Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said both Bangladesh and India discussed using non-lethal weapons to reduce border killing to zero. "He (Indian FM) agreed with me that there will be no border killing if non-lethal weapons are used," Dr Hasan told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The issue of border killings was discussed during his bilateral meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House on February 7. Cargo vessel movement between India's Maya and Rajshahi's Sultanganj begins Both sides agreed to enhanced cooperation between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) and using non-lethal weapons to reduce border killing to zero. Dr Hasan emphasised on early conclusion of Teesta water sharing agreement, aiming to strengthen water cooperation between Bangladesh and India. He also stressed the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty that will expire in 2026. Responding to a question on Teesta issue, Dr Hasan said the Indian central government has no problem regarding Teesta water sharing but the State government is not yet on-board. Swiss Ambassador holds ‘positive and constructive’ discussion with Foreign Minister He said the two countries take forward the discussion on Teesta water sharing after the India's elections in the coming months. Foreign Minister Hasan requested his Indian counterpart to withdraw tariff and non-tariff barriers for Bangladesh's exports, as well as ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to Bangladesh for maintaining price stability, especially during Ramadan.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said Bangladesh is not becoming a one-party state. "Definitely, Bangladesh is not becoming a one-party state. We uphold the values of democracy. Bangladesh is a multi-party democracy," he said. The Foreign Minister made the remarks while responding to a question at an interactive session hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia. Friendship between Bangladesh and Iran will grow further in the coming days: Environment Minister He said some leaders who are part of the BNP-Jamaat led alliance have the desire to turn Bangladesh “into Afghanistan” and they “cannot contribute to democracy.” The Foreign Minister said BNP-Jamaat alliance has always tried to disrupt the democratic journey and they even tried this time too. "But they failed in the past and this year too. They were not successful," he added. Despite challenges, Hasan said, democracy in Bangladesh is doing better day by day. US Embassy empowers young Bangladeshi journalists through first ever TechCamp  He described the relations between Bangladesh and the US as cordial and expressed willingness to take the relations to a new height. On the situation in Myanmar, the Foreign Minister said they should work together.

Bangladesh and Russia on Wednesday expressed willingness to expand economic ties exploring potential areas and deepen the relations on all fronts. Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud discussed the issues when Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky met him at his official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We have discussed ways to expand the trade basket and more Russian investment in Bangladesh,” Hasan told reporters after the meeting. The foreign minister recalled the role of Russia during the War of Liberation in 1971 and its support in Bangladesh’s rebuilding efforts. During the War of Independence of Bangladesh, the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) stood beside Bangladesh and thwarted international pressures and obstacles in the path to the creation of Bangladesh. Russian Ambassador dismisses claims made by BNP’s Gayeshwar The Soviet Union was also among the first few countries to recognise the newly independent Bangladesh on January 25, 1972. Immediately after the independence of Bangladesh, the USSR extended all-out support to the reconstruction efforts of the war-ravaged country. It also provided its valuable support to Bangladesh in acquiring international recognition and eventually joining the United Nations. Hasan said the two sides discussed some of the MoUs that are pending and laid emphasis on expediting the MoU on Information and Communication Technology cooperation between the two countries. Asked about trade on the Russian currency, he said, “If we can do it with a number of countries, our dependency on some particular currency will lessen. It is not just Russia, with any country. It will be supportive for our economy.” Talking to reporters, the Russian ambassador said they discussed cooperation in the areas of political, economic, technical; cultural and science. “We had a very fruitful discussion.” He said the two countries are also working in the areas of energy and food security. What the US State Department said regarding those arrested in Bangladesh The Russian Ambassador has categorically dismissed the allegations made by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), affirming on Wednesday that the government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was democratically elected by the citizens of Bangladesh. “I can understand that the choice was made by your people. We do not interfere in the political affairs of any country, especially the friendly country of Bangladesh. It is some kind of misleading information or false information. Do not believe it,” he said, adding that over 41 percent of voters did cast their votes in the January 7 national election. This statement came in response to a journalist’s inquiry about the BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy’s claim.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has sought customized technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for enhancing local wheat and maize production in order to help address growing demands currently met through imports.  He highlighted Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in food security and agricultural production despite facing the challenges of shrinking arable land, growing population and climate impacts. FM seeks Danish investments in renewable energy, ICT sector The Foreign Minister also urged the Country Representative to align FAO’s activities with the relevant priority areas identified in the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100. Dr Jiaoqun Shi, the new FAO Representative to Bangladesh presented his Credentials to Foreign Minister Dr Hasan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. No more stray mortal shells from Myanmar to land in Bangladesh, hopes FM The Foreign Minister welcomed the new FAO Representative and assured him of necessary support in discharging his responsibilities. Minister Hasan reiterated Bangladesh’s interest in supporting contract farming through private sector engagement in interested African countries.

Highlighting Danish knowledge and expertise, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday sought Danish investments in renewable energy, particularly offshore wind and solar energy as well as in the ICT sector. The Foreign Minister expressed optimism to further strengthen our bilateral ties and widen business baskets further. The issues were discussed when Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh Christian Brix Moller met the Foreign Minister at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. No more stray mortal shells from Myanmar to land in Bangladesh, hopes FM The Danish Ambassador termed the relations between the two countries as value-based, exceptional and strong. Bangladesh is Denmark’s second largest development partner and the largest in terms of per capita trade, he added. Ambassador Moller raised increasing interests of Danish companies in Bangladesh’s port infrastructure and renewable energy sectors including APM Terminals’ initiatives to construct and operate a container terminal at Laldia in Chattogram and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Copenhagen Offshore Partners proposal to invest US$ 1.3 billion in Bangladesh to generate 500 MW offshore wind energy. Dr Shi submits credentials to FM as new FAO Representative in Bangladesh He also expressed Danish investors’ interest in establishing cold chains in Bangladesh. The Ambassador hoped for a visit by the Danish Foreign Minister to Bangladesh in near future, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday hoped that there would be no further mortal shells from Myanmar landing inside Bangladesh territory amid conflicts inside Myanmar. “There are conflicts in Myanmar. Amid those ongoing conflicts, mortal shells fell on Bangladesh territory from Myanmar. Our forces along the border remain alert,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question. Dr Shi submits credentials to FM as new FAO Representative in Bangladesh The foreign minister said the government of Bangladesh remains in touch with the Myanmar authority and hoped that it would not happen again. “We remain alert.” Media reported quoting the local sources that gunshots between the two conflicting groups were heard from Ukhiya and Teknaf border areas in Cox’s Bazar on Sunday. British parliamentary delegation visits Beximco Industrial Park On Sunday, the foreign minister said, “Situation in Myanmar has never been good. It always fluctuates – sometimes good, sometimes bad. Myanmar is going through such a situation.” He, however, said this current situation is an adverse one for the repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Rakhine. Talking to reporters, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis said the security situation inside Myanmar is very difficult at the moment and it is not a good time for Rohingya repatriation. Bangladesh, Canada find many areas for potential collaboration The UNRC said repatriation is a priority for Bangladesh, and Rohingyas as well as Bangladesh have agreed on their safe and dignified return to Myanmar. “We will continue to work in that direction,” she said, noting that there is a shortage of financing for the basic services that the Rohingyas need.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Sunday raised the issue of “inaccurate” and “inconsistent” statements made by the UN human rights office on Bangladesh with UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis. “They get information from the biased and wrong sources. We discussed the issue so that it does not happen,” he told reporters after his meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Not a good time for Rohingya repatriation, UN Resident Coordinator says The foreign minister said the events that unfolded since October 28 and BNP’s arson attacks and killing people did not feature in the reports made by Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). “I told her about this. She said she is looking into it,” Hasan, also Bangladesh Awami League joint general secretary said. The foreign minister also referred to UN Secretary General’s letter of congratulations to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and his meeting with the UN chief in Uganda recently. China working with Myanmar on ceasefire in Rakhine: Ambassador Yao United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for championing a number of UN-led global processes and commended her leadership. During the meeting with FM Hasan, the secretary general congratulated Hasina and appreciated Bangladesh's vital role in the call for reforming global financial architecture. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, earlier, said unfortunately, the OHCHR may have fallen for BNP’s misinformation campaign. Bangladesh Air Force chief departs for Morocco The government expects that the OHCHR will rectify its 31-October press briefing note based on facts. If the OHCHR's statements are not highly objective, the Office will lose people's support, acceptability and credibility, the ministry said.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Sunday urged the countries in the global South to stand in solidarity and unity to achieve the ultimate goals of sustainable development. He made the call while addressing the General Debate of the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 (G-77) and China in Kampala, Uganda. Underlining the ongoing global crisis due to climate change, wars and sanction-counter sanction, debt crisis, and escalating protectionism, he also said that the Member States of G-77 and China must leverage South-South cooperation to overcome these challenges. Plot-to-Plot BDS map set to start in February: Land Minister He recalled the historic address of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered at the 29th UN General Assembly in 1974 and said that Bangabandhu’s message is still very much relevant in the present global context. The Foreign Minister emphasized five pressing issues for a fairer and more equitable world such as, (i) more effective actions for SDGs implementation; (ii) reforming the current international financial architecture; (iii) addressing the technological divides; (iv) ensuring gender equality everywhere and (v) empowering the youth people through skill development and job creation. PM visits Walton Mega Stall at Dhaka Int’l Trade Fair In his address, he further highlighted the pragmatic and pro-development policies of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that have resulted in sustained economic growth in Bangladesh in the last one and a half decade. He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to supporting the struggles of the Palestinian people for achieving their right to freedom and justice. Earlier in the day, he attended the opening  ceremony of the Summit. Role of NGOs upheld in implementing National Youth Policy-2017  The opening ceremony was inaugurated by the President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni, as Chair of the third South Summit and the new Chair of the Group. The session was also addressed by Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly; António Guterres, UN Secretary-General; Liu Guozhong, Special Representative of the President of China; and Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, the host country of the Second South Summit.

Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud has met Riyad al-Maliki, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, on the sidelines of the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement held in Kampala, Uganda. Palestine Foreign Minister fondly recalled Bangabandhu’s unflinching support for the Palestine cause and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for carrying forward his legacy and firmly standing by the people of Palestine at this critical moment, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday. Every country should take its responsibilities towards refugees very seriously: David Cameron Hasan Mahmud assured Foreign Minister al-Maliki of the continued support of the government and people of Bangladesh. Underscoring the profound need for a lasting and permanent solution to the Palestine issue, Hasan Mahmud committed to continue to extend necessary diplomatic and legal support and further humanitarian assistance to our brothers and sisters of Palestine. Dhaka, Delhi ties growing from strength to strength: Jaishankar Hasan Mahmud led the Bangladesh delegation to the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) that ended on Sunday. He will also lead the third South Summit of the G77 and China scheduled to be held on January 21-22. FM Hasan holds bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Nepal, Botswana, Belarus, Qatar, Indonesia Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad A Muhith and Bangladesh High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda among others are accompanying the Foreign Minister.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud had a series of meetings on the sidelines of the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held in Kampala, Uganda on January 19-20. He had the meetings with Narayan Prakash Saud, Foreign Minister of Nepal, Lemogang Kwape, Foreign Minister of Botswana, and Sergei Aleinik, Foreign Minister of Belarus. At NAM Summit Dhaka seeks support for Palestine, redoubling efforts for Rohingya repatriation In a busy day in Kampala, the Foreign Minister had meetings with State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikh and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Pahala Nugraha Mansury. His counterparts congratulated the new government in Bangladesh and, particularly, Dr. Hasan Mahmud for assuming his new role. FM Hasan Mahmud to deliver national statement at NAM Summit  The Foreign Minister discussed various issues of mutual interests including political, economic and strengthening people to people relations. He is set to have a few more bilateral engagements today and Sunday. Hasan Mahmud is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the third South Summit of the G77 and China scheduled on 21-22 January 2024. FM Hasan Mahmud to lead Bangladesh delegation at South Summit in Uganda Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad A Muhith and Bangladesh High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda Muhammad Tareque among others are accompanying the Foreign Minister.