United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday said Singapore has long had a proposal for a Bay Terminal at Chattogram Port, which came up for discussion during her recent visit to the country. "You know that the Singapore government has had a proposal for a Bay Terminal at our Chattogram Port for a long time. They have talked about that," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Shama Obaed said they also visited one of the projects where they have a waste-to-energy and they have shown how they produce energy by managing waste. During her first official visit to Singapore, the State Minister met Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and its State Minister for Foreign Affairs Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim separately and discussed issues of mutual interest. She also visited the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), where she met Regional CEO, Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Türkiye, PSA Vincent Ng, and senior officials. The State Minister was briefed on PSA’s global operations and its use of automation and advanced technologies to develop efficient, sustainable and smart ports. Vincent Ng expressed PSA’s interest in participating in the Bay Terminal project in Bangladesh, noting its potential to significantly enhance Chattogram Port and Bangladesh’s trade and connectivity, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister welcomed PSA’s interest and expressed hope for enhanced cooperation in port development, logistics, technology transfer and capacity building, in line with Bangladesh’s priorities of industrialisation, infrastructure development and connectivity. "We discussed ways to deepen cooperation, including expanding trade and strengthening our energy partnership. We are also making good progress on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, which will create more opportunities for businesses in both countries," said the Foreign Minister of Singapore. He said Singapore and Bangladesh share a longstanding partnership and close people-to-people ties. Bangladesh and Singapore on Tuesday expressed hope for the early conclusion of the Bangladesh-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and emphasised stronger business-to-business engagement. The two countries also exchanged views on energy security, including risks to energy supplies, shipping and global supply chains, as well as climate change, water security, and illegal and irregular migration.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday said Bangladesh is pursuing a forward-looking approach in its engagement with New Delhi and that the Indian government will have to clear whether it supports the planned online meeting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don't want it to be damaged, and I firmly believe that India doesn't want it either. So, India has to clear whether it is supporting it or not,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter wanted to know about Hasina’s planned virtual programme in New Delhi, scheduled for August 5. Hasina will be arrested whenever she comes to Bangladesh: Shama Obaed The State Minister referred to the recent meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi and said they want the Bangladesh-India relationship to improve. “You saw that we had a very cordial meeting with the new High Commissioner who came here. We had a lot of good discussions.” Indian media reported that Hasina is set to make her first public appearance in India exactly two years after she fled the country following a massive student-led protest. According to multiple media reports, Hasina will attend a virtual event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia) in New Delhi. “We want relations with India to improve. I believe India also wants that," said the State Minister. Responding to a separate question, she said Bangladesh could communicate with the Indian government if it considers it necessary over the reported event in India on August 5 involving Hasina, while stressing that Dhaka does not want the issue to undermine bilateral relations. The State Minister, however, said the reported programme is not being organised by the Indian government and Dhaka would decide on any diplomatic communication if circumstances required. "If we think it is necessary, the government will contact the relevant foreign ministry," she said. Asked whether Bangladesh would formally protest or seek an explanation from New Delhi before the reported event, Shama Obaed said the Indian government is not organising the programme. Referring to Hasina and other Awami League leaders staying abroad, the State Minister said Bangladesh has repeatedly conveyed its position to India that fugitives or convicted individuals should not use Indian soil for political activities aimed at destabilising Bangladesh. She said the issue has been raised both verbally and in writing during bilateral engagements. Shama Obaed also referred to recent remarks by the Indian government, saying New Delhi had indicated it did not expect a fugitive accused to make political statements from Indian territory. She said political activities by fugitives from India that sought to create instability in Bangladesh could negatively affect bilateral relations. "It can. But we don't want that," she said when asked whether such programmes could damage ties between the two neighbours. On Bangladesh's broader foreign policy, Shama Obaed said the country would maintain balanced relations with all partners based on its national interests. "Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign country," she said. "We will maintain relations with everyone while protecting Bangladesh's interests." Shama Obaed said Dhaka would continue to engage with India, China and other countries in areas including trade, investment and bilateral cooperation. Asked about an invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the BRICS Summit in September, she indicated that no decision had yet been made. "Time will tell.... I can’t tell you now," she said, adding that the Prime Minister would decide on overseas visits at an appropriate time. The State Minister mentioned two separate invitations extended to the Prime Minister in February and the recent one, and said the Prime Minister is spending 24 hours a day on Bangladesh's affairs. “So, time will tell when, how and in which country he will take a decision.” India, which is going to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, last month invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the important event, which will focus on global cooperation, trade and sustainable development. Inviting his Bangladesh counterpart and his family to visit India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February said Bangladesh and India can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security, and enable mutual prosperity as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies. “I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance our common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” he said in a letter that was handed over to Prime Minister Tarique in February this year.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday said Bangladesh has sought the extradition of former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, noting that a letter was sent to India through diplomatic channels seeking his extradition. "Since he is a fugitive, we have given the letter that is required for his return. It has been sent recently, addressing only the former Home Minister," she told reporters while responding to a question after attending a seminar in the city. Hasina will be arrested whenever she comes to Bangladesh: Shama Obaed The State Minister said it is an ongoing process and people wish to see the court orders implemented against those who have been convicted and are fugitives including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. She said the government wants a fair trial, and feedback on Dhaka's extradition request depends on India. "We will wait. We expect India will reply and will play its role in strengthening the relations between the two countries," Shama Obaed said. Responding to a question, she said normally extradition request letters are sent separately and that they are sending letters for all individuals who remain fugitives. The State Minister on Thursday said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently staying in India, would be arrested whenever she comes to Bangladesh. "Since she has been convicted, there is no scope for surrender. Whenever she comes to Bangladesh, she will be arrested. It will be done in accordance with the law," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting that efforts are continuing to secure her extradition to Bangladesh. The State Minister said the people of Bangladesh want court orders to be implemented against those living abroad. She said the Law Adviser and the Home Adviser had already explained the legal aspects. "If she surrenders, the existing law will be followed. She will have to go to jail. The law will take its own course," Shama Obaed told reporters on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She said Hasina's recent remarks from abroad appeared intended to encourage Awami League leaders and activists who have either gone into hiding or fled the country. "I see no other reason," she said. Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite Hasina under the bilateral extradition treaty. Bangladesh is making sustained diplomatic efforts to bring Hasina back to face trial while acknowledging that the extradition process takes time. Three ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been pursuing the matter since the new government assumed office in February, building on efforts initiated under the interim government. The government believes the people of Bangladesh want Hasina to be extradited. On April 8, Bangladesh renewed its request for the extradition of Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both of whom have been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal. "We will continue to seek her extradition through a transparent judicial process. It has been discussed and will be dealt with through a transparent judicial process," Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir told reporters in Dhaka.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday urged business leaders to fully utilise the ample opportunities to expand mutually beneficial two-way trade and increase Bangladesh's exports to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. She highlighted the export potential of pharmaceuticals, jute and jute products, leather and leather products, ceramics, shrimp, tropical fruits, and IT products to the CIS region. Shama Obaed said the present government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has been striving to widen and strengthen cooperation with promising but largely untapped regions, including Eastern Europe and the CIS countries. The State Minister emphasised trade diversification and investment promotion when the board of directors and office-bearers of the Commonwealth of Independent States-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CIS-BCCI) met her at her office.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday reaffirmed Bangladesh’s continued commitment to the BIMSTEC process and reiterated its resolve to further advance regional cooperation during Bangladesh’s Chairmanship of BIMSTEC. Reiterating to the government’s foreign policy priority of “Bangladesh First,” she underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in priority areas, including trade and investment, connectivity, energy, climate change, and people-to-people contacts, with a view to delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of the region. The issues were discussed when Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Indra Mani Pandey called on the State Minister Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday said Bangladesh does not need to choose between SAARC and BIMSTEC, stressing that these platforms should complement each other, not compete with one another. “BIMSTEC connects South Asia with the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia. SAARC represents the broadest South Asian regional identity, including countries that are not part of BIMSTEC,” she said while highlighting the relationship between SAARC and other regional or sub-regional platforms, particularly BIMSTEC. Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar, the State Minister said sub-regional initiatives should not drain momentum away from SAARC; rather, they should become building blocks for wider regional cooperation.

Turkish Red Crescent President Dr Fatma Meriç Yılmaz on Monday profoundly lauded Bangladesh’s extraordinary generosity for hosting the large number of Rohingya from Myanmar and continued humanitarian supports over the years by Bangladesh. The President of Turkish Red Crescent highlighted the Turkish humanitarian activities towards the Rohingyas in food support, education, primary and emergency medical care, sanitation, and training on skill development. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam discussed Bangladesh-Turkiye bilateral issues with the President of Turkish Red Crescent during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She extended deep appreciation to the visiting Turkish Red Crescent delegation and the significant humanitarian assistance by Turkiye for Rohingyas.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday urged the media not to give undue importance to reports regarding Prime Minister’s foreign visits until an official announcement is made by the government. "Invitations have come from many countries. It is the Prime Minister's decision as to how, when and to which country he will make a visit," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs amid media reports that claimed the Prime Minister will visit Malaysia on June 21-22 before he travels to China later this month. The State Minister said news reports published by different media outlets regarding the Prime Minister's possible visits should not be treated as confirmed information in the absence of an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Prime Minister's Office. "Newspapers publish their own reports, and you do the same. But until there is an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Prime Minister's Office regarding the visit of the Prime Minister, I do not think such reports should be taken seriously, nor should I comment on them," she said. The State Minister said details of any foreign visit by the Prime Minister would be formally announced by the Prime Minister's press wing once the visit is finalised. She also emphasised the importance of maintaining strong relations with all countries and said the Prime Minister would take the appropriate decision regarding future visits.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said UNDP, United Nations' lead agency on international development, should work in integration of technology in Bangladesh especially the ethical use of the AI, help in tackling misinformation and disinformation. She also said Bangladesh, as proponent of SAARC, wants to revitalise its activities and urged UNDP to spread its young political delegates programme with the SAARC countries and engage women entrepreneurs. Opposition plays ‘very cooperative role’ in Parliament: Speaker tells UNDP Resident Representative The issues were discussed when Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh Stefan Liller met the State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. The discussion also touched upon continued collaboration with UNDP on issues related to LDC graduation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, Liller, who is coming to the end of his tenure, reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to working closely with the new government of Bangladesh. While expressing thanks to UNDP for its role in support of the country’s general elections by providing technical assistance, among others, in registering 5.8 million new voters, the State Minister urged UNDP to support the government’s “Bangladesh First” vision and expressed the government’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with UNDP to achieve desired socio-economic goals for its people. The State Minister acknowledged the work carried out by the UNDP over the years working closely with the government in improving governance, trade, commerce and investment, climate action and adaptation, poverty alleviation etc.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has underscored Bangladesh’s renewed journey of democratic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aimed at building a discrimination-free and prosperous nation anchored in stability, peace and security. She participated in a high-level panel at “Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa” on April 20. The panel was moderated by Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang and featured Yaou Sangaré Bakary, Foreign Minister of Niger, Mohamed Ali Nafti, Foreign Minister of Tunisia, Dr Morissanda Kouyaté, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea and Joao Cravinho, EU Special Representative for the Sahel region, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Shama Obaed thanks Algeria for cooperation in hydrocarbons sector