AK Abdul Momen
Our talkative ministers and what can be done
In the last year or so, our Ministers have become known for saying far too much and doing far too little about it. Whether it’s a junior minister demanding sex on the phone or the recent far more embarrassing statement of Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen about help from India to keep the regime in Bangladesh alive, both are damaging.
It basically points to a lack of public relations skill and preparedness to say what can be said in public gathering. Momen is more embarrassing because he is the “foreign” minister with international implications.
What Momen said
Speaking at a Janmastomi programme in Chittagong to a largely Hindu community audience, he said the following as reported in the media. "When I went to New Delhi, I told the Indian government that Sheikh Hasina must be sustained. Bangladesh will continue to march towards development and will truly become a country free of communalism under her leadership."
"If someone takes the country to the path of instability to shake Sheikh Hasina's government, then it is a danger for everyone. We want stability," Momen said.
The foreign minister said they told the Indian government that the two countries will work in such a way that neither side promotes instigative behaviours to maintain law and order and stability.
He said thousands of people from Bangladesh visit India every year and many Indians work in Bangladesh as there is development in Bangladesh. "This has been possible as the two countries are going through a Golden Chapter."
He said there are some wicked people and fundamentalists who create noise though the government remains silent.” ( The Business Standard .August 19, 2022)
Read: Momen explains what he meant by 'heaven'
The meaning and implications
Much of what he has said is facts. India is a major factor in Bangladesh and other south Asian countries. Under previous regimes when hostility was part of the strategy in dealing with India, the results were not positive. Many visit India and many Indians work here too.
The border protection investment is a fact too but whether India will pull back under any regime is questionable.
What Momen was trying to do is paint his government as a “secular’ one in sushil parlance and hoping to compare the current AL regime favorably with the BNP as “anti-Hindu” . It was targeted to a Hindu audience obviously. But that it carried wider political meaning to the rest was ignored. It also made the Hindus look closer to India, something grossly unfair to all. Basically, it was the wrong place, wrong audience and wrong statement as consequences show.
This would not have been a cause of such hullabaloo had it not been India either which carries political luggage in Bangladesh. Momen has been critical of Indian media when it comes to their reporting on Bangladesh-China relations but Indo-Bangla relations is a politically sensitive one and Momen has goofed unfortunately in talking the way he did.
Read: Momen once again clarifies the controversy over his “heaven” remark
It’s best if ministers are briefed on what to say and not say and where to go and say what. Their lack of PR skills has hurt Bangladesh's image. It backfired and hurt his current regime as well.
I told India to help maintain stability in Bangladesh, Momen clarifies
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday said he told the Indian government that Bangladesh would be happy if India helps Bangladesh in maintaining stability, noting that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants stability and communal harmony in the country.
“So, stability is the most important. We want stability in this region, too. We don’t want any instability. If we can do this (maintain stability together), it will be meaningful in this Golden Chapter of our relations,” he told reporters explaining what he wanted to say in Chattogram at a programme on Thursday night.
Earlier, he offered munajat and paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Mausoleum of Bangabandhu at Tungipara.
Momen said he conveyed that there are some wicked people in both countries – Bangladesh and India – who make instigative remarks and they instigate to turn minor things into big ones.
Also read: Requested India to help Bangladesh maintain stability, harmony: Momen
“Both the governments have a responsibility to stop this. If we can do that, there will be communal harmony and there will be no uncertainty,” he said.
Responding to a question, Momen said Bangladesh is witnessing development amid communal harmony as Hasina is there (in power).
“It’s good for everyone if a non-communal social system gets established. In Bangladesh, all the citizens have equal rights,” he added.
Momen said Bangladesh gets stability when PM Hasina remains there ( in power) and the development journey remains uninterrupted when there is stability.
The foreign minister said he referred to what the Assam Chief Minister told him and that exactly he conveyed to the Indian government.
“Going to India, I said your Assam Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her zero tolerance policy and her announcement that Bangladesh cannot be a hub for terrorists,” Momen said.
He said there are no terrorist activities in Assam and surrounding areas and they are seeing growing development with increased investment in Assam and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s efforts were credited.
“I conveyed to the Indian government that your chief minister said there is stability as Sheikh Hasina is there. It benefits both sides,” Momen said.
On Thursday, Momen said he requested the Indian government to do whatever necessary to help Bangladesh maintain stability and harmony.
"When I went to India, I told the Indian government that Sheikh Hasina must be sustained. Bangladesh will continue to march towards development and will truly become a country free of communalism under her leadership," he said.
Speaking as the chief guest at a Janmashtami, one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu calendar, programme in Chattogram, Momen also said, "If someone takes the country to the path of instability to shake Sheikh Hasina's government, then it is a danger for everyone. We want stability."
The foreign minister said they told the Indian government that the two countries will work in such a way that neither side promotes instigative behaviors to maintain law and order and stability.
“If we can do that, it’s good for both Bangladesh and India,” Momen said, adding that India does not need to face extra expenditure in its border areas as Sheikh Hasina is there in power.
He said thousands of people from Bangladesh visit India every year and many Indians work in Bangladesh as there is development in Bangladesh. “This has been possible as the two countries are going through a Golden Chapter.”
Also read: Bangladesh not turning into Sri Lanka : FM
For that reason, Momen said he requested the Indian government to continue supporting Sheikh Hasina as peace and stability brings benefits for the two countries.
He said there are some wicked people and fundamentalists who create noise though the government remains silent.
Chinese foreign minister to visit Bangladesh August 6-7: Officials
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is likely to visit Bangladesh first week of next month to discuss ways to further strengthening Dhaka-Beijing bilateral relations, official sources said on Friday.
The visit is scheduled for August 6-7, said the officials familiar with the development.
The Chinese foreign minister is likely to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apart from his bilateral meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart AK Abdul Momen to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues.
The visit is taking place amid geopolitical tensions and conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming met Momen on Sunday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed various issues of mutual interest including the proposed visit of the Chinese foreign minister.
Momen told reporters on Friday said he will be happy to receive Wang noting that the visit has been finalised.
FM Momen’s new book focuses on Bangladesh’s successes, potential
A new book authored by Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen was launched on Monday highlighting Bangladesh’s successes over the last 50 years and the potential to grow further.
LGRD Minister Md Tazul Islam attended the ceremony held at Foreign Service Academy as the chief guest.
Bangladesh Public Service Commission member and Dhaka University Prof Dr Delwar Hossain; and President and Managing Director of AB Bank Limited Tarique Afzal, among others, spoke at the function.
The book titled “Bangladesher Ponchash: Safollo O Somvabona (50 Years of Bangladesh: Successes and Potentials)” contained 23 write-ups – eighteen articles are written in Bangla while five in English.
Also read: Malta to send team for hassle-free visa processing of 3000 Bangladeshis: FM
Padma Bridge symbol of new Bangladesh: FM tells his Portuguese counterpart
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the just-inaugurated multi-billion dollar Padma Bridge, built with the country’s own resources, is a symbol of new Bangladesh that is capable of achieving success braving all challenges.
He apprised his Portuguese counterpart Dr. Joao Gomes Cravinho of Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in socio-economic development, particularly in women empowerment, health and education as well as fast economic growth under the leadership Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Portuguese Foreign Minister expressed his government’s desire to strengthen the relation with Bangladesh.
READ: FM to attend UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon
He took note of the suggestions and assured to work on them while commending the Bangladeshi migrant community residing in Portugal for their integration in the Portuguese society and contribution to Portuguese economy.
The two sides also agreed on working together to face the challenges relating to climate changes like rehabilitation of “climate refugees” at bilateral and multilateral levels.
Foreign Minister Momen had a bilateral meeting with Portuguese Foreign Minister Dr. Joao Gomes Cravinho in Lisbon on Friday on the sideline of the ongoing 2nd UN Ocean Conference 2022 jointly hosted by Portugal and Kenya.
This was the first bilateral meeting between the two countries at the level of Foreign Ministers.
UN Ocean Conf: Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to achieve SDG-14
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to achieve all targets relevant to Sustainable Development Goal-14 - conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Momen delivered the country statement at the plenary session of the 2nd UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon on Thursday.
Secretary, Maritime Affairs Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam, Bangladesh Ambassador to Portugal Tarik Ahsan and other officials were the delegation members accompanying the foreign minister in the conference.
Momen attached importance to marine science for eradicating poverty, contributing to food security, conserving the world’s marine environment and resources, helping to predict and respond to natural and anthropogenic events and promoting the sustainable development of the oceans and seas.
He said Bangladesh settled the maritime boundary issues with both the neighbours under the able leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and is poised to collaboratively utilize the resources.
To eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, Momen said, the government of Bangladesh declared an area totaling about 8.8% of its Exclusive Economic Zone as the Marine Protected Areas and implemented it in its National Plan of Action in 2019.
The government has amended Bangladesh Ship Recycle Act 2018 and set a target of compliance of the Hong Kong Convention by 2023, he said.
Bangladesh ready to engage with everyone who wishes no harm: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said Bangladesh is ready to engage with everyone who wishes no harm and who would not wish to use Bangladesh’s resources for launching offensive agenda of their own.
“We believe in inclusive and sustainable development. We continuously study the international events,” he said, adding that Bangladesh is no longer price takers but engages with the world on its own terms.
Momen said they believe in ‘reasoning by first principle’ and believe in partnerships for mutual economic benefits.
“That’s how we envision and leverage our sovereign national interests. I believe that the strategic location, the rich demographic dividend and a strong domestic market makes us an important player on the chessboard and our choices make us a pivot and a pole both,” said the foreign minister.
Momen was addressing a hybrid seminar on “Changing Global Order: Securing Bangladesh’s National Interest” organized by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in the city.
The foreign minister said they believe, as Bangabandhu believed “peace is imperative for economic development” and let Bangladesh emit the gospel of peace and stability across nations.
Read: FM Momen discusses issues of mutual interest with Turkish counterpart
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by giving shelter to 1.1 million persecuted ethnic minority of Myanmar has again set up an example in the world that “humanity is above all”. “Let us applaud Sheikh Hasina.”
Momen said Bangladesh is a country of resilience and its people are defenders of high moral grounds. “From the time of the War of Independence to the pandemic, from flood to drought, we have shown our courage, our resiliency and we fought valiantly.”
He said they are a nation that the Almighty blessed abundantly with natural resources. “Whatever happens, whatever comes in our path in the future, Bangabandhu's Golden Bengal will come alive and none can suppress us.”
Momen also said, “We will sustain. We will prosper with pride and with honour.”
Ambassador Kazi Imtiaz Hossain, Chairman, BIISS, chaired the inaugural session and Major General Mohammad Maksudur Rahman, Director General, BIISS, delivered the welcome remarks.
Maksudur Rahman highlighted the uncertainties related to the changing nature of global order and focused on the importance of balancing the emerging realities and enhancing cooperation by minimizing competition among the great powers.
Despite uncertainties due to the changing global order, he said, Bangladesh has maintained a policy of mutual respect and non-interference and nurtured friendly relations with the global community through its principle of "friendship to all, enmity to none".
He further added that even though Bangladesh is maintaining a good balance, the country needs to monitor international changes carefully so that it can meet new challenges that may arise due to the shift in the global order.
Ambassador Kazi Imtiaz Hossain said due to the changing global order, Bangladesh needs to establish its goals while keeping in mind its basic national interests, including stable economic growth and development of the country.
Furthermore, he added that given such a shift in the global order, ensuring the export driven-market and retaining remittance flow needs to be given utmost priority.
He concluded by saying that Bangladesh must make the best policy choices to ensure food and environmental security, including increasing domestic food production and playing a more significant role in battling climate change.
Shamsher M. Chowdhury, former Foreign Secretary, chaired the working session and delivered his remarks.
Dr. Rashed Uz Zaman, Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, presented on “Transitions in International Order: South Asian Perspective”, Dr. Nazneen Ahmed, Country Economist and Head of Policy and Strategic Advisory Unit, UNDP, Bangladesh presented on “Bangladesh’s LDC Graduation in Shifting World Order: Opportunities and Challenges”, Dr. Razia Sultana, Research Fellow, BIISS, presented on “Putting the National Interest First: Bangladesh’s Position in Changing Global Scenario”, and ASM Tarek Hassan Semul, Research Fellow, BIISS, presented on “Emerging Constellations in the Indo-Pacific: Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy Predicaments”.
Senior officials from different government ministries, members of diplomatic community, former ambassadors, senior military officials, media, academia, researchers, faculties and students from different universities, and representatives from various international organizations participated in the seminar and they shared their insights in the open discussion session.
Bangladesh, Serbia keen to further strengthen bilateral partnership
To mark the historic occasion of celebrating fifty years of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Bangladesh and Serbia have decided to take up a number of initiatives to further strengthen bilateral partnership.
Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic and his Bangladesh counterpart AK Abdul Momen had a meeting at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday to discuss a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues.
Also read:FM urges UNHCR to expedite efforts at Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar
We will do everything regarding PK Halder, says Momen after fugitive businessman's arrest in India
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday said the government would do everything necessary as per the “set procedures” regarding fugitive PK Halder who has been arrested in West Bengal.
"We have set procedures. We will work accordingly. We will do everything whatever is necessary,” he told reporters, noting that his ministry is yet to receive any information officially from the Indian government regarding Halder’s arrest.
Momen said India will first let them (Bangladesh) know that he is arrested in India and he may be punished there.
Responding to a question, he said top Ulfa leader Anup Chetia was handed over to India after trial and punishment in Bangladesh. “Same procedures are likely to be followed but I don’t know. Probably, the Ministry of Law knows better.”
Also read: Yet to receive any formal info about PK Halder: Asaduzzaman
In November 2005, Bangladesh handed over Chetia to India 18 years after his arrest in Dhaka for trespassing.
Chetia, a founding member of one of India's top insurgent groups United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa), had been in prison since his arrest in Mohammadpur on December 21, 1997 and he was released after completion of his jail term.
"We have a good intention (to get PK Halder back),” Momen said, hoping that India will listen to Bangladesh's request on a priority basis as the two countries are passing a golden era in their relations.
PK Halder, who was on the run facing charges of money laundering since 2019, was arrested by the Indian Directorate of Enforcement.
Also read: Fugitive businessman PK Halder held in India
Earlier, Foreign Minister Momen spoke as the chief guest at a session of the second National Conference on SDGs Implementation Review 2022 at Bangabandhu International Conference Center.
Momen briefs Blinken about “transparent” election process
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has briefed his US counterpart Antony Blinken about Bangladesh’s “transparent and independent” election commission apparently suggesting him to encourage BNP to take part in the election process.
“Bring them (BNP) to the election process to follow the rules and procedures of the country,” he told Blinken during their bilateral meeting at the US Department of State on Monday.
While talking to reporters after the meeting in Washington, Momen said he conveyed to the US side that there is a good election process and system in Bangladesh and all parties except one (BNP) join the elections that are transparent, free and fair.
The foreign minister said the BNP must go to the people and take part in the voting process. “We’ve a fair system. We’ve an Election Commission. They’re (EC) independent and during the election they are the boss.”
Also read: It’s time to look beyond energy sector: Momen tells Blinken, seeking 'rock-solid' ties
Momen said if they (BNP) are really committed to democracy they should participate in the election process. “They’re welcome if they want to do elections.”
The FM said the mayor in his city (Sylhet) is from BNP and they are very comfortably working together.
Momen referred to weaknesses of US democracy though the United States is among the oldest modern democracies.
Whereas, he said Bangladesh is a country of 50 years with 18 years of military-backed governments. The foreign minister said the vast population in Bangladesh cast their votes in the elections while the number is very few in the US.
Momen said elections are being held at various levels in Bangladesh since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to power.
The foreign minister raised the issue of sheltering Rashed Chowdhury, a convicted killer of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and reiterated Bangladesh’s call to handover him to Bangladesh.
Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Momen discussed the tremendous economic potential of the relationship and reflected on the ways they have collaborated over the last half century – including growing our people-to-people ties with our vibrant Fulbright exchange.
Also read: Bangladesh, US relations to reach new heights: Blinken to Momen
They also highlighted ongoing cooperation to address the climate crisis, meet the needs of Rohingya victims of genocide, and promote regional security through UN peacekeeping operations.
Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the importance of protecting human rights, the rule of law, and freedom of religion as the basis for safe and prosperous democratic societies.
Lawmaker Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Secretary (West) Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury and Bangladesh Ambassador to the US M Shahidul Islam accompanied Foreign Minister Momen at the meeting.