Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday said Bangladesh is positioned to be a “regional connectivity hub” and India being the closest neighbour can reap the benefits of the connectivity outlook, as envisioned by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Momen also mentioned about the actions taken by Hasina and her government for exerting “zero tolerance” towards terrorism, radicalism and insurgency, which ultimately paved the way in establishing “peace and stability” of the North Eastern states of India. During his meeting with the foreign minister, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay K. Verma said India, under its Presidency of G20, expects active participation of Bangladesh in the G20 meetings to promote the issues of mutual interest in the global discourse. The foreign minister reaffirmed that Bangladesh considers India as the closest and the most important neighbour and termed the relations as “solid and unique one.” Momen underscored the exemplary economic growth of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of the PM Hasina and added that Bangladesh’s economic development is complementing the economic development of India in many ways. Read: Phone Conversation: Momen, Lavrov want to take Dhaka-Moscow relations to greater heights With regard to the Indo-Pacific region, Momen stressed the need for international rules and norms based on free and fair connectivity amongst the countries of the region. The Indian high commissioner said working in Bangladesh is a matter of honour and privilege and reiterated his commitment to work on the issues of mutual interest for further strengthening the excellent relations existing between the two countries. He stressed on working together in the multilateral arena in supporting the candidatures floated by either country. He urged all concerned to work towards bringing the border killings to zero, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both the foreign minister and the high commissioner emphasized increasing the engagements between Bangladesh and Indian North Eastern region to invigorate the connectivity and age-old relationship. Momen emphasized that more than 1.1 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar are being sheltered by Bangladesh. Read: Momen ‘surprised’ to see his name as chief guest at Bay of Bengal Conversation 2022 opening

Bangladesh and Uzbekistan have discussed ways for establishing air connectivity between Dhaka and Tashkent. The code-sharing between two airlines – Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Uzbek Airways – will ensure easy and hassle-free travel between the two countries. With the initiative of the Bangladesh Embassy in Tashkent, an online meeting of two ministries for establishing air connectivity between Dhaka and Tashkent through code-sharing between Bangladesh's Ministry of Civil Aviation and Uzbek Ministry of Transport was held Tuesday. The Bangladesh side was led by Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Mokammel Hossain. MD and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, additional secretary of the ministry and officials from Biman and Civil Aviation were also present. Read more: Uzbekistan to set up embassy in Bangladesh, restart Dhaka-Tashkent direct flights The Uzbek side was led by Jasurbek Choriev, deputy minister of Transport (Aviation) at the Ministry of Transport, and officials from the Uzbek Ministry of Investments, Uzbek Airways and the "Uzaviation" agency. During the meeting, Jasurbek emphasised code-sharing to introduce air connectivity. In response, Mokammel requested to confirm the Air Service Agreement pending with the Uzbek side. He also called for forming technical committees to expedite the process of establishment of air connectivity through code-sharing. The Uzbek side agreed to the proposal and assured the Bangladesh side that they will approve the agreement and send it back soon. Also, during the online meeting, Bangladesh Ambassador to Uzbekistan Md Zahangir Alam emphasised ziyarat tourism and mentioned the tourist opportunities in Bangladesh such as the world's longest sea beach in Cox's Bazar, the largest mangrove forest – the Sundarbans – and other tourist attractions. Uzbekistan has the mazars of Imam al-Bukhari, Imam at-Tirmizi, Imam al-Nakshbandi and many other Islamic saints, he said. Read more: Uzbekistan keen to invest in Bangladesh's oil, gas exploration sector

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said her government has been working to improve the connectivity throughout the country for economic progress and industrialization. “We’ve developed a communication network through construction of roads and bridges across the country. Besides, we’ve been dredging and reviving the rivers…. We’re reviving the rail services (on different routes) and constructing new rail lines,” she said. The premier was addressing a function, arranged at her office, through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganobhaban. Also read: Keep pace with modern era to build a prosperous Bangladesh, PM tells young talents In the function, 45 financial institutions donated some Tk 305 crore to the Prime Minister’s Relief and Welfare Fund for the flood-hit people. On behalf of the PM, her Principal Secretary  Ahmad Kaikaus received the cheques of the donation from the top representatives of the banks.  

By ensuring effective participation of the people in the national budget making and implementation processes, pro-people and inclusive development can be further accelerated, discussants said on Sunday. To do so, there is no alternative to increasing the extent of the exchange of views between the Parliamentarians and the citizens, they said, adding that digital platforms can facilitate such interactions. The discussants came up with the opinions at the inauguration of the ‘Digital Budget Information Helpdesk’ programme of the non-government think tank Unnayan Shamannay. Under this programme, parliamentarians, media professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders will be able to get budget-related research and information support from the research team of Unnayan Shamannay. Also read: Budget to propose special VAT reduction to boost small businesses At the same time, by using a website named ‘Amader Shangshad’ (Our Parliament), voters will be able to communicate their budget-related demands and suggestions to their respective parliamentarians. Additionally, before and after the budget for the next fiscal year is proposed, budget-related live discussion sessions will be broadcasted  via social media platforms (where people will be able to directly interact with the sector experts). The programme was inaugurated virtually by Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Information Hasanul Haq Inu. Unnayan Shamannay Chair and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank Dr Atiur Rahman delivered welcome remarks. Dr. Rahman pointed out that the budget for the next fiscal year is going to be proposed under especial circumstances. On the one hand, there are the demands for recovery following the pandemic; and on the other hand, there is pressure to go for a somewhat contractionary fiscal policy in the context of the national macroeconomic situation caused by the geopolitical turmoil, he said. Stakeholders will be looking to this budget to direct towards a balanced approach. In this context, the services of the Digital Budget Information Helpdesk will be especially useful for the stakeholders- opined Dr. Atiur. Inu pointed out that the lawmakers are especially interested to know the extent to which the budgets are aligned with the national macroeconomic aspirations. Also read: New budget to focus on agro investment It would be really appreciated if those responsible for the digital helpdesk can provide data and research support to track these issues, he said. Unnayan Shamannay, for over a decade, has been providing budget-related information and research support to the honorable Parliamentarians from the Budget Information Help Desk operated from the Bangladesh National Parliament during the budget sessions. This year, the Digital Budget Information Help Desk initiative has been launched to provide similar support to both the parliamentarians as well as other stakeholders. The online launching event was moderated by the organization’s Project Coordinator Zahid Rahman and the closing remarks were delivered by the organization’s Emeritus Fellow and eminent sociologist Khondoker Shakhawat Ali.

Bangladesh has said regional connectivity is one of the most important means of trade and that Bangladesh’s unique geographical location in the region provides an opportunity for all countries in the SAARC, BIMSTEC and BCIM to be connected by road.  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came up with the view during her conversation with her Bhutanese counterpart Dr Lotay Tshering.  She reiterated the offer to Bhutan for full access to Bangladesh’s seaports, according to a joint statement between Bangladesh and Bhutan issued on Wednesday night.  The Prime Ministers noted the substantial progress made in the past towards signing an MoU among Bangladesh, Bhutan and India on trilateral cooperation in hydroelectricity.  In order to move forward, they agreed that a Secretary-level meeting among the three countries should take place at an early date. They also decided to explore the possibility of bilateral cooperation in this sector. Dr Tshering thanked the government of Bangladesh for its support towards the establishment of the Third International Internet Gateway and Bhutan’s proposal to purchase bandwidth from Bangladesh, which will ensure the reliability of internet and communications for Bhutan.  The discussions between the agencies concerned of the two governments are at an advanced stage and he expressed the hope that the two sides will soon be able to agree on a rate that is mutually acceptable.  Also read: I'm here to hear Bangladesh story sitting next to Hasina: Bhutanese PM The two Prime Ministers agreed to explore the possibilities of rail connectivity between Bangladesh and Bhutan through the recently inaugurated Chilahati-Haldibari rail interlink between Bangladesh and India.  The Prime Minister of Bhutan, who arrived on March 23 on a state visit, is scheduled to leave here for home on Thursday morning. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will see him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.  Dr Tshering paid the visit as the Special Representative of Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, to celebrate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence.  He was accompanied by senior officials of the Royal government of Bhutan and a cultural delegation. The visit of Dr Tshering to Bangladesh at a time of the global pandemic is an exceptional gesture of friendship and goodwill that so happily exist between the two countries. He laid a floral wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar as a mark of respect to the memory of the sacrifices of the great freedom fighters of Bangladesh.  He also visited the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum to pay tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Dr Tshering paid a courtesy call on President Abdul Hamid. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hosted a banquet in honour of Dr Lotay Tshering. Also read: PM for building infrastructures to reap highest benefits from PTA Foreign Minister Dr Momen met Prime Minister of Bhutan at the latter’s place of residence on March 23. Dr Tshering delivered the Bangabandhu Memorial Lecture at the National Parade Ground as a special guest at the programme organised to celebrate the birth centenary of Bangabandhu.  The official discussions between Bangladesh and Bhutan were held at the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday in a warm and cordial atmosphere reflecting the time-tested friendship between the two countries.  During the official discussions, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh recalled with gratitude the invaluable support of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and the people of Bhutan towards Bangladesh’s fight for independence. In commemoration of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, the two Prime Ministers paid tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the valiant freedom fighters, 3 million martyrs, and two hundred thousand women and children who suffered oppression during the war.  The two Prime Ministers recognised with deep satisfaction the manner in which the historic ties between Bhutan and Bangladesh have evolved over the years into a mutually beneficial relationship.  They stated the kinship, which is based on goodwill, friendship and understanding, is an example of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and cooperation. Taking note of the challenges imposed by the ongoing pandemic, the two Prime Ministers congratulated each other for successful, effective, and timely initiatives taken by the respective governments.  Dr Tshering expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the government of Bangladesh for the support rendered to Bhutan during the pandemic, including the provision of medical supplies.  The two Prime Ministers expressed happiness that both Bhutan and Bangladesh are well on track to graduate from the club of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in 2023 and 2024 respectively despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.  Both sides expressed satisfaction at the recent signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).  They, however, noted that bilateral trade has been severely affected by the pandemic and that all-out efforts must be made to overcome the setbacks.  Also read: Bangladesh, Bhutan to examine rail network through India The two Prime Ministers emphasized holding the Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) and Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) as soon as possible, and amend the SOP on the use of inland waterways, and finalise the Protocol to the Transit Agreement on a priority basis. The two leaders emphasised the need for enhanced private sector cooperation, for which the Chambers of Commerce should come up with innovative ways of doing business.  They also encouraged importers and exporters of Bangladesh and Bhutan to use the riverine route for the transport of goods as a viable alternative to road links. As a special gesture of goodwill and friendship, and as part of the celebrations of 50 years of Bhutan’s recognition of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to provide Bhutan internet bandwidth at a friendly rate Following up on the decision taken during Prime Minister Tshering’s visit in April 2019, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed happiness at the fact that a total of 19 physicians and surgeons have joined various hospitals in Bhutan, and are serving there with good reputation.  They expressed happiness that an increasing number of Bhutanese students are choosing Bangladesh as their preferred destination for undergraduate studies, particularly in medicine.  Bangladesh agreed to increase the number of annual MBBS quota seats for Bhutanese students from 15 (fifteen) to 20 (twenty).  It has also been decided that Bangladesh will issue multiple entry visa to Bhutanese students for full duration of their study subject to the validity of their passports. The Prime Ministers viewed that the cultural cooperation between the two countries should be further strengthened in order to promote people-to-people contact, and that, in commemoration of the 50th year of our friendship, the two countries should exchange cultural delegations. Dr Tshering expressed his deep appreciation for the cordial welcome and warm hospitality extended to him and the members of his delegation during their stay in Bangladesh. He extended invitations to the Hon’ble President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan.

Speakers at a roundtable here on Tuesday night highlighted the importance of connectivity to give a big boost to tourism, ensuring continuation of its growing contribution to the economy.

Dhaka, Sept 16 (UNB) - Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali on Monday said the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India reached the best-ever one with the current focus being on key areas – trade, investment, connectivity and energy.