Dr AK Abdul Momen
Border killings unfortunate for Bangladesh; shameful for India: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday reiterated that the border killing is a matter of shame for India and unfortunate for Bangladesh as Bangladeshis are losing their lives.
“I always say, it’s unfortunate for us and it’s a matter of shame for India… I’ve no other answer to that,” he said while responding to a question at a media briefing at his ministry.
Dr Momen said the decision was taken at the level of heads of government and also at various levels that the two countries do not want to see any killing along the Bangladesh-India border and there was a verbal decision that no lethal weapon will be used. “But it happens from time to time.”
Also read: India assured Bangladesh of stopping border killing, says Quader
France showers immense honour on PM Hasina
France has shown ‘exceptional honour’ to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her ongoing visit to the country, according to Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
Describing the visit as ‘historic’, he said the French side expressed their keenness to strengthen bilateral relations and take them to a new height.
“No head of state or government of Bangladesh has ever received such honour as the Prime Minister witnessed here during this visit,” he said while talking to reporters here.
Read: South-South cooperation: Hasina for setting up ‘Knowledge Centre’ in Bangladesh
Highlighting different arrangements organised in honour of the Prime Minister during this state visit, Dr Momen said the French President and Prime Minister as well as others have given her a warm reception with great enthusiasm.
He said France has rolled out the red carpet on her arrival at the airport and the Elysee Palace. She also received a Guard of Honour at the Presidential palace.
The Foreign Minister said the Heads of State and Government of different countries attending the UNESCO Conference highly appreciated the development of Bangladesh achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Read: Hasina urges UNESCO to declare online and remote learning as public good
Mentioning that new dimensions in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and France has been explored through this visit of the Prime Minister, Bangladesh Ambassador to France Khandker Mohammad Talha said the world is now thinking about Bangladesh and that is why they have extended cooperation.
Be humane in building livable society for differently-abled people: FM
The government is committed to addressing the needs of the people who are differently-abled by integrating them into society, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said Friday.
He urged all to be more humane in building a livable society for the people with special needs. "Autism is not a disease. It is a special situation that requires much care."
Dhaka optimistic about climate cash flow
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday expressed optimism about adequate flow of funds to address climate change- related challenges, noting that Bangladesh has taken a very strong leadership role in COP26.
"We've got a lot of good assurance from the private sector and the governments. We're hopeful," Dr Momen told reporters at a virtual briefing joining from London.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem were present.
The COP26 summit, hosted by the UK in Glasgow, has brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh needs to work a lot, especially in preparing good proposals, which he sees as a challenge but achievable.
"We've a long way to go. We've a challenge but we can manage to get plenty of funds," he said, adding that there is willingness to provide funds.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been identified as one of the five influential dealmakers at COP26 being held at Glasgow, according to a BBC report that described Hasina as “voice of the vulnerable”.
Read: Effective climate plans not possible without funds: Hasina
Bangladesh to play a significant role at COP26: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said Bangladesh will play a very significant role at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) that is set to begin in Glasgow on Sunday.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the COP26 Summit.
“Under Prime Minister’s leadership, Bangladesh will play a very important role at the COP26 Summit,” Dr Momen told reporters at a media briefing held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were also present.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will leave for the United Kingdom on Sunday to attend the COP26 and other bilateral meetings.
The Prime Minister is scheduled leave for Glasgow at 9am on Sunday and will reach there at 2:45pm (local time).
Also read: COP26: Dickson says Bangladesh has particular role in 3 areas
The COP26 summit, hosted by the UK, will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
She will address the key segment of the COP26 on November 1. The same day, the Prime Minister will attend a joint meeting of the CVF and Commonwealth as the chief guest.
Hasina will also attend a meeting titled “Action and Solidarity-the critical decade” at the invitation of her British counterpart Boris Johnson on November 1. On November 2, the Prime Minister will attend a meeting titled “Women and Climate.”
Cooked-up stories shared on social media to embarrass govt: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said some enthusiastic media and individuals are unfortunately spreading cooked-up stories of deaths and rapes on religious minorities basically to embarrass the Sheikh Hasina government that is committed to religious harmony.
He said all the perpetrators have been arrested and are now in police custody while the houses that were burned down have been rebuilt and everyone got compensation.
“Till to-date six people died during recent religious violence,” Dr Momen said in a message shared with the media.
Read: HC orders judicial probe into attacks on Hindus in 6 districts
Among the dead, he said, four are Muslims and they were killed by police when they tried to torch the houses of the Hindu community, and two Hindus died - one a normal death and another by drowning.
“None was raped and not a single Mandir was torched or destroyed. However, a couple of deities or Goddesses were vandalized,” he said.
In recent years, Dr Momen said, there has been a proliferation of Puja venues in every place, including individual houses, as the government pays money for every Puja venue and there is a shortage of police personnel to monitor all of them on a 24/7 days a week.
Also read: Communal violence: Citizens demand exemplary punishment for perpetrators
To avoid such incidents of abuse, he said, the Puja organizers should not leave their venues unattended.
The Foreign Minister said a drug-addict person reportedly left a copy of the Holy Quran near the foot of a deity when there was no worshipper or organizer at the Puja venue and another person took a photo of it and put it up on the social media Facebook that sparked outrage leading to vandalism and ransacking.
UN must reflect the voice of every nation, not just a few: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the United Nations (UN) is a great institution to help humanity and no one should abuse the advantage of its universality and acceptability.
"Let the rays of hope that our forefathers kindled 76 years ago brighten our path and guide us towards a peaceful and prosperous future we want," he said.
The Foreign Minister was addressing a commemorative event on Monday in celebration of the UN Day.
Dr Momen said they need to strengthen the organization to cater to the needs of all peoples and to reflect the voice of every country, not only of a few.
"As we are reeling with the pandemic, more than ever before we share a common destiny. More than ever before we need to unite as 'we the peoples,'" he said.
The Foreign Minister said they are looking forward to a meaningful outcome from the Glasgow Conference.
"We are helpful, we must take decisive action now, not tomorrow. Together, we must find a way to reduce harmful emissions to net zero by 2050," he said.
READ: UN shouldn’t be mouthpiece for a few: FM
Dr Momen said they must keep the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
UN shouldn’t be mouthpiece for a few: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said the United Nations should be a voice of all the countries, not just the mouthpiece of a few countries.
“There’s a need for a change in this situation,” he said while addressing a discussion at Jatiya Press Club marking the UN Day.
He said Bangladesh will be the candidate for UNGA President in 2026 and insisted that the next UN General Secretary, if it is from Asia, should be from Bangladesh.
Dr Momen said it is regrettable that there is no significant number of Bangladeshis in the UN leadership positions. “Now, time has come for increasing our representation in the UN.”
The Foreign Minister appreciated the UN role in many areas saying there was no third World War because of the UN though it has failed to resolve problems in many countries.
Read: Bangladesh’s UNGA participation shows its stronger presence in multilateral forum: Officials
“We want peace in the world and the UN was established in search of peace. We recognize UN contributions,” he said.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh will host a world peace conference in December as peace is imperative for development.
Hasina united Bangladesh, its people towards higher development trajectory: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina united Bangladesh and its people as the country is marching towards higher development trajectory leaving no one behind.
"The Prime Minister believes that SDGs should be pro-people, pro-poor ones, and by achieving the goals and ensuring benefits for all with the principle - no one will be left behind," he said.
Dr Momen made the remarks while addressing a function titled “Transformational Leadership Lessons from Sheikh Hasina: Bangladesh’s Success Stories Towards Achieving SDGs'' on Tuesday night.
READ: Powell was a great leader, warrior: FM
The International Affairs Sub-Committee of Bangladesh Awami League organized the event at a city hotel. General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League and Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader attended the function as the chief guest.
Powell was a great leader, warrior: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed deep shock at the death of former US Secretary of State Colin Powell saying Powell will be remembered for his leadership role.
"I'm deeply saddened at the passing of former Secretary of State Colin Powell. He was a great leader and a warrior, who dedicated his entire life for the service to his country," said Dr Momen in a condolence message.
In his message sent through US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, the Foreign Minister said Powell will be remembered for his leadership role in shaping contemporary US foreign policy and contributions.
READ: Colin Powell: A trailblazing legacy, blotted by Iraq war
"He earned respect both at home and abroad through his work and diplomatic acumen. He had the moral courage to confess that his presentation on 'weapons of mass destruction of Iraq" was not accurate," Dr Momen said.
The Foreign Minister offered their heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family for this great loss. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time."
READ: Colin Powell dies, exemplary general stained by Iraq claims
Colin Powell died on Monday of COVID-19 complications. He was 84.