fm
Dhaka seeks Seoul’s "extra initiative" for Rohingya repatriation
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has sought South Korea's “extra initiative” and a “pro-active” action for expediting Rohingya repatriation, noting that they have some leverages on Myanmar.
“This would be a real achievement if you can help us in repatriation of these Rohingya people to their homeland,” he said while addressing a seminar on Bangladesh-South Korea relations at the Foreign Service Academy.
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun and Bangladesh Ambassador to South Korea Delwar Hossain joined as special guests at the seminar titled "50 Years of Korea-Bangladesh Relations: Trends and Directions" chaired by Dhaka University Prof Dr Delwar Hossain.
Momen said South Korea, one of the largest investors in Myanmar, maintains a very good relationship with the ASEAN nation.
He requested the South Korean government to take an “extra initiative” and a “pro-active” action so that the displaced Rohingya people can return to their homes in Myanmar. “You have some leverages on Myanmar and therefore I request you to use that leverage.”
Read: Current geopolitical situation creating more opportunities for closer Dhaka-Seoul ties: Envoy
Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar camps and Bhasan Char on humanitarian grounds.
“Myanmar is our neighbour, they are not our enemy,” Momen said, adding that they have a history of persecuting their people (Rohingyas) and forcing them out of their country.
In the past, repatriation of the Rohingyas took place on a number of occasions through dialogue and discussion, he said.
“This time the number is too high. I hope with your (South Korea) support they will take back their people because you are a good friend of Myanmar,” said the foreign minister.
He also thanked the South Korean government for the humanitarian support for the displaced people from Myanmar now temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh.
On the bilateral front, Bangladesh and South Korea vowed to work together for a better and promising future making the best use of the opportunities that the two countries offer.
Read: Dhaka, Seoul to work together for their prosperity
The two countries want to collaborate more than before amid emerging global challenges as 50 years of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and South Korea will officially be celebrated next year.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and the East Asia Study Center of the University of Dhaka jointly organized the seminar.
Bangladesh seeks diversified investment from US
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday encouraged US businesses to diversify their investments in Bangladesh beyond the energy sector.
Talking to reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, Momen noted the current US investment in Bangladesh is concentrated in the energy sector.
He said there are many potential areas where Bangladesh seeks foreign investment.
A delegation from the US, members of the US-Bangladesh Business Council, is visiting Bangladesh until May 11 to explore economic opportunities between the two countries.
Over 27 executives from across sectors like digital, energy, financial services, insurance, and agriculture are part of the business delegation.
Also read: No chance of Chinese debt trap: FM
The delegation met Momen at Foreign Service Academy on Monday afternoon.
The Foreign Minister noted that the US has a strong investment presence in Bangladesh in the traditional sectors such as energy, oil, gas, and mineral resources.
He stressed that there is a huge scope for the US investors to diversify their investment portfolio and funds, to invest in the emerging areas such as but not limited to, agro-processing, automobiles, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, information and communication technology and the blue economy.
The US business leaders appreciated the economic stride made by Bangladesh.
FM inaugurates Bangabandhu Gold Cup football tournament in Sylhet
The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman National Gold Cup Football Tournament, Boys (Under-17) 2022 and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib National Gold Cup Football Tournament (Under-17) 2022 were inaugurated on Sunday.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen inaugurated the tournaments at Sylhet District Stadium in the afternoon.
At that time, the minister said, there are not many playgrounds in Sylhet. “I have told Sylhet city corporation (SCC) Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury that an initiative should be taken to build three more playgrounds on the other side of the river.”
He further said that all those who play in the national team of Bangladesh come up from rural areas. The Awami League government is doing everything for the development of sports for the boys and girls of the rural areas.
This tournament has been organised on the initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports, under the supervision of Sylhet District Administration.
A total of 1,982 boys will participate in 105 unions and four municipalities at the upazila level of Sylhet district while 252 boys and 252 girls in 13 upazilas and a city corporation at the district level.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports will select 40 boys and 40 girls from this age based tournament.
Meanwhile, four players have been sent to Brazil for advanced training. Besides, from 2021, 11 boys will be sent to Brazil and 11 girls will be sent to Spain or Portugal.
This event has been organised every year since 2018 with the aim of providing inspiration to the emerging players and improving the quality of football in the country.
Momen hopeful of early signing of Teesta; India looks forward to Hasina’s visit
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Thursday hoped that all outstanding issues with India including the signing of the Teesta water sharing treaty will be concluded at an early date.
He recalled that the two countries had resolved many of the outstanding issues in the spirit of friendship and cooperation.
Momen and his visiting Indian counterpart S Jaishankar “comprehensively” discussed the bilateral issues at a meeting held at Foreign Service Academy here.
He also sought the support of India for the speedy repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals – Rohingyas - to their country of origin, according to a media release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.
Momen reiterated that India is the most important neighbour for Bangladesh, noting that over the last few years, both the countries have achieved remarkable progress in a number of areas.
Read: Hasina offers Ctg port for use by India’s north-eastern states
Both the foreign ministers expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation between the countries and discussed the possible dates of the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India to further cementing the ties.
Jaishankar said he conveyed to PM Hasina the personal greetings and good wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to her to visit India at her convenience later this year; also exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest with the Prime Minister. “We look forward to her visit to India at a time of her convenience”
Both the foreign ministers noted that 2021 was a landmark year for the Bangladesh-India relationship as the President and Prime Minister of India visited Bangladesh in a single year.
Both the counties celebrated the 50 years of diplomatic ties through the joint celebration of a number of landmark events across the world.
They underscored the necessity of holding of the next round of Joint Consultation Commission (JCC) meeting at the earliest convenience of both sides.
Both sides stressed on following up the decisions taken at the highest level for their effective implementation for mutual benefit.
Momen expressed satisfaction over rise of trade volume between the two countries and announcement of 200 scholarships by the Government of Bangladesh for the family members of war veterans of India who fought for Bangladesh in 1971.
Read: Growing Dhaka-Delhi interactions good reflection of trust: Jaishankar
Jaishankar stressed that Bangladesh features as the most important country in the Indian Foreign Policy objectives of 'Neighbour First ’.
He stated that Bangladesh and India have been maintaining excellent relationship even during the pandemic when the whole world was at a standstill.
Jaishankar appreciated Bangladesh for the transformative socio-economic development under the dynamic leadership of Hasina.
He emphasized on promoting trade, commerce and connectivity especially in the light of supply chain disruption resulting from covid-19 restrictions and recent conflict in Ukraine.
The Indian minister assured of India's cooperation in resolving some of the concerns of Bangladesh including the early repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to their country of origin.
He also stressed on early and timely completion of some of the projects funded by India and on the need of sub-regional cooperation in all matters, particularly in the energy sector.
Jaishankar arrived here on Thursday afternoon leading a high level delegation including Foreign Secretary-designate Vinay Mohan Kwatra.
On Friday morning, he would depart Dhaka for Paro, Bhutan.
Dhaka calls for more IOM role in helping climate migrants
Foreign Minister AK. Abdul Momen has called upon the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to engage in further advocacy on the climate-migration nexus.
He made this suggestion when the newly appointed IOM Chief of Mission in Bangladesh Abdusattor Esoev met him to present his credentials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
The foreign minister underscored that the international community should find appropriate ways to address both internal and international movements of people due to climate change, according to MoFA.
Read: No chance of Chinese debt trap: FM
Momen welcomed the IOM country chief and assured him of necessary cooperation in discharging his responsibilities.
He acknowledged IOM’s engagement with the Rohingya humanitarian response and stressed the importance of continued international support amid emergency situations in other parts of the world.
Reception held to celebrate golden jubilee of Bangladesh-Norway relations
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said both Bangladesh and Norway exemplify that even relatively smaller powers can wield considerable influence in shaping global norms and discourses.
“We believe we shall continue to be inspired by Norway and other Nordic countries as we remain pledge-bound to build a peaceful, just, inclusive and prosperous society as part of our government’s Vision 2041,” he said.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks while addressing a reception held at a city hotel on Sunday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Norway bilateral relations.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Anniken Huitfeldt and Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen were present.
Also read: FM highlights work towards 'free, fair and transparent' elections
Momen assured Minister Huitfeldt that, if the last fifty years can be any guide, Norway can certainly place its bet on its future partnership with Bangladesh.
Norway was among the first European countries to have recognised an independent Bangladesh in 1972.
FM, SM,diplomats attend DCAB iftar
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted an iftar at the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) on Friday attended by Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam.
Also read: DCAB celebrates International Women’s Day amid calls for gender equality
FM questions quality of US HR report on Bangladesh
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has questioned the quality of the US human rights report on Bangladesh, noting that Bangladeshi officials at the US Embassy in Dhaka prepare the initial draft collecting information from media reports and some NGOs.
He said NGOs always see negative things everywhere and there is another group of people who only seek asylum abroad and give a negative picture of the country to avail of advantage.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks while responding to questions from reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
Read: BNP denies misquoting German envoy
The government of Bangladesh is of the view that the tendency to impose values of other countries, like LGBT rights, same sex marriage etc., in the name of human rights violations are “regrettable and uncalled for.”
“Some opinions came….they want to hit on our religion in the name of human rights and we rejected it,” said the Foreign Minister referring to the State Department’s recent “2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices”.
He said opinions are not human rights and Bangladesh’s human rights priorities are right to food, right to education, right to shelter, right accommodation and healthcare. “These are human rights.”
The Foreign Minister said they had a very good discussion in Washington and both sides want improved relations in the coming years.
He said the US side appreciated Bangladesh’s progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Read: BB issues revised agent banking guidelines
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh has a “very solid and independent” election commission and its democracy is very transparent. “Every person in Bangladesh believes in democracy. It’s (election) a festival in Bangladesh. We want all parties in elections.”
“They have given much respect to my whole delegation,” Momen said, referring to his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The Foreign Minister had also visited Japan, Palau and Singapore after wrapping up his US visit. “My whole trip was very positive.”
FM’s comment on election proves AL seeks foreigners’ favour
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the foreign minister’s request to the US secretary of state for bringing BNP to the next polls has exposed that it is Awami League, not BNP, seeks foreigners' favour.
“It’s unfortunate that our foreign minister during a meeting with the US secretary of state has sought America’s favour to bring BNP to the election for the sake of democracy in Bangladesh,” he said.
Speaking at a discussion, he said Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader used to accuse BNP of lodging complaints to foreigners. “But now their minister has sought US’s favour in public sitting in America. “So, it’s now become clear that it’s Awami League which go to foreigners for getting favour and blessings.”
Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa) arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking its founding anniversary.
Earlier on Monday, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has briefed his US counterpart Antony Blinken about Bangladesh’s “transparent and independent” election commission apparently suggesting him to encourage BNP to take part in the election process.
READ: People left in the lurch even during Ramadan: Fakhrul
“Bring them (BNP) to the election process to follow the rules and procedures of the country,” he told Blinken during their bilateral meeting at the US Department of State.
Fakhrul urged the ruling party to free Khaleda Zia, withdraw political cases against their party leaders and activists and hand power to a neutral government for a credible election with BNP’s participation instead of seeking the US’s favour.
He slammed Obaidul Quader for his failure to ensure discipline and security on the roads. “He holds press conferences in very fine language every day. But his ministry has failed miserably to provide road safety across the country, including in Dhaka.”
Fakhrul also criticised the government for arresting BNP leader Ishraque Hossain in a ‘false’ case.
“The government is removing those who are fighting for democracy in the field. They’re being sent to jail on false charges so that they cannot register their protest,” he observed.
The BNP leader said the government has started making all arrangements for holding the next election without opposition parties like 2014’s ones.
He alleged that the people of Bangladesh are going through a critical juncture as the government has snatched their all rights.
Fakhrul called upon people of all walks of life to get united to get rid of the current situation of the country and establish a pro-people government ousting the Awami League regime.
Dhaka, Washington economic ties to grow further: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has expressed hope that the Bangladesh-US economic partnership will be an effective platform to facilitate economic cooperation and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
To further consolidate the economic partnership, the foreign minister said, the two countries established the ‘Economic Partnership Consultation Mechanism’ which held its first meeting virtually in September 2020 and the second one is scheduled to be held on June 2, 2022.
“We heartily believe that our bilateral relations with the US will flourish in the coming days and will certainly contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation,” Momen said, adding that he is confident that these ties would continue to grow in the next 50 years.
Also, recently, the US-Bangladesh Business Council was launched last year to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties.
Read: Momen briefs Blinken about “transparent” election process
The foreign minister made the remarks at a reception in Washington on Monday marking the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the US.
Deputy Administrator, USAID Isobel Coleman, Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA M Shahidul Islam, representatives from the US Government, private sector and civil society joined.
The foreign minister said their government level engagements have been complimented by a growing people-to-people connectivity as well as increasing interaction between various organizations.
The sizable number of Bangladesh Diaspora scattered all across the USA act as an essential bridge between the two nations, he said.
The foundation of this warm bilateral relationship was laid down by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman when he visited the country in October 1974 and met the US President, Momen recalled.
Since then, he said, they have converged in an expanding collaboration in the pursuit of common foreign policy objectives, both bilaterally and globally.
Momen thanked the government of the USA for the persistent commitment and continued efforts towards a durable solution of the Rohingya crisis.
Read: Bangladesh-US economic partnership mechanism to expedite cooperation: Momen
“The USA is the leading single contributor of humanitarian assistance in response to the Rohingya crisis. However, we think the US can do a lot more for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis,” he said.
Over the decades, this relationship has expanded in depth and dimensions, Momen said, adding that the USA is now one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment into Bangladesh.
“However, we would like to see that US investment in Bangladesh diversifies incorporating other sectors like ICT, agro-processing, renewable energy etc,” he said.