A vibrant civil society is essential to the prosperity of every nation, according to a joint Franco-German statement. France and Germany are "deeply attached to respect for the rule of law as well as to the democratic acquis in Bangladesh,” it said. They will continue to support defenders of human rights in Bangladesh, like throughout the world, reads the joint statement. Britain, France and Germany say they will keep their nuclear and missiles sanctions on Iran "We regret the Bangladeshi court's decision regarding Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan," said the statement. Bangladesh, France reiterate interest in expanding bilateral trade and exploring potentials for investment in infrastructure "We have expressed our concern to the authorities on this situation and will maintain our dialogue with them on this case," the joint statement said. The two countries recalled that Adilur Rahman Khan, on behalf of the human rights organization Odhikar, was the 2017 recipient of the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law.

Bangladesh and France have reiterated interest in expanding bilateral trade and exploring potentials for investment in quality and resilient infrastructure development in Bangladesh, including in the railway sector. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron expressed the hope that the Bangladesh-France Investment Summit — to be held on October 23 and 25, 2023 — in Paris and Toulouse would inject a new impetus to the bilateral trade and investment relations. "Thank you, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the people of Bangladesh for such a warm welcome. Our friendship is long-standing and unbreakable," President Macron said. Read: Partnership for resilience and prosperity: Dhaka, Paris want joint efforts for result-oriented COP28 in Dubai France expressed its confidence in the economic prospects offered by Bangladesh for shared growth and inclusive development. Both sides recalled the depth of their economic partnership, spanning every sector from industry to services, and expressed willingness to further deepen and widen it through business-to-business collaboration, according to a joint statement issued on Monday. France lauded the adoption of the National Action Plan on the labour sector of Bangladesh (2021-2026) and stressed the importance of its implementation and the diversification of Bangladesh’s economy in order to facilitate a smooth and sustainable transition under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) of the European Union. Read: Bangladesh, France sign €184 credit facility deal to support urban governance, infrastructure improvement Building on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to France in November 2021, at her invitation, President Emmanuel Macron paid a bilateral visit to Bangladesh on September 10-11, 2023. The President of France and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh met on Monday in Dhaka to give a strong impetus to the bilateral relations, and stated their common conviction to develop a trusted and meaningful partnership fostering strategic autonomy — in support of global peace and security, resilience and prosperity, and people-centric connectivity. Bangladesh and France committed to launch regular high-level dialogues to deepen the strategic dimension of their partnership. Read: France happy with Bangladesh’s commitment for acquisition of 10 A350 from Airbus

France has thanked Bangladesh for its commitment concerning the acquisition of 10 A350 from Airbus. The two countries underlined the importance of continued cooperation on improved air traffic management in all airports of Bangladesh. Both countries welcomed enhanced cooperation in strategic sectors, according to the joint statement on Bangladesh-France partnership for peace, prosperity and people. Bangladesh and France regard sovereignty and strategic autonomy as key principles for a stable, multi-polar world. Also read: Bangladesh, France are opening up new areas of cooperation: PM Hasina Likewise, as a contribution to the 2041 Vision of a Smart Bangladesh, the two countries welcomed the conclusion of a space partnership between Airbus DS and Bangladesh Satellite Company Ltd. (BSCL) that will strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a Space nation after it masters its own sovereign earth observation satellite. Bangladesh and France have agreed to cooperate in the fields of ICT and digital technology, including artificial intelligence. In this regard, France invited Bangladesh to consider joining initiatives such as the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. They also stressed the importance of joining their efforts towards an enhanced management of cybersecurity issues for a global, open and secure cyberspace governed by international law. Also read: Dhaka, Paris willing to step up defence cooperation, take relations to “strategic” level France will work towards identification of technical assistance to Bangladesh in dealing with cybersecurity threats and will work together on the Global Digital Compact under the aegis of the UN. Bangladesh and France share a deep-seated friendship, based on shared democratic values, promotion of human rights, sustaining peace and sustainable development. This friendship is rooted in multi-layered historical ties that notably saw André Malraux, France’s former Minister of Culture, launch his memorable call for supporting Bangladesh during the Liberation War in 1971 and his subsequent meeting with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka in April 1973. Building on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to France in November 2021, at her invitation, President Emmanuel Macron paid a bilateral visit to Bangladesh from 10-11 September 2023. The President of France and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh met on Monday in Dhaka to give a strong impetus to the bilateral relations, and stated their common conviction to develop a trusted and meaningful partnership fostering strategic autonomy - in support of global peace and security, resilience and prosperity, and people-centric connectivity. Also read: France respects Bangladesh's sovereign policy independence: PM Hasina says after talks with President Macron

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday held talks aimed at taking the bilateral relations to a strategic engagement. The two countries are seeking to open new areas of cooperation, particularly in strategic assets and advanced technologies. On arrival at the Tiger gate of the Prime Minister’s Office at 10:20am, Sheikh Hasina received President Macron. Read: France respects Bangladesh's sovereign policy independence: PM Hasina says after talks with President Macron The two leaders joined the delegation-level talks and restricted-level talks at Chameli hall and Shimul hall of the Prime Minister’s Office, respectively. A couple of bilateral instruments (agreements/MoUs) will be signed in presence of the two leaders at Karobi Hall. Then PM Hasina and President Macron will hold a joint press briefing there. Read: ‘France will be, again, on your side’ Macron will sign the visitor’s book before Hasina sees him off at the Tiger gate. Macron, the first French president visiting Bangladesh in 33 years, arrived here in Dhaka on Sunday evening from India after attending the G20 summit in New Delhi. The French leader is scheduled to leave Dhaka at 2pm today (on Monday). Francois Mitterrand was the last French president to visit Bangladesh on 22-24 February, 1990. Read: Talks between PM Hasina and French President Macron end Total trade between Bangladesh and France soared from 210M€ to 4.9 billion€ today with France being the 5th country for exports. French companies are now involved in various sectors including engineering, energy, aerospace and water sectors.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his country’s unwavering commitment to support Bangladesh in its efforts to combat climate change. Macron praised Bangladesh's leadership in addressing the climate crisis, emphasizing that the nation could rely on France's full support.  "I want to praise your leadership on this issue. And you can count on France, and our full support, in order to convince the countries mainly responsible for the emission of greenhouse gasses, but also to help you about that. France will be, again, on your side," Macron said with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina next to him on the stage. Macron also proposed a way that does not involve bullying or unsustainable schemes.  Read: France respects Bangladesh's sovereign policy independence: PM Hasina says after talks with President Macron "In a region facing New Imperialism, we want to propose the third way, with no intention to bully our partners or to leave them to unsustainable schemes," the French president said.  Macron made the remarks last night at a banquet hosted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in his honour at the InterContinental Dhaka. During his speech, the French president also rendered a line from Bangladesh’s National Anthem: “Chirodin tomar akash, tomar batash, amar praane bajaye banshi.” Clip containing Macron’s rendering of the line from “Amar Shonar Bangla” is making the rounds on social media and winning hearts and minds of netizens.  Highlighting the historical significance of his visit, Macron noted, "More than three decades after François Mitterrand’s visit, we are opening a new page of our longstanding relationship. Thank you so much for honouring France and for honouring the entire French delegation with your invitation.” Read: Talks between PM Hasina and French President Macron end Recalling the heroic sacrifices of Bengalis in 1971, Macron said, “The best way to pay tribute to martyrs will be to acknowledge the tremendous success of Bangladesh over the years.” The prime minister welcomed Macron at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on his arrival from New Delhi around 8:30 pm last night. At the banquet last night, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh and France are opening up new areas of cooperation in strategic assets and advanced technologies. “France has been our trusted development partner since our independence. We have developed a robust trade partnership with focus on responsible business conduct. We are opening up new areas of cooperation in strategic assets and advanced technologies,” she said. Hasina said she is confident that the bilateral relations can move to strategic engagements for the shared prosperity for all in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. “Our partnership can be a meaningful force to address the multiple crises of wars, climate change and cost-of-living that our world is facing,” she said. Read: Shared commitment to develop economic, trade, security partnership: Bangladesh, UK to hold 5th Strategic Dialogue The PM recalled the warm hospitality she received at the Elysee Palace (the official residence of the President of the French Republic) during her visit to France in November 2021. “The people of Bangladesh join me in welcoming you and your delegation here,” she said, greeting the French president. “France holds a special place in our hearts and imagination,” said Hasina, adding that her father, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was greatly inspired by the spirit of the French Revolution. She said Bangabandhu dedicated his life to promoting the values of liberty, equality and fraternity in his fight for self-determination. This was also reflected in his historic speech of March 7, 1971. “Our struggle this time is for our liberation. Our struggle this time is for independence,” she quoted Bangabandhu. Read: Bangladesh, France are opening up new areas of cooperation: PM Hasina She admired Macron for the many bold reforms he has undertaken in France. “We find you to be a breath of fresh air in international politics. Your push for strategic autonomy largely aligns with our own foreign policy dictum ‘Friendship to all, malice towards none’ — given to us by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” she said. On a lighter note, Hasina said, “We have arranged for you to have a taste of our unique kacchi biryani. Both our nations are extremely proud of our cuisine, culture and linguistic heritage. It is time to promote further interface and fusion between our two cultures to bring our two peoples closer to each other.” “May I propose a toast to your health with another delicacy of ours — juice made of Amra — a popular local fruit,” she said. Read: Bangladesh rolls out red carpet to welcome President Macron President Macron, the first French president to visit Bangladesh in 33 years, arrived here on Sunday evening. The two leaders will hold a summit meeting at the Prime Minister's Office on Monday morning. Also on Monday they are expected to witness the signing of a couple of bilateral instruments and hold a joint press briefing. Macron will pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 on Monday morning. The French president is scheduled to leave Dhaka at 2 pm on Monday.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday (August 31, 2023) said Bangladesh would welcome France’s proposal to set up a satellite factory in the country. "They (France) actually proposed setting up a satellite factory back in 2021. We would welcome it," Momen told reporters at a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read: India is a mature govt, they can say something for regional interest: Momen France also proposed a second satellite for Bangladesh. Earlier, France manufactured the first satellite for Bangladesh, named Bangabandhu-1. The relevant issues are likely to be discussed during the upcoming visit of France President Emmanuel Macron which is likely to begin on September 11. Foreign Minister Momen on Wednesday said Bangladesh and France would discuss ways to enhance trade and investment between the two countries apart from discussing issues like climate change and regulated migration if President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron visits Bangladesh next month. Bangladesh will welcome him as an initiative has been taken for his visit to Bangladesh after the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi, he said. Read: Chandrayaan-3 a glowing testament to what India can achieve with passion: Indian Cabinet “The President of France has been invited to visit Bangladesh and if he comes, Bangladesh will welcome him,” he told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. He, however, did not want to mention the date of his arrival in Dhaka. "We are yet to finalize it. We are working on this." President Macron is likely to be here on September 11 to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a diplomatic source told UNB. He will leave Dhaka on September 12. However, there is no official announcement regarding the visit that is seen as further efforts to deepen ties between the two countries on all key fronts. “Women empowerment, enhancing trade and commerce and regulated migration – these are normal issues. Climate change is a big issue. The President of France has taken a leadership role,” Momen said, adding that Bangladesh will raise the loss and damage issue and its making functional of its relevant fund in a big way.  Read: Momen to hold talks with Russian FM Lavrov September 7 At the invitation of the President of the French Republic, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited France in November, 2021. Apart from holding bilateral talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the French President will visit Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in city's Dhanmondi to pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman The two leaders are scheduled to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10. France and Bangladesh welcomed the growth of their friendship, and highlighted their shared will to develop and deepen all aspects of their partnership through regular political consultations for strategic guidance. Read: Cooperation framework to be developed to tackle organized crimes, address challenges Both countries reiterated their determination to enhance cooperation in all areas, including politics and diplomacy, defence and security, trade and investment, sustainable development and climate change, and education and cultural exchange. Both countries also recognized the importance of sustained and substantive cooperation in relevant regional and multilateral fora. Bangladesh and France stated their will to further develop the defence and security component of their partnership. To that end, both countries agreed to strengthen dialogue and continue their cooperation, in particular the area of training, which was launched during this visit. Furthermore, they committed to stepping up cooperation in the area of defence equipment based on the needs expressed and each party’s ability to respond to them, including through capacity building and potential technology transfer. In this regard, both parties welcomed the signing of a Letter of intent on defence cooperation. France and Bangladesh shared the same vision for a free, open, peaceful, secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, based on international law and with shared prosperity for all.

Bangladesh and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) or the French Development Agency have entered credit facility agreements (CFA) for three crucial development projects, totalling EUR 277 million (approximately USD 303 million).  The CFAs were signed on June 22 by Sharifa Khan, secretary to the Economic Relations Division, representing Bangladesh, and Benoit CHASSATTE, AFD country director for Bangladesh. Under the CFAs, AFD will provide EUR 62 million for the BRT project, EUR 175 million for the Chattogram Metropolitan Sewerage Project, and EUR 40 million for the BEST Project.  Also Read: BHBFC-AFD hold bilateral meeting on green-featured buildings The first project, known as the Greater Dhaka Sustainable Urban Transport Project (BRT Company Component), aims to establish a sustainable urban transport system in Gazipur City Corporation (GCC). This project will introduce a 20 km Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor — serving as a pilot project to provide a holistic solution for integrated urban mobility.  The second project, the Chattogram Metropolitan Sewerage Project for North Kattoli, addresses the long-awaited needs of Port City dwellers. It involves the construction of a sewerage system and wastewater treatment infrastructure for the North Kattoli catchment area, located in the northwest part of Chattogram city. The third project, called the Bangladesh Environmental Sustainability and Transformation (BEST) project, is a joint effort between AFD and the World Bank. It aims to enhance environmental regulations and enforcement in Bangladesh. The project focuses on curbing pollution and improving environmental quality by strengthening the country's technical and administrative capacity. Also Read: France keen on meeting Bangladesh’s needs for green investments: AFD Executive Director AFD, a bilateral development agency responsible for implementing official development assistance on behalf of the French government, has been actively operating in Bangladesh since 2012.  AFD’s support encompasses a wide range of development projects, including urban development and infrastructure initiatives such as water and sanitation, public transport, and urban services. They also focus on power and green energy projects, including energy efficiency and renewable power, as well as corporate and social responsibility endeavours aimed at enhancing safety standards and environmental and social performance. To date, AFD has committed EUR 2,101 million in technical assistance projects and has provided Bangladesh with a budget support loan of EUR 300 million, demonstrating its sustained commitment to the country's development. Read More: HCA signed, €609 million in loans approved by AFD for Bangladesh

A French appeals court on Wednesday upheld a one-year prison sentence for former President Nicolas Sarkozy on a conviction for corruption and influence peddling. His lawyer said he will take the case to France’s highest court and insisted that Sarkozy is innocent. The 68-year-old ex-president would not have to serve time until a final ruling, and if definitively convicted, he could ask to serve his sentence at home. Sarkozy, 68, was convicted in 2021 of trying to bribe a magistrate in exchange for information about a legal case in which he was implicated. It was the first time in modern French history that a former president had been convicted of corruption and sentenced to prison. Sarkozy, who was president from 2007 to 2012, denies wrongdoing and appealed the original ruling. The Paris appeals court on Wednesday upheld the conviction and the sentence, according to a court official. His lawyer, Jacqueline Laffont, called the decision “stupefying” and “unjust.” Sarkozy is entitled to ask to be detained at home with an electronic bracelet, standard practice for sentences of two years or less. He also received a two-year suspended sentence, which he will not have to serve if he commits no new offense in the next five years. It is one of multiple legal cases Sarkoky has faced. He was convicted later in 2021 of illegal campaign financing of his unsuccessful 2012 re-election bid. Last week, prosecutors asked for him to be sent to trial on charges that he took millions in illegal financing for his 2007 campaign by the regime of late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

French President Emmanuel Macron has defended his recent remarks regarding Taiwan, in which he stated that France should not become involved in an escalation between the United States and China. He made the remarks during a weekend interview following his three-day state visit to China, reports BBC. Being a US ally did not mean being a “vassal”, he also said. Politicians and other public figures on both sides of the Atlantic have criticized his statements.However, on a visit to the Netherlands on Wednesday, he stated that he stood by his views, said the report. Read More: China military displays force toward Taiwan after Tsai trip “Being an ally does not mean being a vassal... doesn’t mean that we don’t have the right to think for ourselves,” Macron told a press conference in the Netherlands. Macron also stated that France’s support for the “status quo” in Taiwan had not altered and that Paris “supports the One China policy and the search for a peaceful resolution to the situation.” Meanwhile, the White House has downplayed the statements, saying the Biden administration is “comfortable and confident in the terrific bilateral relationship we have with France.” Taiwan’s foreign ministry took a similar approach but stated that it “noted” Macron’s remarks.A top Taiwanese official, on the other hand, was “puzzled” by the comments. Read More: China's military announces 'combat readiness patrols' around Taiwan “Are ‘liberté, égalité, fraternité’ out of fashion?” – wrote Taiwan’s parliament speaker You Si-kun on social media, referring to France’s motto. According to some analysts, Macron’s remarks signal that the US is equally to blame for the escalating tensions over Taiwan, making it more difficult for the EU to take a tougher stance with Beijing. Meanwhile, China has appreciated Macron’s statements and stated that it is not surprised by the criticism, added the report. “Some countries do not want to see other nations become independent and self-reliant, and instead always want to coerce other countries into obeying their will,” China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. Read More: Australia won’t promise to side with US in Taiwan conflict Taiwan, with its own constitution and democratically chosen leaders, sees itself as different from the Chinese mainland. However, Beijing regards Taiwan as a breakaway province that will inevitably fall under Chinese rule and has never renounced the use of force to achieve this. While the United States diplomatically recognizes China’s view that there is only one Chinese government, President Joe Biden has pledged to engage militarily to support Taiwan if it is attacked, the report said. Beijing began practising the encirclement of Taiwan earlier this week during days of military manoeuvres regarded as retaliation to the recent meeting between Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Read More: Anger spreads in France over Macron's retirement bill push President Tsai said on Saturday that her administration will continue to collaborate with the US and other democracies while the island faces “continued authoritarian expansionism” from China.

Eight people remained missing after the building they lived in exploded and collapsed early Sunday near the port of Marseille, leaving mounds of burning debris hampering rescue operations, officials said. More than 100 firefighters worked against a ticking clock to extinguish flames deep within the rubble of the five-story building, but more than 17 hours later “the situation is not yet stabilized,” Marseille Prosecutor Dominique Laurens said at an evening news conference. Earlier in the day, officials had thought that between four and 10 people may have been trapped. Laurens said police have yet to confirm the apparent disappearance of a ninth person who lived in a next-door building. Five people suffered minor injuries from the collapse, which occurred shortly before 1 a.m. Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan said two buildings that share walls with the one that collapsed were partially brought down before one later caved in, another complication in the search and rescue operation. The buildings were among evacuated structures. Drones and probes have been used to examine the scene for signs of life. The burning debris was too hot for dogs in the firefighters' canine team to work until Sunday afternoon, though smoke still bothered them, the prosecutor said. “We cannot intervene in a very classic way,” Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said during a morning visit to the site. He said the fire was burning a few meters under the mounds of debris and that both water and foam represent a danger to victims’ survival. An investigation has been opened for involuntary injury, at least initially sidestepping possible criminal intentions. A gas explosion was among the tracks to check, said Laurens, the prosecutor. But the start of the probe also was limited by the heat of the blaze. “The flames weren't pink. They were blue,” Payan said. Firefighters, with the help of urban rescue experts, worked through the night and all day Sunday in a slow race against time. The delicate operation aimed to keep firefighters safe, prevent further harm to people potentially trapped in the rubble and not compromise vulnerable buildings nearby, already partially collapsed. Some 30 buildings in the area were evacuated, Darmanin said. Lauren, the prosecutor, said that firefighters “are really in a complicated situation, dangerous for them.” Work is progressing but with safety precautions, she said. “We heard an explosion ... a very strong explosion which made us jump, and that's it,” said Marie Ciret, who was among those evacuated. “We looked outside the window at what was happening. We saw smoke, stones, and people running.” The building that collapsed is located on a narrow street less than a kilometer (a half-mile) from Marseille's iconic old port, adding to an array of difficulties for firefighters and rescue workers. The prosecutor said the building and those next door “are not at all substandard buildings.” Robots were reportedly being deployed. A crane was brought in to clear rubble and firefighters were at one point seen in TV video hosing parts of the debris from a window in a nearby apartment as plumes of smoke rose skyward. “We’re trying to drown the fire while preserving the lives of eventual victims under the rubble,” Lionel Mathieu, commander of the Marseille fire brigade, said during a televised briefing. “Firefighters are gauging minute by minute the best way to put out the fire,” Payan, the mayor, said. “We must prepare ourselves to have victims,” he said grimly. The collapsed building is located in an old quarter in the center of France’s second-largest city. The noise from the explosion resounded in other neighborhoods. Nearby streets were blocked off. French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne both tweeted their thoughts for people affected and thanks to the firefighters. In 2018, two buildings in the center of Marseille collapsed, killing eight people. Those buildings were poorly maintained — not the case with the building that collapsed Sunday after an explosion, the interior minister said.