United News of Bangladesh

Canadian Permanent Representative to the UN in New York Bob Rae has met with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on the margin of the SIDS Conference in Antigua and Barbuda. During the meeting held on May 28, they discussed the current state of the Rohingya crisis. Rae, who was the special envoy of Canada to Myanmar, said that his government wanted him to remain engaged on the issue and he would continue to do so accordingly. The Foreign Minister reiterated that repatriation was the only solution to the crisis, and the international community should intensify their efforts to achieve that goal.

Maritime Security Consultant from the UK Spiro Marcandonatos has highlighted the geopolitical significance of Bangladesh and Bangladesh's strategic location between China and India, stressing its importance in the broader geopolitical landscape. While speaking at a discussion, he noted the country's pivotal role in regional maritime dynamics. Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), in collaboration with the British High Commission Dhaka, hosted the expert roundtable titled "Maritime Security in the Bay of Bengal" recently. The event took place at the British High Commissioner's Residence in Dhaka, with key maritime security experts, policymakers, and representatives from both Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. BIPSS President Major General ANM Muniruzzaman (retd) moderated the discussion, highlighting the Bay of Bengal's critical role in regional and global geopolitics. Jamie Moncrieff, Maritime Security Specialist from the UK and maritime experts from Bangladesh participated as expert panelists, enriching the dialogue with their insights and perspectives. Jamie Moncrieff focused on the UK's maritime security in his opening remarks. He emphasized the UK's evolving approach to maritime security, particularly in integrating and collaborating with global partners. He underscored the importance of joint efforts between the Royal Navy and the Bangladesh Navy, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities in the region. He also expressed the UK's eagerness to deepen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, acknowledging the strategic significance of the Bay of Bengal in maintaining regional stability and security. Muniruzzaman provided a comprehensive overview of the Bay of Bengal, the largest bay in the world, and its strategic importance. He emphasized its crucial role in regional power balance, with major powers like India and China vying for influence. He detailed the bay's economic, strategic, environmental, and geopolitical importance for Bangladesh. "The bay is vital for natural resources, trade, and connectivity, underpinning Bangladesh's blue economy aspirations," he said. Strategically, it is significant for maritime security amid naval expansions by emerging powers. Environmentally, the bay faces climate change and environmental protection challenges. Geopolitically, it is a platform for regional cooperation and competition. Rear Admiral ASM A Awal, (retd) discussed the strategic significance of the Bay of Bengal within the Indian Ocean region. He emphasized the need for substantial investment and a comprehensive restructuring approach to harness the blue economy's potential. In his remarks, Shafqat Munir, Senior Fellow at BIPSS, highlighted that Bangladesh is increasingly developing its identity as a maritime nation. He provided some examples of historical cooperation between the United Kingdom and Bangladesh in the realm of security and the ties that existed between the Bangladesh Armed forces and the UK armed forces. He also mentioned that there is an urgent need for capability development to address Bangladesh’s emerging maritime security needs and the United Kingdom could be an important partner in that regard. Munir also talked about the increasing geostrategic competition in the maritime domain and Bangladesh’s growing importance as a maritime player. Commodore Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmed, Director General of BIMRAD, underscored that maritime security and strategy are interconnected with land-based operations. He also talked about the external influence in the Bay of Bengal. The Bay is also important for implementation of the Chinese BRI corridor. Therefore the potential for entrance into the bay from other areas have got to be understood. Dr. Manzur Haque, honorary advisor to Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD) discussed the challenges faced in constructing the Matarbari deep sea port and the implications of Chinese presence in Hambantota. Group Captain Zahidul Islam Khan (retd) emphasized the importance of governance in the Bay of Bengal and the necessity of having Western-origin hardware to build governance capacity. Parvez Karim Abbasi focused on Bangladesh's vulnerabilities in maritime security. He stressed the need for resources and partnerships with like-minded countries to fulfill the aspiration of becoming a net security provider. Ayesha Kabir, Head of Prothom Alo-English highlighted non-traditional security issues in the bay, including climate change, natural disasters, terrorism, refugees, narcotics piracy, unregulated fishing, rising sea levels, and salinity. Tanvir Habib, a Lecturer from the University of Dhaka elaborated on the interests of major powers such as India, China, Japan, France, and Russia in the region. He noted India's particular understanding and strategic approach to the Bay of Bengal. The moderator added that the Bay of Bengal serves as a critical space for Indian naval operations, influencing both India's security and regional stability. He also highlighted about China's increasing interest in the bay and the Indian Ocean and the consequent geopolitical tensions. Marjuka Binte Afzal, a Lecturer from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), discussed traditional security concerns in the Bay of Bengal and highlighted Bangladesh's absence from naval exercises in the bay. She emphasized the importance of information sharing. While questioning about the health of the Bay of Bengal, the moderator pointed out the many ways the marine space is being polluted through plastic pollution, acidification and excessive heating of the sea. Rear Admiral Awal recognized the ecological aspect of the bay as a huge challenge. The Bay of Bengal has a rich marine eco-system. In order to protect the diverse biodiversity of the Bay of Bengal and its surroundings we need specific action, collaboration and huge investment. The roundtable concluded with a unanimous recognition of Bangladesh as a maritime nation, a crucial acknowledgment of the country's extensive coastline and significant maritime resources. This recognition is not merely symbolic; it reflects the deep-seated realities of Bangladesh’s geography, economy, and strategic imperatives. The discussions underscored the necessity for Bangladesh to adopt a maritime-centric approach in its policy-making and strategic planning. This approach involves prioritizing maritime issues in national agendas, investing in the maritime sector, and enhancing naval capabilities to protect and leverage maritime resources effectively. Enhancing maritime security was identified as a cornerstone for maintaining stability in the Bay of Bengal. The experts emphasized that robust maritime security measures are essential to safeguard against a range of threats. Strengthening the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard, improving surveillance and intelligence capabilities, and fostering international naval cooperation were highlighted as critical steps in this direction. Moreover, fostering regional cooperation was deemed pivotal for achieving both security and economic aspirations. These cooperative efforts could take the form of joint naval exercises, information sharing, and coordinated responses to maritime challenges. By adopting a maritime-centric policy approach, enhancing security, and fostering regional cooperation, Bangladesh can ensure a stable and prosperous future, leveraging its maritime heritage to drive national development and regional stability.

The government has appointed Nahida Sobhan, the serving Bangladesh Ambassador to Jordan, as the next High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Canada. She will be replacing Ambassador Dr Khalilur Rahman in this capacity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday night. Nahida Sobhan, a career diplomat of the 15th batch of BCS (Foreign Affairs) cadre, joined Foreign Service in 1995. Since February 2020, she has been serving as Ambassador of Bangladesh to Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with concurrent accreditation to Palestine and Syria. In her diplomatic career, she has also served in Bangladesh Missions at Rome, Kolkata, and Geneva in different capacities. At the headquarters, she has held several important positions like Director General of UN & Human Rights Wing as well as Multilateral Economic Affairs Wing. Nahida Sobhan obtained her Master of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Dhaka. She also completed several professional training courses both at home and abroad and represented Bangladesh in numerous bilateral and multilateral meetings. Ambassador Nahida Sobhan is fluent in English and French, while Bengali is her native language. She is also learning Arabic.

Bangladesh and India have agreed to further strengthen the bilateral Revised Travel Arrangement (RTA) to facilitate movement of nationals from both sides. Both sides reiterated their commitment to continue promoting people-to-people exchanges. Bangladesh India’s most trustworthy partner: Pranay Verma The agreement came at the 4th round of India-Bangladesh Consular Dialogue in New Delhi on Wednesday, according to a message received here. Dr. Aman Puri, Joint Secretary (CPV) led the Indian delegation, while the delegation from Bangladesh side was led by Rokebul Haque Director General (South Asia), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Bangladesh India’s development partner, Kovind tells Hasina The India-Bangladesh Consular dialogue mechanism was instituted in 2017 with a purpose to strengthen people to people contacts by having a regular channel of communication on consular, visa and mutual legal assistance cooperation matters between India and Bangladesh. The two sides held wide-ranging discussions on mechanisms to strengthen coordination and cooperation on consular issues, visa matters, repatriation, MLAT and Extradition cases, etc. They agreed to hold the next Round of the Dialogue in Dhaka on a mutually convenient date.

High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim on Wednesday said Bangladesh can utilise Malaysia as a hub of greater Asean market by signing a Free Trade Agreement with one of the South East Asia's most vibrant economies. "FTA brings market access to you. You need to be very competitive in a very challenging market. FTA is a vehicle which allows speacial  treatment," she told diplomatic correspondents in Dhaka. Bangladesh and Malaysia have agreed to explore the possibility of concluding a bilateral Free Trade Agreement  (FTA) in order to add further substance to the steadily increasing bilateral trade and economic relations between the two regional countries. Bangladesh describes Malaysia as an important investor country in Bangladesh. The envoy said it is time for Bangladesh to become more competitive and target the Asean market through Malaysia. She said the current cooperation between the two countries reflects the trust and confidence that Malaysia has in the government of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The envoy thanked PM Hasina for all cooperation extended to Malaysia. During an interaction with the members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), High Commissioner Haznah highlighted two areas of further cooperation- education sector and healthcare (medical tourism). Highlighting opportunities in education sector, she said apart from affordable but quality education, safety of foreign students are guaranteed. "There is no issue of safety for foreign students, event female students are absolutely safe," said the envoy. On healthcare services, the High Commissioner said they provide international standards healthcare with an affordable cost which is cheaper than other South East Asian countries. She said there is a strong monitoring by the government on quality and cost of the healthcare services in Malaysian hospitals and encouraged Bangladeshis to take its advantage. The High Commissioner said the relationship between Bangladesh and Malaysia are very strong and her country was the first Muslim country to recognise  independent Bangladesh. "We maintain close relations with all Muslim countries based mutual trust and respect," she said. The High Commissioner recalled the visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1973 giving a solid foundation to the relations. DCAB President Nurul Islam Hassib also spoke at the session and thanked the High Commission for hosting the discussion.

The French Embassy in Dhaka has extended condolences to the families of the victims of cyclone Remal which battered the country’s coastal districts on Sunday night. "Our thoughts are with all affected communities and families, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery following the disaster which has since displaced households, submerged structures and washed away crops in most of the southern parts of Bangladesh, the Embassy said on Wednesday. Cyclone Remal leaves coastal Bhola in dire condition Ten people were killed in Khulna, Satkhira, Barishal, Patuakhali, Bhola and Chattogram districts when cyclone Remal struck Bangladesh's coastal area. Besides, 1,50,457 houses were damaged during the storm. Of these, 35,483 houses were fully damaged in 107 unions and 914 municipalities.Cyclone Remal: Some 1.72 crore consumers still remain without electricity

High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim on Wednesday said they want to make sure that jobs are guaranteed for all the Bangladeshis who are going to Malaysia.  "We are committed to that. We are in good cooperation with the government of Bangladesh to address any relevant issues," she told diplomatic correspondents in an interaction, describing how serious her government is about the welfare of Bangladeshi workers.  The High Commissioner, however, acknowledged that there might be syndicates that are beyond the control of both Bangladesh and Malaysian governments. "You just mentioned syndicates. Of course there are things beyond our control. This is something beyond not only Malaysian government, but also beyond the control of Bangladesh government," she said.  The Malaysian High Commissioner said they are committed to make things better in the future.  She said her government is committed to ensuring the welfare of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia. The High Commissioner highly appreciated Bangladeshi workers' contribution to Malaysia in a big way. "We want to ensure that everything is in place." She said things will be reviewed time to time on the basis of needs and supply and demand.  During an interaction with the members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), High Commissioner Haznah said so far the deadline for Bangladeshi workers to reach Malaysia is May 31. "It's fixed by my government. It was announced in January this year." The High Commissioner highlighted her country’s efforts to offer world-class healthcare, education, and tourism facilities with an affordable cost. She also talked about the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. "I am confident that it would happen." DCAB President Nurul Islam Hassib also spoke at the session and thanked the High Commission for hosting the discussion.

During any situation of war such as the independence war in Bangladesh in 1971, the international humanitarian law (IHL), also known as the rules or war, serves as a basis in safeguarding civilians, wounded combatants, and prisoners of war. Yet, despite its crucial role, the significance and application of IHL often go unrecognized or misunderstood, said the ICRC on Wednesday. 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, which are the bedrock of modern IHL. These universally accepted rules provide a guiding framework to limit means and methods of conduct of hostilities, in order to protect those who are not, or are no longer, participating in hostilities. The premise of these Conventions is simple: even in armed conflict, at the worst of times, the core of our common humanity must be preserved. This agreement must be reflected in every interpretation of the Conventions. For the past 75 years, the IHL has remained fundamental in protecting persons affected by armed conflict. The principles enshrined in Geneva Conventions are as relevant as ever today in a world plagued by violence and polarized public opinion. By ratifying key treaties and establishing a National IHL Committee, Bangladesh has demonstrated its commitment to adopting the Geneva Conventions and to upholding humanitarian principles, ICRC said. It has taken significant steps towards integrating the IHL into the national legislation by drafting two domestic laws on the Geneva Conventions and the Anti-personal mine ban convention. It is hoped that Bangladesh authorities will continue their efforts to consolidate these achievements for the full integration of IHL in the national legislation, it said. Head of Delegation of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Bangladesh Agnes Dhur on Wednesday said the ICRC in Bangladesh will be undertaking several outreach events and initiatives to observe this historic milestone: namely, online quiz competition, media competition on the relevance. "I will be also engaging high level authorities, academics as well as general audience to highlight Bangladesh's efforts in promoting and implementing IHL, Dhur said. "Today, as we commemorate the milestone of the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, we must reaffirm our commitment to the principles of humanity that have guided us for three-quarters of a century." "They are testament to the power of humanity in adversity. On this historic occasion, let us remember the words of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross: "The only real progress lies in learning to be more humane."

British citizens living abroad are now eligible to register to vote in UK general elections regardless of how long they have been living outside the UK. A new law has removed the previous 15-year time limit, said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday. Supporting the awareness raising campaign of the UK’s Electoral Commission, British High Commission Dhaka is calling on British citizens living in Bangladesh to check if they are eligible. Global issues require global solutions, says UK Minister for Countering Illegal Migration The Commission is the independent and impartial organisation that oversees elections in the UK. Those who have previously lived in or been registered to vote in the UK now have the right to vote in UK parliament elections. They can register online at www.gov.uk/registertovote and will need to confirm their personal information every three years. Anyone on a UK electoral register is also considered a permissible donor to UK political parties and campaigners. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, said, “A change in UK law means that more British citizens living abroad are now eligible to vote in UK Parliament elections. It’s important that eligible people are made aware of the changes so that they can register to vote and cast a ballot when the time comes." “If you used to live in the UK or know anyone who did, let them know they may be able to have their say at the next UK general election. It only takes five minutes to register, and it can be done online at gov.uk/registertovote. It’s also now possible to apply online to vote by post or proxy,” she added. Applicants will need to provide details of the address and time they were last registered or resident. Local authorities must be able to verify an applicant’s identity and past connection to the area. UK Parliament elections cover UK parliamentary general elections, UK parliamentary by-elections and recall petitions. Eligibility for other types of election has not changed. Bangladesh, UK discuss ways to strengthen health sector cooperation Just over 230,000 people were registered as overseas voters at the 2019 general election. Many voters living abroad choose to apply for absent votes. Applications to vote by post or proxy in Great Britain can now also be done online.

The United States has said peacekeeping operations play an "essential role" in promoting international peace and security, and it is essential that peacekeeping personnel protect human rights.  "In accordance with the UN Due Diligence Policy, the UN relies on troop and police contributing countries to self-certify that they are not sending troops or police who are implicated in committing human rights violations or violations of international humanitarian law," said US Department of State Spokesperson Mathew Miller in a regular briefing.  He made the remarks when Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, former assistant press secretary to the then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, raised Bangladesh specific questions at the briefing.  In a video of the media briefing shared by the US Department of State, Ansarey was seen reading out written questions.  US State Department Briefing: Media accreditation abused again under cover of journalism, foreign minister falsely attributed Earlier, the United Nations said it follows a three-step screening process when deploying troops in peacekeeping missions, to meet the highest standards of efficiency and integrity, including respect for and commitment to human rights.  “Look, there are three parts to the screening. One thing involves self-certification; the other one involves the certification by the sending country, and obviously, there’s a procedure also by the High Commissioner’s Office for Human Rights,” Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, told a regular briefing at the UN headquarters in New York on May 22. Ansarey has been referred to by Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud as someone “paid by BNP” to ask questions “purposefully for generating negative responses.” “There’s someone who used to work for Khaleda Zia's press wing. He is paid by BNP. He asks questions purposefully to try and get negative answers about Bangladesh. He asks questions intentionally," Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters recently, apparently referring to Ansarey’s activities at the US State Department briefings. Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to peacekeeping operations and the UN appreciates Bangladesh for its “steadfast and remarkable contribution” to peacekeeping operations over the years.  US State Department ‘deeply concerned over use of Digital Security Act’ Responding to another question on May 28, US State Department Spokesperson Miller said that they believe corruption saps economic growth, hinders development, destabilizes government, and undermines democracy.  "We have made anti-corruption a core national security interest since the outset of this administration, and our detailed implementation plan for this strategy has been articulated at a number of senior levels," Miller said.