illegal: Law Minister tells UN
Under this policy, the United States will be able to restrict visas for any Bangladeshi individual, believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
Read more: EU team due in Dhaka tomorrow to review progress in labour sector
EU “sustaining its support” to Rohingya crisis, says Ambassador Whiteley
The visiting delegation of the European Union (EU) on Monday exchanged views with the Rohingyas in the camps and assured them of their continued support.
“Intense programme in Bangladesh for Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni with a visit today to the Rohingya camps, including exchanges with women refugees, schools, Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre and food centres,” said EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley who accompanied the visiting delegation members.
The delegation members thanked the Bangladesh authorities, Rohingya Refugee Response Centre, UN and the Humanitarian Aid department of the European Commission (ECHO).
The European Union is “sustaining its support” to the crisis, said the EU Ambassador.
The delegation, led by Deputy Managing Director for EEAS Paola Pampaloni, arrived in Dhaka on Sunday to have discussions with relevant stakeholders on the country’s labour sector.
"Freshly arrived in Dhaka for EU exchanges with Bangladesh stakeholders on labour rights and human rights," Ambassador Whiteley wrote on X, formerly known as twitter, after his arrival together with some of the delegation members from Brussels.
They visited a school for children with disabilities in Badda, Dhaka on Sunday.
They will have meetings with labour, commerce and foreign secretaries of the government on Wednesday apart from their talks with other relevant stakeholders.
The visit is aimed at taking "stock of progress" in implementing the National Action Plan for the labour sector, Ambassador Whiteley told UNB.
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.
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.
BNP’s demand for caretaker government unconstitutional, illegal: Law Minister tells UN
Law Minister Anisul Huq on Monday conveyed to the UN Human Rights Council that opposition party BNP’s demand for holding polls under a caretaker government is “completely unconstitutional and illegal.”
Mentioning Bangladesh’s independent Election Commission, he said the government is committed to hold the next national election in a “free, fair and peaceful” manner with the participation of people.
Taking part at the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva, the Law Minister highlighted BNP’s violence and destruction on October 28-29.
Apart from brutally beating one policeman to death, they attacked the residences of Chief Justice and other judges, and torched police outposts.
He said the policeman was beaten to death in broad daylight, and noted that there has been no arbitrary arrest but the law enforcement agencies went by the law of the land.
The Law Minister is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the review meeting that began at 3 pm (Bangladesh Time).
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Offices in Geneva, Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, among others are taking part in the meeting.
Read: Bangladesh: UN review on human rights in Geneva on Monday
The law minister in his remarks said the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy against any human rights violation and highlighted the political space given to the opposition parties.
He also talked about the Rohingya crisis, noting that Bangladesh alone cannot resolve the crisis imposed by Myanmar.
The law minister also highlighted the continued political stability and significant economic development in Bangladesh.
Delimitation of Constituencies Act-2021, the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners Appointment Act-2022 and Parliament Election (Electronic Voting Machine) Rules-2018 were enacted and Conduct Rules for Political Parties and Candidates2008 and Election Conduct Rules-2008 were amended since 2018 to make elections more fair, inclusive, and credible, said the Law Minister.
The Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners Appointment Act2022 ensures an impartial and capable EC and is the first ever law of this kind in the country as well as in the subcontinent, he said.
Bangladesh’s first, second and third UPRs took place in February 2009, April 2013, and May 2018, respectively.
In its submitted national report, Bangladesh said it would continue to strengthen its institutions and measures to promote and protect human rights.
The UPR working group comprises the 47 member states of the Human Rights Council. However, each of the 193 UN member states can participate in a country review.
Read: Bangladesh sign MoU on enhancing migration management
The documents on which the reviews are based are:
1) National report – information provided by the state under review
2) Information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the Special Procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities
3) Information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations, and civil society groups, according to the UN Human Rights Council.
The UPR is a peer review of the human rights records of all 193 UN member states. Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all 193 UN member states have been reviewed thrice.
The UPR is a unique mechanism of the Human Rights Council that calls for each UN member state to undergo a peer review of its human rights records every 4.5 years.
Established in March 2006 by the UN General Assembly in resolution 60/251, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is designed to prompt, support, and expand the promotion and protection of human rights in every country.
EU calls for 'immediate pause in hostilities' in Gaza
The European Union (EU) has joined calls for immediate pauses in hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors, including through increased capacity at border crossings and through a dedicated maritime route, so that humanitarian aid can safely reach the population of Gaza.
"The EU is gravely concerned about the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza," said the EU High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles on behalf of the European Union on humanitarian pauses in Gaza on Sunday.
Read: UN agencies' Regional Directors call for immediate action to halt attacks on Gaza hospitals
The EU and its member states, will continue to work closely with international partners, the UN and other agencies as well as countries in the region to provide a sustained flow of assistance and facilitate access to food, water, medical care, fuel and shelter, he said.
In line with the European Council conclusions of 26 October, the EU re-emphasizes Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law. The EU calls for continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need through all necessary measures including humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs. In this regard, we welcome the results of the November 9 humanitarian conference held in Paris.
The EU reiterates its call on Hamas for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. It is crucial that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is granted access to the hostages.
Russian Pacific Fleet Squadron visiting Chattogram Port
A Russian naval group has called at the port of Chattogram in Bangladesh for the first time in almost half a century.
"The Russian Pacific Fleet Squadron is visiting the Chattogram Port. A huge milestone for Russia-Bangladesh relations," said the Russian Embassy in Dhaka in a message shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday.
The last time Russian/Soviet naval ships visited Bangladesh was 50 years ago, said the Embassy.
The Pacific Fleet’s naval group comprises the large anti-submarine warfare ships Admiral Tributs and Admiral Panteleyev and the oceanic tanker Pechenga, according to TASS.
Read: EU delegation in town to assess labour conditions
The combat ships moored at the Chittagong port considered as the south Asian country’s main sea harbor.
As Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy told TASS, last time Russian combat ships called at Bangladesh 50 years ago to carry out a unique and, unfortunately, little-known operation to clear the Chittagong port of mines.
"At that time, the group of Russian naval ships came here actually to save the young country that gained its independence in 1971 from a humanitarian catastrophe. After the war of independence, the port’s waters were mined and also tens of vessels were sunk there," the ambassador said.
Read: EU team due in Dhaka tomorrow to review progress in labour sector
The Bangladeshi authorities turned to various countries with a request to help resolve the problem.
Some of them agreed but for a large sum of money, which the republic lacked. It was only the Soviet Union that agreed to provide support for humanitarian reasons, the envoy said.
The mine-clearing operation lasted from April 1972 to June 1974.
Over 800 Soviet Navy sailors worked hard for 26 months. A Russian naval diver died in the mine-clearing effort. However, the Soviet naval sailors accomplished their objective and Chittagong could now receive vessels from all over the world.