Foreign-Affairs
Inclusive politics essential for every country’s prosperity: British Minister
UK’s Minister for South Asia Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon on Monday expressed optimism that the citizens of Bangladesh will have an open and vigorous debate about the country’s direction as Bangladesh approaches its next election period.
“Inclusive politics are essential for every country’s prosperity, something that the Father of the Nation (Bangabandhu) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman knew very well,” he said, adding that the constitution (Bangladesh) emphasizes both transparency and due process which is a real guiding right to everyone.
The British Minister said Bangladesh, on Bangabandhu’s legacy, has built something quite remarkable and there is an opportunity for this great nation to go even further.
He made the remarks while delivering keynote speech at a programme titled “Bangladesh-UK: Partners in Progress' with Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen as the chair. The event was held at the Foreign Service Academy.
Lord Ahmad, also the Minister for the United Nations and the Commonwealth at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), said as a steadfast friend and partner of Bangladesh they value this unique relationship and friendship.
“Our message is simple - to all of you from all of us. I assure we’re partners for today and for the future. As close and honest friends, we look forward to further strengthening this unique partnership,” he said.
Read:'Bangladesh a compelling case for UK investors'
Technology upgradation crucial for RMG industry to stay competitive: BGMEA
Technology upgradation in the apparel industry is crucial to remain competitive in the global market, said the apex trade body of Bangladesh's garments manufacturers.
"Use of modern technologies, tools and software are predominant when it comes to enhancing productivity and quality," Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan said while speaking at the webinar "AI & Robotics: Global Implication of Artificial Intelligence" Sunday.
Read: BGMEA wins 'WITSA Global ICT Excellence Award' for workers' biometric database
The webinar was organised as a part of the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) – held during November 11-14 in Dhaka with the participation of experts from more than 75 countries.
Faruque said technological innovations are imperative not only to enhance competitiveness but also to make a business sustainable. "There is no alternative to technologies to ensure sustainable use of water, energy and other resources. Sustainability and digitalisation are interlinked and greatly complement each other."
Automation and technology upgradation will not impact employment adversely because all the processes required to make a garment cannot be replaced by machines, the BGMEA chief said.
"However, we should train our people with the right skills to operate new generation technologies. We need to turn the challenge into an opportunity through re-skilling and up-skilling."
Read:Post-LDC era: BGMEA seeks British lawmakers' support to retain market access
Ariyan M Kabir, co-founder and CEO of GrayMatter Robotics Inc, Professor Genci Capi of the Hosei University of Japan, and Dr Patrick Meier, co-founder and CEO of WeRobotics, also joined the discussion.
Lafifa Jamal, professor of robotics and mechatronics engineering at the University of Dhaka, moderated it.
Will follow next polls very closely amid Bangladesh’s growing importance globally: EU
Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Monday said they will be following the next general election “very closely” because the international community is “very interested” in what happens in Bangladesh amid its growing engagement globally as a developing economic power house.
“I think we’ll be following it very closely. Why we’ll be following it very closely is not because we want to interfere but the international community is very interested in what happens in Bangladesh,” he said.
The Ambassador said everybody has a stake in what happens in that election in Bangladesh which is a strategic part of this region and a developing economic power house where ties are developing.
The EU envoy made the remarks while responding to a question at “DCAB Talk” held in a city hotel. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) President Pantho Rahaman and its General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the event.
Read: GSP-plus vulnerability criteria: BGMEA thanks EU for removing 7.4% import-share threshold
Ambassador Whiteley said the key word around elections is exactly the “process” and elections are not events.
Italy to invest in waste management in Bangladesh: Ambassador Enrico
Italy is keen to invest in solid waste management and development of green technology in leather sector in Bangladesh.
Italian ambassador to Dhaka Enrico Nunziata on Sunday expressed this intention during a courtesy call on BSCIC Chairman Mustaque Hassan at his office in Tejgaon.
The ambassador wanted gurantee of uninterrupted supply to the waste management plant from which electricity and organic fertilizer would be produced.
Italian company is assessing waste quantity and possibility of setting up a full-fledged waste management plant in Savar leather industrial hub.
Read: Invest in technology to improve waste management: UN chief
The chairman of Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) urged Italian investment in different economic zones in the country.
The government is working to establish ecofriendly 100 economic zones on 40000 acres of land by 2041.
Additional secretary (BSCIC) Kazi Shakhawat Hosain, senior BSCIC officials were present,
Post-LDC era: BGMEA seeks British lawmakers' support to retain market access
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has sought the British lawmakers' support for the continuation of duty-benefit for the country after it graduates from the least developed countries (LDCs) category.
He met with UK lawmakers Rushanara Ali and Rupa Huq in London Saturday.
They discussed various issues, including cooperation between the UK and Bangladesh on LDC graduation, possible changes in the tariff regime and how Bangladesh can retain its access to the UK market in the post-LDC era.
Read: BGMEA chief urges UK buyers to raise prices
During the meeting, Faruque stressed the need for engagement of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) in the development of the country.
He said NRBs have the immense potential to contribute more to Bangladesh's development with their skills, technical expertise, knowledge and investment.
Many UK-based NRBs are well-established businessmen, academicians, researchers, and several of them also hold influential positions in governments as politicians and members of parliaments.
They can play a significant role in shaping the financial, social and economic conditions of the country, the BGMEA chief said.
Read: BGMEA stresses ethical sourcing for sustainable supply chain
He sought the cooperation of the two British MPs in encouraging Bangladeshis living in the UK to invest in different potential sectors of Bangladesh, including high value-added and non-cotton textiles.
Faruque also informed the British MPs about the strides made by Bangladesh's apparel industry over the years in safety, sustainability and social compliance.
Border killings unfortunate for Bangladesh; shameful for India: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday reiterated that the border killing is a matter of shame for India and unfortunate for Bangladesh as Bangladeshis are losing their lives.
“I always say, it’s unfortunate for us and it’s a matter of shame for India… I’ve no other answer to that,” he said while responding to a question at a media briefing at his ministry.
Dr Momen said the decision was taken at the level of heads of government and also at various levels that the two countries do not want to see any killing along the Bangladesh-India border and there was a verbal decision that no lethal weapon will be used. “But it happens from time to time.”
Also read: India assured Bangladesh of stopping border killing, says Quader
Dhaka wants inclusive Indian Ocean, not unilateral dominance
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said they want to see an open, free, peaceful and inclusive Indian Ocean instead of any single country’s dominance noting that many have different types of interests towards the Indian Ocean.
“Indian Ocean is a huge issue. We’ve a policy that the Indian Ocean will be open, free, peaceful and inclusive. We don’t want to see any unilateral dominance in the Indian Ocean,” he told reporters at a media briefing at his ministry.
Bangladesh will host the 21st Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers’ (COM) meeting on November 17 as it takes up the IORA chairmanship for the first time in 24 years. "Indo-Pacific Vision" will also come up for discussion.
IORA has six priority and two focus areas identified on the basis to promote sustained growth and balanced development in the Indian Ocean Region.
These are maritime safety and security, trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, tourism and cultural exchanges, academic, science and technology cooperation, blue economy, women's economic empowerment. “We’ll try to focus on those issues,” Dr Momen said.
Read: France to donate 2mn doses of Covid-19 vaccine to Bangladesh: FM
The 23rd Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) and its related meetings will be held on November 15-16 in a hybrid format (in-person & virtual).
The Foreign Minister said this is a great moment for Bangladesh and 12 ministers from 11 countries (two ministers from Tanzania) will be joining the IORA COM in person.
“Indian Ocean is very important for trading. It’s also dangerous with some associated risks like cyclones, typhoons, tidal surge. So, it’s an essential meeting,” he said.”
Dr Momen said they are looking at the future through the ocean as there are many things to achieve together through partnership and dialogue.
BGMEA chief urges UK buyers to raise prices
The increase in prices of yarn, chemicals and other raw materials in the global supply chain has pushed up production costs in garment manufacturing, the chief of the country's apex trade body of apparel manufacturers said recently.
In such a context, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan urged the UK brands and retailers to increase the prices.
Also, he called upon the brands and retailers of the UK to strengthen partnerships with their Bangladeshi suppliers to help them build their capabilities in manufacturing and the development of high-end products.
Faruque hosted a roundtable with British brands and retailers – buying apparel from Bangladesh – at the East India Club in London on November 12.
Baroness Lola Young of Hornsey, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Ethics and Sustainability in Fashion, was present.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan informed the UK brands and Lola Young about the progress made by Bangladesh's garment industry in workplace safety, sustainability and ethical manufacturing.
Faruque highlighted the apparel industry's increased focus on enhancing capabilities, particularly in the area of diversification of products and markets, innovation and value addition, and upgrading technologies to cater to the demands of global brands and buyers.
BGMEA Vice-President Miran Ali, Director Abdullah Hil Rakib and Shasha Denims Managing Director Shams Mahmud also attended the programme.
France showers immense honour on PM Hasina
France has shown ‘exceptional honour’ to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her ongoing visit to the country, according to Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
Describing the visit as ‘historic’, he said the French side expressed their keenness to strengthen bilateral relations and take them to a new height.
“No head of state or government of Bangladesh has ever received such honour as the Prime Minister witnessed here during this visit,” he said while talking to reporters here.
Read: South-South cooperation: Hasina for setting up ‘Knowledge Centre’ in Bangladesh
Highlighting different arrangements organised in honour of the Prime Minister during this state visit, Dr Momen said the French President and Prime Minister as well as others have given her a warm reception with great enthusiasm.
He said France has rolled out the red carpet on her arrival at the airport and the Elysee Palace. She also received a Guard of Honour at the Presidential palace.
The Foreign Minister said the Heads of State and Government of different countries attending the UNESCO Conference highly appreciated the development of Bangladesh achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Read: Hasina urges UNESCO to declare online and remote learning as public good
Mentioning that new dimensions in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and France has been explored through this visit of the Prime Minister, Bangladesh Ambassador to France Khandker Mohammad Talha said the world is now thinking about Bangladesh and that is why they have extended cooperation.
Dhaka makes 5-point call; seeks time-bound action plan to deal with Covid
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has made a five-point recommendation, including the necessity of undertaking a time-bound action plan, supported by financing and capacity building, for addressing the unwarranted vaccine gap for many low- and middle-income countries.
He made the recommendations during a virtual Covid-19 Ministerial meeting held recently.
Dr Momen attended the meeting at the invitation of United States Secretary of State Antony J Bliken.
Read: France firmly with Bangladesh over Rohingya issue: FM Momen
The meeting was also attended by the foreign ministers of around 25 countries, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.
Dr Momen suggested convening a high-level panel by the WHO featuring select global leaders to devise a blueprint for preventing and managing future pandemic, ideally with gender and geographic balance.
In his third recommendation, the Foreign Minister called for the US and the WHO to take the lead in convening an expert working group on the question of strengthening national-level disease control agencies.
He also mentioned supporting the vaccine manufacturing capabilities in certain countries like Bangladesh in the Global South, in a meaningful manner through appropriate interventions concerning intellectual property rights and technology transfer.
In his fifth recommendation, Dr Momen called for factoring the linkage between climate change and biodiversity loss with pandemic outbreaks in the collective efforts to build back better, greener and stronger from the pandemic.
Read: US announces another 14mn Pfizer jabs for Bangladesh
In his statement during the meeting, the Foreign Minister highlighted the fact that Bangladesh has managed to keep the fatality rate lower than the global average.
He also informed that the infection rate in Bangladesh remains under 1 percent at present.
Contrary to some dire projections, Dr Momen said, Bangladesh managed to keep the infection and death rates absolutely minimal in the congested Rohingya camps Cox’s Bazar.
Dr Momen reiterated Bangladesh’s demand that the Covid-19 vaccines should be declared as ‘global public good’ to make them affordable to all countries.
He also urged that pharmaceutical companies, including those in Bangladesh, should be encouraged and assisted to produce Covid-19; and stated that Bangladesh stands ready to contribute to global vaccines production for sharing with others.
Recalling that Bangladesh has so far administered 78 million vaccine doses, with 46 million single doses and 32 million double doses, Minister Momen stated that the target is to vaccinate 80% of Bangladesh’s target population group by March 2022, and continued supply of vaccines is required for that.
The Foreign Minister underscored the fact that no country would remain completely safe until the mutating coronavirus is brought under control in all corners of the globe, and for this there is no other option but to ensure inclusive international cooperation, leaving no one behind.
He stressed the necessity to have strong partnership and collaboration among the foreign ministers to step up political support in such critical situations at present and also in the future.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Blinken urged the foreign ministers to work together to address the challenges posed by the pandemic, and announced the launch of a Covid Data Tracker.
Stating that vaccines will be made available in conflict-affected areas, he said a concerted work would be undertaken to meet the estimated shortfall of 550 million doses of vaccines required to bring the entire target population group under vaccination coverage.
Secretary Blinken presided over the sessions, with IMF Managing Director, US NIH Director and WHO Director General setting the scene.
In addition to the Bangladesh Foreign Minister, the Foreign Ministers of the EU, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Norway, Romania, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Peru, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, ROK, South Africa, Senegal and Kenya were invited to speak.
The Senior Representatives of the African Union, Pacific Island Forum and League of Arab States, Organisation of American States also spoke at the event.