Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen
Momen denies he asked India to help Hasina government stay in power
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday once again denied that he urged the Indian government to help Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to stay in power.
“I’m far from the allegations that have been brought against me. All the allegations against me are false. I didn’t say anything to the Indian government about elections,” Momen told journalists after attending a cabinet meeting.
Replying to a question, Momen said that he had talked to the Indian government about stability in Bangladesh in the light of the ongoing global instability.
Read: Requested India to help Bangladesh maintain stability, harmony: Momen
Earlier at a Janmashtami programme in Chattogram on Thursday, Momen reportedly 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 provided an explanation the next day, saying that he had requested the Indian government to help the PM maintain stability of her government.
Dhaka seeks Qatar's investment
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.
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.
It's a joke with people, says BNP about Momen's comment on living in heaven
Taking a swipe at Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen for his comment that the people of Bangladesh are living in heaven compared to other countries, BNP on Saturday said it is nothing but a joke with people when they are struggling to survive.
“At a time, when the people of the country are suffering every moment and finding it difficult to survive amid miseries, then the foreign minister said we’re living in heaven. It’s ridiculous,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
Speaking at a press conference, he also said it is unjustified for AK Momen to ridicule people at a time of their anguish.
Fakhrul said the Foreign Minister has made such somewhat ridiculous remarks in the past. “But he has no right to make such a mockery."
“I am sorry to speak on a personal level. Lately, what has emerged in his (Momen’s) appearance is that he has become puffed up. What has happened to most of the ministers--let me say in our local language that--their fat has increased, because of widespread plundering,” he observed.
Read: Momen accuses BNP of destroying caretaker government system for lust of power
The BNP leader said the ministers are ridiculing people only for justifying their plundering. “They have started joking with people about this (power) crisis.”
BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ismail Zabihullah were present at the press conference.
Earlier on Friday, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen reportedly told journalists in Sylhet that people in Bangladesh are happier than those in many other countries as if they are living in heaven amid the global recession.
Bangladesh not turning into Sri Lanka : FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said a certain group is spreading panic with 'baseless' claim that Bangladesh will see a situation like crisis-hit Sri Lanka.He, however, acknowledged the challenges that Bangladesh is facing due to global crises."People of Bangladesh are leading happier lives compared to other countries," Momen said while talking to reporters in Sylhet on Friday.
Also read: Dhaka approached Swiss banks about deposit of Bangladeshi money: MomenHe said Bangladesh has enough dollar reserves and is just maintaining a bit of austerity considering the future crises.Responding to a question, the foreign minister said the Swiss banks do not want to share the information on alleged laundered money from Bangladesh.He said, “Whenever we seek information from a country where Bangladeshi money has been laundered the authorities there seem reluctant to provide it. It’s their inherent issue.”He said the Bangladesh Bank sought information from the Swiss banks mentioning the names of 67 individuals."At that time, they provided information on one individual. Information was sought several times," Momen said.
Also read: Dhaka, Delhi agree to strengthen defence cooperationThe foreign minister said Switzerland is Bangladesh’s friend and urged them not to provide misinformation.Earlier in the morning, Momen attended an emergency meeting to solve the airport land acquisition problem at MAG Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.
Make world free from threat of nuclear weapons: Dhaka
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has urged the international community to unite against the perpetual holding of nuclear weapons by a handful of states in total disregard of the safety and security of humanity.
“We hope that the 10th Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) would produce an outcome that would facilitate the universality and implementation of the Treaty to make the world free from the threat of nuclear weapons,” he said.
The foreign minister was speaking at the 10th NPT Review Conference held at the UNGA hall in the UN headquarters Monday.
Referring to the clarion call to emancipate the world from the scourge of nuclear war, made by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in his historic maiden speech at the UN General Assembly in 1974, Momen said, “That forms the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s total and unwavering commitment to general and complete disarmament of nuclear weapons which is also a constitutional obligation of Bangladesh”.
The foreign minister reiterated Bangladesh’s support to the effective implementation of the NPT through its three pillars -nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Read:Bangladesh eagerly waiting to welcome UN rights chief Bachelet: Shahriar
D-8 PTA likely to be operational this year to boost intra-trade
The Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) among the D-8 member states is likely to be operational in October this year with the ratification by Egypt which will help boost intra-trade.
“Seven member states other than Egypt have ratified the D-8 PTA. You will be happy to know that Egypt has announced at this meeting that they will soon ratify the D-8 PTA,” said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen while briefing the media on the outcome of the D-8 Ministerial meeting at a city hotel on Wednesday.
The volume of intra-trade among the D-8 member states at the time of establishment was $14 billion, which has now reached $129 billion.
“My hope is that within the next 10 years our intra trade will increase by 10 times. That’s my hope. There is no reason that we can’t achieve it,” Momen said.
While talking to UNB, D-8 Secretary General Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam said the D-8 PTA is already there and they just need to make it operational. “We hope it will become operational by October this year.”
The D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), signed on 13th May, 2006 in Bali, Indonesia is regarded as one of the most tangible outcomes of D-8 cooperation in trade.
Foreign Minister Momen said the process of finalization of the draft “Trade Facilitation Strategy” is underway with a view to speedy implementation of the D-8 PTA.
The issue was reviewed in the ministerial meeting and it is expected that this draft Trade Facilitation Strategy will be accepted in the 3rd Trade Ministers meeting to be held in Bangladesh soon, he said.
Food & energy security, trade to get priority at D-8 Council of Ministers’ talks
Food and energy security, trade, tourism and climate change are some of the areas that will get focus at the 20th session of the Council of Ministers of D-8, also known as Developing-8, to be hosted by Bangladesh on July 27.
While briefing the media on Sunday, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said energy and food security is a global issue that will be discussed at the meeting as there is much scope for cooperation in these areas.
“We are giving much importance on food security. Food security issue will be discussed largely. We would like to share our expertise with other friends. There is a much scope for cooperation,” he said.
On energy security, Momen said it is being discussed everywhere and it remains a hot topic globally. “We must ensure energy security. It will be discussed.”
He said though some of the D-8 countries showed maturity in the tourism sector, Bangladesh has scope to do more and gain through cooperation.
Momen said though the intra-trade is growing the D-8 countries can do more on this front.
“We will discuss on how the trade can further be expanded,” he said, adding that the intra-trade is likely to be boosted through proper implementation of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
The D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), signed on 13th May, 2006 in Bali, Indonesia is regarded as one of the most tangible outcomes of D-8 cooperation in trade.
Read:Pak HC removes distorted photo amid Dhaka’s objection
The agreement has been a manifestation of the mutual desire to deepen trade relations among Member States and marked the beginning of economic dialogue at a higher level.
The PTA, after many rounds of discussions and multilateral negotiations, became effective as of 25th August, 2011 onwards.
The foreign minister said the D-8 meeting to be held on July 27 will take decision about Azerbaijan’s membership.
He said some foreign ministers of the D-8 countries will be represented by their colleagues at the meeting.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the meeting joining it virtually, Momen said.
Bangladesh will also host the 45th session of the D-8 Commission from July 25 to 26.
The D-8, also known as Developing-8, is an organization for development cooperation among Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
The establishment of D-8 was announced officially through the Istanbul Declaration of Summit of Heads of State/Government on June 15, 1997.
The objectives of D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation are to improve member states’ position in the global economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and improve standards of living.
Momen mourns death of Enamul Haque
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has expressed deep shock at the death of prominent archaeologist and former director general of the National Museum Dr Enamul Haque.
Dr Haque, who was awarded Ekushey Padak in 2016, the Swadhinata Padak in 2020 and the Padma Shri Award of India, died at his residence on Sunday.
In a condolence message on Monday, Momem prayed for salvation of the departed soul of late Haque and conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.
Read: New Delhi condoles death of Enamul Haque
Recalling the working life of late Haque with respect, the foreign minister said he made significant contributions in archaeological research and conservation in Bangladesh.
His death caused irreparable loss to the country, Momen said.
He was the founding director general of the Bangladesh National Museum and his contributions to the modernization of the National Museum is undeniable, Momen said.
FM Momen mourns Abe's death
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has expressed deep shock at the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in a deadly gun attack.
In a condolence message, Momen said, "Shinzo Abe was a close friend of mine and he was also a friend of Bangladesh."
Read: Japan ex-leader Shinzo Abe assassinated while giving speech
Momen described the shooting on Shinzo Abe as "disgusting" and said that in his death, the people of Japan had lost an extraordinary leader, while Bangladesh had lost a true friend.
He wished eternal peace to the departed soul of Shinzo Abe and extended his deepest sympathies to the members of his bereaved family and the people of Japan.
Abe, 67, died after being shot while giving a campaign speech in southern Japan on Friday.
He immediately collapsed and was seen bleeding before he was taken to hospital.
The attack on Shinzo Abe, the man who remained Japan's longest-serving prime minister, shocked the entire world.
Momen condemned Friday’s shooting on Japan’s former leader.
Read: Japan ex-leader Shinzo Abe apparently shot, in heart failure
World leaders expressed shock and anguish over Friday’s shooting.
Police have arrested a suspected gunman at the scene.
The attack was a shock in one of the world’s safest countries with some of the strictest gun control laws.