Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has highlighted the imperative of tapping into unexplored trade opportunities between Bangladesh and African countries. He attended at an interaction session held on Thursday at the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum Bangladesh 2023 in Dhaka. Bangladesh sends humanitarian aid to flood-affected Libya Momen underscored the critical need to establish robust trade and investment relations with African countries, particularly in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, energy, blue economy and information and communication technology (ICT). The session also shed light on Bangladesh's visionary 'Look Africa' policy, which represents a strategic commitment to bolster relations with African nations. This outlines various areas of cooperation, including trade and the economy, education, IT and ICT, air and maritime connectivity, healthcare, contract farming, people-to-people contact and visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders. This multifaceted approach demonstrates Bangladesh's dedication to fostering deeper connections with the African continent. CWEIC chairman applauds Bangladesh’s “incredible” economic success story The foreign minister also stated that Bangladesh is one of the world's fastest-growing economies. The country's focus on enhancing engagement with African nations aligns with its ambitious economic and social development trajectory, aimed at achieving Vision 2041 and creating a Smart Bangladesh. He also highlighted that new African markets have opened doors for Bangladeshi enterprises, leading to diversification in export destinations. Despite challenges, the potential for economic cooperation between Bangladesh and African nations remains promising, Momen said. Devastation in Libya: Bangladesh PM expresses deep shock He also stated that Bangladesh will welcome any election observers from African countries in our upcoming National Parliament Election scheduled to be held in early January 2024. Ministers from several African countries, High level government delegates and business entities attended this event.

The High Court on Monday dismissed a writ petition challenging the legality of AK Abdul Momen holding the office of the Foreign Minister. The HC bench of Justice Md Mojibur Rahman Mia and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo dismissed the petition saying that such writ petition has no merit. Advocate Mostafizur Rahman Ahad and Advocate Ershad Hossain Rashed appeared for the petitioner while Attorney General AM Amin Uddin, Deputy Attorney General Arvind Kumar Roy, Assistant Attorney General Mohammad Abbas Uddin and Samsun Nahar Laiju for the state. Read more: Legal notice served seeking FM Momen’s resignation in 48 hrs On September 5, on behalf of SC advocate Md Ershad Hossain Rashed, lawyer Mostafizur Rahman Ahad filed the petition in the High Court. The foreign minister, cabinet secretary, secretary of parliament secretariat  were made respondents to this writ petition. On August 21, SC lawyer Ershad sent a legal notice to the foreign minister urging him to step down within 48 hours for violating the Constitution over his "controversial comments". Read more: Bangladesh not turning into Sri Lanka : FM At a Janmashtami programme in Chattogram on August 18, Momen reportedly said that he had urged the Indian government to back Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina so that she can stay in power. After much criticism over this statement, the FM provided an explanation the next day, saying that he had requested the Indian government to help the Bangladesh PM maintain the stability of her government.

After long negotiations with different stakeholders in Moldova, they have agreed to take Bangladeshi workers. In the first batch 28 Bangladeshi workers were issued Moldovian visa, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told UNB on Saturday. Read: FM attends dinner hosted by Jaishankar in New York They will work in an aluminum window making factory and 40 more are in pipeline, Momen said. Moldova stopped hiring workers from Bangladesh more than a decade ago.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Sunday highlighted trade and investment opportunities in Bangladesh and sought Qatar’s investment in Bangladesh, especially in economic zones. The issues were discussed when Labour Minister of Qatar Ali bin Saeed bin Al Samikh Al Marri met Momen at the state guesthouse Padma. Qatar's Labour Minister conveyed to Momen that his country will actively explore investment scope in Bangladesh. The foreign minister lauded the role of Qatar for its mediation in Afghanistan, Palestine, Chad and in Sudan. Also read: Need each other’s cooperation to ensure “peaceful, stable, secure” neighbourhood: Doraiswami He sought Qatar government’s political and economic support for resolving the Rohingya problems. Qatar labour minister appreciated steady development of Bangladesh despite COVID pandemic. Momen briefed him about the initiatives taken by the government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for skill development to meet growing demand in domestic and abroad. He appreciated the cooperation of Qatar government in supplying LNG to Bangladesh. Also read: Moscow reaffirms its commitment to strengthen cooperation with Dhaka Qatar's minister expressed his satisfaction on Bangladesh community living in Qatar. He appreciated the role of Bangladeshi expatriates in developing the economy of Qatar as well as Bangladesh. He mentioned that Qatar would like to recruit skilled and semi skilled workers from Bangladesh in the field of medical, hospitality, driving and IT sector in the coming days.

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."  

Bangladesh has conveyed to visiting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet that there is no “enforced disappearance” and no restrictions on media freedom and civil society in the country. While talking to reporters after his meeting with Bachelet at state guesthouse Padma, Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen said the UN rights chief did not raise the issue of extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearance but the Bangladesh side raised it on its own. “They (UN side) did not raise the issue of extrajudicial killings. They (UN) were informed that some people had been killed. We said we’ll definitely investigate if there is any such information,” he said, adding that he did not hear about any such incident in recent days but there were such cases in 2002-2003. Momen referred to an open letter to the UN rights chief by David Bergman, Editor of Netra News (English) and said they (Bergman and others) are very unhappy and going through kind of mental pains as Bangladesh is progressing. “Some people are giving them (Bergman and others) money. They are paid persons,” he said, mentioning that he heard they (Bergman and others) work in favour of those who pay them. Momen also recalled the role of Bergman during the trial of war criminals as he heard that Bergman used to work in exchange for money. Also read: UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet in city The foreign minister also told the UN rights chief that the perception of restrictions on media freedom is not true. “I see the media is very strong here.” Responding to a question, Momen said they (UN side) are very concerned about the Rohingya issue. Bachelet thanked Bangladesh for its generosity towards the Rohingyas, but at the same time they want an increased support to the Rohingyas, he said. Momen briefed Bachelet about the government's efforts to protect and promote human rights in the country. The Bangladesh side urged her to extend their support in Rakhine state for creating a conducive environment for the Rohingya repatriation. The top executive of the UN Human Rights body will also have the opportunity to interact with the forcibly displaced Rohingya people during her trip to Cox’s Bazar, through which she would be equipped with concrete information to press hard the agenda for their repatriation to the ancestral homeland - Rakhine State of Myanmar, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bachelet arrived here on Sunday morning on a four-day visit as Bangladesh continues “constructive dialogue” with her for the promotion and protection of human rights. Before her arrival in Dhaka, the government strongly rejected what it says the visible "politically motivated efforts" of some corners to mislead the people by showcasing the visit of the UN High Commissioner as an occasion to "put undue pressure" on the government. "The government of Bangladesh firmly believes that politicization of the human rights agenda never helps in promoting and protecting human rights of the people; and therefore, sincere dialogue and cooperation is the pathway," said the government early Saturday. Bachelet, who was an elected president of Chile on two occasions (2006 – 2010 and 2014 – 2018), is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday morning. Apart from her meetings with the Cabinet members of the government, she is scheduled to interact with the National Human Rights Commission, youth representatives, leaders of the civil society organizations (CSOs) and the academia during her stay in Dhaka. She would also pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on August 15. Bachelet will also join an interactive session on “New Frontiers of Human Rights: Climate Justice in Perspective” with young scholars at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies on Wednesday after her meeting with PM Hasina. Also read: Bangladesh wants “constructive dialogue” as UN rights chief arrives Sunday Bangladesh hoped to benefit from an objective appreciation of the High Commissioner regarding the achievements of the country, despite challenges. The visiting UN High Commissioner remains well aware of the plethora of achievements of Bangladesh in the human rights domain, including through the treaty-body reporting as well as through other mechanisms, Bangladesh says. Bangladesh hoped that the chief of UN human rights mechanism would witness by herself how the country is doing miracles to keep on track their development journey; integrating human rights into it. Despite the ongoing pandemic, no one in the country has died of starvation, said the government, adding that "No one is getting killed either in shopping malls, schools or worship places in Bangladesh.”

Mentioning the government is working for social peace and harmony, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said that if social harmony is not destroyed and peace is maintained in the society, it brings the welfare of the people. He made the remarks while addressing a discussion meeting on the occasion of Ulto Rath Yatra at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)) Sylhet Temple in Yugaltila, Sylhet on Friday as the chief guest. The minister said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working relentlessly to build the golden Bengal of harmony that Father of the Nation  Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamt about. Shrimat Bhakti Odito Navadwip Maharaj presided over the function. Read: FM Momen mourns Abe's death Speaking as the special guest, Awami League Central Organizing Secretary Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel said a vested quarter has been conspiring since independence and their activities are still going on. "So we have to be careful about them." At the end of the meeting, the Foreign Minister inaugurated the Rath Yatra festival by lighting up mangal pradeep (lamp of welfare). Later, a procession with idols of Jagannath, Subhadra and Balaram set out in three huge chariots in colorful attire. The procession passed through Rikabibazar, Chauhatta, Zindabazar, Nayorpool, Bandarbazar, Taltala, Rikabibazar of the city and ended at the ISKCON temple. Earlier, Momen visited the development work of the traditional Dhopadighi of the city with the funding of the Government of India.

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

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has urged all to get involved to help the flood-affected people in Sylhet region and join hands with the government to rescue those stranded by flood waters.He said the administration is mobilising an adequate number of speedboats and boats to rescue the marooned people in flood-affected regions and take them to nearby shelters.The foreign minister in a video message from his verified Facebook page on Friday pledged to take government assistance to all flood affected people in Sylhet region.He also urged activists and leaders of local Awami League and its associate bodies to voluntarily provide cooked food to the centers as there is no shortage of relief and dry food. Read: Worsening floods threaten power supply in Sylhet: officials"The SSC exam was a concern for the students there but it has been suspended for now. Electricity got disrupted in many areas as the Sylhet City Corporation could not protect the Kumargaon power substation from getting flooded ” he added.All the relevant ministries are jointly trying to control the situation and are being alerted and there is nothing to get panicked, said Momen.“It gave us a lesson that we have occupied the water bodies like canal, haor, bil which caused the flood situation to worsen and these need dredging, he said.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to join the ongoing three-day period of mourning following the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi.  Momen left Dhaka on Saturday evening where he will represent the Bangladesh government, said a foreign ministry official. The foreign minister will return home Monday, he added.  Read: UAE's long-ailing leader Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed dies at 73 In separate messages, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed their condolences on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa.  The president and prime minister recalled the late UAE president's visionary leadership and his friendship with Bangladesh and prayed for the salvation of the departed soul. Oman's sultan was among the first leaders to visit the UAE's new President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Saturday night, reports AP.  Others are expected in the coming days, including French President Emmanuel Macron Sunday.The UAE as a whole is observing a three-day period of mourning, which will see businesses shut across the country and performances halted in Sheikh Khalifa's honour.  Read:No need to import wheat before August, says food secretary Electronic billboards all showed the late Sheikh's image in Dubai Friday night as flags flew at half-staff.  A wider mourning period of 40 days will go on beyond that. Rulers in the UAE Saturday unanimously appointed Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Mohammed as the country's president, signalling both unity and stability in this key energy-rich country that hosts Western militaries.