Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen
Bangladesh, Kenya sign 2 MoUs
Bangladesh and Kenya on Sunday signed two memoranda of understanding to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
The two MoUs were signed on cooperation between Foreign Service Academies and Political Consultations between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries.
Argentina keen to exporting soybean, fertilizer to Bangladesh
Argentina has informed Bangladesh that the South American country is open to exporting soybean, beef and fertilizer to Bangladesh.
Undersecretary of State for Foreign Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, Claudio Javier Rozencwaig, conveyed this during his meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam at his office on Tuesday.
Both sides acknowledged that the current world-wide crisis in the supply of fertilizer and energy might hamper agricultural supplies further.
Claudio led a four-member delegation to Bangladesh.
The delegation included Hugo Gobbi, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Bangladesh resident in New Delhi, India.
During the meeting with Shahriar, the Argentine Undersecretary handed over a message of felicitations from the Argentine Foreign Minister on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Argentina.
The State Minister recalled the movement in Argentina led by famous Argentine poet Victoria Ocampo during the Liberation War in 1971.
He mentioned that poet Ocampo played an important role in raising public opinion to denounce war and support the right cause of Bangalees.
During the meeting both sides agreed on the importance of further strengthening business and commercial ties between the two nations.
The State Minister emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture.
Read: Bangladesh, Argentina to strengthen economic ties; MoU on FOC signed
Bangladesh on right track to holding 'free, fair, participatory' polls: FS
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has said Bangladesh is on the right track to holding a "free, fair and participatory" national election, noting that there is no issue of interference by foreign countries.
"A new election commission has been formed and it is talking to all parties. So, it is preparing for a free fair and participatory election. There is no issue of interference by the foreign countries," he said.
As a nation, he said, Bangladesh is heading on the right path and if anyone has any doubt about it is up to them.
The foreign secretary said they lodge protests when they see any interference in domestic affairs beyond the Vienna Convention and other diplomatic norms.
He, however, said the government finds no problem if there is a "healthy and constructive" dialogue that benefits all.
The foreign secretary, while talking to Jamuna Television, said these countries had faced some problems or are still facing some problems, and they also have come to this point by overcoming each stage. "So, we can learn from them, too."
Sunday, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal reiterated the commission's commitment to hold an "inclusive and acceptable" national election to fulfil the expectation of all.
Heads of missions representing the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries had a "constructive meeting” with the CEC and discussed the preparations for the next parliamentary polls.
"They (foreign envoys) will be happy, too, if there is an inclusive, acceptable, free and fair election," he told reporters after the meeting.
Kazi Habibul said they will do whatever they need to do to ensure a free and fair election.
Also Read: Foreign diplomats better not comment on Bangladesh's election, says foreign secretary
The CEC said the envoys know very well that some political parties are still telling them that they will not take part in the election. He, however, hoped that they would be able to reach a consensus by removing the distance.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson who attended the meeting said fair and transparent elections are vital for democracy.
"The UK and like-minded partners will continue to encourage a free and participatory process," Dickson tweeted after the meeting.
The OECD is a group of countries including the US, Canada, Turkey, Germany and France which aims to assist economic development, raise living standards and promote growth in world trade.
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley also attended the meeting. "Wide-ranging exchange today between heads of mission from the OECD countries and the Bangladesh Election Commission on preparations for the December 2023 parliamentary polls," he tweeted.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas and Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard were present.
"There was a constructive and open exchange between the Bangladesh Election Commission and the OECD countries' heads of mission. We welcome the commitment made by the commission to hold free, fair and credible national elections," Ambassador Nathalie tweeted.
CEC Kazi Habibul said such a meeting is a tradition before the election and they wanted to know about the rules and regulations of the upcoming parliamentary elections and the preparations. "We have informed them of our activities."
FS seeks SG’s role in transforming SAARC a meaningful regional org
Foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen has urged South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) secretary general Esala Weerakoon to play an objective role in transforming SAARC into a meaningful regional organization.
The foreign secretary, during a meeting at state guesthouse Padma on Tuesday, advised the secretary general to explore all possible ways and means to find solutions to the existing difficulties in an innovative way through continuous consultation of member states.
Also read:Bangladesh’s role sought to save SAARC from existing difficulties
Masud Momen appreciated the secretary general's active role in coordinating, facilitating, managing SAARC matters especially during the difficult time of COVID 19 pandemic.
The secretary general apprised the foreign secretary about various aspects of current status of SAARC cooperation and challenges the organization has been facing and sought Bangladesh's support in activating various stalled activities and programmes of SAARC to resolve the stalemate.
The foreign secretary and the secretary general exchanged views on how best SAARC process could be revitalized and put to its regular path to exploit the full potentials and benefits of the institutional mechanism and the synergy the organization created over the last thirty seven years of its existence.
Also read:Kuwait can recruit more medical professionals from Bangladesh: Shahriar Alam
They discussed different aspects of current activities of SAARC. The foreign secretary assured the secretary general of Bangladesh's commitment to SAARC and to extend every possible support to materialize the goals of SAARC to achieve a sustainable and integrated development in the region through cooperation under the SAARC system.
After the meeting the Foreign Secretary hosted a luncheon in honor of the SAARC secretary general at the state guesthouse Padma.
US HR report appears to encourage creating a “society of lawlessness”: Dhaka
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Sunday said the government will ask explanation from the US side on the recently published human rights report noting that there are fundamental flaws in the report.
While briefing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said the government will also remain engaged with the US government as there are issues of discussion in a number of areas.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was also present at the briefing.
Also read:Dhaka trashes US HR report as “lie, wrong and misinformation”
Bangladesh, a country of 170 million, follows rule of law, human rights and good governance and therefore, its economic achievements are significant, said the state minister.
The report appears to encourage creating a "society of lawlessness to destabilize" the society and the government, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a separate press statement
Despite all challenges, the government, for the sake of its own commitment made to the people, will continue its endeavours to improve the wellbeing and ensure the rights and dignity of its people, MoFA said.
The report titled ''Bangladesh 2021 Human Rights Report'', was released on 13 April 2022 by the Bureau of Human Rights, Democracy and Labour of the US Department of State.
The government took note of all the observations therein collected mainly from the NGO/INGO sources of reporting.
Information/data has also been collected from newspapers that surely suggest that the media is able to exercise their way of reporting things, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the statement after the briefing.
While a number of unsubstantiated figures vis-a-vis human rights situation posed the purpose of the source questionable, there are also a few factual errors in the report.
For example, MoFA said though "We do not endorse their information, the Ain of Salish Kendra (ASK) mentioned 275 extrajudicial killings in January-May 2018 period, while the US report wrongly cited ASK in mentioning that there were 606 extrajudicial killings in May-June 2018."
When making critical observations and comments about the human rights situation in Bangladesh, the sources often chose to remain forgetful, juxtaposed to their 'statistics' of human rights issues, that Bangladesh is a country of more than 170 million people, and that it is making enormous people-centric development with an ultimate aim of progressively ensuring all human rights of its people in quality terms, the statement reads.
The US report was critical about the status of prohibition of forced labour, but didn't highlight how Bangladesh is progressively realizing the labour rights, Shahriar Alam said.
The report came from a side that ratified only 2 out of 8 fundamental conventions of ILO, whereas Bangladesh ratified all the 8 conventions, he said.
The Government of Bangladesh is of the view that the tendency to impose values of a select few of other countries, like LGBT rights, same sex marriage etc., in the name of human rights violations are "regrettable and uncalled for", MoFA said.
The report tried to capture broad range of issues, even including 2018 election, which compromised with substance and objectivity, it said.
A few instances of the partial pictures the report captured in highlighting protection gap in the legal system include, arbitrary arrest, for example.
"No act of arrest by the law enforcement agencies goes unaccountable bypassing the magistrate of the court. In each case, the magistrate decides whether an arrest is lawful or not," MoFA said.
Therefore, MoFA said, the law enforcers don't enjoy the immunity of commissioning 'Arbitrary Arrest'.
Also read:Bangladesh to get US support in improving, widening coastal embankments
Again, the government said, throughout the report the existing system of accountability of the law enforcement agencies is heavily underplayed.
"The legal system does not allow killing by arbitrary use of firearms. The magistrate requires members of the law enforcement agencies to account for every single use of firearms, without lawful explanation of which faces legal action."
The death sentences to the 16 RAB officials in the Narayanganj seven-murder case, or the recent death sentences to two police officials in the Major Sinha murder case in Cox’s Bazar, are examples of accountability and non-impunity to law enforcers, MoFA said.
While referring to cases of enforced disappearance, the report did not mention whether the families of the disappeared persons filed cases with the court to report 'enforced' disappearance at the time of the occurrence, according to MoFA.
"In the absence of such case, or the victim family's voluntariness of filing a case reporting disappearance, it is rather unlawful to conclude that law enforcement agencies abducted."
In fact, Bangladesh can also quote from many authentic sources on similar abuses and violations existing everywhere, MoFA said.
The report also surprisingly mentioned a few Rohingya cases without adequate acknowledgement that the government continues to remain supportive of an environment respectful of the basic rights and well-being of Rohingyas, despite not being a Party to the 1951 Convention, it said.
Also the report mentions about deaths of Rohingyas in the high sea, the tragic incidents which do not have any relevance with Bangladesh’s efforts to ensure wellbeing, according to MoFA.
The Government of Bangladesh does not deny the fact there are indeed a lot of areas of development to ensure better protection and promotion of human rights, and the government is continuing to make steady strides towards that end, reads the MoFA press statement.
The government underscores that there are indeed capacity issues to adequately observe the standards of human rights, it said, adding that "A gesture of cooperation with support for strengthening the capacity across the relevant systems would be helpful to address the gaps."
The government remains intensely engaged with the UN human rights mechanism, and receptive of constructive recommendations from all international development partners, including the USA, said MoFA.
Dhaka renews call to Washington to lift Rab sanctions
Bangladesh has urged the United States to consider a temporary waiver for Rab as an institution as sanctions on the elite force might undermine Dhaka's efforts to combat terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crime.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen raised the issue of sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) during his meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman at the State Department on Thursday.
They talked about the pending legal procedure of delisting of the organization and individuals as well as remedial measures that have been undertaken by the government of Bangladesh.
In response to queries from the US side, Masud elaborated on the context of the enactment of the Digital Security Act (DSA) to combat cybercrimes including those aimed at undermining religious harmony and victimizing women and children.
Also read:Dhaka, Washington discuss ways to promote security in Indo-Pacific
He informed that the government is working with the EU to reassess the law and identify possible loopholes.
On labour issue, in response of US queries, he explained that the government has all intentions to improve the labour situation as per the roadmaps undertaken with the ILO and the EU, and proposed that the US can also join.
The FS emphasized that not everything can be implemented overnight, but gradual improvement is ongoing, giving example of recent ratifications of Bangladesh of relevant ILO conventions on Forced and Child labour.
Deputy Secretary Sherman appreciated Bangladesh Government’s willingness to address these issues, while also stressing upon early implementation of the reform process specially regarding trade union rights in private sectors.
She also discussed on the democratic process in Bangladesh and on the possibility of Bangladesh’s participation in the next Democracy Summit, according to a message received here from Washington.
On this, the foreign secretary informed her progresses like the enactment of the law on the formation of the Election Commission, and also about the recently concluded country-wide elections of Union Parishads.
Two sides also discussed the situation in Ukraine and its global implications, on the Indo-Pacific Strategy, and on security sector cooperation.
US deputy secretary of state underscored the importance of international rule-based order in the maritime domain, and both sides agreed that further works can be done together in the area of harnessing blue economy.
Masud also discussed the possibility of highest-level visit on the occasion of the 50th year of diplomatic relations, and also on the issue of deportation of the self-confessed killer of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur- Rashed Chowdhury- from the US.
The deputy secretary of state appreciated Bangladesh for 6% growth during pandemic situation, robust role in UN peacekeeping, climate change actions and in the Rohingya crisis.
Masud thanked US for providing 61 million vaccines, and elaborated on the Government’s measures to strike balance between life and livelihood during the pandemic.
He also met Julieta Valls Noyes, US Assistant Secretary of State, of the Bureau of Population, Refugee and Migration (PRM) of the Department of State, and discussed on the Rohingya issue.
Assistant Secretary Julieta Noyes is scheduled to visit Bangladesh soon.
She stated that the US really recognizes the generosity of Bangladesh of keeping the forcibly displaced Rohingyas for so long.
Julieta Noyes agreed with Masud that without creating hope of repatriation, the displaced Rohingya population in Bangladesh pose major risks of radicalization and transnational crimes.
Bangladesh foreign secretary underscored that return of the displaced Rohingyas is the best solution.
US Assistant Secretary expressed her country’s willingness to remain deeply engaged, and emphasized on the need for education, livelihood etc. of the displaced Rohingyas.
Foreign Secretary stated that the US should participate in the humanitarian works in Bhasan Char and the Congressional embargo should be lifted.
Assistant Secretary Julieta informed that her upcoming visit is part of the US’s reassessment process in this regard. Foreign Secretary Masud and Assistant Secretary Julieta discussed in details the constraints and challenges of repatriation, and also on possible ways and means.
Also read:Autism Awareness: Momen reiterates Dhaka’s commitment
Masud also met Senior Director of the National Security Council (NSC) of the White House Sumona Guha over a lunch meeting.
During the discussion, two sides agreed that the meeting held this week in Washington DC by the Foreign Minister and the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh are indeed created new impetus in the bilateral ties, and emphasized on the importance of regular engagements.
Masud underscored that visit at highest level may be agreed upon on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations.
He also discussed the sanctions on RAB and related individuals, and proposed whether the sanctions on RAB can be partially lifted.
They also touched upon the global impact of Ukraine situation, and also on the Rohingya crisis.
They also discussed the Digital Security Act, and Bangladesh’s effort to reexamine the law. Senior Director Guha appreciated Bangladesh’s willingness to engage with the US on human rights issues.
Bangladesh foreign secretary also raised the issue of the return of the self- confessed killer of the Father of the Nation from the US.
Dhaka, Washington discuss ways to promote security in Indo-Pacific
Bangladesh and the United States have discussed steps to promote security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday and discussed bilateral economic, commercial and security collaboration, according to a message received in Dhaka.
Also read:No need for volunteers from Bangladesh to join Russian special military operation: Embassy
Deputy Secretary Sherman emphasized the importance of protecting human rights, the rule of law, and freedom of expression, said US Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price on Friday.
Bangladesh and the United States celebrated the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-US relations on April 4.
"Pleased to meet with Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at the State Department to enhance our collaboration on bilateral and regional issues as we mark the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Bangladesh relations," Sherman tweeted after the meeting.
Also read:Rohingya Repatriation: FM seeks US lawmakers’ role
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and his US counterpart Antony Blinken had a bilateral meeting at the US Department of State on April 4.
Sustainable solution of Rohingya issues lies on repatriation: FS
Bangladesh has reiterated that it cannot bear the immense socio-economic and environmental costs by hosting over a million of Rohingyas for an indefinite period.
“Therefore, these people must be repatriated to their origin in Rakhine State,” said Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, adding that sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis lies in repatriation.
He made the call at the open-ended meeting of the OIC ad hoc ministerial committee on accountability for human rights violations against the Rohingyas, held in Islamabad, Pakistan on the sidelines of the 48th OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on March 22-23.
Read:Myanmar denies genocide, again describes Rohingyas as 'Bengali community'
While thanking The Gambia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for supporting legal action, he called for keeping the momentum going to provide justice to Rohingyas, according to a message received here from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The foreign secretary also called for strong solidarity from the member states by contributing voluntarily to meet the legal expenses of the case.
Turkey committed US $ 2,00,000 to the fund. The members of the ad- hoc committee praised Bangladesh for hosting this large number of refugees over the years and even proving them Covid vaccine.
FM not going to Pakistan; FS to represent Bangladesh in OIC CFM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will not be joining the forty-eighth session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to be held on March 22-23 in Islamabad.
Instead, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen will lead the Bangladesh delegation, said an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
Read:Bangabandhu named peace as a prerequisite for development: FM
The OIC said the CFM represents the second most prominent OIC activity following the extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers held last December on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
Earlier on Saturday, FM Momen indicated his non-participation at the OIC meeting. "We always attend OIC meetings. I said before I'll go. But recently I got a little sick and the doctor suggested that I take some rest."
On several occasions, the OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha expressed solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.
He reiterated the commitment of OIC Member States to help bring peace, security, stability and development to this country.
Furthermore, he called on members, Islamic financial institutions and partners to expedite humanitarian assistance for the needy.
Since August 2021, Afghanistan has continued to witness a difficult humanitarian situation with uncertainty about its future.
Read:Saudi companies want to invest in Bangladesh energy sector: Saudi FM
This prompted the OIC to take several steps towards containing the situation and playing its role in mobilizing support from the international community to the Afghan people, given the specificity of the Organization, which highlights its responsibility in addressing the issues of the Islamic world, according to a message from the OIC.
Dhaka, Delhi friendship deeper than ocean: FS
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Wednesday said Bangladesh-India Maitri (friendship) is higher than the Himalayas and deeper than ocean.
“Many new initiatives are being added to our multifaceted cooperation on a regular basis,” he said, adding that over the years, Bangladesh-India relations have seen transformative changes reaching to new heights.
The Foreign Secretary made the remarks while addressing a prize giving ceremony of “Logo and Backdrop Design Competition” at Foreign Service Academy.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami also spoke at the event to celebrate the moments of happiness together with the winners of the logo and backdrop design competition organized under the auspices of the joint celebration of ‘Maitri Diwas (Friendship Day).
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The High Commissioner pointed out that Bangladesh-India friendship is unique and celebration of Maitri Diwas had projected the friendship successfully across the world.
He highlighted the importance that India attaches to Bangladesh and said they look forward to many more opportunities to underline just how special the relations are.