The first round of negotiations on the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) is being delayed as the plan for its initiation in September this year has been postponed. The EU has shown the current situation as a reason behind the postponement. It was scheduled to be held in Dhaka. “The first round of negotiations on the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) foreseen in September has been postponed due to the prevailing situation,” EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley told UNB, quoting a message he received from Brussels. The envoy also said a new date for starting the negotiations has not been fixed yet.    Read more: It was like a terrorist attack to topple the govt: PM Hasina tells Indian envoy on quota violence. Bangladesh is willing to do it in November as the 79th session of the UN General Assembly opens on September 10, 2024, said a diplomatic source. A Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) agreement is a legally binding agreement between the EU and third countries. By means of a PCA, the EU works to support the democratic and economic development of a country. A PCA is typically entered into for ten years, after which they are automatically extended each year provided no objections are raised. Recently, Ambassador Whiteley said they are eyeing a “step change” in their relations with Bangladesh in the next five years, deepening the ties in core areas. “I think in the next five years we would be really seeing a step change in our relationship,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud in January this year. The EU ambassador said the relationship between Bangladesh and the EU will be driven by the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). Read more: China encouraged by resumption of social order in Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today (July 10, 2024) said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ongoing official China visit has not been shortened, but she is returning home tonight to give time to her daughter Saima Wazed who is unwell. “There has been no change in her official engagements. She was supposed to stay in Beijing tonight. But she is returning to spend time with her daughter,” he told reporters. The Foreign Minister said that Saima Wazed, who is the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia, was supposed to be part of the visit but she could not as she fell sick on July 8 morning. Saima Wazed is still unwell, said Hasan. Read more: Dhaka, Beijing sign 21 cooperation documents to strengthen ties on diverse fronts Bangladesh and China today signed 21 cooperation documents, mostly MoUs, eyeing stronger development and economic cooperation between the two Asian countries. The two countries also announced seven outcomes, including the conclusion of a joint feasibility study on Bangladesh-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Prime Minister Hasina will leave Beijing for Dhaka tonight, wrapping up her bilateral visit to China. A special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Prime Minister and her entourage will depart Beijing Capital International Airport at 10 pm (local time) tonight and is scheduled to land at 1 am (Bangladesh time). The premier was earlier scheduled to leave Beijing for Dhaka on Thursday morning. During her stay in Beijing from July 8 to 10, the Bangladesh Prime Minister had a delegation level bilateral meeting with her Chinese counterpart Li Qiang today. Prime Minister Hasina held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping today. Read more: Dhaka, Beijing announce 7 outcomes, including completion of feasibility study on FTA

Bangladesh and China are likely to sign around 20 MoUs and make announcements on inauguration of some development projects during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s official visit to China that begins on Monday eyeing stronger development and economic cooperation. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud came up with the updates while briefing the media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (July 07, 2024) afternoon. “Bangladesh will seek China's assistance in the areas of investment and trade; financial assistance and repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland. At the same time, Bangladesh will continue to provide support to China as its friend in the global context,” he said. Hasan expressed optimism that the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister to China will be successful and fruitful. At the invitation of Premier Li Qiang of the State Council, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay the visit on July 8-11 which is expected to "outline a new blueprint for practical cooperation" in various fields and provide an opportunity for the two countries to coordinate their positions on regional and international affairs. On the third day of the visit on July 10, the Prime Minister will meet Premier and State Council of China Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People, Hasan said. A reception will be organized in honor of the Prime Minister at the beginning of the meeting. There the Prime Minister will be given a guard of honor and received with due respect. At the same place, the Prime Minister and State Council of China will hold a bilateral meeting with high-level delegations from the two countries. The MoUs are likely to be signed in presence of the two leaders and inauguration of some projects will be announced. Hasan said there is a possibility of signing MoUs on economic and banking sectors, trade and investment front, digital economy, infrastructure development, assistance in disaster management, construction of 6th and 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, export of agricultural products from Bangladesh, disaster management and people-to-people connectivity. The meeting will be followed by a banquet in honor of the Prime Minister, he said. In the afternoon of July 10, the foreign minister said, the Prime Minister will hold a bilateral meeting with President of China Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People. Bangladesh and China will issue a joint statement on the occasion of the visit of the Prime Minister, he said. Earlier on July 9, the Prime Minister will have a meeting with Jin Liqun, President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. On the same day, the Prime Minister will participate in the Shangri-La conference titled "Summit on Trade, Business and Investment Opportunities between Bangladesh and China." A business delegation from Bangladesh will visit China to participate in the conference. The Prime Minister will also hold a meeting with Wang Huning, Chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). She will pay her tribute to the traditional Tiananmen Square. She will also attend a dinner hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Beijing. Read more: Unlocking China’s market: Strategies for Bangladesh to enhance exports During the Prime Minister's visit to China, Finance Minister AH Mahmood Ali, the Foreign Minister, Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu, State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, State Minister fort Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and other high level government officials will accompany the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will leave Dhaka at 11am by Bangladesh Biman Airlines special flight and will land at Beijing International Airport at 6pm local time in China on the same day. She will leave China on July 11 in a special Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight and land in Dhaka at 2pm. Bangladesh’s Priorities Responding to a question, Hasan said Bangladesh’s development and economic cooperation will get the priority. He said there will be no agreements but only MoUs will be signed between the two countries. Asked about various Chinese proposals, Hasan said Bangladesh accepts any proposal when it meets Bangladesh’s needs and set parameters. “Any proposal from China is of course encouraging for us but we will take decision later after verification,” he said. Responding to a question on offshore banking, the foreign minister said it is open for all and any individual or company can avail of the opportunity in Bangladesh. Read more: Bangladesh to seek $7 billion fund from China to boost trade in business summit during PM's visit “If any country wants to keep money in our central bank they can but the important issue is that with whom we are comfortable,” he added.  Responding to another question, Hasan said the renewal of the MoU between Bangladesh Awami League and Communist Party of China (CPC) may take place later, instead of during this visit. He said a high-level AL delegation led by a presidium member will go to China later when the MoU can be renewed. Hasan said there is huge trade gap between Bangladesh and China and the two countries will explore ways to export more from Bangladesh lifting non-tariff barriers. He said Bangladesh has deep relations with China and the visit will help strengthen and widen the relations. Responding to a question on Teesta, Hasan said Teesta is a joint river shared with India and they have given a proposal which is good. Breakthroughs in Pragmatic Cooperation Earlier, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said they will reach an "important consensus" and sign multiple cooperation documents and MoUs in a number of areas during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s official visit to Beijing. The areas are infrastructure, free trade agreement, and agricultural product exports to China, Southern Bangladesh’s Development, digital economy, disaster prevention, poverty alleviation, clean energy, healthcare, education and cultural exchanges. Through this visit, China said, the two sides will achieve “new breakthroughs in pragmatic cooperation”, bringing more benefits to the people of both countries, said the Ambassador who termed the forthcoming visit a milestone in bilateral relations. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning on Thursday said this will be Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's first visit to China since her new term began and five years after her last visit to China. During the visit, President Xi Jinping will meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Premier Li Qiang will hold a welcoming ceremony and have talks with her. The two prime ministers will attend the signing ceremony of cooperation documents. "Leaders of the two countries will have an in-depth exchange of views on how to deepen traditional friendship and expand mutually beneficial cooperation and on regional and international issues of mutual interest," said the Spokesperson. Prime Minister Hasina will also attend the Summit on Trade, Business and Investment Opportunities between China and Bangladesh, she said. "We have similar visions for development and well-aligned development strategies. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 49 years ago, the two countries have treated each other with respect and equality, engaged in mutually beneficial cooperation, supported each other on issues concerning our respective core interests, and jointly advanced modernization," said the Spokesperson. She said they have set a good example of friendship and cooperation between developing countries. In recent years, with the strategic guidance and commitment of leaders of our two countries, the two sides have deepened Bangladesh-China strategic cooperative partnership, and had fruitful and practical cooperation in various fields. Read more: PM Hasina’s upcoming visit to boost China-Bangladesh cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues, says Ambassador "China stands ready to work with Bangladesh through this visit to carry forward the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, deepen political mutual trust, further synergize development strategies, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, speed up implementing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and elevate our bilateral relations to a new level," said the Spokesperson. The Chinese side said it stands ready to take this visit as an opportunity to further deepen political mutual trust between the two countries, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, consolidate traditional friendship, and work together to realize the Chinese Dream of National Rejuvenation and Bangladesh’s “Vision 2041”.

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will hold the second political consultations in Riyadh on July 1 which is likely to highlight issues related to trade, investment, Bangladeshi migrants, Rohingya crisis and other issues of mutual interests, officials said on Sunday (June 30, 2024). Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud will lead the Bangladesh and Saudi delegations respectively at the high-level meeting that will be held at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Issues related to education, health, environment and climate change, ICT and tourism are also likely to be discussed in the meeting. FM Hasan is scheduled to reach Riyadh early Monday on a two-day official visit, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. The foreign minister is scheduled to return home on July 3. Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister Sheikh Salman F Rahman will be part of the delegation as investment issues may come up in a big way. Additional Foreign Secretary (bilateral East and West)  Md Nazrul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohammad Javed Patwary, Director General of West Asia Wing Shafiqur Rahman and Director Nafisa Monsur will accompany the foreign minister as part of Bangladesh delegation members. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who is also the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is likely to pay an official visit to Bangladesh later this year. This would be a landmark event in the history of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia leading to the consolidation of ties, especially in trade and commerce, investment and economic cooperation, according to official on both sides. The Saudi crown prince has accepted the invitation extended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit the country this year, and both sides may discuss the issue further for finalization of details, a Bangladesh official told UNB speaking on condition of anonymity. PM’s upcoming China visit a reflection of maintaining balanced diplomacy: Foreign Minister It would be the first ever visit of any Saudi crown prince to Bangladesh after 1985 when the then Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz visited Dhaka. A good number of bilateral instruments -- MoUs and agreements – are likely to be signed during the visit of the Saudi leader, which would strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries significantly, both sides hope. The first ever political consultations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia were held on March 16, 2022 in Dhaka. At the meeting, both the leaders reaffirmed the bond of enduring ties and friendship existing between the two brotherly countries and expressed satisfaction over the state of bilateral cooperation. They noted the understanding and goodwill existing at the political level between the two countries and emphasised the need for devising means and ways to translate this into concrete outcomes. Both sides further stressed the need to coordinate and work together at functional levels to carry forward the policy decision for mutual benefit of the peoples of the two countries.  Several Saudi companies have already invested in some sectors in Bangladesh and some other companies are considering greater engagement in various areas. Bangladeshi immigration emerges as UK election issue after Labour leader’s comments spark outrage The envoy said about 2.8 million Bangladeshis working in Saudi Arabia are also making significant contributions to Saudi and Bangladesh economies. In May this year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) wanted to know the progress of efforts in renewing the passports of the Rohingyas who went to the KSA back in 1973-74 with Bangladeshi passports. Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Dr Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Daoud discussed the issue with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan during a bilateral meeting at that time. Read more: Saudi Crown Prince exchanges greetings with Hasan Mahmud

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud today (June 05, 2024) congratulated the winning alliance led by BJP and the people of India for exercising their democratic rights in the just-held election in India. The Foreign Minister also congratulated the Congress-led alliance INDIA. “We congratulate NDA, INDIA and the people of India for continuing the democratic trend. It’s an inspiration and example of democracy,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question. The BJP emerged victorious on 240 out of 543 seats, while the Congress secured 99 seats. Despite the Lok Sabha having 543 members, counting was conducted for 542 seats following the uncontested election of BJP's Surat candidate, Mukesh Dalal. Hasan said a new government will soon be formed in India and hoped that the relations between Bangladesh and India will reach to a new height with deeper cooperation and expansion of people-to-people ties. Read more: PM Hasina to visit New Delhi June 21-22 and China July 9-12 “This is the choice of the Indian people. The same alliance will be in power. Our ties will continue. Our relationship with India is based on the spirit of 1971 Liberation War and bonded through shared sacrifice and blood,” said the Foreign Minister. He said opposition parties in India play a responsible role which is not seen in Bangladesh. Responding to a question on the water-sharing issue, Hasan said the government of Bangladesh deals with the central government of India and they will continue discussion on fair share of water of common rivers. “We have excellent relations with India. This special relationship cannot be compared to anyone else,” Hasan said. Read more: Dhaka's interest to join BRICS: Beijing assures its support to Dhaka

The United States has said it is closely monitoring the developments in the case against Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. “We will continue to encourage the Bangladeshi government to ensure a fair and transparent legal process for Dr. Yunus as the appeals process continues,” said Mathew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, during a regular briefing on June 4. Miller expressed concerns that these cases might represent a “misuse” of Bangladesh’s labor laws to “harass and intimidate” Dr. Yunus. Court sets June 12 for decision on whether Yunus to go on trial in embezzlement case “We also worry that the perceived misuse of labor and anti-corruption laws could raise questions about the rule of law and dissuade foreign direct investment,” he added. The government of Bangladesh has maintained that it is not a party to the case involving Dr. Muhammad Yunus and emphasized the independence and transparency of its judicial process. “With due respect to Dr. Yunus, I would like to say that the judicial process of Bangladesh is transparent. That's why many members of the ruling party face trials and even jail sentences,” Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told journalists recently. Dr Yunus suffering for deceiving 1.05 cr Grameen Bank members, says the bank’s Chief Legal Advisor

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud today (May 21, 2024) said there is someone “paid by BNP,” deployed in the US Department of State regular briefing, to ask questions purposefully for generating negative response.  "There’s someone there who used to work for Khaleda Zia's press wing. He is paid by BNP. He asks questions purposefully to try and get negative answers about Bangladesh. He asks questions intentionally," the minister told reporters at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).  The Foreign Minister was referring to Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, former assistant press secretary to the then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Hasan made the remarks when his attention was drawn to him being misquoted at the latest US State Department briefing.  US decision against former army chief Gen Aziz not under visa policy: Foreign Minister "Is the U.S. considering reinstating the GSP facilities for Bangladeshi product, as Bangladeshi foreign minister told the – on Saturday, Assistant Secretary Donald Lu assured Washington would consider reinstating the GSP facilities for Bangladesh?" Ansarey's question reads.  On the GSP issue, the foreign minister actually said the US wants to help Bangladesh get it back when the program is reintroduced. "I talked to the press based on facts and what is true," Hasan said, adding that Bangladesh and the US are working on the labour front to further improve the overall conditions in line with the US desire, and they want to give it back if the US reintroduces the GSP facility. "After the meeting with the visiting Assistant Secretary Donald Lu, Bangladesh’s ruling prime minister advisor told the reporters that White House and the State Departments are very much willing to remove the sanctions as U.S. imposed sanction on RAB, Rapid Action Battalion, for the extreme violation of human rights and extrajudicial killing. So he said that the State Department and White House working to remove the sanctions," Ansarey said in another media briefing.  DRU President Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo and General Secretary Mohiuddin also spoke at the event.  Read more: Ex Army chief Aziz, his immediate family members ineligible for entry into US

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has said that the government of Bangladesh has taken a zero tolerance policy on combating corruption and will continue to work with the United States on this issue. “For combating corruption, we are working with the US. We want to work together and will continue to do that," he told reporters. Hasan was speaking at a “meet the reporters” programme today (May 21, 2024) organised by Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). DRU President Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo and General Secretary Mohiuddin also spoke at the event. Responding to a question, the Foreign Minister said the US decision against former army chief General Aziz Ahmed was not under the visa policy. Ex Army chief Aziz, his immediate family members ineligible for entry into US It was made under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh remains engaged with the US and the two countries are working together on combating terrorism, human trafficking and other issues. He said the decision regarding the ex army chief was first conveyed to the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington. The US Department of State on Monday announced the public designation of General Aziz Ahmed, previously Chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, due to what it says was his involvement in "significant corruption". This action renders Aziz and his immediate family members generally ineligible for entering the United States. His actions have contributed to the undermining of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and the public’s faith in public institutions and processes, the US State Department said. "Aziz Ahmed engaged in significant corruption by interfering in public processes while helping his brother evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh," said the US Department of State. Aziz also worked closely with his brother to ensure the improper awarding of military contracts and accepted bribes in exchange for government appointments for his personal benefit, it claimed. "This designation reaffirms the US commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and rule of law in Bangladesh," said the US government. Read more: Someone “paid by BNP” is deployed at US State Dept briefings: Hasan Mahmud

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has said that there have been no reports of any serious injuries or casualties among Bangladeshi students regarding the recent attacks on foreign students by locals in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. “Our ambassador stationed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the neighbouring country, has been asked to go there. He will reach Bishkek in the afternoon (local time), inquire about Bangladeshi students, and hold discussions with the Kyrgyz foreign and interior ministries and relevant authorities to take appropriate steps,” the foreign minister said. “Conveyed our concerns to Kyrgyzstan; no Bangladeshi student severely injured”: Foreign Minister Hasan was speaking to journalists at his ministry in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha on Monday afternoon. When asked about a student's open letter requesting repatriation, the minister said that no student had made such a request. Mob attack in Kyrgyzstan: Panicked Bangladeshi students want to return home for a few weeks He also informed that he will have a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Tuesday afternoon during her visit to Dhaka. The meeting, which will be held at the Padma State Guest House, will focus on bilateral issues, including Australian investment in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi migration, seasonal employment, the welfare of expatriates there, and cooperation on energy and environmental conservation, added the foreign minister. Mob Violence in Kyrgyzstan: What We know So far

The Government of Bangladesh has expressed deep concerns over the mob violence on the night of May 17, 2024 in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek. “We have conveyed our concerns to Kyrgyzstan. Our students also came under attack but no one was severely injured,” Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters today (May 19, 2024). He said they are closely monitoring the situation through the Embassy in Uzbekistan, concurrently accredited to the Kyrgyz Republic. Read more: South Asian students, inc Bangladeshis, endure night of horrors in Kyrgyz capital The Embassy is in constant communication with Bangladeshi students who are currently studying in Kyrgyzstan, as well as with Kyrgyz government officials. There are no reports of any serious injury or casualty among Bangladeshi students so far. Mob attack in Kyrgyzstan: Panicked Bangladeshi students want to return home for a few weeks The Embassy has already shared an emergency contact number on its official Facebook page. Through the Embassy in Uzbekistan, the government is coordinating with the relevant authorities of Kyrgyzstan, including the ministries of foreign affairs and internal affairs, to ensure the safety and security of Bangladeshi students. “We are closely and constantly monitoring the developments. We have asked our Ambassador stationed in Tashkent to visit Bishkek soon to inquire about the wellbeing of Bangladeshi students,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. Mob attack in Kyrgyzstan: Pakistan repatriates 140 students from Bishkek