Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the goals set out for the Indo-Pacific region are not much different from Bangladesh’s, but the only concern is about its defence aspect, if any. “Only thing we are afraid of — if it is designed for a defence pact, because we are a peace-loving country. We don’t have any intention (to fight against anyone). We would like to see development in the whole region. We want security (in the region) but no defence pact,” he said. Momen made the remarks while responding to a question during a conversation on economic diplomacy with a focus on growth and development. The Onero Institute partnered with the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center for the session held at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University this week. Read more: US urged to create “safe protection zone” in Myanmar to facilitate Rohingya repatriation The dialogue was moderated by the senior director of the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center, Irfan Nooruddin. The foreign minister said Bangladesh does not have any disagreements on the issue and it also wants open, free, secure and freely navigable Indo-Pacific under the international laws. He said Bangladesh wants economic development in the whole Indo-Pacific region and finds many things in common with the goals set up. “We don’t have much difference. We believe the next century is for Asia and the Indo-Pacific provides an opportunity and potential.” Responding to a question on India-US-China, Momen said the US and China have their own tensions. “The US is our old friend while we have rock-solid relations with India. China became our development partner as they have money,” he said. Read more: Digital Security Act not for restricting media freedom, Momen tells US He said the western countries including the US “do not come up with money but they come up with advice except for some exceptions.”  “We are very prudent in accepting loans from China. We signed agreements on a big amount but we took a very small amount. It can’t influence our policies,” Momen said while responding to another question. The foreign minister said Bangladesh is a “hub of connectivity” and maintains very good relations with all its neighbours. “We have resolved all critical issues with India peacefully through dialogue and discussion,” he said. Read More: Due to BGB initiative, after 4 decades Bangladesh gets back 1 acre of disputed land on Naogaon border “Though Myanmar is a difficult case, we don’t have any quarrel with them. We have only one difficult problem (Rohingyas),” Momen added. He highlighted issues related to emerging Bangladesh, its socioeconomic achievements, economic partnership and prospects with the USA, economic and public diplomacy, regional development and navigating relations with major powers.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday identified defence industry cooperation between Bangladesh and India as an emerging focus area of their defence partnership.  Speaking at a seminar on Indian defence equipment, he highlighted the accomplishments of the Indian defence industry over the last nearly a decade driven by their Prime Minister’s vision of “Make in India, Make for the World”.  The High Commissioner invited Bangladesh Armed Forces to benefit from India’s cost-effective and high quality defence equipment and technology, and also proposed joint development and production.

Indian chief of Defence Staff had a courtesy conversation with the Bangladesh Army chief over the phone on Thursday night. This is the first time that General Anil Chauhan had a courtesy conversation with Bangladesh Army Chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed after taking charge as India's chief of Defence Staff, the Inter Services Public Relation Directorate said. During the conversation, they hoped for more training cooperation between the armies of the two friendly countries.   Also, the Bangladesh Army chief invited India's chief of Defence Staff to visit Bangladesh. The conversation is expected to boost relations between the armies of the countries, the Inter Services Public Relation Directorate said. Read more: Bangladesh, India sign first contract under US$500 million defence LoC

On the first day of recording statements of the witnesses in the Maj. (retd) Sinha Mohammad Rashed Khan murder case trial, the defence plawyers allegedly tried to delay the proceedings at a Cox’s Bazar court. Defendant’s lawyer advocate Rana Dash Gupta submitted 11 petitions praying to suspend the case but the court didn’t accept them, said Plaintiffs’ lawyer advocate Mohammad Jahangir and public prosecutor advocate Faridul Alam to media. Meanwhile, the trial proceedings of the sensational murder case began with recording the testimonial statement of Sinha’s sister and plaintiff of the case Sharmin Shahriar Ferdous. Also read: HC refuses bail to another 3 accused in Sinha murder case

Thirteen women were awarded the "Woman of Inspiration Award 2021" Saturday (March 27, 2021) on the occasion of International Women's Day. Global nonprofit organisation JCI Bangladesh organised the programme at a Dhaka hotel to honour the exceptional women "who inspire others to be more and do more." The inspirational women received the award in different categories including entrepreneurship, banking, legal affairs, business innovation, medical innovation, defence, art and culture, fashion and beauty, media, and corporate leadership. Read Legendary Women in Bangladesh with Pioneering Contribution in Diverse Fields.