foreign minister
Climate Change: Momen urges global community for more support to developing countries
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.
Tension over Dec 10 rally: Momen says govt doesn’t want conflict, will maintain maximum restraint
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.
'Time for Indian businesses to focus more on Bangladesh'
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said the business communities of both Bangladesh and India should draw close and play their due role in fostering mutual prosperity and economic advancement of their peoples.
"Time is ripe for the Indian business community to focus more on Bangladesh and take advantage of its economic growth, cheaper cost and huge consumer base," he said.
Momen said both the governments are sincerely exploring the avenues to further facilitate their trade and investment relations and have agreed to introduce negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The Foreign Minister was speaking as the chief guest at a session titled "Trade and Commerce" at the police ground in Silchar, Assam that was chaired by Kambhampati Hari Babu, Governor of the state of Mizoram, India
Read more: Momen inaugurates ‘Bangabandhu Corner’ and ‘Bangabandhu garden’ at NIT, Silchar
Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister for Environment and Forests, Act East Policy Affairs and Welfare of MinoritiesGovernment of Assam, India and Mustafizur Rahman, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India also spoke.
Momen said Bangladesh is India’s most important development and trading partner.
"India receives the highest number of tourists and medical patients from Bangladesh. Thousands of Indian nationals are working in Bangladesh, contributing to both the economies," he said.
"I am confident that the deep bonds of friendship existing between Bangladesh and India shall continue to grow and flourish," Momen said.
The India Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India organized the session at the Silchar-Sylhet Festival.
Read more: Bangladesh delegation led by FM Momen attends 1st Silchar-Sylhet Festival-2022
Momen said Bangladesh is uniquely located to enable Indian investors to export their products to not only to the North Eastern States of India, but also to Nepal, Bhutan, and to South East Asian countries.
On the other hand, he said, geographical proximity makes the North East Region lucrative for Bangladesh to invest in small and medium scale sectors like food-processing industries, agro-based industries, IT sector, and forest-based and tourism based industries.
"I would urge Indian investors to consider possible investments in infrastructure projects, manufacturing, in energy and transport sectors. Indian investors and business houses can set up industries in Bangladesh through Buy-Back arrangements by reducing time, cost and resources," said the Foreign Minister.
Upgrading of Kumargaon-Badaghat-Airport road into four lanes begins
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Saturday inaugurated the upgrading of the 12km Kumargaon-Badaghat-Airport road into four lanes to ease traffic jams and make commuting easier in Sylhet city.
The project would reduce traffic congestion and establish road connectivity between Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Osmani International Airport once it is implemented.
Also, traffic bottlenecks in the city would be reduced by constructing alternative roads for trucks and other heavy vehicles plying from Bholaganj to Sylhet.
Read: Dhaka, Tokyo ties to be deepened through PM's visit: FM
In a video message, the minister said the two-lane road needed to be expanded into four lanes due to heavy traffic movement. "Those living in Ambarkhana, Subidbazar, and Choukidighi areas have to face a lot of trouble due to the movement of trucks carrying stones on the road."
"The project will cost around Tk728 crore and end by June 2024. Also, 24 culverts and four bridges will be built to prevent waterlogging on the road during the monsoon," he added.
FM lauds FOSA initiatives
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday appreciated the efforts made by the Foreign Office Spouses’ Association (FOSA) which hosted a daylong "International Charity Bazaar" at the Foreign Service Academy.
“I am very proud of them. Every year, they are coming up with more innovative ways of doing it,” he said.
read more: Several countries, including Afghanistan, suffered due to foreigners’ role: Momen
Momen said the FOSA members spent plenty of time in organizing a series of events and assured them of extending support from his Ministry to organize such events in a larger way.
Several countries, including Afghanistan, suffered due to foreigners’ role: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday advised the opposition leaders to reach out to people at the grassroots instead of seeking favour from foreigners, saying that foreigners have their own interests.
He mentioned that people in a number of countries, including in Afghanistan, suffered due to foreigners’ role there.
“Don’t listen to foreigners, listen to your leaders. After all, this is our own country. We don’t want to harm our country,” Momen told reporters.
Read more: Bangladesh seeks wider cooperation with UAE
Recalling some foreigners’ role in the past, the Foreign Minister said, “I have much confidence in the people of this country.”
Momen said if the opposition parties reach out to the people it will be good for them and the country.
Responding to a question, Momen said diplomats stationed in Dhaka can convey to the government of Bangladesh if they have anything to say but this should be done by maintaining the code of conduct.
Momen cited examples of how the US expelled Russian diplomats and said powerful countries can do that. “But when the time comes, we will take action, too.”
Read more: PM’s visit to be delayed for political situation, Covid restrictions in Japan: FM PM’s visit to be delayed for political situation, Covid restrictions in Japan: FM
Earlier, he attended the "International Charity Bazaar" at the Foreign Service Academy hosted by the Foreign Office Spouses’ Association (FOSA).
COP27: Momen thanks Egypt for focusing on "loss and damage" issue
Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen thanked the Egyptian Presidency of COP27 for having included the critical issue of ‘loss and damage’ as part of the Conference agenda.
He conveyed this during his meeting with the Egyptian Foreign Minister and COP27 President Sameh Shoukry in Sharm El Sheikh on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Momen hoped that the Conference would be able to come up with a concrete deliverable on financing for loss and damage.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister expressed his interest in visiting Bangladesh in the near future.
The two Ministers agreed to strengthen Parliamentary engagements between the two sides.
read more: COP27: Bangladesh urges developed nations to double provision of adaptation finance by 2025
Foreign Minister Momen also met with the US President’s Special Envoy on Climate Change John Kerry to discuss possible outcomes on loss and damage.
They had a combined meeting later with other representatives from V20 (Vulnerable Twenty Group of Finance Ministers) currently led by Ghana.
The US Special Envoy thanked Bangladesh for joining the Global Methane Pledge and referred to certain financing windows available for taking action on methane reduction.
Minister Momen stressed the need for such support in agriculture, livestock and waste management sectors in Bangladesh.
FM mourns Square Group founder’s wife Anita Chowdhury’s death
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Anita Chowdhury, wife of the late founder chairman of Square Group Samson H Chowdhury.
In a condolence message on Monday, the Foreign Minister said ‘Square Mata’ Anita Chowdhury has not only contributed to the success of the Square Group she set an example in the country's industrial and commercial expansion.
Besides, she was very generous and sincere in helping the poor and helpless people of the country, Momen said.
The Foreign Minister prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family members.
Read more: Square Group founder’s wife Anita Chowdhury no more Square Group founder’s wife Anita Chowdhury no more
Anita Chowdhury passed away on Sunday while under treatment at Square Hospital in the capital.
Anita Chowdhury was a philanthropist and widely known as ‘Square Mata.’
Anita is the mother of Samuel S Chowdhury, chairman of Square Group, Square Pharmaceuticals Vice Chairman Ratna Patra and Managing Director Tapan Chowdhury, and Anjan Chowdhury, managing director of Square Toiletries.
Democracy in US has weaknesses too: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday strongly criticised foreigners talking about democracy and elections in Bangladesh – saying that there are “weaknesses” in democracy everywhere including in the USA.
“There are good and bad sides of democracy in all the countries. It is not a perfect situation. It is a dynamic process. It’s an evolving process. Democracy gets mature through continuous efforts,” he said.
Momen made the remarks during a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when his attention was sought to US Ambassador Peter Haas’ repeated comments on democracy in Bangladesh and the upcoming national election.
Read:Brunei Sultan’s state visit to Bangladesh now scheduled for Oct 15-17
He said foreigners make comments when they are approached by the media here. “You should come to us instead of going to them (with questions).”
The Foreign Minister said democracy in Bangladesh has “weaknesses” but the government is trying to see how those weaknesses can be rectified.
“We do have weaknesses. But that does not mean that they have (US) the best. They have their own weaknesses,” he added.
Momen said, “We are not a big power. Yet we have principles and values in this country. We remain vocal where we see any injustice. This is Bangladesh.”
Referring to the 1971 War of Liberation, he said when genocide was taking place in this country, they (US) did not come close to Bangladesh and when genocide was taking place in Myanmar, nobody provided them shelter.
“Who did it? It is Bengal. It is Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina has the guts to open up the border on humanitarian considerations,” he continued.
In his quite a long reply, Momen said Bangladesh is a leader in democracy and the people of this country gave blood in 1971.
“We gave blood to establish democracy. Did you see anywhere in the world? For establishing democracy, we struggled when people’s voice was denied and when democratic rights were denied,” he said.
Read:Rohingya Repatriation: Dhaka seeks more effective role from London
Momen said the people of this country started the War of Independence for establishing democracy, justice and for human rights. “So, how much will others teach us? We still stand by democracy, human rights and justice.”
About elections, Momen said the government does not want to see a single death during the election process.
“The government is committed to holding a free, fair and transparent election. The government is committed to it,” Momen said, adding that Bangladesh Awami League came to power again and again through elections which “were known to be free and fair.”.
He said they will try to ensure a free, fair and transparent election process. “It is better not to go to the foreigners.”
Momen also said Sheikh Hasina also proved smooth transfer of responsibility.
Momen described relatively very low vote casting in the US elections and lack of interest from the young people to come to politics. “Don’t they like your (US) democracy? Why don't young people come (forward)….you (journalists) should ask them those questions.”
Bangladesh doesn’t need advice from outside: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said Bangladesh does not seek any suggestions from outside, noting that Bangladesh is a nation which gave blood to establish democracy and justice ensuring people’s rights.
“I would say – let them (foreign critics) see their own faces in the mirror first before talking about others. We don’t want that much suggestion,” he said while talking to reporters on Saturday after laying the foundation stone for the development of Saheber Bazar High School and College in Sylhet Sadar Upazila.
Momen said Bangladesh Awami League came to power again and again through “transparent and credible” elections. “We remain very transparent.”
Without mentioning any country’s name, he said many of them, who are giving lectures on human rights and democracy, were not beside Bangladesh when the nation fought for independence and struggled for establishing democracy, justice and human rights and when the people’s voices were denied.
Momen said the tendency of showing hegemony has increased when Bangladesh is walking towards a better position and doing better on the economic front.
He said the government never indulges in any extrajudicial killings and does not want to see anyone gets disappeared, but accidents happen in all the countries.
Read: Global food crisis won't seriously harm Bangladesh: Momen
“We are very serious so that such accidents do not happen,” Momen said, adding that Sheikh Hasina’s government stands ready to take steps as per the law against those responsible.
The foreign minister expressed displeasure over a section of the media mentioning that the media people go to foreigners to ask questions on Bangladesh’s internal issues.
He referred to the killings in the malls and schools (in some countries) and said these are their problems to address.
Earlier, he spoke at a discussion as the chief guest when he said people of Sylhet are going abroad but Sylhet is far behind in education. “We should pay attention to that. If you study and go abroad then our economy will improve. So, we should all focus on education.”
Momen said whenever the Awami League government came to power; there has been great development in the education sector.
Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working to fulfill Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's dream of building a Golden Bangla, he said, adding that the current Awami League government is a government of development.
“To build an illiterate-free and happy and rich Sonar Bangla, we need well-educated citizens. The current government is working to create well-educated citizens,” Momen said.
Read: We won’t fall prey to Myanmar provocations: Momen
Shafikur Rahman Chowdhury, President of Governing Body of Saheber Bazar High School and College and acting President of Sylhet District Awami League, presided over the discussion meeting.
General Secretary of Sylhet District Awami League Advocate Nasir Uddin Khan, Chairman of Sylhet Sadar Upazila Parishad and Vice President of Sylhet District Awami League Ashfaq Ahmad, General Secretary of Sylhet Sadar Upazila Awami League Md Nizam Uddin spoke as special guests.