United News of Bangladesh

China on Thursday reacted to China-related remarks by the US Ambassador to Bangladesh, urging the US side ‘to be more aware of its responsibilities, and focus more on actions’ that are ‘conducive to Bangladesh’s stability’ as well as the development and cooperation in the region. "Such remarks by the US Ambassador to Bangladesh are irresponsible and utterly unfounded," said the Spokesperson at the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, refuting China-related remarks by the US Ambassador to Bangladesh. The spokesperson said they confuse right and wrong, and are ‘completely out of ulterior motives’, according to the reaction shared by the Embassy from its verified Facebook page. New US Ambassador to Bangladesh raises  concern over China’s regional influence Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the spokesperson said, Bangladesh and China have always supported each other, treated one another as equals, and engaged in win-win cooperation. "The China-Bangladesh cooperation has delivered benefits to and received broad support from the people of both countries. It is conducive to the development and stability in the region," said the spokesperson. China said the cooperation between Bangladesh and China is a matter between the two countries and their peoples, and brooks no interference or finger-pointing by the US side. Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen on Wednesday said he is concerned about broader Chinese influence in South Asia, stressing that they have a host of options available to try to help their partner militaries meet their capability needs. ‘You know, as I said in my hearing…I am concerned about broader Chinese influence in South Asia. I think the United States government has been very clear about that," he said while responding to a question during an interaction with a small group of journalists. US doesn't take sides in Bangladesh elections: Ambassador Christensen "And as I committed to my hearing, I will always engage with our friends in the government—be it the interim government or the newly elected government-- to clearly articulate the risks of involvement  with the Chinese in certain areas should the Bangladesh government choose to go down that path," Ambassador Christensen said.

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen on Wednesday said he is concerned about broader Chinese influence in South Asia, stressing that they have a host of options available to try to help their partner militaries meet their capability needs. ‘You know, as I said in my hearing…I am concerned about broader Chinese influence in South Asia. I think the United States government has been very clear about that," he said while responding to a question during an interaction with a small group of journalists. Bangladesh Polls: Ghana's ex-President to lead Commonwealth observer group "And as I committed to my hearing, I will always engage with our friends in the government—be it the interim government or the newly elected government-- to clearly articulate the risks of involvement with the Chinese in certain areas should the Bangladesh government choose to go down that path," Ambassador Christensen said. He said the US and Bangladesh have strong military-to-military cooperation, and it has been growing stronger. The envoy said they have partnerships across all branches of Bangladesh defense forces, working with the Navy on maritime security, with the Army, and with the Air Force on operational and emergency response readiness through a host of training and exercises. He said they are working with the Bangladeshi military in support of its plans for modernisation and developing its capabilities, especially as it looks to expand what it can do in peacekeeping, but also what it can do here for domestic security needs. ‘We don't take any side,’ says US Ambassador Christensen "You know, security issues are a topic..... of great interest to me given the prior role that I had as a senior official back in Washington and also my long experience here in Bangladesh," the Ambassador said. During his nomination hearing, Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, a Republican, asked Christensen about what he described as Bangladesh’s growing military-to-military cooperation with China. Saying he shared the senator's concern over Chinese influence in South Asia, Christensen at the hearing said if confirmed, he would engage with the Bangladesh government and military to “clearly articulate the risks from Chinese activity, involvement with their military activities in the maritime domain and in their critical infrastructure, as well as highlight the opportunities and benefits that come with a closer partnership with the United States, especially military-to-military.”

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Thursday presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban and said he looks forward to strengthening the Bangladesh-US relationship.  “Today I had the honor of presenting my Ambassadorial credentials to President Shahabuddin. The United States is proud to call Bangladesh a friend," he said in a brief statement after the ceremony. In over 50 years of partnership, the US Ambassador said they have worked together to promote regional stability, economic growth benefiting both the two countries, and the sovereignty of their great nations. "I look forward to continuing this work and further strengthening the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship," he said. Read more: UAE rulers grant royal pardons to 440 Bangladeshi prisoners “It is an honor for me to serve the United States as the 19th Ambassador to Bangladesh,” said Ambassador Christensen who along with his wife Deanne Dao arrived in Dhaka on Monday. In a brief statement shared by the US Embassy in Dhaka soon after his arrival, he said they both are thrilled to return to a country that holds many fond memories for them.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Wednesday (January 17, 2024) said he looks forward to working closely with Bangladesh in the coming months on issues of mutual importance.  He mentioned climate change, expanding business opportunities, and other areas of cooperation to advance the relations.  Read more: Blinken meets labor union leaders at Davos Summit "I look forward to working very closely in the coming months to advance our mutual interest," he told reporters after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  He said it was an opportunity to talk about the future of the US-Bangladesh relationship.  Later, the Foreign Minister met EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley.  Read more: Lavrov to Hasan Mahmud: Russia-Bangladesh ties based on solid foundation of friendship

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at State Guesthouse Padma this morning (November 30, 2023) where they discussed ongoing developments in bilateral relations. “Ambassador Haas and FS Momen had a routine meeting to discuss ongoing developments in the bilateral relationship,” US Embassy in Dhaka said after the meeting. Also read: US Ambassador Peter Haas holding meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen The meeting began around 11 am and lasted for 30 minutes. Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States, Muhammad Imran, was also present at the meeting. Haas and Foreign Secretary Masud did not speak to the reporters waiting outside the venue. The US ambassador returned to Dhaka on Monday after a holiday. It is worth noting that the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC has said the political context of the US “Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally” has many reasons “to be alarmed.” “Politics is behind what is said about labor rights in the memorandum, and the US would try to use the political purpose in different ways,” said the embassy in a letter based on observation it made on the recently launched US initiative. Also read: US with us, we are with US: Bangladesh Foreign Minister The US Presidential Memorandum was rolled out on November 16. The United States said it will work to “hold accountable those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labor rights defenders, labor organizations – including using things like sanctions, trade penalties and visa restrictions” – all the tools in their kit. The “memorandum” is a signal for Bangladesh as the US may take any measure as described in it with the excuse of labor issues, the letter from Bangladesh embassy in Washington, seen by UNB, reads. “The memorandum may also have an impact on Bangladesh’s apparel sector, and it should be taken into cognizance with priority by the concerned stakeholders,” it said. Also read: Dhaka has “excellent” relations with US: Hasan Mahmud

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas is holding a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at State Guesthouse Padma. The meeting began around 11 am today (November 30, 2023). Issues being discussed at the meeting could not be known immediately.   It is worth noting that the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC has said the political context of the US “Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally” has many reasons “to be alarmed.” “Politics is behind what is said about labor rights in the memorandum, and the US would try to use the political purpose in different ways,” said the embassy in a letter based on observation it made on the recently launched US initiative. Read: US Ambassador Peter Haas returns to Dhaka The US Presidential Memorandum was rolled out on November 16. The United States said it will work to “hold accountable those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labor rights defenders, labor organizations – including using things like sanctions, trade penalties and visa restrictions” – all the tools in their kit. Read: Repeatedly raised concerns about threatening rhetoric directed at Peter Haas with Bangladesh govt: US Embassy The “memorandum” is a signal for Bangladesh as the US may take any measure as described in it with the excuse of labor issues, the letter from Bangladesh embassy in Washington, seen by UNB, reads. “The memorandum may also have an impact on Bangladesh’s apparel sector, and it should be taken into cognizance with priority by the concerned stakeholders,” it said. Read more: Try to figure out a way to have dialogue without pre-conditions: Peter Haas urges parties

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas today (October 31, 2023) hoped that all sides going forward will engage in a “dialogue” without preconditions to de-escalate tensions and find a path forward to free, fair and peaceful elections. “Political violence by any side has no place in democratic elections,” he said after his meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal at the EC office. US Ambassador Haas also urged to avoid any action that undermines the democratic election process, including the use of violence, preventing people from exercising their rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and internet access – calling to question the ability to conduct free and fair elections. Read more: US says killing of a police officer and a political activist, burning a hospital and buses are unacceptable Thanking the CEC for his time, the US ambassador said during their meeting, he urged for transparency and accountability in the Election Commission’s unique constitutional role in essential work towards organizing elections. He said that free and fair elections, as they all know, happen over weeks and months before the actual day votes are cast. US Ambassador Haas said voters, political parties, government, security forces, civil society, media and the Election Commission all are responsible regarding that. Read more: CEC to meet president on Nov 5 regarding announcement of nat’l election schedule

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas today (October 09, 2023) said that they firmly believe that “competition” in the Indo-Pacific is not about forcing countries to choose, but it is about offering an alternative vision based on respect, prosperity, and partnership. “It’s my hope that our definition of competition in this region allows us to renew our sense of purpose and reinvigorate our commitment to a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific,” he said. The US ambassador was speaking at a plenary session on “Defining Competition in the Indo-Pacific”, moderated by Zillur Rahman, executive director of Centre for Governance Studies and chairman of Bay of Bengal Conversation. Read: Indo Pacific not political, but a natural region: Ram Madhav Jeremy Bruer, Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh; Lilly Nicholls, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh; and Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, also spoke at the event. “Together,” Ambassador Haas said, they stand as stewards of stability, prosperity, and inclusivity. By championing democracy, human rights, and open dialogue, he said, the US is paving the way for a region that not only endures but thrives. “Through the recognition of our sovereign foreign policy prerogatives, we forge partnerships that are based on mutual respect, shared aspirations, and, especially in the case of our friends on this panel, partnerships and alliances that transcend borders and stand as a testament to our collective commitment to a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” said the US ambassador. Quoting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Ambassador Haas said, “The Indo-Pacific region must be an area of peace and prosperity for all. Our vision for the region is to have a free, open, peaceful, secure, and inclusive region.” Read: Indo Pacific should be centrally about people: ORF President  The United States wholeheartedly agrees to this vision, he said. Looking to the future, Haas said, it is in everyone’s interest to protect that freedom, that openness. “And I’d also like to add to that diversity, that makes the Indo-Pacific such a dynamic engine of growth and prosperity, not just for the citizens of the region, but for the entire world.” He said they collectively champion a resolute commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, fostering robust economic integration, and safeguarding the sanctity of maritime commons. “We are also collectively committed to relying on our alliances and partnerships with each other, and others in the region, to achieve these aims. This is absolutely central to our approach,” he said. Read: Young leaders' passion, innovation invaluable in tackling climate challenges: Ambassador Haas The US ambassador said they applaud Bangladesh’s vision of a “free, open, peaceful, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific” and note significant overlap with their own, including on issues such as freedom of navigation and overflight; open, transparent, and rules-based multilateral systems; and environmental resilience. “Here we also underscore that just as we seek a free and open region, we believe we can only truly fulfil these visions when we apply those principles domestically as well,” Haas said.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said that they are prepared to extend support to the declared goal of a “free, fair and peaceful” election in Bangladesh. He said USA’s goal is not to interfere in the election but to support the goal that allows people to freely choose who they want to run the country. “We speak out frequently in support of the goal,” said Ambassador Haas. Also read: UNHCR welcomes S Korea’s contribution of USD 1 million for Rohingyas in Bangladesh The US ambassador also said it is the collective responsibility of the entire world to make sure that conditions are in place in Myanmar so that the Rohingyas can return to their homeland with dignity. “They need to be protected, educated, and they need to enjoy dignity where they are living,” he said while attending an event as a keynote speaker. The US ambassador said the Rohingyas should not be punished for the action taken by Myanmar and they should be treated well without any discrimination towards them. Ambassador Haas laid emphasis on constant collective pressure on Myanmar, noting that the solution to the crisis unfortunately is not so easy. He said they are also exploring the option of resettlement, but it offers very limited opportunity as it is meant for only the most vulnerable people. Also read: Thailand provides  assistance to support WFP’s food aid for Rohingyas in Bangladesh The ambassador also highlighted the importance of holding people responsible for the genocide. He appreciated Bangladesh’s generosity in providing shelter to the Rohingyas; otherwise, he thinks the situation would have been far worse. On the occasion of International Day of Peace, the US ambassador said: “The essence of International Peace Day is to remind us of the critical role of peace in addressing global challenges.” Chaired by Professor Atiqul Islam, NSU’s Vice-Chancellor, the session, held at NSU’s main auditorium, experienced the full-capacity of 1200 audience comprised of students, faculties and officials of NSU. Welcoming all, Javed Muneer Ahmad, Chairman, NSU Board of Trustees, said that peace is the most precious resource now in a conflict-ridden world. Dr. Abdul Wohab, Coordinator, Center for Peace Studies (CPS) made opening remarks, highlighting CPS’s role in promoting peace, sustainability, and diplomacy through research, dialogue, and community engagement. Also read: UK to push for long-term solution to Rohingya crisis 

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Thursday (August 03, 2023) reiterated that the US does not support any particular political party but supports the democratic process that will allow the people of Bangladesh to choose their next government. "We believe everyone has a role to play, making sure that elections are free, fair and peaceful," he told reporters after his meeting with the Awami League delegation led by its General Secretary Obaidul Quader. Haas said the government, media, judiciary, political parties, civil society, security forces, and of course voters - each has a role in the democratic process. Also read: US Ambassador Haas holding meeting with AL leaders at Bangabandhu Avenue office "And each has to play their role and be allowed to play their role in order to have a free, fair and peaceful election," he said. On the question regarding the adamant stance of both Awami League and BNP over the issue of caretaker government, Haas said the US has no position whatsoever on that issue. "That is for political parties to decide what their approach is. We’re only concerned and interested in (ensuring) that there will be free, fair elections that are free of violence," he said. Also read: Not a violation of Vienna Convention: US ambassador on raising issues about domestic political affairs Responding to a question on whether the US is being more aligned with the BNP, Ambassador Haas said, "It's a weird question when I’m sitting at the Awami League headquarters. No, we meet with all political parties. We do not play favourites. I meet with both AL leaders and activists and ministers who are also part of the AL. There’s no preference; we meet people from all parts of society equally, and we do not play favourites." "I’ve met other political parties. I regularly visit media outlets, I speak frequently with civil society and interact with the police and security forces. And this is all part of what I do as the American ambassador," he said. Also read: US to send pre-election assessment and monitoring team in early Oct: Peter Haas In each of these meetings, he said, he repeats the same messages. "And these are US policies that we support a free, fair and peaceful election with no violence on the part of anyone." Ambassador Haas held the meeting with Awami League leaders at its central office. AL Presidium Member Muhammad Faruk Khan, International Affairs Secretary Shammi Ahmed, Information and Research Secretary Selim Mahmud, Office Secretary Biplab Barua and Executive Member Mohammad Ali Arafat were also present at the time. An official of the US embassy accompanied Peter Haas at the meeting. Also read: US calls on all parties in Bangladesh to respect fundamental freedoms and rule of law