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Bangladesh seeks early conclusion of FTA with Singapore
Applauding the initiative for a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Singapore, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said FTA would be mutually beneficial by further enhancing the bilateral trade and investment.
"Singapore is an important bilateral trade and investment partner of Bangladesh," he said during a telephone conversation with his Singapore counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
The two Foreign Ministers agreed to accelerate the process for concluding the FTA early.
Dr Momen encouraged more Singaporean investors to invest in power, telecommunication, renewable energy and power transmission sectors in Bangladesh taking advantage of a very friendly investment regime in the country.
Also read:Rohingya Crisis: Dhaka voices concerns over security implications in entire region
While thanking the Government of Singapore for providing humanitarian assistance to the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals sheltered in Bangladesh, Dr. Momen sought Singapore’s and ASEAN’s proactive role in bringing a sustainable and permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis by ensuring their urgent return to their homeland in Myanmar.
Dr Vivian assured that Singapore would remain engaged on the issue and of Singapore’s continued support for a durable solution to the crisis.
During the conversation, Dr Momen expressed satisfaction over the excellent bilateral relations existing between the two friendly countries, mentioning that Bangladesh considers Singapore as a role model of Economic Development.
The two Foreign Ministers agreed on the necessity of exploring synergies in new areas of cooperation for expanded bilateral engagement.
Dr Momen noted with satisfaction Singapore government’s continuous support to the Bangladeshi expatriate workers during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
He suggested that Singapore may consider employing more skilled workers from Bangladesh especially in their health and other service sectors.
Also read: Bangladesh needs 34,000 MW of electricity by 2030 to sustain its growth: ICCB
Praising Dr Balakrishnan’s previous role as Minister-in-charge of the Smart Nation Initiative, Dr Momen shared the rapid digital transformation of the economy and society in Bangladesh under the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a ‘Digital Bangladesh’.
Dr Momen sought Singaporean cooperation in the area of ICT and digitization, to which Dr. Balakrishnan responded very positively and assured of full support and assistance.
Referring to the 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 2022, both the Ministers agreed to celebrate the special occasion in a befitting manner in both the countries.
Dr Momen invited his Singaporean counterpart to visit Bangladesh. Dr Balakrishnan also extended an invitation to Dr Momen for an official visit to Singapore to kick-start the celebration of the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two Foreign Ministers also exchanged greetings of the New Year and discussed the pandemic situation in their respective countries.
Not thinking about lockdown now: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said the government is not thinking about lockdowns at this moment but will follow the same procedures keeping passengers limited in all types of transports.
“We’ll reduce the number of passengers everywhere that we did during the earlier period. We’ll follow the same procedures. We’re not thinking of lockdown. The good news is that the fatality rate due to Omicron is very low. So, we’re not thinking of a lockdown,” he said.
The Foreign Minister said they will discourage travels through Bangladesh-India border on health safety grounds.
READ: Bangladesh seaweed is a goldmine waiting to be tapped: FM
“Even, there’re travels through borders; there should be more health safety measures. Hopefully, we’ll be able to protect our people,” Dr Momen said.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after the formal inauguration of booster Covid-19 vaccine doses for the diplomats stationed in Dhaka at Sheikh Russel Gastroliver Institute & Hospital in the city.
Dhaka waiting on Washington's response, open to suggestions
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the government will try to rectify any weaknesses as Bangladesh looks for a response from the US on its call for withdrawal of sanctions.
"We are pretty open to it,” he told journalists at his office on Monday while talking about Dhaka’s position in response to the US sanctions on Rab and seven of its current and former officials.
The Foreign Minister wrote a letter to US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken last month requesting him to withdraw the sanctions.
READ: It can't be resolved overnight, says FM Momen on US sanctions
Dr Momen said they will see why they are dissatisfied.
"Based on the information, we will try to rectify it," he said.
If they are dissatisfied because of false information, Dr Momen said, the government will provide the correct information and explain that they are acting on false information.
"Our assessment is that they will understand us," he said, adding that they (US) have a mature leadership.
Dr Momen said the government is awaiting US response. "When will the response come, not sure. Let it come, then we will see. We shared with them our position. Let us see how it comes up. We are always optimistic."
Asked about appointing a law firm that can work for withdrawal of the US sanctions, he said, "When and where legal process is required, we will involve it."
Early repatriation of Rohingyas lead priority, FM tells UN expert
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday laid emphasis on early repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar stressing that the prolonged stay of Rohingyas in Bangladesh is increasingly making the situation untenable both for the Rohingyas and the host community.
“Early repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar is our lead priority,” he conveyed the message to the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar Tom Andrews during a meeting held at State guesthouse Padma.
Dr Momen said the prolongation of the stalemate in repatriation is making the Rohingyas more frustrated and susceptible to unlawful activities like smuggling of drugs, human trafficking and murder.
The Foreign Minister congratulated Tom Andrews on his important appointment and hoped his success to achieve the mandate of his position which is the human right violation in Myanmar, especially against Rohingyas.
He highlighted the extraordinary humanitarian gesture of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by extending temporary shelters to the huge number of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) Rohingya despite numerous constraints and challenges of Bangladesh.
Read: Bangladesh can't, shouldn't bear Rohingya responsibility alone: UN expert
To arrange early repatriation, Dr Momen said, both countries signed three instruments soon after the exodus in 2017 where Myanmar agreed to ensure safe early return of the Rohingya to Myanmar.
He regretted that not a single Rohingya could return to Myanmar despite Bangladesh’s multiple attempts for repatriation since 2017. “Creation of a conducive environment in Myanmar and confidence building mechanisms among the Rohingyas will pave the path for their voluntary and sustainable repatriation.”
He said the presence of ASEAN and UN representatives in Rakhine will contribute to building confidence among Rohingyas to return to Myanmar.
The Foreign Minister highlighted that Rohingyas are receiving informal education in Myanmar language following Myanmar curricula in Bangladesh through around 3,000 learning centres which would enable them to uphold their tradition and cultural values leading to their reintegration in Myanmar society in return.
He expressed frustration that some unauthorized privately run learning centering, madrasas and even coaching centres run by Rohingyas are promoting radicalism in camps following separate teaching materials and motives.
Hence, Dr Momen said, the government has asked to stop those unauthorized activities.
However, the authorized learning centres are continuing the learning activities with the support of UNICEF and INGOs/NGOs following the government’s Covid-related guidelines, the Foreign Minister said.
Read: MoFA trashes reports on learning centre closure in Rohingya camps
Describing the conditions in Bhasan Char, the Foreign Minister mentioned that Bangladesh has developed the island as a temporary shelter for the FDMNs to de-risk and decongest the camps in Cox’s Bazar spending US$350 million from its own resources.
He hoped that the UN agencies will expeditiously engage to provide humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas staying there.
The Foreign Minister underscored that humanities assistance is required but the ultimate solution lies in the sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas and the international community must work to realize that goal.
He advised the Rapporteur to visit Rohingyas living in Myanmar and in other countries in order to carry out his mandate.
Tom Andrews thanked the Foreign Minister for receiving him and extending all cooperation during his visit.
Describing himself as a “Friend of Bangladesh”, the Rapporteur assured Dhaka of working in line with the priorities of Bangladesh for safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
He promised to take efforts to visit Myanmar to see the ground realities prevailing there, engage with Rohingyas living in other countries and the humanitarian actors working in Myanmar.
US talks about humanity, but doesn’t deport killer Rashed Chy: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has questioned the position of the United States as it talks about humanity pointing out that the country has been sheltering convicted killer Rashed Chowdhury instead of handing him over to Bangladesh.
He said the US talks about “law and humanity” but they sheltered the killer (Rashed Chowdhury) of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which is not justified.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after an event at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city on Saturday.
Asked about any counter-action on the US, Dr Momen said they are not thinking in such a way and that is not the mentality of Bangladesh.
He said Bangladesh does not believe in blame games but wants to work together. "We want to work together.”
Dr Momen said they are discussing internally about the next course of action. “We’ll sit together soon to decide to move ahead.”
He said the Rabid Action Battalion (RAB) has been successful in addressing human trafficking, crime and drug trafficking in the country.
Earlier, Dr Momen, during a telephone conversation, conveyed to US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken that the people of Bangladesh did neither accept nor like the designated sanctions imposed on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and its some of the present and former officials.
Read: Bangladesh to continue urging US to send back killer Rashed Chy: Shahriar
“I shared the spirit of the country’s people. They (people of Bangladesh) didn’t accept it. They didn’t like it,” he told reporters at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy recently while responding to a question on his recent telephone conversation with the US Secretary of State.
US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said Secretary Blinken reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with Bangladesh on development, economic growth, and security.
"The two leaders discussed the importance of human rights and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address shared global challenges," said the Spokesperson.
Dr Momen explained why the people of the country did not accept it, noting that the two countries have around 50 years of trusted friendship.
People did neither accept nor like sanctions on RAB: Momen to Blinken
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has conveyed to US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken that the people of Bangladesh did neither accept nor like the designated sanctions imposed on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and its some of the present and former officials.
“I shared the spirit of the country’s people. They (people of Bangladesh) didn’t accept it. They didn’t like it,” he told reporters at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy while responding to a question on his recent telephone conversation with the US Secretary of State.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Secretary (East) Mashfee Binte Shams and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran, among others, were present at the media briefing on Indian President Ram Nath Kovind's ongoing three-day state visit to Bangladesh.
Earlier, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said Secretary Blinken reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with Bangladesh on development, economic growth, and security.
"The two leaders discussed the importance of human rights and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address shared global challenges," said the Spokesperson.
Also read: Blinken calls up FM Momen; discusses bilateral issues
Dr Momen explained why the people of the country did not accept it, noting that the two countries have around 50 years of trusted friendship.
“We discussed all the issues through a number of dialogue platforms. We resolved all issues with our neighbours through discussions. Naturally, we had an expectation that you would inform us beforehand in the case of taking any decision. We didn’t like it,” said the Foreign Minister what he conveyed to his US counterpart.
Dr Momen described RAB as a “very disciplined force free from corruption” and said RAB is working very efficiently as the US has taken a number of initiatives globally against terrorism, human trafficking, crimes and war against drugs.
He said no terrorist attacks took place in Bangladesh after the Holey Artisan incident due to RAB’s efficient handling of the issues.
Also read: Efforts on to change Washington’s decision of sanctions: FM Momen
“People have a lot of confidence in RAB,” Dr Momen said, adding that neither side did talk about withdrawal of the sanctions but laid emphasis on discussions.
In reply, the US Secretary of State said they will discuss as there are scopes for working together in many areas like human rights, democracy, peacekeeping and climate change, said the Foreign Minister.
“I told him that we’re a democratic country,” Dr Momen said, adding that Bangladesh gives much importance on strengthening democracy and addressing human rights issues as the country has a good reputation worldwide.
The Foreign Minister said there are many ongoing dialogue mechanisms between the two countries and suggested the US Secretary of State to call if there are any problems and they are likely to have a meeting in Washington in the coming Spring.
“He was very positive, I should say, the way he responded to us. We’ve a good rapport I should say,” Dr Momen said.
The US Secretary of State made a phone call to Dr Momen on Wednesday evening and discussed issues of mutual interests.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Victory of Bangladesh, the US Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Dr Momen spoke over phone at length.
"Both renewed the resolve to take forward the relationship further. They also agreed to increased engagement while celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral relationship,” the State Minister tweeted.
Earlier, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller was summoned by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Saturday to convey Dhaka’s “discontent” over the designated sanctions imposed by the US Departments of Treasury and of State on some of the present and former officials of the RAB.
Foreign Secretary Momen expressed Bangladesh’s disappointment that the decision was taken "unilaterally" by the US Administration without any prior consultation with the Government of Bangladesh.
He flagged that the issues that were cited for imposing the designated sanctions remained under active discussions, including under the framework of the regular institutional dialogues between the two sides, and that yet the US decision came without any prior intimation.
The Foreign Secretary regretted that the US decided to undermine an agency of the government that had been on the forefront of combating terrorism, drug trafficking and other heinous transnational crimes that were considered to be shared priorities withU successive US administrations.
Ambassador Miller took note of the concerns raised by the Government of Bangladesh, and assured of conveying the same to his Capital, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He concurred that the excellent multifaceted relations between two countries could be further deepened through established consultation mechanisms and high level visits.
Ambassador Miller further expressed the willingness of the US Government to remain closely engaged with the Government of Bangladesh in the coming days on issues of mutual interest.
Efforts on to change Washington’s decision of sanctions: FM Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said their efforts and discussions with the United States will continue so that it changes its decision on designated sanctions imposed on some of the present and former officials of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
“It’s not like that all the decisions of the US are correct. There’re many examples. We’ll discuss the issue with them. We expect they’ll change their position. Our efforts will continue on that front,” he said while responding to a question at a virtual media briefing.
The Foreign Minister briefed the media on the upcoming State visit of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind to Bangladesh from December 15-17 which is a “reflection of the high priority” that both countries attach to the bilateral relationship.
Terming the Dhaka-Washington relations “very sweet” with continuous discussion on many issues, the Foreign Minister who got connected from Turkey said they believe that there will be no impact on the relations between the two countries.
Read: Sanctions on RAB: FM says impact on relations depends on US
He described the US decision as “regrettable” and mentioned that by and large RAB is free from corruption and people have confidence in them.
Earlier, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller was summoned by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Saturday to convey Dhaka’s “discontent” over the designated sanctions imposed by the US Departments of Treasury and of State on some of the present and former officials of RAB.
Foreign Secretary Momen expressed Bangladesh’s disappointment that the decision was taken "unilaterally" by the US Administration without any prior consultation with the government of Bangladesh.
He flagged that the issues that were cited for imposing the designated sanctions remained under active discussions, including under the framework of the regular institutional dialogues between the two sides, and that yet the US decision came without any prior intimation.
The Foreign Secretary regretted that the US decided to undermine an agency of the government that had been on the forefront of combating terrorism, drug trafficking and other heinous transnational crimes that were considered to be shared priorities with successive US administrations.
Read: US imposes sanctions on RAB, 7 individuals
Ambassador Miller took note of the concerns raised by the Bangladesh government, and assured Dhaka of conveying the same to his Capital, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He concurred that the excellent multifaceted relations between two countries could be further deepened through established consultation mechanisms and high-level visits.
Ambassador Miller further expressed the willingness of the US government to remain closely engaged with the Bangladesh government in the coming days on the issues of mutual interests.
FM shocked at India's military chief's death in chopper crash
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed deep shock at the death of India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and other co-passengers in a chopper crash in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
India's top military commander, his wife and 11 others died after the Mi-17V5 helicopter came down in the hilly terrain of the Nilgiris in the state's Coonoor district and burst into flames on Wednesday morning.
READ: Border killings remain an irritant, FM Momen tells Shringla
"I'm deeply shocked and saddened," Dr Momen said in a condolence message forwarded to his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar.
On behalf of the government of Bangladesh and on his own behalf, the Foreign Minister conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family members of General Rawat and other deceased, and the people of India.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and their near and dear ones. May they have the strength to bear with the irreparable losses," the message reads.
READ: Dhaka, Delhi created model relations, says FM terming Dec 6 a historic day
Bipin Rawat, 63, was appointed as India's first chief of defence staff in January 2019.
General Rawat has had a chequered career in the armed forces spanning over 40 years, rising from the rank of a junior commissioner officer to the Indian Army chief and eventually the first head of the tri-services – the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.
Prolonged stay of Rohingyas in Bangladesh is security threat to the region: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has alerted the international community about possible disruption of peace and security in the region due to prolonged stay of the Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
"As the crisis lingers, the desperation of these forcibly displaced people increases jeopardizing the peace and security of the region," he said as the two-day World Peace Conference ended on Sunday evening.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the conference Momen said Bangladesh’s strong commitment to peace and humanity encouraged it to stand for the persecuted Myanmar nationals.
Like many other countries, he said, Bangladesh could have turned its back and remained insensitive.
"Such indifference, however, is alien to our psyche," said the foreign minister.
Also read: Let’s dream of a better world, FM Momen tells peace conference
Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, he said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
"Let’s lit up the power of love in every heart and create a mindset of tolerance; let the message of peace which this conference has generated help construct a defence of peace in every mind," said Momen.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the closing ceremony as the chief guest.
In Dhaka Peace Declaration, the participants said they remain sensitized to the growing security, displacement and ecological challenges posed by climate change and commit to enhanced climate action for a peaceful and sustainable future of planet.
"We must join forces to keep our oceans and high seas, outer space and Polar Regions free from armed conflicts and contestations," the Peace Declaration read.
The participants said they need to make the various components and manifestations of the Fourth Industrial Revolution employed at the service of our shared well-being.
"We must invest in health security and make quality and affordable treatments and vaccines available for all. We envision a world where the existing global inequities no longer persist and where peace and non-violence prevail as inalienable rights," they said.
Also read: Peace Conference testimony of Bangladesh's commitment to global security: FM
The global participants said they cannot lose sight of the fact that absence of peace anywhere in the world implies absence of peace everywhere.
"We must repose our faith and confidence in the spirit of multilateralism. We wish to see the comity of nations made fit for purpose for our evolving global realities," according to the Dhaka Peace Declaration.
No boarding passes if South Africa returnees not fully vaccinated: FM
Foreign Minister Abdul Momen on Thursday said those who are returning from South Africa will not get boarding passes if they are not fully vaccinated and fail to show Covid negative report.
“Biman doesn’t operate flights to Africa, if any flight of other airlines comes here the travellers won’t get boarding passes unless they are fully vaccinated and have Covid negative certificate,” he said.
“They’ll have to stay in a 14-day institutional quarantine upon arrival,“ said the minister while talking to reporters over the Omicron scare after attending a programme at Salutika in Sylhet.
Momen said all the missions have been asked to discourage Bangladeshis staying in Africa and the adjacent countries not to travel to Bangladesh now. “However, Bangladesh is ready to face the situation,” he added.
Read: Bangladesh removed from India’s "red list": FMCity Mayor Ariful Haq Chowdhury, among others, attended the programme.
Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Wednesday urged the expatriates, especially those living in Africa, to avoid travel and stay in their respective workplaces.
“People coming from Africa must undergo a14-day quarantine. If 20,000 people from Africa come to the country at a time, then it won’t be possible to put them under institutional quarantine,” he said.
Omicron has spread in different parts of Africa and the new variant has been detected in some European countries, including the UK.
Read: Bangladesh seeks US investment in diversified areas
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned Monday that the global risk from the Omicron variant is “very high” based on the early evidence, saying the mutated coronavirus could lead to surges with “severe consequences”.
The assessment from the UN health agency, contained in a technical paper issued to member states, amounted to WHO’s strongest, most explicit warning yet about the new version that was first identified days ago by researchers in South Africa, reports AP.