Bangladesh and the United States are holding the ninth annual bilateral security dialogue in Dhaka as part of "comprehensive security relationship" between the two governments. Khandker Masudul Alam, Director General (North America) is leading the Bangladesh delegation while the US Side is led by Mira Resnick, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. The dialogue began at 9am on Tuesday (September 05, 2023) at the Foreign Service Academy The security dialogue is an annual, civilian-led discussion that touches on all elements of the security relationship between the two countries. Read more: Bangladesh envoy among diplomats taken on tour of Rakhine to view facilities for Rohingya repatriation Representatives from both sides will discuss Indo-Pacific regional issues, security and human rights, military cooperation, peacekeeping, security assistance, and counterterrorism, among other topics, said the US Embassy in Dhaka in a media note. The United States and Bangladesh have a strong security partnership and share many interests in the Indo-Pacific region, said the embassy. Both countries share a vision to ensure the Indo-Pacific region is free, open, peaceful, and secure.   This year, the security dialogue closely follows the bilateral defense dialogue, which took place August 23 and 24 in Dhaka. Read more: Bangladesh, Gambia agree on co-deployment of troops in UN peacekeeping The bilateral defense dialogue featured senior officers and civilians from the US and Bangladeshi militaries. They discussed a range of issues specific to the military-to-military relationship, including military education, peacekeeping and upcoming military exercises, including next year’s Disaster Response Exercise & Exchange. The security dialogue covers a wide range of issues related to partnership between the two countries including strategic priorities and regional security issues, defense cooperation, civilian security cooperation, UN peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and countering violent extremism. Read more: US Deputy Assistant Secretary Mira Resnick in Dhaka

- Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s participation at the G20 Summit in New Delhi will add yet another feather to the ‘Golden Chapter’ in Dhaka-Delhi ties. "We look forward to working together with G20 partners to find multi-dimensional solutions to the multiple crises plaguing our world," he said. The Foreign Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the opening session of a discussion titled “G20 Summit: Dhaka to New Delhi”, at Foreign Service Academy. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, Ambassador Mohammad Ziauddin, who is discharging his responsibilities as the Bangladesh Sherpa for G20, and President of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry and G20 Employer Advocate Selima Ahmad, MP spoke at the opening session. The recognition by G20 — under the Indian Presidency — that the status quo is no longer sustainable for multilateralism to function is a major turn-around, Momen said. The Foreign Minister hoped that Bangladesh can make visible and meaningful contributions to the G20 processes through multi-stakeholder participation. The Prime Minister has been invited to the Summit to be held in New Delhi on September 9-10, and she guided the nature and level of engagements with the different G20 processes. “We thank them as they have honored us. We are among the nine countries which are invited. We feel very honored,” Foreign Minister Momen told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read more: Bangladesh's prosperity under Sheikh Hasina's leadership highly commendable: US Congressman Robert Pittenger

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today (July 08, 2023) said he is not aware that dialogue between political parties over election brought any results in the past. He said the government will not talk to “any terrorists.” The foreign minister said such dialogues are not held in other countries, including in the US, and referred to those as "useless" discussion. Momen was responding to questions on political dialogue at ‘DCAB Talk’ at the Foreign Service Academy. He said foreigners can come and observe the elections. "We remain transparent. We have nothing to hide." Momen displeased at ‘seeking solutions’ of Bangladesh's internal issues from foreigners Momen said the next election will be held as per the constitution. "We have a good track record of holding good elections. We are doing our best." Responding to a question on recent remarks by China and Russia, he said those are their remarks. "You may ask them." Momen said democracy is a dynamic process and it becomes mature through practice. He said the next election will be a model election in the world. "We want all parties, who are willing, to join the elections." Justice delayed is justice denied, resolve case involving Rohingyas as soon as possible: Momen tells ICC Prosecutor The foreign minister also said there is no problem if any “terrorist party” does not join the election. Foreign Minister Momen has said that he fears there are efforts of hindering the national elections. “We have indication some are trying to hinder the election process,” he said, without elaborating further whether they are from Bangladesh or outside the country. Asked who are those making such efforts to hinder elections, he sad, “You know it better. You are journalists." Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event. DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and General Secretary Emrul Kayesh also spoke on the occasion. Dev agencies should concentrate on development issues, not politics: Momen

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed displeasure over “seeking solutions” of Bangladesh's internal issues from foreigners, especially from diplomats stationed in Dhaka. “I believe you (media) will not be playing a supportive role to that end,” he said while speaking at DCAB Talk at the Foreign Service Academy.  Momen said diplomats come here to promote bilateral relations between their countries and Bangladesh. The foreign minister said the image of Bangladesh has undergone a complete change over the past decade.  Read more: Dialogues between parties not held in other countries, including in the US: Momen “Bangladesh is not a country of terrorists and terrorism activities. That is a great achievement of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” Momen remarked.  Regarding the next national election, the foreign minister said the government is committed to holding a fair election free of violence.  It requires sincere commitment from all parties to make that happen, he said.  The foreign minister highlighted the achievements of the government and its efforts to boost export through diversification.  He said Bangladesh’s investment intention rate is very high but in some cases implementation gets slowed down.  Read more: Not aware elections in Bangladesh connected to US State Dept or EU Parliament: Russian Foreign Ministry The foreign minister said Bangladesh is a peacebuilding nation.  Referring to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Momen said peace is imperative for development.  He said democracy, human rights and justice — these are in the DNA of Bangladesh.  Momen recalled the sacrifices made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, noting that her sacrifices go far beyond other global leaders.  He said everyone will be affected if the democratic process, peace and stability are hampered. “We need to make peace and stability sustainable. You (media) have a role to play.” Read more: No pressure, no fear in Awami League’s dictionary: Shahriar Alam The foreign minister said the government is maintaining good relations with the neighbouring countries.  He also said the government remains prudent in taking foreign loans.  As far as countries are concerned, maximum loans came from Japan while major loans came from the ADB, IMF and World Bank, he added. Bangladesh does not want to tilt towards any specific country but maintains a balanced relations with all. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event. DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and its General Secretary Emrul Kayesh spoke at the event. Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present on the occasion. Read more: Climate-impacted countries like Bangladesh need financial, tech support: UN Resident Coordinator

Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam today (June 25, 2023) said, the narrative of Bangladesh being a “small country” has changed globally with its growing economy, wider engagement with partners, and political stability. “Bangladesh is seen as an example of good practice in multilateral forums,” he said while speaking at DCAB Talk. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted its flagship event at the Foreign Service Academy. Also read: UN officials praise Bangladeshi peacekeepers during meeting with PM Hasina DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus moderated the discussion. DCAB General Secretary Emrul Kayesh also spoke on the occasion. The state minister said that Bangladesh’s importance has increased significantly and its level of cooperation internationally has also been enhanced. He said Bangladesh has achieved continuity and stability, and this continuity will prevail. Responding to a question, Alam said, the government is “not feeling any pressure” ahead of the national election as the Election Commission will proceed as per the constitution. Also read: Discrimination, sexual abuse have no place in Peacekeeping Missions, Dhaka says Referring to events over 10 years ago, the state minister said that there is no word like “fear” in the dictionary of Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He also mentioned a diplomatic call for a fresh election before monsoon in the past, saying, “That sounds too ambitious.” The state minister said the government will not accept or welcome any interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs but will welcome election observers. He said there has been conspiracy against Bangladesh in the past. Also read: Climate change: Foreign Minister highlights adaptation efforts Alam said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not take any step that goes against the interest of the people and the country. Responding to a question, Alam said that there has been significant progress that leads to the need for withdrawing US sanctions on the elite force, RAB. "We will realise the demand (withdrawal of sanctions)." In his remarks, DCAB President Rezaul Karim said they understand Bangladesh has emerged as an important country in geopolitics with its growing economy. He said Bangladesh’s extraordinary development, democratic stability, and geopolitical significance are undeniably matters of discussion at home and abroad. Read more: UN officials praise Bangladeshi peacekeepers during meeting with PM Hasina

The Foreign Office Spouses Association (FOSA), a not-for-profit organisation, organized an Eid Charity Mela (Fair) in the capital on Saturday. Selina Momen, chief patron of FOSA and wife of Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, inaugurated the Eid Charity Mela at the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) auditorium at Bailey Road. Also Read: FOSA to hold Eid Charity Mela at FSA Saturday The day-long fair showcased and sold traditional and boutique products of Bangladesh.

The Foreign Office Spouses Association (FOSA), a not-for-profit organisation, will hold an Eid charity fair in the capital Saturday. Selina Momen, chief patron of FOSA and wife of Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, will inaugurate the Eid Charity Mela at the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) auditorium in Baily Road. The day-long fair will showcase and sell traditional and boutique products of Bangladesh. There will also be products from different countries of the world collected through Bangladesh missions. The fair will be open to everyone from 10am to 8pm, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. FOSA members in Bangladesh missions abroad hold and engage in events to promote the country. In Dhaka, the association also observes some of the occasions to present those before the international community.

Shamsher M. Chowdhury has been elected President of the Association of Former BCS (FA) Ambassadors (AOFA). Other elected office bearers are Vice-Presidents M. Shafiullah and Suhrab Hossain, General Secretary Abdullah Al Hasan, Treasurer ABM Abdus Salam, Joint Secretary Generals - Golam Mohammed and AKM Atiqur Rahman and members-AFM Golam Hossain and Munshi Faiz Ahmed. Following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association, the new Executive Committee was elected for the term 2022-2023 on December 25. The new Executive Committee assumed office on January 1, 2022. Both the AGM and election were held at the Foreign Service Academy. The election was conducted by a three-member Election Commission.

Bangladesh will host a two-day world peace conference in November this year, marking the ongoing birth centenary celebration of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as part of promoting a culture of peace and tolerance. Bangabandhu Peace Award will be introduced and conferred during the conference. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said this while addressing a discussion at Foreign Service Academy, marking the anniversary of Bangabandhu's Joliot Curie Peace Prize given in recognition of his contributions to world peace. Also read: New Delhi mission observes Bangabandhu's Joliot-Curie award anniversary The Father of the Nation, who was a proponent of peace and addressing problems with dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts, was awarded the medal on May 23, 1973. It was the first international award to the newly-independent Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen on Sunday requested the international community to meaningfully commit to the Rohingya refugees’ voluntary repatriation to Myanmar by helping create an environment conducive to their safe and dignified return.