foreign minister
Momen says he will talk to “old friend” Mannan over railway controversy
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said he will talk to his “old and solid friend” Planning Minister MA Mannan to discuss how he came to support the idea of a railway connecting Chatak with Sunamganj and Mohanganj.
Momen said he wrote a letter to the Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Suajn “with an open mind” after five lawmakers from Sunamganj requested him to back their proposal.
“They (MPs) requested me. I wrote the letter with an open mind as I want connectivity. I should have talked to him (Mannan). Now I will have to look at it. I have no conflict with him. I shall speak to him. I feel sorry about it,” Momen told reporters at his foreign ministry office.
Also read: Formal announcement over vaccine coproduction soon: FM
He said he was surprised at the discussion on social media over his letter to the Railways Minister. He said he had no information about “internal politics” of Sunamganj, but he just favoured connectivity only.
"It appeared logical to me what the five lawmakers mentioned," Momen wrote in his letter to the Railways Minister.
Both the Foreign Minister and the Planning Minister took to Facebook to share their opposing views on the issue.
The Foreign Minister mentioned that the current government began its work to establish uninterrupted railway networks in each district of the country.
Such initiatives added a new dimension to the country's communication system, he said.
"I believe it will enrich the overall communication system of the country if Chatak, Sunamganj and Mohanganj are brought under the railway network," Momen mentioned in his letter.
Also read: HR promoting countries have a double-standard approach: FM
In 2011, the then Railways Minister Suranjit Sengupta announced plan to establish a railway network in Chatak, Sunamganj and Mohanganj.
Later, railway officials visited the sites several times.
FM greets UN chief Guterres on re-appointment
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has congratulated António Guterres on his re-appointment as the secretary-general of the United Nations.
He commended Guterres' leadership in the UN during his first term as secretary-general.
Dr Momen also thanked him for his continued attention to the Rohingya issue.
Also read: Guterres gets second term to lead UN
The foreign minister said, "Although Bangladesh is on track towards implementing SDGs, there are concerns about the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in securing financing for the SDGs."
Dr Momen also called for continued support measures for graduating countries.
The UN has special relations with Bangladesh, said Guterres.
He praised Bangladesh's strong leadership in all areas of the UN's activities, especially in peacekeeping, climate change and women empowerment.
Dr Momen met with the UN secretary-general at the UN Headquarters Thursday.
Dhaka seeks UN SG’s intervention to resolve Rohingya crisis
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has sought UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ personal intervention over the Rohingya issue, saying it is now needed more than ever as the political situation in Myanmar has deteriorated.
The Foreign Minister also said it is frustrating that many influential countries have enhanced their economic and business relations with Myanmar while publicly decrying the human rights violations there.
Dr Momen made the remarks during his meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the UN Headquarters on Thursday.
Referring to the humanitarian gesture of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in providing shelter to the Rohingya, the Secretary General thanked Bangladesh for hosting the displaced Rohingya minorities from Myanmar.
READ: FM seeks clear roadmap from UN for Rohingya repatriation
“The world won’t forget Bangladesh’s generosity in hosting the largest refugee camps of the world,” the Secretary General added.
The Foreign Minister also briefed the SG about the facilities in Bhashan Char and stressed the importance of UN’s operations there.
Dr Momen thanked the Secretary General for declaring the Covid-19 vaccine a public good and requested for UN’s initiatives to ensure that the vaccine becomes accessible to all.
The Secretary General in response informed about his efforts during the recent G-7 summit where he particularly mentioned Bangladesh's capacity to produce vaccines.
“The UN has a special relation with Bangladesh,” said the Secretary General.
He praised Bangladesh’s strong leadership role in all areas of the UN’s activities, especially in peacekeeping, climate change and women empowerment.
Foreign Minister Momen congratulated the Secretary General on his re-appointment for the second term and commended his leadership of the UN in his first term as Secretary General.
The Foreign Minister also thanked him for his continued attention to the Rohingya issue.
Although Bangladesh is on track towards SDG implementation, there are concerns about the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic, especially in securing financing for the SDGs, he said.
The Foreign Minister also called for continued support measures for graduating countries.
He requested the Foreign Minister for Bangladesh’s enhanced representation in the United Nations, particularly at senior management level.
Later, the Foreign Minister held a meeting with Rosemary DiCarlo, Under Secretary General for the Department for Peacebuilding and Political Affairs.
READ: FM's NY Visit: Dhaka to press for early repatriation of Rohingyas
During the meeting, they discussed the current political situation in Myanmar and its impacts on the repatriation of the Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh to Myanmar.
Ambassador Rabab Fatima accompanied the Foreign Minister at both the meetings.
FM's NY Visit: Dhaka to press for early repatriation of Rohingyas
Bangladesh will reiterate its position seeking quick and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas as Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen left here for New York on Sunday morning to attend two important events at the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
One of the events will be on Myanmar's current situation where Bangladesh will reiterate its call to the international community for quick and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas, said Dr Momen.
"Our priority is repatriation. They (Rohingyas) must be repatriated. We want to make Rohingya repatriation a condition," he said, mentioning that much has been talked about democracy and the overall situation in Myanmar.
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar district and Bhasan Char.
Also read: Rohingya repatriation looks uncertain: Hasina tells UNGA President
No Rohingya was repatriated over the last four years amid the "absence of conducive environment" in Rakhine State and lack of confidence among the Rohingyas, officials said.
Dr Momen said President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Volkan Bozkir invited him during his recent visit to Bangladesh.
"There’ll be very good discussion. Many will join it," said the Foreign Minister.
HR promoting countries have a double-standard approach: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday pointed out the double-standard approach of some of the countries that are vocal on human rights issues but encouraging investment in Myanmar where human rights are grossly violated.
An analysis conducted by BankTrack and Justice For Myanmar has found that nine internationally operating banks have invested over US$24 billion in 18 companies that have either direct and longstanding commercial ties to Myanmar's military or to state entities that the military is attempting to control as a result of the coup.
READ: Relations with China as usual: FM Momen
“It’s in no way acceptable,” Dr Momen told reporters referring to that investment expressing displeasure over the role of the countries who speak loudly on human rights issues.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, JPMorgan Chase, UBS, Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and BNP Paribas are among the top banks investing in companies linked to the Myanmar military junta, according to Justice for Myanmar.
Dr Momen said the banks are giving the money when human rights are violated in Myanmar. “You should ask them (ambassadors of those countries) why they are giving money to Myanmar.”
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), JPMorgan Chase, UBS, Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and BNP Paribas were all identified as having shareholdings worth over US$1 billion in the 18 companies, it said.
MUFG alone holds shares in these companies worth over US$5 billion, with SMFG and JPMorgan Chase not far behind, holding shares worth over US$4 billion each.
Significantly, Goldman Sachs holds 5.7% of shares in Bharat Electronics which provides military equipment to Myanmar. All of these banks have a responsibility to act and to account for how they are doing so.
Yadanar Maung, Justice For Myanmar’s spokesperson, said the international banks they have highlighted have clear human rights responsibilities.
“The military's relentless campaign of terror is enabled by its business interests and the banks play a crucial role. Investors must divest from companies that repeatedly fail to act to uphold its responsibilities. It has taken too long for these businesses and banks to act. Unless they act urgently, they’ll fail the people of Myanmar.”
READ: FM calls for joint efforts to build sustainable resilient future
These banks have continued their investments despite the Myanmar junta's campaign of terror that has involved the murder of more than 820 people since the February coup and indiscriminate airstrikes in ethnic areas. These abuses are financed by international businesses.
Justice For Myanmar called on banks to act by divesting from companies linked to the military before the February 1 coup and using their leverage to ensure that investee companies linked to the military as a result of the coup suspend payments.
Relations with China as usual: FM Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said there is no “deficit” in terms of relations with China over the vaccine issue, saying the relationship remains as usual without any change.
“Diplomatically, we agreed that Bangladesh wants to buy (vaccine doses from China) and they would like to supply,” he told reporters at his office.
The Foreign Minister said vaccine doses will be procured from the Chinese company and the Chinese government will play the role of facilitator in between. “The private company will decide what it’ll do. It’s their matter.”
He said no problem is supposed to be there as there is no such change.
On Saturday, Hualong Yan, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, said no deal was made between Sinopharm and the Bangladesh side till today.
He said this will be a commercial purchase negotiation between the Bangladesh government and Sinopharm, rather than with the Chinese government.
On May 27, the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase approved a proposal for buying 1.5 crore doses of Sinopharm's Covid-19 vaccine.
Hualong Yan in a Facebook post on Saturday said 600,000 doses of vaccine gifted by the Chinese government are ready for delivery by June 13. "It's sincerely hoped that our Bangladeshi brothers and sisters will get the most needed vaccines at an earlier date," he said.
Just nine days after the arrival of the first batch of 500,000 doses of gift vaccine in Bangladesh, China announced the provision of the second batch of gift vaccine doses to Bangladesh.
China says it fully reflects that China attaches great importance to the friendly relations between the two countries.
The Foreign Minister said that good news is that the US will provide vaccine doses to Bangladesh. “But they didn’t tell us the exact figure.”
He said Bangladesh needs a huge amount of vaccine doses as it is a big market of 165 million people.
Dr Momen said the first consignment of urgent medical supplies from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is scheduled to arrive here on Sunday.
As part of its ongoing emergency assistance to countries in South Asia, the US government, through the USAID, on Saturday airlifted urgent medical supplies to help Bangladesh.
The US Air Force C-17 flight departed from Travis Air Force Base in California for Dhaka, Bangladesh carrying over 2 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect thousands of health care workers in Bangladesh.
This assistance, which includes the delivery of ventilators, supports the country's capacity to test and diagnose the virus, increases prevention and control practices, strengthens supply chain and logistics management systems, enhances risk communications to counter misinformation, and ensures the effective roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines, said USAID.
Earlier, Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said 6.80 crore doses of coronavirus vaccine will be available from the Covax facility under the World Health Organisation for 20 percent of the population, that is, for 3.40 crore people. Out of this 1.06 lakh doses have already been received.
Apart from India and China, there are plans to buy vaccines from the governments of China and Russia, Pfizer Co. from the USA and Sanofi/GSK from France/Belgium.
Negotiations are underway on procuring Sputnik-V vaccine from Russia, and, if necessary, manufacturing the same in Bangladesh.
The World Bank provided US$ 500 million for procuring Covid vaccines and US$ 14.87 million for logistics support.
Loan Agreement for US$ 940 million with the ADB to procure Covid vaccines is at the final stage.
Alongside, there is a good possibility to receive support for vaccine procurement from the European Investment Bank and AIIB.
Plans have been devised to vaccinate 80 percent of the people in phases and in the first phase, people with risks will be vaccinated. The first dose of vaccination began on February 7 while that of the second dose started on 8 April.
FM calls for joint efforts to build sustainable resilient future
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday called on the youths and the civil society to join hands with the government in building a sustainable and resilient future.
"The government is doing its best to tackle the climate challenges,” said Momen, adding “I strongly believe that participation from the youth and civil society can bring the best results for Bangladesh to achieve sustainable solutions."
He was addressing at the Climate Camp 2021, where Nahim Razzaq, MP and Abul Kalam Azad, Special Envoy of Bangladesh Presidency of the CVF also spoke.
READ: COP26: Alok Sharma discusses climate issues with FM
The foreign minister said to create awareness at community level is the first step to bring result in national level.
Individuals, activists, community leaders and youth led organisations can bring solutions through sharing best practices for better adaptation and mitigation, he said.
Dr Momen said, it is the responsibility of every citizen to save the environment, rivers and ponds from pollution.
"Please, don’t throw plastic items, plastic bottles, polythene bags indiscriminately,” he pleaded.
“Stop food waste and food loss, and try to conserve natural resources to help biodiversity. If we all do our part, we are little careful and conscious, we can help our planet earth," he said.
Dr Momen said climate change is a global phenomenon that needs to be addressed through collective efforts and innovative solutions not only internationally or nationally, but also at local and regional levels.
READ: FM, his Australian counterpart discuss progress on TIFA
The impacts of climate change on the environment, the peoples and economies are being felt by every country on earth, he said.
Bangladesh, he said, is experiencing extreme climate change impacts that are affecting national economy and development as well as lives and livelihoods of the people.
On the other hand, Dr Momen said, the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has brought greater negative impact on livelihoods of the people as well as the economy of Bangladesh.
Even during COVID 19, he said, Bangladesh has experienced severe floods due to the climate change.
Heavy monsoon rains in upstream regions continue to cause flooding in 30 districts in the north, north-west and south-west of the country, affecting 54 million people.
READ: FM mourns death of Ex. SAARC Secretary General Q.A.M.A Rahim
"Flooding has damaged houses, dykes and embankments, water sources, hygiene facilities, and has severely impacted livelihoods, especially in the agricultural sector," said Dr. Momen.
Young Scouts urged to help people in coping with climate change
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has urged Young Scouts to come forward to assist general people in coping with the climate change and save the planet.
"During this unprecedented time of global pandemic, you as young Scouts can come forward to raise awareness among people and assist them in coping with the climate change and save the planet," he said on Monday.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks while delivering his speech virtually as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of ‘Scout Conference for Sustainable Development’ under the “Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2020”.
Dr Momen said the yearlong programmes of the OIC Youth Capital are helping to foster cooperation among the Member States in the field of youth policy as well as enhancing solidarity among Muslim youth and showcasing the inter-cultural diversity in order to stir the sense of the spirit of ‘unity’ among the youth through different kinds of activities.
The OIC region consists of 1.86 billion Muslims and 1/3rd of it is constituted by youth.
The Foreign Minister also called for the implementation of the principles of the Scout movement for the overall development of the world.
Momen advises precaution after quakes jolt Sylhet
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday called for precaution instead of getting panicked after a series of mild quakes were felt in the north-eastern district.
“Don’t get panicked. Stay alert. The government also remains aware of it. We will surely do whatever is needed,” he said in a video message to the people of Sylhet.
Momen said he talked to the relevant ministers and officials including Sylhet City Corporation officials after back to back tremors jolted the area on Saturday and Sunday.
The Foreign Minister also suggested keeping emergency kits and first aid tools at homes for use when required.
Also read: Five quakes hit Sylhet
Momen said it is better to come out in the open in case of any emergency.
He advised the people to call at 999 for any emergency and asked the hospital authorities to keep some beds ready for emergency treatment.
A day after six tremors hit Sylhet on Saturday, another mild quake was felt early Sunday.
Senior Meteorologist of Sylhet Met office Syed Ahmed Chowdhury said the latest quake, measuring 2.8 magnitude on the Richter Scale, was felt at 4:35am.
The epicenter of the earthquake was in the bordering area of the district.
No casualty or damage was reported.
Sylhet City Corporation Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury and police officials visited the site.
The authorities have identified two buildings as risky and asked the occupants to move to safety.
Additional police have been deployed in the area to maintain security, said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police BM Ashraf Ullah Taher.
Our peacekeepers branding Bangladesh abroad as peace-loving nation: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has lauded the role of Bangladeshi peacekeepers as ambassadors of peace, saying they are actually helping brand the country abroad as a peace-loving nation.
"Even during this global pandemic, our peacekeepers continue to serve in various peacekeeping missions, fearlessly rendering their responsibilities," he said on Friday.
Dr Momen felicitated all Bangladeshi peacekeepers for their dedicated service to humanity and hoped that their endeavours will help achieve sustainable peace for the international community.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the 'Peacekeepers Day Rally: Run to Commemorate the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers-2021' in the city.
READ: S Korean envoy shares historical documents with FM Momen
Bangladesh remains a proud contributor to UN peacekeeping operations. It is currently the top contributor of military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping missions, with almost 6,500 peacekeepers currently deployed in eight countries.