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Khaleda can fly in any foreign doctor for treatment: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is allowed to fly in any doctor from abroad for her treatment if she wants.
“If they feel that doctors from abroad would be much more helpful for her treatment, of course (it’s) most welcome,” he told reporters after briefing diplomats at state guesthouse Padma on the current issues including Khaleda’s health condition.
The current issues also included UP elections, forthcoming World Peace Conference, Covid-19, Rohingya crisis and recently held COP26.
Dr Momen said whatever the former Prime Minister wants to do, she is free to do and can receive treatment anywhere in the country.
Also read: Khaleda freed assassins of Bangabandhu, 4 leaders and made them ambassadors: Joy
“But if she has to go abroad, then she has to go through the legal process,” said the Foreign Minister, adding that the government wants to uphold the rule of law in the country and it wants Khaleda to follow it, too.
Dr Momen said the government has nothing against Khaleda and the law will take care of her as is a prisoner.
Talking about the UP elections, the Foreign Minister said these have been done in phases and they are very happy that the elections are “inclusive” and the “enthusiasm is very high.”
He, however, said the only bad thing is that in some cases, out of enthusiasm, there are a few fatalities. “We don’t want to see any single fatality in any election. But I don’t know how it can be done.”
The Foreign Minister said they ask all the leaders that they should not incite their people in such a way they have to get involved in any violence. “They should stop violence and they should only cast votes. Voters are really great and they never make mistakes.”
He said this is an enormous election and thousands of people are casting their votes and the government is committed to a free and fair and transparent election. “The government didn’t interfere and intervene. These’re free, fair and transparent elections.”
Also read: Khaleda diagnosed with liver cirrhosis: Medical board
Dr Momen said Bangladesh will host the World Peace Conference on December 4-5 where he expects a wider presence of the international community to promote peace in the world. “Peace is essential.”
On the Covid situation, the Foreign Minister said the pandemic is under control in Bangladesh but they are careful about the new South African variant.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a new coronavirus variant to be "of concern" and named it Omicron.
“In terms of Covid, it’s under control. But we had to stop all the flights from South Africa to Bangladesh to avoid that particular variant,” Dr Momen said.
Talking about the Rohingya crisis and their relocation to Bhasan Char, he said those who have been relocated so far have gone there voluntarily. "We didn't force anybody to go there."
Dr Momen said the ultimate solution is that they must go back to Myanmar.
The government has planned to shift 100,000 Rohingyas to Bhasan Char from Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps.
Dhaka for early conclusion of inclusive PTA with Jakarta
Bangladesh has stressed the importance of an early conclusion of bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Indonesia by making it inclusive and mutually beneficial.
Bangladesh observed that signing of the PTA, now under negotiation, could be an effective tool for further strengthening the trade and economic relations between the two countries.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen discussed issues when visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met him on Tuesday.
Also read: Indonesian envoy pays farewell call on President Hamid
The Indonesian Minister is visiting Bangladesh to attend the 21st IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting in Dhaka.
Momen thanked his Indonesian counterpart for their supportive role in the UNGA, OIC, Human Rights Council on the issue and urged them to play a more proactive role within the ASEAN to ensure an early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their motherland.
He highlighted the plights of 1.1 million forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens who are being temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh on humanitarian ground.
Momen also focused on the huge socio-economic pressure caused by the Rohingyas saying the problem is exerting on Bangladesh.
While exchanging views on the Covid-19 pandemic, he pointed out the very low level of positivity rate currently prevailing in Bangladesh and informed her of the government drive for vaccinating people en masse.
The Indonesian foreign minister congratulated Bangladesh on successfully organizing the 21st Council of Ministers Meeting in Dhaka.
While discussing the importance of IORA, Foreign Minister Momen reiterated that Bangladesh believes in a free, open, peaceful and inclusive indo-pacific for the common global benefit.
The two foreign ministers expressed satisfaction over the flourishing bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest over the last five decades.
Also read: Indonesia seeks more oxygen for COVID-19 sick amid shortage
Terming Indonesia as one of our trusted friends, Momen pointed out the excellent understanding and goodwill prevailing among the highest political level of the two countries.
Referring to the 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries that falls next year, both the ministers agreed to celebrate the special occasion in a befitting manner.
Dhaka urges London to repatriate convicted war criminals
Bangladesh has urged the United Kingdom to repatriate the convicted war criminals currently living there to implement the court verdict as Bangladesh believes in the rule of law.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen made the request when visiting UK’s Minister for South Asia Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon met him on Monday.
Dr Momen also asked them to facilitate visas for those working in the curry industry, which will create an opportunity for skilled manpower to work in the UK.
He urged the UK to continue to remain engaged in the questions of Rohingya repatriation. Lord Ahmad assured the Minister of standing by the Rohingyas to help find a durable solution.
Also read: Pakistani war criminals should be brought under trial: Envoy
The UK Minister expressed satisfaction at the recent understanding reached between the government of Bangladesh and UN for the latter’s work on Bhasan Char.
The two ministers exchanged views on cyber security issues and the challenges for religious tolerance and communal harmony.
They talked about further accelerating the UN’s work on promoting responsible behavior in cyberspace by involving the concerned private sector.
During the meeting, the UK Minister discussed his aspirations for the ever closer Bangladesh-UK friendship with opportunities for increased trade and investment, closer security cooperation, cyber security and UK support to critical climate projects and quality education for girls.
Lord Ahmad congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association and recognized Bangladesh’s efforts in managing the Covid-19 pandemic.
Foreign Minister Momen thanked the UK government for removing Bangladesh from the travel restrictions imposed in the wake of the Delta variant.
He commended the role of the UK presidency for COP26 on climate change held in Glasgow this month.
Lord Ahmad acknowledged Bangladesh’s proactive role as the chair of the Climate Vulnerability Forum and recalled his conversations with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Glasgow.
Also read: Bangladeshi war criminal Mueen Uddin sues British Home Secretary
The UK minister informed the Bangladesh Minister about the UK’s funding support of 120 million GBP for climate action in Bangladesh, with focus on addressing the vulnerability of women and girls.
Lord Ahmad also stressed the UK Government’s priority in girl’s education and announced a new funding support of 54 million GBP targeting female students and disadvantaged children affected by the pandemic.
Earlier, Lord Ahmad delivered a speech on “Bangladesh – UK: Partners for Progress” at the Foreign Service Academy.
Lord Ahmad is on a three-day visit to Bangladesh to attend the 21st IORA Council of Ministers’ meetings.
Border killings unfortunate for Bangladesh; shameful for India: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday reiterated that the border killing is a matter of shame for India and unfortunate for Bangladesh as Bangladeshis are losing their lives.
“I always say, it’s unfortunate for us and it’s a matter of shame for India… I’ve no other answer to that,” he said while responding to a question at a media briefing at his ministry.
Dr Momen said the decision was taken at the level of heads of government and also at various levels that the two countries do not want to see any killing along the Bangladesh-India border and there was a verbal decision that no lethal weapon will be used. “But it happens from time to time.”
Also read: India assured Bangladesh of stopping border killing, says Quader
Bangladesh to get 5mn AstraZeneca jabs from Poland, KSA: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said Bangladesh will soon get around 5 million of AstraZeneca vaccine doses from Poland and Saudi Arabia as gifts.
Bangladesh will get around 1.5 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from Saudi Arabia.
"Our Ambassador in Riyadh has informed me that 1499,270 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine will come from the King Salman Relief Fund," he said in a message from Paris, France on Tuesday.
READ: Bangladesh receives 10 lakh doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from India
The vaccine doses will arrive in Dhaka by the next two to three days, Dr Momen said.
Meanwhile, he said, Poland will provide 3.3 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses free of cost to Bangladesh. These are being shipped, Dr Momen said.
READ: One million AstraZeneca vaccine doses to reach Dhaka from India today
Poland donated these vaccine doses through the European Union (EU)
Be humane in building livable society for differently-abled people: FM
The government is committed to addressing the needs of the people who are differently-abled by integrating them into society, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said Friday.
He urged all to be more humane in building a livable society for the people with special needs. "Autism is not a disease. It is a special situation that requires much care."
PM’s France visit to elevate Dhaka-Paris ties: FM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay a visit to Paris, France from November 9 to 13 which Dhaka says will be a very “extensive and engaging” one and take the relations between the two countries to a newer height.
She will have bilateral meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Jean Castex separately during the visit.
“Both the French President and the Prime Minister invited our Prime Minister to visit France,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.
Also read: Doraiswami lauds Hasina’s leadership in realizing Bangabandhu’s dream of Sonar Bangla
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam said the Prime Minister’s engagement in Paris will be very extensive and she will be given guard of honour in three places.
Cooked-up stories shared on social media to embarrass govt: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said some enthusiastic media and individuals are unfortunately spreading cooked-up stories of deaths and rapes on religious minorities basically to embarrass the Sheikh Hasina government that is committed to religious harmony.
He said all the perpetrators have been arrested and are now in police custody while the houses that were burned down have been rebuilt and everyone got compensation.
“Till to-date six people died during recent religious violence,” Dr Momen said in a message shared with the media.
Read: HC orders judicial probe into attacks on Hindus in 6 districts
Among the dead, he said, four are Muslims and they were killed by police when they tried to torch the houses of the Hindu community, and two Hindus died - one a normal death and another by drowning.
“None was raped and not a single Mandir was torched or destroyed. However, a couple of deities or Goddesses were vandalized,” he said.
In recent years, Dr Momen said, there has been a proliferation of Puja venues in every place, including individual houses, as the government pays money for every Puja venue and there is a shortage of police personnel to monitor all of them on a 24/7 days a week.
Also read: Communal violence: Citizens demand exemplary punishment for perpetrators
To avoid such incidents of abuse, he said, the Puja organizers should not leave their venues unattended.
The Foreign Minister said a drug-addict person reportedly left a copy of the Holy Quran near the foot of a deity when there was no worshipper or organizer at the Puja venue and another person took a photo of it and put it up on the social media Facebook that sparked outrage leading to vandalism and ransacking.
UN must reflect the voice of every nation, not just a few: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the United Nations (UN) is a great institution to help humanity and no one should abuse the advantage of its universality and acceptability.
"Let the rays of hope that our forefathers kindled 76 years ago brighten our path and guide us towards a peaceful and prosperous future we want," he said.
The Foreign Minister was addressing a commemorative event on Monday in celebration of the UN Day.
Dr Momen said they need to strengthen the organization to cater to the needs of all peoples and to reflect the voice of every country, not only of a few.
"As we are reeling with the pandemic, more than ever before we share a common destiny. More than ever before we need to unite as 'we the peoples,'" he said.
The Foreign Minister said they are looking forward to a meaningful outcome from the Glasgow Conference.
"We are helpful, we must take decisive action now, not tomorrow. Together, we must find a way to reduce harmful emissions to net zero by 2050," he said.
READ: UN shouldn’t be mouthpiece for a few: FM
Dr Momen said they must keep the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
UN shouldn’t be mouthpiece for a few: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said the United Nations should be a voice of all the countries, not just the mouthpiece of a few countries.
“There’s a need for a change in this situation,” he said while addressing a discussion at Jatiya Press Club marking the UN Day.
He said Bangladesh will be the candidate for UNGA President in 2026 and insisted that the next UN General Secretary, if it is from Asia, should be from Bangladesh.
Dr Momen said it is regrettable that there is no significant number of Bangladeshis in the UN leadership positions. “Now, time has come for increasing our representation in the UN.”
The Foreign Minister appreciated the UN role in many areas saying there was no third World War because of the UN though it has failed to resolve problems in many countries.
Read: Bangladesh’s UNGA participation shows its stronger presence in multilateral forum: Officials
“We want peace in the world and the UN was established in search of peace. We recognize UN contributions,” he said.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh will host a world peace conference in December as peace is imperative for development.