Foreign-Affairs
Canadian envoy impressed by “inclusive learning” facilities at Aga Khan Academy
Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dr Lilly Nichols has appreciated the facilities required for “inclusive learning” at the new campus of the Aga Khan Academy.
“When I met the new batch of Aga Khan Academy teachers, I was immediately impressed by their palpable enthusiasm to inspire a new generation of students committed to lifelong learning and global citizenship,” she said while meeting the teachers at the Academy recently.
With the continued support and facilitation of relevant Ministries and agencies of the government, the Academy is planning to admit the first cohort of students to select classes in August 2022, with the phased opening of the campus to occur over the next three years, said the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) on Saturday.
Also read: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka need to be seen as strategic partners: Envoy
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka need to be seen as strategic partners: Envoy
Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne has said that his counyry wants to see Bangladesh as a strategic partner, noting that the two countries need to take care of each other in a newly evolving globalized world.
“This partnership becomes imperative as our alignment revolves around the protection of the seascape embracing the two lands,” he said, emphasizing that the two countries are also stakeholders of the larger family represented by the SAARC, BIMSTEC and IORA.
In his recent speech marking the 50 years of Bangladesh-Sri Lanka friendship shared with media on Saturday, High Commissioner Seneviratne, who was also the first Sri Lankan to receive both Masters and Doctoral Degrees from India’s Jawaharlal Nehru University, said Dhaka and Colombo need to prosper together.
The envoy, also Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Bhutan, said one of the focal points and dynamics of the global power blocks is their engagement and aspirations in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal.
Also read: US envoy meets Hasan Mahmud
“We are now witnessing a sharply evolving competitive spirit that is setting the tone for the future of South Asia,” he said, adding that the global neoliberal political and economic order is beginning to aggressively impact the region.
It may effectively alter the balance of power and cordiality within the South Asian neighbourhood, said the envoy. “Its impact is mainly felt over the seascape of the Bay of Bengal.”
He said their two lands hold an equally important role at the two strategic ends of the Bay of Bengal representing the “gateway” entry and exit points to the larger World systems.
“The Bay of Bengal essentially is an Oceanic highway. As such, the futuristic staying power and sustenance of our two countries revolve around the protection of the seascape of the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal,” said the high commissioner.
It is now recognized that the Bay of Bengal is one of the richest resource areas in the world, hence the high competitive premium placed on its natural and human wealth, he said.
Seneviratne wished another 50 years of friendship and solidarity between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as a gift to the people of the two countries and to the world.
Also read: No proposal made to US to bring BNP to polls: Momen
He said aviation and shipping are making headway with official discussions at the ministerial level on coastal shipping, mutual birthing rights and warehouse facilities which are under discussion.
Private sector shipping companies from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka most recently commenced working on joint ventures and the government-owned shipping corporations are working together, he said.
As for reverse investments, it is heartening to learn that Bangladesh has lifted the restriction of movement of capital as FDI’s, said the high commissioner.
Though limited, there was an outflow of FDI to Sri Lanka between 2005 and 2019 amounting to around 4 million US$.
“Sri Lanka is looking towards initial investments from Bangladesh and we have on track tourism, shipping and pharma,” he said.
Seneviratne said, “We also need to strike a balance between the two brother nations so that trade balance needs to be rectified. As of now, the trade balance is in favour of Sri Lanka at US$105 million.”
The near completion of the preferential trade agreement (PTA) will provide greater opportunities for closing the uneven flow, he said.
FOSA hosts Eid Charity Fair in city
The Foreign Office Spouses Association (FOSA), a not-for-profit organisation, organized an Eid Charity Mela (Fair) in the capital on Saturday.
Selina Momen, chief patron of FOSA and wife of Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, inaugurated the Eid Charity Mela at the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) auditorium at Bailey Road.
Also Read: FOSA to hold Eid Charity Mela at FSA Saturday
The day-long fair showcased and sold traditional and boutique products of Bangladesh.
US envoy meets Hasan Mahmud
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has met with Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, MP, and discussed the importance of a free and independent media as the bedrock of democracy.
The two also discussed international concerns about provisions of the Digital Security Act and the proposed regulations for digital, social media, and streaming platforms, said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday.
In the next 50 years and beyond, the United States looks forward to working with Bangladesh to advance common interests in freedom, prosperity, peace, and dignity, according to a message shared on the verified Facebook page of the Embassy.
No proposal made to US to bring BNP to polls: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said no formal proposal was made to the US to bring the BNP into the election process, although the party's election boycott came up during his recent meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
"We want all parties. More or less all parties join the polls. But there is a political party which publicly says they won't take part in the election," he said, adding that if anyone intentionally avoids polls, that indicates they fear the people.
As the issue of the BNP's election boycott came up in his discussion with Blinken, the foreign minister told the US secretary of state that he(Blinken) can look into whether they can make the party join the elections.
"Bring them (BNP) if you can. It was just like that. It was not that we placed any such proposal. We want all parties," Momen told the media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said the BNP must go to people's doors and join elections following the existing laws.
Bangladesh has a "very solid and independent" election commission, and its democracy is very transparent, Momen added. "Every person in Bangladesh believes in democracy; it is (election) a festival here. We want all parties in elections."
"They gave much respect to my whole delegation," Momen said, referring to his meeting with Blinken.
The foreign minister had also visited Japan, Palau and Singapore after wrapping up his US visit. "My whole trip was very positive."
FM questions quality of US HR report on Bangladesh
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has questioned the quality of the US human rights report on Bangladesh, noting that Bangladeshi officials at the US Embassy in Dhaka prepare the initial draft collecting information from media reports and some NGOs.
He said NGOs always see negative things everywhere and there is another group of people who only seek asylum abroad and give a negative picture of the country to avail of advantage.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks while responding to questions from reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
Read: BNP denies misquoting German envoy
The government of Bangladesh is of the view that the tendency to impose values of other countries, like LGBT rights, same sex marriage etc., in the name of human rights violations are “regrettable and uncalled for.”
“Some opinions came….they want to hit on our religion in the name of human rights and we rejected it,” said the Foreign Minister referring to the State Department’s recent “2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices”.
He said opinions are not human rights and Bangladesh’s human rights priorities are right to food, right to education, right to shelter, right accommodation and healthcare. “These are human rights.”
The Foreign Minister said they had a very good discussion in Washington and both sides want improved relations in the coming years.
He said the US side appreciated Bangladesh’s progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Read: BB issues revised agent banking guidelines
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh has a “very solid and independent” election commission and its democracy is very transparent. “Every person in Bangladesh believes in democracy. It’s (election) a festival in Bangladesh. We want all parties in elections.”
“They have given much respect to my whole delegation,” Momen said, referring to his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The Foreign Minister had also visited Japan, Palau and Singapore after wrapping up his US visit. “My whole trip was very positive.”
50 Years of Diplomatic Ties: Thai Embassy to host photography, video contests
The Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka is organizing a photography contest, titled "More Alike than We Might Think: Unpacking Linkages and Similarities between Thailand and Bangladesh", as part of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Thailand.
The contest activity aims to promote deeper understanding between Thai and Bangladeshi peoples through photographs illustrating the two nations' similarities in diverse aspects, said the Thai Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday.
Also read: Thai ambassador lauds progress in Dhaka Metro Rail construction
The Embassy welcomed photograph entries from Thai or Bangladeshi nationals, both as an individual or as duo, regardless of age and residence.
Contestants can submit photographs from now until 31 August 2022 (17.00 hours Bangladesh time). For further queries, contestants can contact the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka via Facebook or email at [email protected]
The Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka will only consider photographs received within the deadline and will select 30 shortlisted photographs (15 pairs) for display on the Embassy's Facebook and website from 11 September 2022.
Thai ambassador lauds progress in Dhaka Metro Rail construction
Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor on Thursday said Dhaka Metro Rail, scheduled for partial opening by December this year, will help facilitate travel from Uttara to Motijheel much to the comfort of city commuters.
“MRT is a very good thing and it helps uplifting the quality of urban people’s life. I’m impressed to see the quality of work,” he told reporters after visiting the project site in Uttara.
The ambassador said they had faced problems about traffic in the past but once they implemented MRT in Thailand it helped a lot.
“We’ve a lot of cooperation in economic affairs and this project is one of the flagship projects,” she said adding that the quality of work is up to the standard.
Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the UN observes Mujibnagar Day
Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the United Nations has observed the historic Mujibnagar Day.
At the beginning of the programme on Tuesday, the President of the Mujibnagar government, the greatest Bengali of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam and Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmad, including the late members of the government, four national leaders and three million martyrs of the Great Liberation War were remembered.
Special prayers were offered for the forgiveness of their souls.
Later, the speeches of the President and the Prime Minister were read out.
A documentary video on the Mujibnagar government was screened at the programme.
Ambassador Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, gave a welcome address on the occasion.
She explained the significance of Mujibnagar Day and the history of how this temporary capital was named as Mujibnagar after Bangabandhu.
She said, “After the beginning of the freedom struggle through the historic speech of March 7, the Father of the Nation declared independence on March 26. Under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, the Bengali nation jumped into the War of Liberation. Therefore, the Mujibnagar government had no choice but to establish the institutional recognition and legal basis of the great Liberation War. The Mujib Nagar government formed on 10 April was officially sworn in on 17 April:
READ: Govt let loose police against BNP, alleges Rizvi
Referring to the leadership, strategy and timely direction of the Mujibnagar government, Ambassador Fatima said that the Liberation War was moving towards a successful conclusion in the quickest time.
"The biggest challenge of the Mujibnagar government was to bring the world public opinion to Bangladesh by tackling the hostile environment. This government took several timely steps to bring the world community in favor of Bangladesh. Bengali diplomats working in Pakistani embassies around the world, including in India, took immediate steps to leave Pakistan and show allegiance to the Mujibnagar government."
She called upon the new generation to highlight the history of Mujibnagar government, the history and significance of the great liberation war.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we will contribute from our own position to further strengthen Bangladesh's position in the international arena, including the United Nations. May this be our pledge on Mujibnagar Day," she said.
All the officials and employees of the mission participated in the event.
Ambassador Hussain lauds religious freedom, harmony in Bangladesh
US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain on Wednesday appreciated religious harmony and freedom in Bangladesh, saying that those who are trying to divide them and create complexities must be stopped.
“We’re very encouraged to see people from different faith groups are living together peacefully. We want to see religious freedom everywhere in the world,” he said.
Indian-American Hussain made the remarks while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam.
Also read:US to stand by persecuted minorities worldwide: Ambassador-at-Large
Referring to the vast majority of people who are living together peacefully, he said, “We must continue to live together peacefully.”
The state minister briefed Hussain that everyone in Bangladesh enjoys equal rights and they do not call anybody a religious minority rather treat them as equal citizens.
He shared some incidents including attacks on the Buddhist community in Ramu upazila of Cox's Bazar and attacks carried out on different temples in Cumilla and cited how social media can sometimes play a negative role as fake Facebook IDs are used to instigate.
“We’ve discussed these issues very frankly,” said Shahriar, adding that it is a challenging issue globally.
The two sides also discussed the Rohingya issue focusing on the accountability front.
The Gambia, backed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), opened the case against Myanmar at the ICJ in November 2019 for failing to prevent the genocide against Rohingyas.
Hussain, who also visited Rohingya camps, highlighted “unimaginable” sufferings of the Rohingyas had gone through in Rakhine State and talked about creating more opportunities for them through education, training and economic activities.
The US envoy arrived here on Sunday on a four-day visit and held a series of meetings with Bangladesh officials on relevant issues.
Hussain serves as principal advisor to the Secretary and advisor to the President on religious freedom conditions and policy, according to the US Department of State.
He leads the Department’s efforts to monitor religious freedom abuses, persecution, and discrimination worldwide.
He also oversees policies and programs to address these concerns and works to build diverse and dynamic partnerships with the broadest range of civil society, with equitable and meaningful inclusion of faith actors globally.
Also read:US religious freedom ambassador Hussain to arrive in Dhaka Sunday
During his first day, Hussain engaged with students and faculty members of the Department of World Religions and Culture, University of Dhaka.
During the session, the ambassador emphasized the important role young people play in advancing religious freedom and human rights in Bangladesh and around the world.
At Dhaka University, the ambassador also visited the banyan tree Senator Edward M. Kennedy planted at the university in 1972.
At the end of the day, the ambassador participated in an iftar with 19 Bangladeshi US government Exchange Alumni held at the EMK Center.
Ambassador Hussain recognized the extraordinary contributions of alumni in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in Bangladesh through innovative community-led initiatives and grassroots campaigns.