United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said they will leave no stone unturned to identify the perpetrators of the heinous crime of setting a train on fire. "Each and every one will be brought to justice and exemplary punishment shall be rendered to the culprit(s), according to the law of the land," he said in a statement today. Momen said this blatant attempt to instill fear and panic among the masses is an affront to the spirit of the democracy and the enthusiastic participation of Bangladeshi citizens in the upcoming election. Government firmly committed to hold "free, fair, peaceful" polls with people’s participation: FS tells foreigners "This act of setting a train on fire, with people burning inside is characteristic of the pattern of violence that we have witnessed before as well. This has shocked the conscience of our whole society — and indeed — the whole world," he said. When people of Bangladesh are eagerly preparing for a festive national election, a horrifying act of arson took place on the evening of January 5, 2024, when the Benapole Express train was intentionally set on fire by miscreants, Momen observed. This deliberate and heinous act, which occurred at approximately 9 pm around Gopibag Kacha Bazar area when the train was on its way to Kamalapur Railway Station, has resulted in the deaths of four people including two children and scores were injured, he said. BIMSTEC chief vows to translate its grand vision into reality for deepening cooperation  “This reprehensible incident, undoubtedly orchestrated by those with malicious intent, strikes at the very heart of our democratic values,” Momen said. "The timing of this tragedy, just a day before the election scheduled for January 7, 2024, shows an absolute intention to hinder the festivity, safety and security of the democratic processes of the country," he said. Momen said it is an affront to democracy, an attack on the democratic process, and a grave violation of the rights of citizens. Bangladesh election is domestic affair: India "This deliberate act of setting a train on fire, where innocent passengers were subjected to unimaginable horror and forced to endure the unforgivable sight of fellow humans being burned alive, is an act of absolute abomination," the foreign minister said.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday condoled the demise of Sweden unit of Awami League President Jahangir Kabir. AL’s main task is to prevent propaganda, sabotage ahead of polls: Obaidul Quader In a condolence message, the foreign minister said Jahangir played a very positive role to highlight the image of Bangladesh abroad. 14 leaders from 9 parties meet PM Sheikh Hasina to discuss polls Momen prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy for the bereaved family members. Jahangir Kabir breathed his last at a hospital in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, on Tuesday morning (November 21). AL finalises candidates for 72 constituencies in Rajshahi, Rangpur divisions

US Bangladeshi religious minority leaders met with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen in New York on Sunday. They discussed issues related to religious minorities in Bangladesh. The leaders requested the foreign minister's assistance in facilitating the passage of a Hate Crime Act, according to a press release on Monday. Momen urges Bangladeshi diaspora to counter misinformation and propaganda with facts At the time, the leaders thanked the foreign minister for his ongoing support, particularly amplifying security and protection for 2022 Durga Puja celebrations, and requested for a safe and peaceful Durga Puja celebration in 2023, it said. US Sen. Bob Menendez charged with corruption-related offenses for the second time in 10 years Dr Dilip Nath, New York Democratic leader; Dr Dwijen Bhattacharjee, general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian Unity Council, USA (BHBCUC, USA); and Dr Thomas Dulu Roy, president of BHBCUC, USA, were present at the time, among others. What could be the possible reasons to apply US visa restrictions against someone?

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday (August 14, 2023) said the government would reward those who can provide information on the killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “If you can give us information, you will be rewarded,” he said while speaking at a discussion at Jatiya Press Club. Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Daily Observer Editor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury and senior journalist Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) President Omar Faruk, former Secretary General Abdul Jalil Bhuiyan,among others, spoke at the discussion. Momen also called for unmasking those who kept mum for 21 years about the killers and the persons behind the killers. “All those people should be unmasked.” Describing Canada and the USA as countries with very strong rule of law, the foreign minister said they should not shelter murderers. The five killers who remain fugitives are Khandaker Abdur Rashid, Shariful Haque Dalim, Nur Chowdhury, Rashed Chowdhury and Moslehuddin Khan. Read: ‘Want Bangabandhu's killers to be deported to Bangladesh’: FM Nur Chowdhury and Rashed Chowdhury have been traced in Canada and the US and Bangladesh wants them back to implement the conviction. Momen said the government will be very happy if all the killers are brought back to face justice. “But we are yet to do it. If we can, we will feel that it is a great achievement.” Momen said the government has written many letters to the US and Canadian governments seeking steps for returning the killers; even the PM wrote to the US president. He encouraged the Bangladeshis living in Canada and the US to stage demonstrations routinely in front of the two killers’ residences. Read: Bangabandhu’s vision, ideals will continue to inspire Dhaka-Delhi strong bonds of friendship: Pranay Verma The foreign minister laid emphasis on writing more research-oriented books with solid facts so that they can provide more documentary evidence. The National Mourning Day will be observed on August 15. On this day in 1975, the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members was brutally assassinated. Read more: It's shame for them, FM on countries sheltering Bangabandhu's killers

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today (July 08, 2023) said he is not aware that dialogue between political parties over election brought any results in the past. He said the government will not talk to “any terrorists.” The foreign minister said such dialogues are not held in other countries, including in the US, and referred to those as "useless" discussion. Momen was responding to questions on political dialogue at ‘DCAB Talk’ at the Foreign Service Academy. He said foreigners can come and observe the elections. "We remain transparent. We have nothing to hide." Momen displeased at ‘seeking solutions’ of Bangladesh's internal issues from foreigners Momen said the next election will be held as per the constitution. "We have a good track record of holding good elections. We are doing our best." Responding to a question on recent remarks by China and Russia, he said those are their remarks. "You may ask them." Momen said democracy is a dynamic process and it becomes mature through practice. He said the next election will be a model election in the world. "We want all parties, who are willing, to join the elections." Justice delayed is justice denied, resolve case involving Rohingyas as soon as possible: Momen tells ICC Prosecutor The foreign minister also said there is no problem if any “terrorist party” does not join the election. Foreign Minister Momen has said that he fears there are efforts of hindering the national elections. “We have indication some are trying to hinder the election process,” he said, without elaborating further whether they are from Bangladesh or outside the country. Asked who are those making such efforts to hinder elections, he sad, “You know it better. You are journalists." Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event. DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and General Secretary Emrul Kayesh also spoke on the occasion. Dev agencies should concentrate on development issues, not politics: Momen

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed displeasure over “seeking solutions” of Bangladesh's internal issues from foreigners, especially from diplomats stationed in Dhaka. “I believe you (media) will not be playing a supportive role to that end,” he said while speaking at DCAB Talk at the Foreign Service Academy.  Momen said diplomats come here to promote bilateral relations between their countries and Bangladesh. The foreign minister said the image of Bangladesh has undergone a complete change over the past decade.  Read more: Dialogues between parties not held in other countries, including in the US: Momen “Bangladesh is not a country of terrorists and terrorism activities. That is a great achievement of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” Momen remarked.  Regarding the next national election, the foreign minister said the government is committed to holding a fair election free of violence.  It requires sincere commitment from all parties to make that happen, he said.  The foreign minister highlighted the achievements of the government and its efforts to boost export through diversification.  He said Bangladesh’s investment intention rate is very high but in some cases implementation gets slowed down.  Read more: Not aware elections in Bangladesh connected to US State Dept or EU Parliament: Russian Foreign Ministry The foreign minister said Bangladesh is a peacebuilding nation.  Referring to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Momen said peace is imperative for development.  He said democracy, human rights and justice — these are in the DNA of Bangladesh.  Momen recalled the sacrifices made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, noting that her sacrifices go far beyond other global leaders.  He said everyone will be affected if the democratic process, peace and stability are hampered. “We need to make peace and stability sustainable. You (media) have a role to play.” Read more: No pressure, no fear in Awami League’s dictionary: Shahriar Alam The foreign minister said the government is maintaining good relations with the neighbouring countries.  He also said the government remains prudent in taking foreign loans.  As far as countries are concerned, maximum loans came from Japan while major loans came from the ADB, IMF and World Bank, he added. Bangladesh does not want to tilt towards any specific country but maintains a balanced relations with all. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event. DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and its General Secretary Emrul Kayesh spoke at the event. Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present on the occasion. Read more: Climate-impacted countries like Bangladesh need financial, tech support: UN Resident Coordinator

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday (May 29, 2023) said the Rohingyas’ better life and future can be ensured only in their own country and it is better for them to start returning to their homes in Myanmar. "For Rohingyas, better future is only possible in Myanmar, not in Bangladesh. Confidence building measures are being taken. It is better they start returning to Myanmar," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Momen said the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister came to Bangladesh to discuss the Rohingya, not the issues that media raised. "He (Chinese Vice Minister) was not even close that issue," said the Foreign Minister while responding to a question on Global Development Initiative (GDI) of China. Read more: Bangladesh urged to use LDC graduation as an opportunity to rethink its reliance on RMG Momen said China is facilitating the Rohingya repatriation efforts. On Sunday, Bangladesh and China reviewed the ongoing efforts for repatriation of the Rohingyas back to their homeland in Myanmar smoothly and on an expeditious basis. Foreign Minister Momen thanked the Chinese government for making "sincere efforts" for the safe and quick return of the Rohingya people from Bangladesh. Asked when the Rohingyas will start returning to Myanmar, he said he does not have any idea about any specific date. Read more: Rohingya Case: OIC Secretary General seeks support from member states Both Foreign Minister Dr Momen and Vice Foreign Minister of China Sun Weidong expressed similar views that the problem needed an urgent solution, because if left unaddressed for any longer, it could potentially evolve as a tangible threat to the regional security and stability. "There are trilateral efforts. Our priority is to see repatriation of the Rohingyas," Momen said. He said many Rohingyas are willing to return while some Rohingyas raised issues like citizenship. During his meeting with Dr Momen on Sunday, the Vice Foreign Minister of China highly lauded the remarkable socio-economic transformation of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Read more: Dhaka, Beijing review Rohingya repatriation effort "The Chinese Vice Minister visited Padma Bridge. He acknowledged that Bangladesh made things possible over the last 10 years that looked impossible," Momen said. Dr Momen highly appreciated the substantial contributions made by China towards the developmental journey of Bangladesh. Responding to a question, Momen said the Chinese Vice Minister invited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit China but Dhaka conveyed that the Prime Minister will be in New York at that time. Read more: Countries investing heavily in Myanmar should come forward to solve Rohingya crisis: Momen

Bangladesh and China on Sunday (May 28, 2023) reviewed the ongoing efforts for repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar smoothly and on an expedited basis. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen thanked the Chinese government for making sincere efforts for the safe and quick repatriation of the displaced population. Momen and Vice Foreign Minister of China Sun Weidon agreed that the problem needed an urgent solution, because if left unaddressed for any longer, it could potentially evolve as a tangible threat to regional security and stability. During his meeting with Momen, the vice foreign minister of China highly lauded the remarkable socio-economic transformation of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Read more: Rohingya Case: OIC Secretary General seeks support from member states Momen highly appreciated the substantial contributions made by China towards the developmental journey of Bangladesh. He profusely admired the excellent bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and expressed optimism that the constructive and collaborative relations would be further strengthened in the days ahead. Momen congratulated Sun for the successful holding of the bilateral consultations on May 27 in Dhaka. Noting the deep cultural, historical and civilization links between the two countries, Foreign Minister Momen mentioned about the visit of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to China in the 1950s and the book he wrote on what he saw. Read more: Rohingyas not satisfied with the Myanmar delegation’s assurances Sharing his admiration for the magnificent Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Sun mentioned that the structure stands out as a new symbol of the friendship between Bangladesh and China and observed that the two countries could achieve miracles through greater and better synergies. Momen invited and encouraged larger flow of Chinese FDI into Bangladesh for mutual benefit of both the countries. He recalled with profound appreciation the assistance that China offered during the Covid-19 pandemic and mentioned his brief meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister in Dhaka in January this year. While discussing the facility of duty-free and quota-free access to 98% Bangladeshi products to China, he hoped that all necessary measures would be taken so that Bangladesh could get optimum benefit out of this arrangement. Read more: Joint operation to prevent crime, violence in Rohingya camps soon: Home Minister He also stressed on an expedited implementation of the projects agreed during the last visit of the Chinese President Xi Jinping to Bangladesh. Sun praised Bangladesh’s energetic youth population capable of making a significant change in the society and economy. He referred to the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and hoped that Bangladesh reaped the maximum benefits out of this grand scheme.

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha has urged the member states to do more and help The Gambia with funds to run the case in the International Court of Justice on Rohingya genocide. "We call upon all OIC member states to join them in this case and give support to this fund created by OIC. This case is a top priority for us," the OIC Secretary General told reporters after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday (May 28, 2023). He said the Gambia is not a big or rich country but there are lots of efforts from them. Also read: OIC Secretary General in Dhaka; to meet PM Sunday Foreign Minister Momen said said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, OIC Secretary General and the President of Gambia sent a joint letter to themember states recently seeking support for the fund created by the OIC. He said the OIC delegation will visit the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar on Monday. "They (OIC) have taken a leading role. Tomorrow they will visit the Rohingya camps," Momen said, adding that they discussed the Rohingya crisis and the necessity of unity among the Muslims. The OIC Secretary General said in fact Bangladesh is a very important country for the OIC member states. Read more: OIC members must share responsibility for sustainable solution to Rohingya crisis: Momen "Rohingya is one of the top priority issues for OIC," he said, adding that they discussed the issues to maintain peace stability and development in the member states. "We are here to convey our thanks for the tremendous efforts done by Bangladesh government. These Rohingya people are suffering. They deserve peace, security and better life," said Hissein Brahim. During the visit, the OIC Secretary General will pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina later this evening. As the Chancellor of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), the OIC Secretary General will join the 35th Convocation of the IUT to be held on May 30, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read more: Momen urges PUIC delegation to work for repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday (May 22, 2023) said the two-time visits by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Qatar within three months this year bear the sign of Bangladesh's visible presence in the international economic arena as well as its close friendly relations with Qatar. He made the remarks at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hours ahead of the Prime Minister’s departure for Doha to attend Qatar Economic Forum-2023. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin, among others, was present. This forum will focus on nine important contemporary issues, Dr Momen said. These issues include energy security; technology and innovation; changing market systems; innovation in the health sector; climate finance; trade strategies and arrangements; manpower in the fourth industrial revolution; sports in the digital world; and the future of foreign investment, he said. Read more: ‘Very strange, no source mentioned’: Momen on report claiming new sanctions are coming According to the organizers, prominent economists and leading business leaders of the world will participate in the discussion on these issues. In addition to Minister Momen, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Private Industry and Investment; State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources along with senior government officials will participate. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka for Doha on Monday afternoon on a three-day official visit to attend the Qatar Economic Forum 2023 at the invitation of Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airline, carrying the premier and her entourage, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:13 pm. Read more: Qatar Economic Forum 2023: PM to leave for Doha this afternoon The flight is scheduled to land at Hamad International Airport at 6:00pm local time (9:00pm Bangladesh Time). The Prime Minister will attend the Forum titled “3rd Qatar Economic Forum: A New Global Growth Story” to be held on May 23-25. The Qatar Economic Forum is the Middle East's leading voice dedicated to global business and investment. The main objective of this forum is to find a solution by increasing mutual cooperation among the international community to deal with the multi-faceted challenges and crises going on globally and the adverse economic consequences arising from them. Read more: PM Hasina to leave for Doha on Monday to attend Qatar Economic Forum 2023 On May 23, Hasina will join the opening session of the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum, address the students of Qatar University in Doha, and hold meetings separately with Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi and Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia Khalid A. Al-Falih. On May 24, the PM will join the forum, have a meeting with the emir of Qatar at Amiri Diwan and visit Awsaj Academy (a specialized school). PM Hasina is expected to return home in the morning of May 25. Read more: PM Hasina likely to attend Qatar Economic Forum May 23-25