Foreign-Affairs
Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei observes ‘Genocide Day’
Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei Darussalam observed ‘Genocide Day’ with due solemnity on Monday.
The programme was attended mainly by members of Bangladesh community.
At the beginning of the programme, recitation from the Holy Quran was performed and prayers were also offered for the salvation of the departed souls of all martyrs who were killed on the fateful night of 25 March 1971.
A one minute’s silence was also observed in their memories.
Bangladesh High Commissioner Nahida Rahman Shumona read out messages from the President and the Prime Minister.
Paying rich tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladeshi High Commissioner condemned the brutality of the Pakistan military in severe terms.
A video documentary was screened, depicting the history and background of the Genocide Day.
Sweden will remain a steadfast partner to Bangladesh: Minister Johan Forssell
Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell has said Sweden will remain a steadfast partner to Bangladesh.
"I see a lot of potential for more Swedish companies to establish themselves here in Bangladesh,” Minister Johan Forssell quoted as saying in a media release issued by the Swedish Embassy on Monday.
UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, together with the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell, and UNDP Assistant Secretary General Ulrika Modéer, have concluded their four-day visit to Bangladesh recently.
During the visit, the delegation had constructive meetings with representatives of the Government of Bangladesh, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud.
The Crown Princess and the delegation also had the opportunity to meet with civil society, youth, national and international development partners, private companies and many other stakeholders to get their views on sustainable development in Bangladesh and opportunities and challenges of the future.
Several visits were undertaken in the southern parts of Bangladesh.
Accompanied by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Crown Princess Victoria witnessed the consequences of climate change and adaptation efforts in Koyra, Khulna.
The delegation met women and youth who are part of the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) project being implemented by UNDP and UNCDF (UN Capital Development Fund) with support from the Swedish government.
They learned about how empowering women and youth through capacity building, leadership training and entrepreneurship are important means to turn climate change vulnerabilities into opportunities, to ensure that no one is left behind.
Crown Princess Victoria and State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak inaugurated a Smart Service Point of Post Office in Koyra, Khulna, a key milestone by UNDP’s a2i - Aspire to Innovate towards SMART Bangladesh.
These efforts are strengthening digital inclusion by providing essential services to rural areas, demonstrating technology's role in sustainable development.
In Chattogram, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Crown Princess Victoria engaged with a climate-displaced community and witnessed UNDP’s urban resilience programme, that empowers women leaders while fostering sustainable urban resilience.
Crown Princess Victoria and the delegation also visited Asian University for Women in Chattogram to engage with female students, many of them with refugee background.
In addition, the delegation visited the climate- vulnerable coastal island of Hatiya to observe UNDP's work on climate resilience in hard to reach areas.
Crown Princess Victoria, Minister Johan Forssell and UNDP Assistant Secretary General Ulrika Modéer also made a stop in Bhasan Char and a visit to the Rohingya Refugee Camp at Cox’s Bazar and witnessed the collaborative efforts of multiple UN Agencies including the UNHCR, WFP, UNFPA, UN Women, UNDP, IOM and others, many of them funded by Sweden. HRH Crown Princess Victoria interacted with Rohingya Refugees and gained insights into the challenges faced by the Rohingya community.
In connection to the visit to the Rohingya refugee camps, the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Johan Forssell referred to Sweden’s plans to provide SEK 77 million in humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh via Sida in 2024, an increase compared with last year.
“We’re seeing worrying developments in Bangladesh, with one million Rohingya refugees who don’t have sufficient food for the day. Sweden is a major core support donor to many aid organisations, and now we’re also increasing our humanitarian support to Bangladesh, with a focus on meeting urgent needs, saving lives and ensuring food security,” said the Minister.
The visit also had a focus on the green transition and the role of the private sector.
Minister Johan Forssell and ASG Ulrika Modéer participated in a panel with a focus on the role of the private sector in enhancing the green transition in Bangladesh and the delegation interacted with major Swedish companies such as H&M, Volvo, Ericsson, Scania and Atlas Copco, as well as international companies, pivotal in Bangladesh green transition.
Dhaka rolls out red carpet to welcome Bhutanese king
Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Monday was accorded a red carpet reception on his arrival here on a four-day state visit to Bangladesh to attend a series of programmes including Independence Day celebrations.
This is first state visit paid by any foreign dignitary since the formation of the new government after January 7 national election.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady received the king and his delegation members who arrived at 10am by a special flight.
The king was given state salute and guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces. He inspected the guard of honour, while the national anthems of the two countries were played.
After the ceremony at the airport, he was headed for Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 to pay tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
On Monday afternoon, the king will have a delegation-level meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office. They will have a one-to-one meeting too.
Three new MoUs will be signed between Bangladesh and Bhutan while another MoU on cultural exchange will be renewed.
The king and the prime minister will witness the signing of the MoUs.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud will meet the king at his place of residence the same day before the meeting with the prime minister.
On Tuesday, the king will visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar.
He will also visit Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
The royal guest will visit Bangabhaban where he will be received by the president and his wife.
The king will have a meeting with the president at 4:30 pm on Tuesday.
The president will host iftar and a dinner reception in honour of the visiting royal.
On Wednesday morning, Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck and selected Bhutanese delegation members will leave Bangladesh for Bhutan by a special flight.
Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Rehana and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen will see them off at the airport.
The Bhutanese king will visit Padma Bridge and Bangladesh Special Economic Zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj.
On Thursday, the king will visit Kurigram Special Economic Zone.
He will leave Bangladesh territory for Golakganj, Assam via Sonahat Land Port on Thursday afternoon.
Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, state minister for shipping, will see him off there.
The 4th King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, sent a letter of congratulations to the prime minister recently saying under her dynamic and strong leadership, Bangladesh has enjoyed peace, stability and unprecedented economic development.
He also termed Bhutan as a "close friend" and rejoiced with the people of Bangladesh on this occasion.
Bhutan was the first country to recognise the newly independent Bangladesh on December 6 in 1971 when the 3rd King of Bhutan sent a message of recognition by telegram.
Since then Bangladesh and Bhutan share a special multidimensional bilateral relationship. Immediately after the independence, the Bhutanese government took initiative to establish diplomatic relations with Bangladesh and, consequently, formal diplomatic relations was established on 12 April 1973.
Foreign Minister Hasan on Sunday said Bangladesh will allocate 190 acres of land in Kurigram for a special economic zone for Bhutanese investors.
He said Bangladesh wants to import hydropower from Bhutan and a tripartite agreement is required to bring the electricity through India.
"We are in discussion to that end," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said Bhutan has a potential of producing 25,000 megawatts of hydropower.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh will also import hydropower from Nepal and things are settled regarding that initiative.
Hasan said Bangladesh will construct a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu as a goodwill gesture which also demonstrates the country’s capacity.
"We have multifaceted relations with Bhutan," Hasan said.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan asked to return home
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has asked Md. Ruhul Alam Siddique, currently serving as the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan, to return home.
“Decision has been taken to transfer you to the headquarters,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its administrative order issued on March 24.
The ministry asked the envoy to return to Dhaka, leaving his current charges.
Siddique served as the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Portugal before his appointment as the High Commissioner to Pakistan.
He is a career diplomat belonging to the 11th batch of Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Foreign Affairs cadre.
In February, transfer orders had been issued to Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada Khalilur Rahman, Ambassador to Germany Md Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, Ambassador to Italy Md Monirul Islam, Ambassador to Poland Sultana Laila Hossain, Ambassador to Kuwait Major General Md Ashikuzzaman, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Offices and other International Organizations in Geneva Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, Ambassador to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed, Ambassador to Thailand Mohammed Abdul Hye and Ambassador to Greece Ashud Ahmed.
The foreign ministry sources said the government has begun the process of appointing new envoys for these missions abroad.
Visiting official of Fatah, internationally recognised Palestinian Authority, grateful for Dhaka's support; urges to do more to stop Israel
Fatah Central Committee Secretary General Lt. General Jibril Rajoub has sought Bangladesh’s continued support through sustained communication with the International community to increase pressure on the Israeli government to stop the war and its renewed attempts of ethnic cleansing aimed at reducing the chances of achieving sustainable peace based on a two-state solution.
The Secretary General expressed his thanks and gratitude for the Bangladesh government’s stances in support of the Palestinian cause, including support at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Jibril Rajoub met Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
The Foreign Minister and the Secretary General exchanged views on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The Secretary General apprised him on the ongoing Israeli atrocities in Gaza and West Bank leading to an unprecedented genocide, infrastructure destruction and containing the access of humanitarian assistance, resulting in famine in Gaza.
During the meeting, the Secretary General informed him about the Israeli Prime Minister's illegal new annexation plan for the post-war Gaza by establishing new settlement units in Gaza and imposition of Israeli Occupation Forces' control over Gaza, West Bank and beyond.
The Foreign Minister expressed his deepest sympathy for the civilian casualties including children and women and hardships in the difficult humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
He called upon the international community for a concerted effort to stop this war and called for an immediate ceasefire with adequate humanitarian access to Gaza and West Bank, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He reassured the Secretary General that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's robust stance for the cause of Palestine at the international platform will continue.
He also urged the Secretary General to work for an alternate measure to end the war in Gaza achieving a consensus of the Arab countries.
They also discussed a number of current issues to further develop the traditionally friendly relations between Bangladesh and Palestine. Earlier in the morning, the Secretary General called on the Prime Minister where he apprised the latter of the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine.
Chinese Ambassador meets Saima Wazed
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday met WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia Saima Wazed.
The two sides had in-depth exchange on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of health.
Saima Wazed started her visits to WHO SEARO Member States, kicking-off with a trip to Bangladesh.
She met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently.
"We've got a busy few days of meetings planned, and I'm glad I got to start by meeting a leader I know well," she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, after her meeting with PM Hasina.
We envision Center for China Studies as a bridge connecting Bangladesh, China, S Asia and world: Ambassador Yao Wen
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday expressed his optimism that the newly launched Center for China Studies will anchor itself in Bangladesh, adopt a South Asia-centric approach and have a global outlook.
"We envision the Center for China Studies as a bridge connecting China and Bangladesh, South Asia and the world, making substantive contributions to mutual understanding, cooperation, and peaceful development," he said.
At the launching ceremony of the Center for China Studies of Dhaka University, Prof. Dr. A. S. M. Maksud Kamal, Vice Chancellor of University of Dhaka, Vice Chairman of the Academic Board of the Center for China Studies, Chen Dongxiao, President of Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, Chairman of the Academic Board of the Center for China Studies, and representatives from Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, East China Normal University, Yunnan University, Tongji University were present.
More than 400 people from the Bangladeshi government, political parties, universities, enterprises, media and international organizations, as well as Chinese representatives participated.
The Ambassador extended warm congratulations on the establishment of the Center for China Studies and said that the establishment of the Center for China Studies is the consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during their bilateral meeting in Johannesburg last August.
Russia keen to recruit skilled Bangladeshi workers in shipbuilding industry: State Minister
Russia is keen to recruit skilled workers from Bangladesh for its shipbuilding industry, State Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury said on Sunday.
He shared this information with the journalists after a meeting with the delegation of Russia's Livadiya Shipyard at the secretariat.
At that time, the Secretary of the Shipping Ministry, Ruhul Amin, along with others, were present.
The State Minister highlighted the longstanding relationship between Bangladesh and Russia, expressing that sending workers to Russia would further strengthen the ties between the two countries.
"We are eager to provide skilled manpower to Russia, particularly in the shipbuilding industry and various other sectors," said the state minister.
The state minister said that Russia wants to hire skilled manpower in various fields including the shipping industry.
In the first phase, they want to recruit 60 workers. Later, they will take more skilled manpower in phases.
“Russia will take care of accommodation and language learning of the workers,” he said.
Independence Day event: Russian House honours freedom fighters, highlights Moscow's key role in emergence of Bangladesh
Russian House in Dhaka (formerly the Russian Cultural Centre), in cooperation with the National Museum and the Liberation War Affairs Academy, organized an event dedicated to Bangladesh's 53rd anniversary of independence, ahead of Independence Day on March 26.
At the beginning of the ceremony, a minute's silence was observed to pay respect to the memory of all the martyrs of the Great War of Liberation and to express sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the tragic terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22.
Twenty-six freedom fighters from different districts of Bangladesh were felicitated with commemorative gifts and certificates in the programme.
The freedom fighters expressed gratitude and thanks to the organizers for this honor.
In his welcome speech, the director of Russian House in Dhaka Pavel Dvoychenkov highlighted the historically friendly role of Russia in the great liberation war of Bangladesh and the overall development of post-war Bangladesh.
Land Minister Narayan Chandra Chand and the Director General of the Bangladesh National Museum Md. Kamruzzaman gratefully recalled the humanitarian and economic assistance in the reconstruction of war-torn Bangladesh, including the struggle for independence of Bangladesh.
They also said that the independence of Bangladesh would never have been possible without the cooperation of Russia.
UN Commission calls for feminist financing for women’s economic justice
Women leaders at the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) have highlighted the urgent need for feminist financing to advance gender equality and women's economic justice and rights.
The session, which concluded on Friday, emphasized the importance of increasing investments in gender equality to ensure sustainable development and reduce women’s poverty and violence against women globally.
During the twelve-day session, women leaders and civil society members focused on robust measures to strengthen financing, institutions, and social protection systems with a gender perspective. The UN Secretary-General's report to the Commission highlighted that 10.3 percent of women currently live in extreme poverty, underscoring the need for accelerated progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Heavy rains kill at least 7 in Rio de Janeiro state, 4-year-old rescued after 16 hours under mud
In such a situation, women's economic empowerment was a central theme at CSW68, with discussions highlighting its crucial role in enhancing autonomy, security, and sociopolitical lives. Closing all gender employment gaps could lead to a nearly 20 percent increase in GDP per capita and the creation of almost 300 million jobs by 2035 through investments in care services.
At CSW68, Generation Equality hosted an event highlighting feminist financing and calling for collective action for women’s economic justice.
“If we are not ambitiously proactive, women’s economic empowerment and autonomy will be continuously stalled,” said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous.
She underscored the need for governments to prioritise gender-responsive financing and gender equality, especially in light of recent cuts in official development assistance to support women's rights organisations and movements.
“Women’s economic empowerment is not only critical to pave the way for individual freedoms,” said Sofia Calltorp, Sweden’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, “it is essential to many of the global and domestic challenges we face today, and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
“May we be the generation that will push for funding to come,” said FEMNET Executive Director Memory Kachambwa. “Funding that is trust-based, flexible, multi-year, and sustainable—and feminist funding models that actively listen and respond, with conviction and action.”
Some other female leaders opined that expanding social protection programmes and services, such as childcare, parental leave benefits, and pensions, can help significantly reduce women's poverty and improve their access to paid work. However, only 26.5 percent of women globally have comprehensive social security coverage, highlighting the need for increased investment in this area.