Ministry of Foreign Affairs
No matter who, Bangladesh doesn’t want foreign interference in its internal affairs: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said the government does not want any country getting involved in Bangladesh's internal affairs.
"No country needs to get involved in our internal affairs. We are a matured country. We are a sovereign country. We are an independent country," he told reporters while responding to questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Asked whether his message applies to all countries, Momen said, "Yes, no matter who."
The foreign minister’s attention was drawn to the recent remarks made by both the US and Russian sides.
Momen said that other countries do not need to give prescriptions to Bangladesh on democracy, human rights, justice and human dignity as these are deeply rooted in Bangladesh's DNA.
He said Bangladesh is the only country where 30 lakh people sacrificed their lives to uphold “democracy, human rights, justice and dignity of human beings in 1971.”
Read more: More “informed” thinking required amid rise of new actors, challenges: FM
He said the current government is committed to holding “free, fair, transparent and inclusive” elections under the independent Election Commission.
“We introduced voter’s ID with photo and formed an independent election commission for a transparent election. There is no lack of sincerity. We assure that our election will be free, fair, transparent and inclusive. We want that,” he added.
Momen said the Awami League never came to power without any democratic process and elections. “If you look at the track record, you will see Awami League is always for democracy, human rights, justice and human dignity.”
He said those who lecture about Bangladesh need to know the history of Bangladesh and Awami League to stop unexpected talks.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh welcomes constructive suggestions from foreign friends. “We consider proposals from our friendly countries with due importance.”
Read more: Govt will guarantee full protection of all diplomats, says FM
Momen cited how the government of Bangladesh addressed the concerns regarding the digital security act.
Responding to a question on the formal inauguration of Dhaka Metro Rail, Momen said the government remains grateful to Japan for their uninterrupted support despite the Holey Artisan attack that left over 20 people, including Japanese citizens, dead.
Momen ‘surprised’ to see his name as chief guest at Bay of Bengal Conversation 2022 opening
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen says he was surprised to see his name as the “chief guest” at the inaugural session of Bay of Bengal Conversation 2022.
“It’s very unfortunate,” Momen said while responding to a question at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Read more: Diplomats should remember Bangladesh is an independent, sovereign country: Momen
The foreign minister said he attended a programme marking 7,000 episodes of the television talk show “Tritiyo Matra” where CGS Executive Director Zillur Rahman verbally talked about the event.
“We didn’t give him any date. This is very strange,” Momen said.
The Foreign Minister said he was not going there and at this moment he is very busy with many foreign guests.
Read more: Russian FM Lavrov’s changed decision on Dhaka visit understandable: Momen
“I have plenty of people to meet, including MPs from Assam. I have an obligation to meet them bilaterally (IORA ministers). We are very busy with the state jobs,” he added.
The three-day Bay of Bengal Conversation 2022 began at a Dhaka hotel on Monday.
Diplomats should remember Bangladesh is an independent, sovereign country: Momen
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reiterated his call to diplomats stationed in Dhaka to follow diplomatic norms.
Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign country and they should remember it, Momen said, adding that this culture of diplomats getting involved in the country’s internal affairs must change, today or tomorrow.
Momen said the diplomats stationed here know their code of conduct and they will follow it. "That’s what expected."
“We are no longer a colony, they (diplomats) should remember it,” he added.
Read more: Russian FM Lavrov’s changed decision on Dhaka visit understandable: Momen
He made the remarks this morning while responding to a question at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said around 16 countries will have minister and state minister-level participation at 22nd IORA Council of Ministers meeting, to be held in Dhaka on November 24.
Momen said India will have state minister-level participation at the meeting.
Read more: FM Momen urges Japan to stand by Bangladesh in its development journey
He said the ministers and state ministers will jointly meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during their stay in Dhaka.
The IORA Council of Ministers meeting, to be hosted by Bangladesh, will be preceded by the 24th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials, to be held on November 22-23.
Read more: Bangladesh’s interest lies in peaceful coexistence with Myanmar: Momen
Bangladesh is the current chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit), Secretary (East) and Secretary (West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the media briefing.
Bangladesh wants discussion to avert border tension with Myanmar: Foreign Secretary
Bangladesh wants to avert tension along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border through "dialogue and discussions", using the existing mechanism between the two border forces amid Myanmar's internal conflicts.
Talking to a small group of journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said they will have discussions through existing mechanism between Border Guard Bangladesh and its Myanmar counterpart to resolve any issue quickly if there is any provocation.
"Basically, it's an action against their insurgents inside Myanmar. Maybe unintentionally a number of incidents took place. They acknowledged the matter," he said on Sunday evening.
Read: Warned Myanmar against firing shots towards Bangladesh, says Home Minister
The Foreign Secretary said the BGB remains vigilant though firing happened almost 10 kilometers away from the Bangladesh border.
"But sounds are being heard here, on the Bangladesh side. For this reason, locals might become restless. Our surveillance is there. We are observing the situation," said the Foreign Secretary.
He said efforts are there so that no tension prevails along the border. "We remain highly alert. BGB will not allow anyone inside Bangladesh."
Earlier, Bangladesh reiterated deep concerns over mortar shells landing inside Bangladesh territory, indiscriminate aerial firing from Myanmar in the bordering areas, and air space violations.
On September 3, 2022 two mortar shells fell inside Bangladesh between BP 40 and 41.
The Myanmar Ambassador in Bangladesh Aung Kyaw Moe was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to meet the Director General of Myanmar Wing.
Read: Myanmar envoy summoned: Dhaka shares “deep concerns” with Naypyidaw over border violation
During the meeting, the Ambassador was also told that such activities are of grave threat to the safety and security of the peace-loving people, violation of border agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar and contrary to the good neighborly relationship.
The Ambassador was also urged to ensure that no trespassing of the internally displaced Myanmar Residents takes place from Rakhine.
It was also stressed that a safe, secure and conducive environment in the place of their origin in Rakhine is essential for sustainable and voluntary repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas from Bangladesh.
The Myanmar Ambassador was also asked to come to the Ministry on 21 August and 28 August 2022 and protest notes were handed over to him conveying Bangladesh’s grave concerns.
The Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon also raised the issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar with much importance.
National Mourning Day: MoFA pays tributes to Bangabandhu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Monday organised a discussion to remember and mourn the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family on August 15, 1975.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen chaired the session discussion at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
Sheikh Kabir Hossain, trustee of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust, spoke as the chief guest.
Read: Momen to countries sheltering Bangabandhu’s killers: 'It's very unfair:'
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam spoke at the event as a special guest.
Lawmaker Md Abdul Majid Khan and eminent writer Professor Anwara Syed Haque also spoke.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen delivered the welcome remarks.
Bachelet's Visit: Bangladesh strongly rejects visible "politically motivated efforts"
The government of Bangladesh has strongly rejected what it says some visible "politically motivated efforts" of some corners to mislead the people by showcasing the upcoming visit of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet 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.
Indeed, the government says, Bangladesh as a responsible and responsive Member State of the UN, looks forward to having a constructive dialogue with the High Commissioner for the promotion and protection of human rights, with the view to continue and further enhance ongoing close engagement and cooperation of Bangladesh with the UN Human Rights mechanism.
Bangladesh hoped to benefit from an objective appreciation of the High Commissioner regarding the achievements of the country, despite challenges.
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 the repatriation of the Rohingya to the ancestral homeland - Rakhine State of Myanmar, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Michelle Bachelet is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on August 14-17 and the government of Bangladesh warmly welcomes this first ever visit of any UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Bangladesh has been closely working with the UN in the field of human rights; and this visit would be an important occasion to highlight Bangladesh’s national perspective and the Government’s sincere efforts to protect and promote human rights of the people, including through updating domestic legal framework, creating awareness and sensitizing the implementing agencies, MoFA said.
This is indeed important that the national context, in particular the economic development amidst the pandemic and other evolving crises, the maintenance of peace and security of the people, and constraints like the Rohingya crisis and the adverse effect of climate change, are taken into due consideration in assessing the human rights situation of the country, it said.
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 reportings as well as through other mechanisms, Bangladesh says.
Apart from her meetings with the Cabinet Members of the government, she will interact with the National Human Rights Commission, youth representatives, CSO leaders and the academia during her tour in Dhaka.
She would also pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on August 15.
Bangladesh strongly hopes 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.
"Bangladesh, a country of 165 million, could afford to provide almost a million homes to the homeless. Over 10 million families are receiving basic food and essential supplies under its social security protection program," MoFA said.
Bangladesh is promoting basic human rights like right to food, right to accommodation, right to development etc. for the people, it mentioned.
"No one is getting killed either in shopping malls, schools or worship places in Bangladesh," MoFA said.
During her visit to Dhaka, the high commissioner is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other ministers including Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, her office said.
She will also meet with the National Human Rights Commission officials, representatives of civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Also, Bachelet will deliver a speech at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies.
Read: Bangladesh eagerly waiting to welcome UN rights chief Bachelet: Shahriar
Earlier, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said: "We are eagerly waiting for the visit. She will see the progress of Bangladesh on the rights front and will also be able to know about the challenges facing it."
"They (PM Hasina and Bachelet) are very good friends," the state minister said, adding that they have experience in working together.
She will also try to understand how climate change is affecting the human rights situation in Bangladesh.
Bachelet was elected president of Chile on two occasions (2006 – 2010 and 2014 – 2018). She was the first female president of the country.
She recently indicated that she would not seek a second term for personal reasons as her term as high commissioner draws to a close.
MoFA, Technical and Madrasa Education Division vow to modernize technical and madrasa education
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Technical and Madrasa Education Division on Tuesday jointly organized the second webinar on “Role of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh Missions in Technical Education and Technology Transfer”.
Md Kamal Hossain, Secretary of Technical and Madrasa Education Division, joined as the chief guest in the webinar.
Ambassadors and High Commissioners, senior officials of the Technical and Madrasa Education Divisions, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh Missions abroad participated in the virtual meeting.
Through the "MoFA Telegram Series", the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken initiatives for greater exchange of views between Bangladesh Missions abroad and various government Ministries, divisions, departments and other private institutions in the country.
It is expected that through this telegram series it will be easier to coordinate the execution of various functions at the government and private levels and important issues can be resolved easily, said MoFA.
In the webinar, the Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division highlighted the structure of his department, ongoing projects, initiatives taken and future plans.
Read: MoFA creating data-driven intelligent architecture for faster service across globe: FS
He mentioned that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given importance to technical education and for this reason the work of setting up one technical education institute in each Upazila is going on.
Also, the government is building technical training institutes with modern facilities in 100 Upazilas of Bangladesh.
He mentioned that initiatives have been taken to build four new Engineering Colleges and four Women Polytechnic Institutes are being constructed for the expansion of women's education.
The Secretary of Technical and Madrasah Education Division also mentioned that various institutions have adopted several language teaching measures to improve the linguistic skills of the students.
Md Kamal Hossain shed light on modernization of technical and madrasa education, addition of emerging technologies in the curriculum of technical education, agreements with various foreign institutions regarding training, introduction of internationally recognized evaluation certificates in Bangladesh for the acceptance of certificates issued by educational institutions of Bangladesh and he sought the help of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh Missions to achieve modern technology in Bangladesh.
The webinar was conducted by the Director General (International Trade, Investment and Technology) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun.
Ambassadors/High Commissioners of Bangladesh appointed in Bahrain, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia, Director General of Technical Education Directorate, Director General of Madrasa Education Directorate also spoke at the meeting.
The participants present in the meeting expressed their conviction for the development of technical and madrasa education system in keeping with the modern world.
Bangladesh to host D-8 ministerial conf in hybrid format Wednesday
Taking into account the recent surge in COVID-19 cases worldwide, Bangladesh has decided to host the 20th session of the D-8 Council of Ministers on Wednesday in a hybrid format.
The level of participation of the meeting has been augmented with the presence of the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey who are expected to join the meeting virtually, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, Deputy Ministers of the other D-8 Member States are expected to join the meeting in-person.
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.
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.
Read: D8 has huge potential to develop as a strong economic block, says PM
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.
The foreign minister said the D-8 meeting to be held on July 27 will take decision about Azerbaijan’s membership.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the meeting joining it virtually, Momen said.
Bangladesh also hosted 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.
MOFA wins Bangabandhu Public Administration Award 2022
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been chosen for "Bangabandhu Public Administration Award 2022" under general administration and management category recognising MoFA's significant contribution.The award will be given on July 23 while marking the National Public Services Day.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will virtually join the event to be held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Saturday morning.
Also read: MoFa holds training on e-governance on easy and quick services"Great news. Hearty congratulations to all officials and staff of the Ministry for a job well done," Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told UNB on Monday.He said their setting up of Bangabandu Corners in all Missions abroad and headquarters, Gonohottha Center, Public Diplomacy initiatives, observation of Mujib Chironthon to celebrate Bangabandhu's 100th anniversary and Golden Jubilee, setting up of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Gallery and Research Center, introduction of Bangabandhu Lecture Series, introduction of Bangabandhu Diplomatic Award of Excellence, setting up of Bangabandhu Centers and Professorships in few prestigious universities, introduction of Bangabandhu-UNESCO Award for Creative Economy, publication of few books on Bangabandhu, Sheikh Hasina, etc helped promoting the values, principles, the sacrifices of Bangabandhu and Bangladesh and his life stories, the economic and social achievements of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina all across the nations.
Also read: PM to inaugurate new MoFA building ThursdayAlso successful organization of World Peace Conference in Dhaka last December to commemorate Bangabandhu's 100th anniversary added to it, Momen said.
Argentina plans to open Dhaka embassy
Argentina is planning to open its embassy in Dhaka in order to bolster economic and political ties with Bangladesh.
Undersecretary of Foreign Policy to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, Claudio Rozencwaig, said this at a meeting with FBCCI president Md Jashim Uddin in Dhaka on Monday.
Claudio, who is leading an Argentine delegation to Dhaka, expressed interest in boosting bilateral relations on all fronts. He also invited the elite trade body to lead a business delegation to Argentina to scout investments in potential sectors.
On his part, Md Jashim stressed on establishing institutional partnership between the private sectors of the two countries and proposed the signing of an MoU between FBCCI and its counterpart in Argentina to enhance trade engagements.
To harness the trade potentials of Bangladesh with South America, Md Jashim also sought the support of the Argentine government to expedite the process of signing a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and MERCOSUR, the southern common market comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Also read: India to reopen Embassy in Ukraine next week
"The region is equipped with significant dynamic markets and they can source quality products from Bangladesh, including processed foods, pharmaceuticals, plastics, ceramics and readymade garments, at competitive prices," he said.
He also invited Argentine businessmen to invest in the economic zones of Bangladesh.
Hugo Gobbi, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, also suggested the signing of a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between Bangladesh and MERCOSUR "as the FTA negotiations might take a long time, while PTA takes a much shorter period".
Franco Agustín Senilliani Melchior, head of the Economic and Trade Section of the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in India, said that textile is one of the major import items "which the country sources from Asian countries".
"Bangladesh should also consider the country as a potential market for textile and plastic items," he said.
Mariano Beheran, agricultural attaché, Embassy of the Argentine Republic in India, cited that Argentina can provide agriculture technology and know-how support, including seed technology, to increase Bangladesh’s capability in the sector.
He also suggested that Bangladesh could import cotton, milk powder and garlic from Argentina.
Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury, Secretary (West), Nayem Uddin Ahmed, Director General (Americas), Tarique Mahmud Pasha, Assistant Secretary (Americas) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh, also attended the meeting.
They proposed a collaboration in renewable energy between Bangladesh and Argentina.
Md Amin Helaly, Vice-President of FBCCI, Abul Kasem Khan and Amzad Hussain, Directors of FBCCI, and Md Mahfuzul Hoque, Secretary General of FBCCI, were also present at the meeting.