US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas is holding a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at State Guesthouse Padma. The meeting began around 11 am today (November 30, 2023). Issues being discussed at the meeting could not be known immediately.   It is worth noting that the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC has said the political context of the US “Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally” has many reasons “to be alarmed.” “Politics is behind what is said about labor rights in the memorandum, and the US would try to use the political purpose in different ways,” said the embassy in a letter based on observation it made on the recently launched US initiative. Read: US Ambassador Peter Haas returns to Dhaka The US Presidential Memorandum was rolled out on November 16. The United States said it will work to “hold accountable those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labor rights defenders, labor organizations – including using things like sanctions, trade penalties and visa restrictions” – all the tools in their kit. Read: Repeatedly raised concerns about threatening rhetoric directed at Peter Haas with Bangladesh govt: US Embassy The “memorandum” is a signal for Bangladesh as the US may take any measure as described in it with the excuse of labor issues, the letter from Bangladesh embassy in Washington, seen by UNB, reads. “The memorandum may also have an impact on Bangladesh’s apparel sector, and it should be taken into cognizance with priority by the concerned stakeholders,” it said. Read more: Try to figure out a way to have dialogue without pre-conditions: Peter Haas urges parties

The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC has said the political context of the US "Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally" has many "reasons to be alarmed". "Politics is behind what is said about labor rights in the memorandum, and the US would try to use the political purpose in different ways," said the embassy in a letter based on observation it made on the recently launched US initiative. Therefore, the "memorandum" is a signal for Bangladesh as the US may take any measure as described in the memorandum with the excuse of labor issues, the document seen by UNB reads. "The memorandum may also have an impact on Bangladesh's apparel sector, and it should be taken into cognizance with priority by the concerned stakeholders," it said. The report on an initial compiled report on the "Memorandum on advancing worker empowerment, rights and high labour standards globally" issued by the US president and launched by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken was also forwarded. USA will support Bangladesh after election: Momen Though the "memorandum" appears to be a global policy applicable for all countries, there are reasons to believe that Bangladesh may be one of the targets, said the embassy. Labor issues in Bangladesh were specifically quoted by the secretary of state and acting secretary of labor at the launching ceremony. US State Dept spokesperson says will ‘refrain from being drawn into’ internal Bangladeshi political matters As per the "memorandum", the US foreign mission would directly interact/deal with labor issues, the policy may encourage the interested US diplomats/missions to interfere in many internal/ domestic issues. "It seems that there are scopes for this policy to be imposed at individual, firm, or state level, if they anticipate/believe the labors' rights are violated," reads the document signed by the Minister (Commerce) at the Embassy to the senior secretary at the Ministry of Commerce. ‘Discussed cooperation on dev and importance of protecting democracy’: US State Dept Counselor meets Momen The US Presidential Memorandum was rolled out on November 16. The United States said they will work to “hold accountable those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labor rights defenders, labor organizations – including using things like sanctions, trade penalties and visa restrictions” – all the tools in their kit.

Deputy Chief of Staff of US Army, Lieutenant General Patrick Matlock, has highly praised the Bangladesh Armed Forces for their contribution to safeguarding national independence and establishing world peace. Speaking as the chief guest at a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, he said the Bangladesh Armed Forces have been at the forefront of security and national independence, providing relief to fellow citizens in times of natural disasters, sheltering the destitute and bringing peace and stability around the globe. Noting that Bangladesh is the world’s largest troop contributor to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation, Lieutenant General Matlock said the world is grateful for the sacrifice in the contribution of the Bangladeshi troops. He pointed out the partnership between the armed forces of Bangladesh and the US, and welcomed the continued expansion of this partnership for peace and prosperity in the years to come. The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC hosted the reception at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of the embassy on Tuesday to celebrate the 52nd Armed Forces Day, the embassy said on Thursday. Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran and Defence Attaché of the Embassy Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam spoke at the event. Lieutenant General Gerry Glavy, Deputy Commandant of US Marine Corps; Afreen Akhter, US Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs; Lieutenant Colonel Seamas Whitsel, Director for South Asia Regional Affairs of US National Security Council, joined the reception, among others. BNP-Jamaat want to grab power by burning people: PM Hasina tells Armed Forces Day reception Alternate Executive Director of the World Bank Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus was also present at the function. Ambassador Imran paid deepest homage to the architect of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led the nation to achieve its long-cherished independence. He also recalled with profound respect three million martyrs, including the members of the armed forces, for their great sacrifice in the War of Liberation. He mentioned the multifaceted collaboration between the armed forces of Bangladesh and the United States, saying that the two countries share convergent views on a range of defense and security issues. The ambassador said as a development partner and friend, the US has extended support to Bangladesh in the past in its development journey, and Bangladesh looks forward to working together closely with further engagements to take the relations to new heights. Defence Attaché of Bangladesh Embassy Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam welcomed the guests at the reception and thanked the US for the support and cooperation extended that is mutually beneficial for the two countries. Minister (Political) Md. Rashedujjaman conducted the program. The function began with the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States. Then a short documentary on the activities of the Bangladesh Armed Forces was screened. Ambassadors, diplomats and defense attaches from a number of countries, senior officials from the Pentagon, Department of State, and other US organizations, members of Bangladeshi diaspora and embassy officials and employees attended the function. The program ended with the cutting of a cake by the chief guest in presence of other dignitaries. Armed Forces Day: Chiefs of three services call on President Shahabuddin

The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC has observed the National Mourning Day, commemorating the 48th martyrdom anniversary of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with due respect and solemnity. The embassy arranged elaborate programs at the Bangabandhu Auditorium to pay deep homage to Bangabandhu, the architect of independence. The day’s programs began with the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag at half-mast in front of the Chancery by Bangladesh Ambassador to the US, Muhammad Imran. Officials and employees of the mission were present on the occasion. FBCCI pays tribute to Father of the Nation on national mourning day Later, the ambassador, accompanied by the officials, placed a wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation and observed a moment of silence for paying homage to Bangabandhu. The messages issued by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam were read out by Minister (Economic) Md Mahedi Hasan, Minister (Commerce) Md Salim Reza, Counsellor & Head of Chancery Mohammad Moniruzzaman and Counsellor Shamima Yeasmin Smrite. A documentary on the life and works of Bangabandhu was screened, which was followed by a discussion session. National Mourning Day observed in Japan Taking part in the discussion, Ambassador Muhammad Imran paid glowing tributes to the Father of the Nation and other martyrs of the August 15 carnage. He narrated Bangabandhu’s dedication and 24-year struggle from the Language Movement to the Liberation War to achieve long-cherished independence of Bangladesh. Ambassador Imran said responding to the call of Bangabandhu, freedom-loving Bangalees took up arms in 1971 and attained independence from Pakistan on December 16 under the leadership of Bangabandhu. Chorki to stream ‘Hasina: A Daughter's Tale’ on National Mourning Day Terming August 15 as the most disgraceful chapter for the nation, the ambassador called upon all to transform grief of losing Bangabandhu into strength and to work unitedly to build a happy and prosperous “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal) as dreamt by the Father of the Nation. Ambassador Imran mentioned that Bangabandhu’s able daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been working relentlessly to complete the Father of the Nation’s unfinished task of establishing Bangladesh as a developed and prosperous nation in the world. He requested all to work from their respective positions to turn Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous “Smart Bangladesh” under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Taking part in the discussion, Minister (Consular) Mohammad Habibur Rahman focused on Bangabandhu’s great dedication and long struggle for the country’s independence. He also highlighted Bangabandhu’s various epoch-making steps to rebuild the war-ravaged nation. Later, the ambassador handed over prizes among the winners of an essay competition organized by the embassy. A significant number of children of different age groups of Bangladeshi diaspora took part in the competition The programs ended with offering a special prayer seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and other martyrs of the August 15 massacre as well as all martyrs of Liberation War. First Secretary Md Ataur Rahman conducted the programs. The embassy earlier arranged a doa and special prayer at the Islamic Centre in Washington DC after Juma prayers on August 11 on the occasion of the 48th martyrdom anniversary of the Father of the Nation.

Prime Minister's Adviser for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Dr Tawfiq-E-Elahi Chowdhury has encouraged the US companies, including ExxonMobil, to invest in oil and gas explorations in Bangladesh, particularly the offshore ones. He held a meeting with the senior officials of ExxonMobil, one of the world's largest publicly traded international oil and gas companies, Friday at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC and welcomed their contributions to Bangladesh's energy sector, highlighting the crucial role of the US companies in this area. Also, the adviser focused on the need for investment in building storage facilities for renewable energy in Bangladesh. Having a balanced mix of energy sources is critical for Bangladesh and its development, he said. Read: Bangladesh seeks US investment for regional power distribution Dr Tawfiq acknowledged that the companies like ExxonMobil, which are looking for liquefied natural gas (LNG) businesses in Bangladesh, require guarantying hedges against the price volatilities. He asked ExxonMobil to expedite deep-sea exploration and to invest in upgrading transmission networks and land-based facilities. ExxonMobil expressed a keen interest in working with Bangladesh to support the country's current pace of development and ensure access to energy. Read: US investors: Bangladesh showcases its capital market potential Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA M Shahidul Islam and senior officials from Bangladesh Embassy and ExxonMobil were present at the meeting. Later, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Summit Oil and Shipping Co. Ltd and Commonwealth LNG at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC in the presence of Dr Tawfiq. The adviser welcomed the signing of the MoU as an important step towards further expanding the existing energy cooperation between Bangladesh and the US.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam has said Mujibnagar embodies the pride of the Bangalee nation in the struggle for freedom from the occupational forces. He paid deep tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, three million martyrs and two lakh tortured mothers and sisters. The Ambassador, while addressing a discussion meeting, said Bangladesh earned liberation not only by sacrifice but also by valor of the freedom fighters. Also read: Historic Mujibnagar Day observed in Seoul Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC observed the historic Mujibnagar Day on Saturday with due solemnity and respect. To mark the day, the Embassy organised the discussion meeting at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Chancery in the morning. Messages issued by President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Mujibnagar Day were read out. A documentary titled “Mujibnagar Sarker” was screened at the event. Also read: Mujibnagar govt played historic role in freedom struggle of Bangladesh: Envoy A special prayer was offered, seeking divine blessings and salvation of the departed souls of Bangabandhu, four national leaders, and all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the liberation war as well as for peace and progress of Bangladesh. Later, Ambassador Shahidul Islam, along with the diplomats working in the Embassy, placed a floral wreath at the bust of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The government has taken an initiative to bring back the Bangladeshis, stranded in the United States amid the coronavirus pandemic, in   a chartered flight either  on May 14 or 15.