Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (January 23, 2023) said China supports any global initiative if it remains conducive to common development worldwide and avoids division or confrontation. He said any initiative by a country should be “open and inclusive” instead of being exclusive to a particular country or against any country. The Chinese ambassador made the remarks when a reporter wanted to know his views on various global initiatives including the Indo-Pacific strategy. Ambassador Wen had a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also read: Outgoing Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming hopes Rohingya repatriation will start next year Responding to a question on sanctioned Russian ship heading towards China, the ambassador said he saw the media reports and hoped that any sort of sanction would not affect ordinary people and cooperation with any country. He also said that those were “unilateral sanctions”, and not by the United Nations. Bangladesh has conveyed to the Russian side that they can send any ship except those 69 sanctioned ones carrying equipment for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. Sanctioned Russian ship Sparta III (Ursa Major) was scheduled to dock at Mongla port in Bangladesh at the end of December last year and unload cargo destined for the Rooppur power plant in Pabna. Read more: Bangladesh won’t accept those Russian ships which are under sanctions: FM But the authorities denied the ship permission to dock at the port after officials got a letter from the US Embassy in Dhaka, saying that the ship was on a list of Russian vessels sanctioned by the US. The ship is en route to the port of Shanghai, China, sailing at a speed of 10.4 knots and expected to arrive there on January 31, according to vesselfinder.com which provides real-time vessel data. Asked about the sanctioned ship's location, Foreign Minister Momen said they do not know anything further about the ship but reiterated that Bangladesh will not allow any sanctioned ship. Regarding the situation along the border with Myanmar, he said the relevant ministries are working and they are also in touch with the Bangladesh mission in Myanmar. Read More: Shipments for Rooppur plant and Bangabandhu Rail Bridge arrive at Mongla port "The situation is not good," said the foreign minister, noting that people are moving from one place to another out of panic. He said that no new entry from Myanmar will be allowed amid conflicts between two groups on the Myanmar side.

Outgoing Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard has said her country will continue to be a reliable partner for Bangladesh in the days ahead. She paid a farewell call to Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen Monday (January 16, 2023) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Momen congratulated Nathalie on her successful tenure in Bangladesh and appreciated her efforts to further strengthen and broaden Bangladesh-Switzerland ties. Read more: Switzerland a serious global player, reliable partner of Bangladesh: Ambassador Chuard Highlighting the similarity of the foreign policies of the two countries, the foreign minister recalled Bangabandhu's vision of turning Bangladesh into the "Switzerland of the East." The Swiss ambassador expressed her satisfaction at the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of trade and investment and development cooperation. The foreign minister invited more Swiss investment into Bangladesh, particularly in the advanced manufacturing sector. Read More: Newly appointed Bangladesh envoy Sufiur presents credentials to Swiss president, seeks better relations Also, Momen hoped that as a member of the United Nations Security Council for 2023-24, Switzerland would further contribute to global peace and security. He sought Switzerland's continued support towards the early repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to their country.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today said Bangladesh remains “constructive and very positive” to address any gaps and wants to develop a “much better relationship” with the United States. “We are very happy that our constructive engagement with the USA is increasing,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – noting that there is reason for a much better relationship between the two countries. Momen said Bangladesh and the US believe and pursue the same values and principles like democracy and respect for human rights. “We might have gaps or weaknesses somewhere and we have taken corrective actions when the friendly country raised such issues,” he said, referring to measures taken regarding the Digital Security Act (DSA). Momen said they observed some weaknesses in the DSA, but by and large it was rectified. Also Read: Up to PM to decide whether Momen will remain foreign minister or not: Quader Responding to a question, the foreign minister said they welcome constructive engagement and have always said there is a set procedure if anyone has anything to say. “We remain very positive. If there is anything lacking, they will tell us officially. We will resolve it,” he added. He said there had been not a single case of enforced disappearance over the last three years as far as his knowledge goes, which he sees as a great improvement. “Five fingers of the hand are not equal. We take care of things if anyone creates any problem,” Momen said, adding that there had been no excesses from the RAB for many years. Momen said the elite force developed much maturity over the years and they have an in-built accountability system. “We don’t want to see any injustice anywhere,” said the foreign minister. Asked about the two proposed agreements – General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) – with the US, Momen said, “Our major focus is people’s welfare. But to protect our economic development, security is also essential.” He said Bangladesh maintains multifaceted relations with the US including trade and investment, and the two countries work together in the areas of peacekeeping, counterterrorism, climate issues and maritime security. “They (US) have assisted us to keep the maritime boundary more secure,” said the minister. Momen referred to US President Joe Biden’s recent remarks acknowledging their enduring partnership with Dhaka and terming Bangladesh’s economic growth in the past 50 years “a remarkable story”. “I hope our nations will continue to work on democratic governance, climate change, refugees, and maritime security. We are invested in your success and support the ability of all Bangladeshis to freely participate in and contribute to their country's development,” Biden said, accepting the credentials of the newly-appointed Bangladesh Ambassador to the US, Muhammad Imran, at the White House. Asked about the frequent visits by US officials, Momen said this is a rather good development that engagement between the two countries is growing and it also reflects that there are growing opportunities in Bangladesh.  

The electronic gates at Sylhet Osmani International Airport will improve passengers’ experience and enhance quality of service, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said today. “We have already launched e-gates at three international airports in our country and have issued many e-passports so far,” he told reporters after the inauguration of the e-gates at Sylhet airport. Passengers who have e-passports will be able to complete the immigration activities through e-gates, he added. Recently the passport services have improved a lot, and one does not have to wait for a long time like before, Momen said. “The quality of our passport (service) will increase further through the launching of e-gates. Then we won’t need visas to visit many countries. Many countries are eager to sign visa waiver agreements with us,” he said. Also read: E-gates at Sylhet airport to open for passengers today Six e-gates were launched today at Sylhet airport. Three of them were set up for departure and three for entry. On Saturday, Maher Uddin Sheikh, deputy director of Sylhet Divisional Passport and Visa Office, said that immigration process will be completed fast. The government has taken this initiative, considering the convenience of expatriates, speeding up immigration procedures and raising the standard of services. Passengers can easily pass through the e-gates as the gates will be opened automatically after submitting an e-passport and the whole process will be completed within 18 seconds, said airport authorities. Earlier on June 7, twelve e-gates were inaugurated at Dhaka Airport.  

Ayesha Muzakkir, elder sister of Foreign Minister Abdul Momen and late finance minister AMA Muhit,  passed away on Tuesday. She was 93. She breathed her last at around 5:30 am at her residence in Sylhet. Ayesha Muzakkir is survived by her eight daughters, many grandchildren, nine siblings, and many well-wishers.  She will be buried at their family graveyard  next to the grave of her late husband Mohammad Muzakkir after the Janaza at Haji Muzaffar Dakhil Madrasa Mosque premises in Agunshi area of Moulvibazar today.  

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said the government does not want any country getting involved in Bangladesh's internal affairs. "No country needs to get involved in our internal affairs. We are a matured country. We are a sovereign country. We are an independent country," he told reporters while responding to questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Asked whether his message applies to all countries, Momen said, "Yes, no matter who." The foreign minister’s attention was drawn to the recent remarks made by both the US and Russian sides. Momen said that other countries do not need to give prescriptions to Bangladesh on democracy, human rights, justice and human dignity as these are deeply rooted in Bangladesh's DNA. He said Bangladesh is the only country where 30 lakh people sacrificed their lives to uphold “democracy, human rights, justice and dignity of human beings in 1971.” Read more: More “informed” thinking required amid rise of new actors, challenges: FM He said the current government is committed to holding “free, fair, transparent and inclusive” elections under the independent Election Commission. “We introduced voter’s ID with photo and formed an independent election commission for a transparent election. There is no lack of sincerity. We assure that our election will be free, fair, transparent and inclusive. We want that,” he added. Momen said the Awami League never came to power without any democratic process and elections. “If you look at the track record, you will see Awami League is always for democracy, human rights, justice and human dignity.” He said those who lecture about Bangladesh need to know the history of Bangladesh and Awami League to stop unexpected talks. The foreign minister said Bangladesh welcomes constructive suggestions from foreign friends. “We consider proposals from our friendly countries with due importance.” Read more: Govt will guarantee full protection of all diplomats, says FM Momen cited how the government of Bangladesh addressed the concerns regarding the digital security act. Responding to a question on the formal inauguration of Dhaka Metro Rail, Momen said the government remains grateful to Japan for their uninterrupted support despite the Holey Artisan attack that left over 20 people, including Japanese citizens, dead.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said there is nothing to worry about the security of foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka, noting that they will be given full protection. "Our government will guarantee full protection of all diplomats," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Have you ever heard that any diplomat was killed in Bangladesh? Why do you fear?" Momen said referring to a bomb blast during BNP-Jamaat tenure when the then British high commissioner to Bangladesh Anwar Choudhury was injured.   Responding to a question, Momen said he does not see any scope that the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the USA will deteriorate due to a tiny incident. "It's a multifaceted relationship." Read more: Khosru on Shaheenbagh incident: Diplomatic corps’ security in Bangladesh ‘brought into question’ He said Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran had a prescheduled meeting which was originally scheduled to be held over the phone. Later, the meeting was held in person. The US side said they raised the December 14 incident at the "highest levels" of the Bangladesh government, as well as with the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC. "The ambassador (Peter Haas) is a bit panicked about his security. Our ambassador said there is no reason to get panicked," Momen said. Earlier, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday said there had been no lack of security when US Ambassador Peter Haas visited Dhaka's Shaheenbagh area recently. While talking to reporters at the Secretariat, he said police personnel rushed to the spot immediately. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said the situation that US Ambassador Peter Haas faced could not be seen as a "security threat". "There is no scope to see it as a security threat," he told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday evening, noting that the incident will have no impact on Dhaka-Washington relations. Read more: Diplomats don’t have the power to put anyone in power: Information Minister The US Embassy in Dhaka has said they take "seriously" all allegations of human rights violations and regularly meet with a wide variety of human rights organisations. "The US Embassy had not received any prior communication from 'Mayer Kanna' over the last several years," said a US Embassy spokesperson on Sunday in light of various articles and statements surrounding Ambassador Haas' meeting with Mayer Dak on December 14. Providing more information to the media in an email, the spokesperson said human rights are at the "centre" of US foreign policy. The US ambassador ended his "prescheduled" meeting with "Mayer Dak" on December 14 due to "security concerns." "The meeting was interrupted by protestors, who attempted to enter the building where the ambassador was located. Other protestors surrounded the ambassador's vehicle," said the spokesperson.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has congratulated the friendly people of the Argentine Republic for winning the FIFA World Cup 2022 Championship. “I believe, hearts of the people of Bangladesh and Argentina are dearly united by football, despite our geographical distance,” Momen said in a letter to Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Santiago Andrés Cafiero on Monday. “You would be amazed to see the spontaneous rejoicing of the people of Bangladesh after the victory of the Argentine team in the FIFA World Cup, last (Sunday) night,” he said. On behalf of the people of Bangladesh and on his own behalf, Minister Momen conveyed their heartfelt felicitations and congratulations to his Argentine counterpart and the friendly people of the Argentine Republic. Read more: Messi wins World Cup to push claim to be football's GOAT In this joyful moment, Momen reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to deepen the existing relations and friendship between the two friendly countries. “I look forward to working closely to consolidate our mutual priorities and opening of Missions in each other’s capital in the coming days,” he said. Read more: Argentine fans chanted “Bangladesh-er doa chai!” before last night’s Qatar World Cup final Homes and streets across Argentina and Bangladesh became places of celebration after an epic World Cup final in which the national team beat France on penalties. It was the country’s third World Cup title, and the first since 1986.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today urged the international community to scale up financial and technological support for the developing countries to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the resulting cost-of-living crisis around the world, aggravated by sanctions and counter-sanctions, cannot be a pretext for diminishing or diverting the much needed financing for tackling the climate crisis in order to save planet earth, he said. Speaking at the launching ceremony of the global hub of Locally Led Adaptation (LLA), Momen said the government of Bangladesh stands ready to provide full support to the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) to achieve the goal of the global hub which is to promote Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) at scale, with speed, to reduce climate risks for populations and sections of society that are most vulnerable to climate change. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined the launching ceremony virtually as the chief guest. "The kind presence of our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at this launch is clear testimony to our unstinting support," Momen said. Read more: $230bn needed: PM seeks support from global partners to implement climate adaptation plan The Foreign Minister congratulated Ban Ki-moon and the entire GCA team once again. "I feel personally pleased to be able to serve as a member of the GCA Governing Body. The launch of the Global Hub today is indeed a positive step forward from our decision to host the GCA Regional Office in Dhaka. Soon we plan to organize other events," he said. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md. Shahab Uddin, 8th Secretary General of the United Nations and Chair of the Board, Global Center on Adaptation Ban Ki-moon, Chief Executive Officer, Global Center on Adaptation Prof. Dr. Patrick Verkooijen and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson spoke at the launching ceremony held at Foreign Service Academy. Momen thanked the government of the United Kingdom for its support in establishing the global hub. "I hope, following the UK, other countries/ institutions will come forward with generous funding." Each year, Momen said, more than 6,50,000 people of Bangladesh are being uprooted from their homes, from their traditional jobs, due to erratic climate changes and global warming and river erosion and the government has the responsibility to rehabilitate them although the government has no role in contributing to their uprooting. There are varieties of estimates that say that around 20% of the coastal areas of Bangladesh will be flooded, and there could be millions uprooted from their homes. "If millions of people are uprooted from their homes it will create a global security problem," Momen said, adding that "before such a situation happens, I would request global leaders to come forward to share the burden of their rehabilitation and also take corrective action so that that situation never happens." The Foreign Minister said, "Our journey with GCA is promising and progressing. It pleases me to witness that over a span of just 2 years, GCA and the Bangladesh Government have developed the adaptation activities." Read more: New abnormal: Climate disaster damage ‘down’ to $268 billion Bangladesh is ready to share similar home-grown solutions such as floating agriculture, rainwater harvesting, early warning system, climate resistant crop varieties with other vulnerable countries through this Global Hub, he said.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said the government does not want any kind of conflict and will maintain “maximum restraint” though many people want a dead body to get public sentiment. “We don’t want any sort of conflict. Sometimes there are instigations to get involved in conflict. There is a desire in some people to see a dead body. They are very happy when they see the dead body which brings public sentiment,” he told reporters in Cox’s Bazar. Momen said the news regarding Wednesday’s incident reached Washington before it had happened in Dhaka because of a Bangladeshi journalist who has access to the White House and the United Nations. “May be that's why the US was so prompt.” He said like the US, Bangladesh also does not want to see any conflict. “We will maintain maximum restraint.” Read: Nothing to be worried about BNP’s Dec 10 rally, says Momen Momen said that the American government will not agree to large public meetings on the streets, even in front of the White House. “They will not allow meetings on the streets of Manhattan, New York. There is a rule and system.” He also said, “We don't want to obstruct our pedestrians.” The Foreign Minister said if the BNP wants to hold demonstration and rally, they can surely do it inside the hall or in the open field as well. “Because all the people of Bangladesh have the right to speak freely.” He said the government believes in freedom of speech and there is no such freedom like Bangladesh in other countries. Read: Resettlement of only a few Rohingyas in the US not a solution: Momen "We are concerned about reports of intimidation and political violence in Dhaka and call on everyone to respect the rule of law and to refrain from violence, harassment, and intimidation," US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas said in a message through the verified Facebook page of the Embassy on Thursday. He said they encourage government authorities to investigate these reports of violence and to protect the fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The US Embassy also extended its condolences to the families of those killed and injured on Wednesday in Dhaka.