Foreign-Affairs
Bangladesh Embassy donates books to National Library of Myanmar
Bangladesh has a rich culture, ornate literature and triumphed history that need to be shared with the new generation of Myanmar for a better understanding and mutual prosperity of the two friendly neighboring countries, said Ambassador Dr. Md. Monwar Hossain on Friday.
He was addressing at the book donation ceremony at the National Library in Nay Pyi Taw, the administrative capital of Myanmar.
Nu Mya Zan, Deputy Minister for Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture of Myanmar was present at the handing over ceremony.
During the handing over programme more than 100 titles with multiple copies covering economic development, independence struggle of Bangladesh, language, history, art, culture, literary works and trends, festivals, natural beauty, touristic places, rural development were donated to the library. Two large book shelves were also donated to the library to showcase the books which will be named as ‘Know Bangladesh’ corner. As a token of donation, the Ambassador formally handed over “The Unfinished Memoirs” of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and “The Quest for Vision 2021” by the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This was the first ever book donation by the Embassy of Bangladesh to the National Library in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
Ambassador Dr. Md Monwar Hossain in his remarks highlighted Bangladesh as one of the fastest growing economies in South Asia which also has a thousand years old history and culture. Dr. Hossain highlighted significant achievements of Bangladesh in the socio-economic field, those made Bangladesh a role model for development in the world. He also said that Bangladesh is on the right track to be a middle-income country by 2031 and a developed country by 2041 under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Ambassador Hossain emphasized the importance of cultural presentation alongside economic development for inclusive and sustainable progress in all aspects. He highlighted cultural exchange as a crucial element for fostering mutual understanding, cross-cultural competencies, respect diversity and ultimately building friendship and cooperation between nations.
The initiative of the Embassy to donate books to the National Library aims to further strengthening the bilateral relationship through knowledge sharing and will help to strengthen political, economic, and social ties for long-term stability and prosperity.
Directors General of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officers of Bangladesh Embassy, Yangon were present at the programme. The Embassy also will donate some books to the Yangon branch of the National Library soon.
State Minister for Expatriates calls on UK government to ease visa for Bangladeshi workers
State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury MP has called on the UK government to ease visa conditions for Bangladeshi restaurant workers who want to work in the UK’s hospitality and catering sectors.
Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury MP was speaking as a chief guest at a high profile dialogue hosted on Thursday by the UK’s All-party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bangladesh.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem, Bob Blackman MP and APPG vice-chair Lord Karan Bilimoria spoke at the event while APPG on Bangladesh Chair Rushanara Ali MP chaired the dialogue.
The state minister praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her visionary leadership in transforming Bangladesh into a prosperous nation, as well as her government's ongoing efforts to improve the well-being and welfare of Bangladeshis living around the world, including those in the UK.
He also noted that the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the UK have reached new heights in the last 15 years due to the progressive foreign policy of her government. However, he said that there are still many areas to be explored to further broaden and deepen the Bangladesh-UK long-standing historic relations.
He particularly mentioned that Bangladeshi restaurants in different UK cities and towns are facing severe skilled staff shortages as the UK raised the minimum annual salary to 3800 pounds, an amount that is not affordable for many restaurant owners.
The state minister requested the UK Government to lower the minimum annual salary for the people working in the hospitality sector. He also said Bangladesh can provide skilled construction workers and farm workers who can work in the UK as seasonal workers.
The state minister hoped that the Bangladesh Government would work together with the UK government to create more job opportunities for the Bangladeshi skilled workers, including restaurant workers, doctors, and nurses.
High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem has said that the Bangladesh High Commission, London is working towards providing more job opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi workers in the UK.
She noted that many caregivers from Bangladesh have been recruited in the UK over the past few years. Additionally, the recruitment of seasonal farm workers from Bangladesh has also commenced.
Rushanara Ali MP made a welcome speech at the event praising the state minister for his contribution to strengthening the bonding between the British-Bangladeshi community and their homeland Bangladesh.
High UK Parliamentary officials and eminent members of the British-Bangladeshi community attended the event.
Earlier, the state minister attended an event organised by the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce.
Environment Minister holds bilateral meeting with Saudi climate negotiator in Berlin.
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hussain Chowdhury engaged in a pivotal bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia's Chief Climate Negotiator, Khalid M. Almehaid, during the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin, Germany, on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
The meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to collaborate on addressing pressing climate challenges and advancing the global climate agenda. Minister Chowdhury and Chief Negotiator Almehaid exchanged insights and perspectives on key issues such as renewable energy adoption, and climate adaptation strategies.
Minister Chowdhury reiterated Bangladesh's unwavering dedication to ambitious climate action, highlighting the country's significant strides in renewable energy development and climate resilience efforts. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and collective action in achieving the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Chief Negotiator Almehaid commended Bangladesh's proactive approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation, acknowledging the nation's leadership in championing sustainable development practices. He expressed Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening collaboration with Bangladesh and other nations to address the interconnected challenges posed by climate change.
The bilateral meeting between Minister Chowdhury and Chief Negotiator Almehaid serves as a testament to the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to advancing the global climate agenda and fostering sustainable development for present and future generations.
Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Saber Hossain Chowdhury received the invitation letter from Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chief Negotiator of Azerbaijan Yalchin Rafiyev to participate in COP-29 on the sidelines of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue held in Berlin, Germany. Besides, he held bilateral meetings with the delegates of Egypt, Denmark, President of COP-28 and COP-29 and the German State Secretary.
Dhaka, Bangkok to work together to deal with Rohingya issue: FM
Bangladesh and Thailand have expressed willingness to work together to deal with the Rohingya issue as the two countries are sheltering the Rohingyas who fled from Myanmar.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said this after a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin at Government House (Thai Prime Minister’s Office) in Bangkok.
“To resolve this problem, the two countries have expressed willingness to work together,” he said, adding that both the countries are suffering due to the burden.
The foreign minister Bangladesh is sheltering 1.3 million Rohingyas and this created problems for Bangladesh.
He said the bilateral meeting was held in a very cordial manner and the two leaders expressed interest to deepen, broaden and strengthen the ties.
Bangladesh is ready to offer a dedicated economic zone for the Thai investors if they express willingness to have that.
Bangladesh and Thailand on Friday signed five bilateral documents on visa exemption, cooperation on energy, tourism and customs matters, and negotiation of free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
The documents -- an agreement, three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and a Letter of Intent (LoI) – were inked in presence of visiting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin in Bangkok following a bilateral meeting between the two leaders at Government House (Thai Prime Minister’s Office) here.
The documents are agreement on visa exemption for the official passport holders; MoU on Energy Cooperation; MoU on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters; MoU on Cooperation in the field of tourism; and LoI to commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by this year.
PM's Speech Writer Nazrul Islam was also present at the FM's briefing.
Brazil keen to strengthen ties with Bangladesh; PM Hasina likely to pay bilateral visit in July
Brazil, South America's most influential country, wants to strengthen its ties with Bangladesh on key fronts with a possible visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last week of July.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has invited the Prime Minister to pay the bilateral visit to Brazil on July 28.
“This is a bilateral visit. It's just her. The idea is that she can launch with President Lula the global programme against hunger and then she will go to Brasilia for all the ceremonies of a full opera visit. So that's the idea,” said Brazilian Ambassador Paulo Fernando Dias Feres while talking to diplomatic correspondents at “DCAB Talk” at Jatiya Press Club on Thursday.
This will be the first bilateral visit of the prime minister to any Latin American country which is seen as a rising economic power and one of the world's biggest democracies.
He said Brazil is planning to open a visa centre in Bangladesh to facilitate more people-to-people contact as the demand grows by the day.
“It's getting bigger and bigger. So it's something that worries us because we think that we should have a very expedited service here in Dhaka,” he said, adding that every month they are getting 250 to 300 visa requests.
“The decision has already been made and we are going to float a tender, but they are not going to do it (tender) here in Bangladesh. They're going to do it in a third country. Because the companies who provide this kind of service are international companies,” he said.
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event with DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib in chair. DCAB General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu also spoke.
Following the invitation letter, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka has forwarded to Brazil a proposal of an agreement to avoid double taxation which can be signed during the visit.
The Bangladesh side proposed an agreement to avoid double taxation on the salaries of people occasionally involved in technical cooperation.
Brazil Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira’s first-ever visit to Dhaka,on April 7-8 generated a lot of interest between the countries.
“We were able to sign only one document during the minister's visit, which was the framework agreement on technical cooperation. It's a very important document because in our structure, this kind of agreement allows you to do everything. Using the agreement, we will be able to go into other areas or every area. We can go into agriculture, chemical industry, we can go whatever,” the ambassador said.
He said they are also exploring options for signing MoU on defense cooperation.
He said Bangladesh is becoming some sort of focal point for the Brazilian investors, because as China grows more expensive, they are looking for other places.
“So they are moving to countries around China. They are in Vietnam and Cambodia now. They are in Bangladesh. But what I'm saying, because when they come here and they see things by them, so when they go back, they tell things to people in Brazil,” he said.
“One area where I think that we could have a very interesting cooperation is ethanol”, the envoy said.
And it can also be used to generate energy, he said. “It's much cheaper than oil. In Brazil, for instance, ethanol is the better option. So we have talks, ethanol talks with India, which is developing its own program. So we thought, why not do this with Bangladesh?”
The Brazilian ambassador said that it is possible to get live cattle from Brazil, but the process is "complicated". He offered meat and other support to develop the industry in Bangladesh.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, during Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira’s visit, said they have discussed the possible visit of the Prime Minister to Brazil. “There is an invitation by President Lula. There might be a visit by the Prime Minister to Brazil next July."
The Brazilian foreign minister brought a personal letter of the Brazilian president which he handed over to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during his meeting.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Luda had a meeting on August 24 at Johannesburg on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.
In the meeting, the two leaders renewed commitment to a shared vision and a common goal to forge a fairer world, free from hunger and poverty, where dignity, sustainable development, prosperity, and peace prevail in the societies.
While responding to a question, the Brazilian FM said over the past decade, Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has shown significant social and economic achievements.
Today, he said, Bangladesh and Brazil are key players from the Global South.
"Our governments' common goal is to reduce inequality, fight against hunger and poverty and to promote sustainable development of our societies," said the Brazilian Foreign Minister.
He said the bilateral trade is equally promising, reaching almost USD 2.5 billon in 2023 and laid emphasis on diversification of trade.
He said the business meeting, to be held on Monday, will be useful for their entrepreneurs to explore new investments and opportunities.
Bangladeshi youth shot dead by Indian border guards in Lalmonirhat
A 20-year-old Bangladeshi youth was gunned down allegedly by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in bordering Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat early Friday, according to Border Guards Bangladesh.
The deceased was identified as Abul Kalam Daku, son of Apir Uddin of Dangapara area under Sreerampur union of the upazila.
According to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police, a group of people including the youth went to Indian border to bring cattle around 11pm.
Sensing the presence of the suspected cattle smugglers, the BSF members fired, targeting them from the border, leaving Kalam critically injured, they said.
Later, his collaborators rushed him to Patgram Upazila Health Complex where physicians declared him dead upon arrival.
Nurul Amin, In-Charge of the BGB-61 Jhalangi Camp, said they held a commander-level meeting with the BSF in this regard in the morning.
Patgram police station’s Officer-in-Charge Abu Sayeed confirmed that matter saying that the body was sent to Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.
New Delhi to closely watch China-Bangladesh joint military training: Spokesperson
Commenting on Bangladesh-China joint military training, India has said they "keep a close watch" on all developments that happen in their neighborhood and beyond, which impact their interests - economic and security interests.
Trade through Tamabil land port resumes after 2-day suspension for Indian election
"We take appropriate measures accordingly," Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a briefing on Thursday.
He commented when a journalist said Bangladesh is going to conduct a joint military exercise with China and the Chinese forces are going to be visiting Bangladesh very soon in May for some anti-terror exercise.
The Chinese and Bangladeshi armies will conduct a joint military training, Xinhua reported quoting China's Ministry of National Defense.
Indians vote in the first phase of the world's largest election as Modi seeks a third term
According to the consensus reached between the two sides, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will dispatch a contingent to Bangladesh in early May to participate in the joint training, according to the ministry, said the Chinese news agency.
This joint training, based on United Nations peacekeeping anti-terrorism operations, will involve both sides utilising an integrated training approach.
They will jointly organise exercises such as the rescue of hostages on buses and the clean-up of terrorist camps.
Fire burns a restaurant and hotel in eastern India, killing 6 and injuring 20
This marks the first joint training ever between the Chinese and Bangladeshi armies, the ministry said, noting that such activity is conducive to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two militaries and deepening practical exchanges and cooperation, according to Xinhua.
PM Hasina meets Thai royals in Bangkok
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid a courtesy call on the King and the Queen of the Kingdom of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshan.
The prime minister, who is on an official tour in Thailand, met the king and the queen at Amphorn Satharn Throne Hall in Dusit Palace, according to the PM's press wing.
Settle disputes through dialogue, say 'no' to wars: PM Hasina at UNESCAP meet
During the meeting, they exchanged greetings and discussed various issues related to bilateral matters.
PM Hasina arrived in Thailand on Wednesday on a six-day official visit to at the invitation of her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin.
In the morning, she attended the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
Thailand rolls out red carpet to greet PM Hasina on her six-day official visit
During her visit from April 24 to 29, the Bangladesh premier will hold bilateral talks with PM Thavisin.
Bangladesh and Thailand will sign a number of cooperation documents including a letter of intent on negotiations for a free trade agreement between the two countries.
PM Hasina departs for Thailand on six-day official visit
Bangladesh and Thailand are likely to sign an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation while two more MoUs on tourism sector cooperation and duty related mutual cooperation to expand the relations.
AFD is Bangladesh's most significant partner: French Ambassador
French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy on Thursday said the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has become the most impressive partner of Bangladesh as its actiivites are swiftest in the country.
A new adaptation based investment project will be endorsed soon by Bangladesh leaders focusing loss and damage, she said while speaking at a function in Dhaka.
The ambassador said her government tries to reverse balance in climate financing on adaption in Bangladesh which is very much mitigation focus.
The French ambassador recalled the French President's recent visit to Bangladesh and said it is an impressive event and has given a new height in the relationship.
AFD Country Director Benoit Chassatte said though the AFD is very new among the development partners but its achievement during the last 10 years significant.
The AFD Group, the French development agency, celebrated its 10 years of successful operation in Bangladesh marking a significant milestone in its journey towards fostering sustainable development and international solidarity.
Since it settled in Bangladesh in 2012, AFD Group has committed over €1.8 billion towards advancing various sectors critical to Bangladesh's growth, contributing to the nation's progress and resilience.
At the end of his 4-year term leading the AFD Dhaka office, AFD Bangladesh Country Director Benoit Chassatte said, “Looking ahead, AFD Group reaffirms its commitment to Bangladesh's development agenda, focused on supporting the nation in fighting climate change impacts and graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status."
He said through strategic objectives, AFD Group continues to finance structural measures, to support climate-friendly institutional governance, to foster social engineering, and to participate in the just and environmental transition.
“Additionally, throughout all of our projects, for which we ensure a comprehensive and participatory approach, we promote gender equality and indirectly create job opportunities,” he said.
AFD investments translate into tangible impacts, with millions gaining access to essential services such as drinking water, electricity, and improved public transport systems, while also benefiting from enhanced working conditions.
“AFD Group's strategic markers in the South Asia region reflect a commitment to diversity and sustainability, with a portfolio exceeding €7 billion dedicated to initiatives spanning urban mobility, clean energy, water and sanitation, sustainable banking, health, biodiversity, financial inclusion, and innovation.
This steadfast commitment underscores AFD Group's dedication to addressing pressing challenges and promoting inclusive growth in Bangladesh,” said Yazid Bensaid, AFD Regional Director for South Asia.
The French ambassador said France has tripled AFD’s commitments, in order to tackle simultaneously poverty reduction and climate resilience.
“As announced by French President during his historical visit to Dhaka last September, AFD’s activities in Bangladesh will remain at a high-intensity, in particular to channel the €1 billion pledge to adaptation under the Pact that will be endorsed this year by both leaders,” she said.
AFD implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity.
Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world.
It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France.
Seheli Sabrin made next Consul General of Bangladesh Consulate in Florida
The government has appointed Seheli Sabrin, Director General (public diplomacy wing) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as Consul General of Bangladesh Consulate in Florida, USA.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a notification on Thursday regarding her new role. She is also serving as spokesperson at the MoFA.
The transfer order will be effective from the date of her joining at the Mission.
She joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 2, 2005 as a member of 24th BCS (Foreign Affairs).
Seheli served as First Secretary at Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra, 2012-2014 and as Counsellor at Bangladesh Embassy in Jakarta, 2014-2017.
She also served as Director General (Consular & Welfare) from 2021 to 2022.