Momen
Delhi has no comment on FM’s recent remarks
The government of India has no comment on the recent remarks made by the Bangladesh foreign minister, noting that there is a debate about its accuracy.
“I understand there is a debate actually about the accuracy of those reports (by media),” Arindam Bagchi, official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters in a weekly briefing in New Delhi on Thursday.
He said the matter has also been clarified by the Bangladesh authorities. “I have nothing to say on that (FM’s remarks). “
Earlier, foreign minister AK Abdul Momen said, "I did not say anything related to the allegation brought against me. I have talked about stability. I said about stability in the global context where instability is prevailing."
"So, stability is the most important. We want stability in this region, too. We don't want any instability. If we can do this, 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.
Regarding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s proposed visit to India next month, the MEA spokesperson said he does not have anything to say at this moment as high level visits are announced at the right time.
Also read: Momen retreats into full 'blame the media' mode
Momen retreats into full 'blame the media' mode
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused the media of distorting the speech of Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.
In a media release on Monday, the ministry said today (Monday, 22, August 2022) after a meeting at Bangladesh Secretariat, journalists surrounded Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
At that time, again at the request of the journalists, the foreign minister said, "I did not say anything related to the allegation brought against me. I did not say anything about the election. I did not seek help on the election from India."
Journalists wanted to know more. Then what exactly do you say? In response to this question the foreign minister said, "I have said about stability. I said about stability in the global context where instability is prevailing."
Then journalists wanted to know about the foreign minister's position over the allegation brought against him. In response to this question, the foreign minister said, "These are blatant lies."
Some media published the foreign minister's distorted speech avoiding mentioned speech and this is "I did not say things that Sheikh Hasina's government should be kept in power after going to India."
Read: Momen denies he asked India to help Hasina government stay in power
Misleading information is being spread by presenting the distorted speech of the foreign minister which is regrettable.
Earlier at a Janmashtami programme in Chattogram on Thursday, Momen said that he urged the Indian government to back Hasina so that she can stay in power.
After much criticism over this statement, the FM explained the next day, saying that he had requested the Indian government to help the PM maintain stability with her government.
Momen comments: AL expects PM to formally look into it
Awami League Presidium Member Abdur Rahman on Saturday hoped that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would look into her cabinet member Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen's recent remarks.
"Surely, we expect that the Prime Minister will formally look into the matter as he (Momen) is a minister and a member of her cabinet," he told reporters, adding that they are also talking informally with the foreign minister after his recent comments.
While talking to reporters at Dhanmondi 32, the AL leader said they request the foreign minister to refrain from making any remarks that mischievous people might look to take advantage of. He hoped that the foreign minister would be careful.
Rahman said the foreign minister can explain better what he said. "But I can clearly say it is not the party's statement if you take into consideration the media reports quoting foreign minister Momen."
He said India is a tested friend of Bangladesh and recalled the great contribution of the country and its people during the War of Liberation in 1971. "We can never forget their contributions."
Read: Momen once again clarifies the controversy over his “heaven” remark
The AL leader said his party does not believe in dependence on foreign powers to come to power and stay in power. "We depend on the people of the country."
Foreign minister Momen on Friday explained that he told the Indian government that Bangladesh would be happy if India helps Bangladesh in maintaining stability, noting that 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, 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.
Momen said he conveyed that there are some bad people in both countries – Bangladesh and India – who make instigative remarks and they instigate to turn minor things into big ones.
"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 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 he (Momen) exactly conveyed that 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 added.
Momen's India remarks have no link with AL: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday said the Awami League has never requested India to provide the party with support to stay in power.
"The Awami League has never requested India to provide support to us to stay in power and no one has been given responsibility by Sheikh Hasina to say it. This may be one's personal opinion," he said.
Also read: I told India to help maintain stability in Bangladesh, Momen clarifies
He said this after inaugurating the central Janmashtami procession at Palashi intersection in the capital on Friday.
He commented that Bangladesh has no hostile relationship with India, and the country had been harmed by its hostility with India in the past
He also said that there were no communal attacks except for a few isolated incidents after Hasina's government came to power.
Also read: Requested India to help Bangladesh maintain stability, harmony: Momen
Those who attacked the Hindu community were miscreants,he added.
Momen blames manipulators for price hike of essentials
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday said they are very concerned about the price hike of essentials, noting that there might be a "manipulation" behind such excessive rise of essentials' prices.
"We are suffering a lot. Our people are facing enough difficulties due to the sudden rise of essentials' prices. Where the price of eggs was Tk 90 (per dozen), now it is Tk 150. I can't figure out how it happened," he told reporters in Tungipara.
Citing the recently increased diesel prices he said such price hike of essential commodities are not justified.
"Prices (of essentials) have skyrocketed and we are very concerned and worried about it. If there is no manipulation here, how can the price increase like this?" wondered the foreign minister.
Momen said they want to provide essentials at an affordable price and do not want to see any instability.
He said many were saying Bangladesh is becoming Sri Lanka. "In that context, I said there is no reason for Bangladesh to become Sri Lanka. We are rather better than other countries."
Read: I told India to help maintain stability in Bangladesh, Momen clarifies
Momen said there are people to spread propaganda and it is done in an organised way.
"We all need to remain careful. It's our country," he said, adding that those in opposition should also keep it in mind that everyone will be affected if there is any instability in the country.
Momen said some media outlets make false reports to create anarchy in the country. "This is very unfortunate."
Earlier, leaders of Bangabandhu Foundation paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at his grave at Tungipara.
Momen, president of Bangabandhu Foundation, along with other leaders of the organisation placed wreath at Bangabandhu’s grave in the morning.
They offered fateha and raised hands in prayer seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Bangabandhu and his family members who were killed on the dreadful night of August 15, 1975.
The Executive President of the Central Committee of Bangabandhu Foundation Advocate Moshiur Malek, Vice President Advocate Abdul Khalek Mia and Md Delwar Hossain were present among others.
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.
Requested India to help Bangladesh maintain stability, harmony: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen Thursday said he requested the Indian government to do whatever necessary to help Bangladesh maintain stability and harmony.
"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," he said.
The foreign minister was speaking as the chief guest at a Janmashtami, one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu calendar, programme in Chattogram.
Read:Nation observing Bangabandhu’s anniversary of martyrdom in a somber mood
"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 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.”
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.
Momen to countries sheltering Bangabandhu’s killers: 'It's very unfair:'
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed displeasure over the developed countries which have been sheltering self-confessed, convicted killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.“You (developed countries) are not allowing them (convicted killers) to face justice because you have the power. It is very unfair,” he said, describing the barriers created by those countries.Without mentioning any specific country, Momen said "they'' always recommend rule of law and good governance but they are sheltering killers.
Also read: Nation observing Bangabandhu’s anniversary of martyrdom in a somber mood
“We want to have good governance here. We want to establish the rule of law,” said the Foreign Minister.The five killers who remain fugitives are Nur Chowdhury, Rashed Chowdhury, Moslehuddin Khan, Khandaker Abdur Rashid and Shariful Haque Dalim.Nur Chowdhury and Rashed Chowdhury were traced in Canada and the USA respectively.The government has yet to find out the whereabouts of the other three and the government continues its efforts through diplomatic channels, intelligence and Interpol.“We have sought support from Interpol. We also declared a bounty and those will be awarded who can give correct information about the killers,” Momen said while talking to a small group of journalists at his office recently.He said though they are yet to know about three killers, the government knows that two of the five fugitives live in developed countries.
Also read: Ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Can Inspire the Young Generation“They are moving freely but they are murderers. They are self-confessed murderer,” Momen said.
The Foreign Minister said the developed countries that talk about the rule of law say they do not harbor murderers.But they have sheltered the murderers and kept them happy and peaceful, Momen said, adding that, "This is very unfair."
Momen once again clarifies the controversy over his “heaven” remark
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has clarified that his use of the word “heaven” was not in its “true sense”, but only meant for comparing the situation in Bangladesh with other countries amid global economic crisis.
“After all I am a public figure. I am an open person,” he told reporters on Sunday reiterating that he says what he thinks as an open-minded person.
The foreign minister wore his usual smile as he also described, in his own style, how the media treated him in their reports on this comment.
Also read: No enforced disappearance, no restrictions on freedom: Momen tells Bachelet
In Sylhet on Saturday, Momen said his comments were "twisted" as he meant that people of Bangladesh are in a far better situation compared to other countries amid global recession.
"I said we are in a far better situation compared to other countries," he told reporters.
Comparing the situation with other countries, the foreign minister on Friday said people in Bangladesh are leading a happy life and "living in heaven" compared to other countries.
He said a certain group is spreading panic claiming that Bangladesh will face a Sri Lanka-like situation. "This is baseless."
Also read: Bangladesh not turning into Sri Lanka : FM
Momen, however, acknowledged that Bangladesh is facing challenges due to global recession.
Momen explains what he meant by 'heaven'
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen Saturday said his comments were "twisted" as he meant that the people of Bangladesh are in a far better situation compared to other countries amid global crises.
"I said we are in a far better situation compared to other countries," he told reporters. "But everyone wrote that I said heaven."
Comparing the situation with other countries, the foreign minister Friday said people in Bangladesh are leading a happy life and "living in a heaven" compared to other countries.
Read: It's a joke with people, says BNP about Momen's comment on living in heaven
He said a certain group is spreading panic claiming that Bangladesh will face a Sri Lanka-like situation. "This is baseless."
Momen, however, acknowledged the challenges that Bangladesh is facing due to global crises.
He claimed Bangladesh has enough dollar reserves and is just maintaining a bit of austerity considering future crises.