foreign-affairs
Japanese envoy visits Japan-funded UNFPA project sites in Noakhali
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori has visited the Horni Union Health & Family Welfare Center, the women-led community center in Chanondi Union, and Islamganj Janata High School.
He attended the inauguration of the renovated labor room and Rohingya refugee ward at the Noakhali district Sadar hospital.
During the two-day visit (April 22-23), the ambassador also discussed with the Divisional Director of Health, the Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendent of Police, the Hospital Superintendent, the Deputy Director of Family Planning, UNFPA, and its NGO partners.
Since the large influx of Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar in August 2017, Japan has contributed over USD 220 million to various interventions in Cox's Bazar as well as in Bhasan Char through international organizations and NGOs.
UNICEF urges parents to be extra vigilant in keeping their children hydrated, safe
These assistance included food assistance, healthcare, WASH, shelter, protection, and gender mainstreaming, said the Embassy of Japan on Wednesday.
Witnessing the ongoing activities in the field, Ambassador Iwama said, “This is my first visit to the Noakhali dostrict, and I extend my appreciation to UNFPA for its unwavering commitment to promoting maternal health as well as addressing gender-based violence (GBV), in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh and the people of Japan.”
He said this is a unique contribution to bridging humanitarian assistance and development cooperation. “I hope this project will contribute to delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled”.
“We are grateful to the Government and people of Japan for their generous support for the health, protection, and dignity of women, adolescent girls, and young people here in Noakhali,” said Masaki Watabe, Deputy Representative of UNFPA Bangladesh.
“The Japanese timely support to the health facilities is vital for ensuring that Rohingya refugees hosted in Bhasan Char have full access to life-saving emergency obstetric care through referral systems. With the Japanese support, we are also promoting life skill education in schools that help prevent child marriage and ensuring that community-based survivor-centred GBV services are made available and accessible.”
Qatari emir’s just-held visit to generate goodwill, understanding between 2 countries: Dhaka
More than six years have already passed since the onset of the crisis, it is essential to keep the attention of the global community, while multiple emergencies have been taking place in different parts of the world. Japan will continue to work toward the resolution of the Rohingya issue.
UNICEF urges parents to be extra vigilant in keeping their children hydrated, safe
UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Sheldon Yett has said UNICEF remains deeply concerned about the health and safety of children across the country due to sweltering temperatures with an oppressive heatwave persisting throughout Bangladesh.
“Look out for your neighbors: Vulnerable families, children with disabilities, pregnant women, and the elderly face a higher risk of illness or death during heatwaves. Take the time to check on your neighbors, especially those who live alone,” Yett said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to UNICEF’s 2021 Children's Climate Risk Index (CCRI), children in Bangladesh are at 'extremely high risk' of the impacts of climate change.
The unusual rise in temperatures poses grave risks, particularly to newborns, infants, and young children who are considered to be an especially vulnerable population to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and diarrhea caused by dehydration.
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“Moreover, as the Primary and Mass Education Ministry has ordered the closure of all government primary schools in the country till 27 April due to concerns with the impact of rising temperatures on children, UNICEF is urging parents to be extra vigilant in keeping their children hydrated and safe,” Yett said.
The severity of this heatwave underscores the urgent need for action to protect children from the worsening impacts of climate change.
With temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels, we must prioritize the well-being of children and the most vulnerable populations.
To protect children from this heatwave, UNICEF urged frontline workers, parents, families, caregivers and local authorities to protect children and pregnant women by taking the following steps:
Prevention: Wherever children are staying, create cooler places for children to sit or play. Avoid being outdoors during the hot midday and afternoon hours. Make sure that children wear light, breathable clothes, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
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First aid: If a child or a pregnant woman shows symptoms of heat stress (eg dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, mild fever, nosebleeds, muscle cramps, heath rashes in diaper area), place the person in a cool, shaded area with good ventilation and apply wet towels or cool water to the body.
Administer water or Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS). Severe symptoms of heat stress (such as confusion or inability to respond, fainting, high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, seizures and loss of consciousness) require urgent hospital care.
Security relationship between Dhaka-Washington, and in region important: Peter Haas
Bangladesh and the United States Navies have started Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Bangladesh commemorating the 30th year of the CARAT exercise series.
CARAT Bangladesh is a week-long exercise that seeks to enhance collaboration focused on shared maritime security challenges in the region.
"CARAT remains one of our most important annual exercises. The security relationship between our two countries and in the region is an important one," said U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas.
“Our militaries are finding more ways to expand their ability to work together to counter security threats and alleviate the impact of natural disasters," he said.
Qatari emir’s just-held visit to generate goodwill, understanding between 2 countries: Dhaka
With nearly a half century of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Bangladesh, this year’s exercise focuses on innovative naval capabilities and featured cooperative evolutions highlighting the ability of Bangladesh and the U.S. to work together on common goals that ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific and rules based international order.
“We are committed to partnering with Bangladesh on our shared regional priorities and maintaining consistent collaboration ashore, in the air, and at sea,” said Capt. Sean Lewis, commodore, DESRON 7.
“Bangladesh joined the CARAT exercise series in 2010 and have been dedicated partners in continued bilateral opportunities for training. Our coordination and integration are even stronger today and it shows in the highly professional in-depth training that we have planned this year.”
Other focus areas include surface warfare, search and rescue, exchanges between explosive ordnance disposal technicians, and subject matter expert exchange events featuring a variety of joint training opportunities, to include maritime aviation, maritime domain awareness, Women, Peace & Security symposium, and mine countermeasures.
U.S. assets participating in CARAT Bangladesh 2024 include staff from U.S. 7th Fleet, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, CTF 73, CTF 75, CTF 76, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, and U.S. Embassy Bangladesh.
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CARAT exercises are designed to address shared maritime security concerns and strengthen partnerships between regional navies, according to the US Embassy.
The exercises feature complex training to demonstrate the bilateral force’s ability to work together through numerous events including divisional tactics designed to practice maneuvering as ships sail together in complex formations.
As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, functions as Expeditionary Strike Group 7’s Sea Combat Commander and builds partnerships through training and exercises and military-to military engagements.
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
ILO's Global Skills Forum: Session on Bangladesh tomorrow
The two-day Global Skills Forum hosted by the ILO Skills and Employability Branch started in Geneva on Tuesday.
A session titled "Transforming Skills Development Systems: A Case Study of Successful ILO-EU-Canada Partnership in Bangladesh" will take place during the Forum on Wednesday.
The session will showcase how collaborative efforts between the International Labour Organization (ILO), European Union (EU), and Canada have effectively supported Bangladesh in revamping its skills development systems to be more market-oriented, appealing, and inclusive.
The speakers will also discuss how these efforts will shape future investments, said the ILO on Tuesday.
Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury, along with representatives from employers' organizations, trade unions, and development partners, will examine the achievements, current challenges, and recommendations for advancing Bangladesh's skills ecosystem through partnerships and collaboration.
The forum brings together delegates from governments, employers' associations, trade unions, and international organizations.
The aim of this Forum is to foster a comprehensive dialogue on navigating the complexities of our rapidly evolving economies and societies.
Skills development is a crucial part of preparing individuals and societies for the jobs of the future.
As economies shift direction to clean energy use and advances in technology transform the world of work, new skills will be needed throughout our lives.
Qatari emir’s just-held visit to generate goodwill, understanding between 2 countries: Dhaka
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani left Dhaka for Kathmandu, Nepal on Tuesday afternoon wrapping up his 24-hour state visit which will “significantly contribute” to the consolidation of ties and elevate the Bangladesh-Qatar bilateral relations to the next level.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud saw him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, said a senior official at the ministry.
PM Hasina warmly welcomes Qatar’s Emir at her office
Held in a cordial and amicable environment, the Qatari emir’s visit is expected to generate goodwill and understanding between the two countries, said the Bangladesh side.
At the invitation of the President Mohammed Shahabuddi, the emir of Qatar paid the state visit to Bangladesh.
He led a delegation that included, among others, Qatar’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, member of Qatar Investment Authority.
On Monday, the president received the emir at the airport while Bangladesh Minister for Liberation Affairs, Home Affairs, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, Foreign Affairs and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources also welcomed him in presence of the senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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This highest-level visit took place after around 19 years from the Qatar side which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Qatar.
During the visit, Bangladesh and Qatari delegations led respectively by the prime minister and the emir held fruitful bilateral talks at the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday.
During the bilateral talks, both sides reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral relations and underlined the need for enhancing the bilateral cooperation through exchange of visit and increased interaction at all levels and strengthening bilateral engagements between Bangladesh and Qatar.
The areas that came up for discussion on cooperation included bilateral trade and investment, energy and power, manpower, defense, education, agriculture, food security and culture. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interests in the meeting.
In the opening remarks, the prime minister deeply appreciated the incredible advancement and transformation of Qatar as an advanced knowledge-based multi-cultural society and Qatar’s role in mediation and multilateral diplomacy under His Highness’s stewardship.
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Qatari emir appreciated remarkable achievements of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of the prime minister and commended Bangladesh as an investment destination and expressed his keenness to invest in diverse potential sectors.
He also appreciated the expatriate community in Qatar who are making positive contributions to the economies of both the countries.
Both the leaders expressed satisfaction at the level of understanding and cooperation in the energy sector adding that both sides are working together to forge this cooperation to the partnership level in the near future.
The emir had an audience with the president the same day. The president extended a warm welcome to the emir on his visit to Bangladesh and praised him for his leadership and vision.
They held discussions on wide ranging issues related to the bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation as well as on regional issues of mutual interest.
Later, the emir joined an official luncheon at Bangabhaban hosted in his honour by the president.
The luncheon was attended by PM Hasina, members of the cabinet and other dignitaries. A cultural programme, representing Bangladesh’ tradition, heritage and culture, was also held.
173 Bangladeshis to return home from Myanmar Wednesday
One hundred and seventy-three Bangladeshi nationals will return home on Wednesday from Sittwe prison in Rakhine State of Myanmar.
The returnees will be carried by the ‘Myanmar Naval Ship Chin Dwin’ which is visiting Bangladesh to bring back members of Myanmar defence force who were forced to cross the border into Bangladesh due to conflict in Rakhine state, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon.
The ship is expected to reach the Bangladesh territory by Wednesday and handover of the Bangladeshi citizens to the relevant authorities of Bangladesh will take place at that time.
Out of the 173 people, 129 are from Cox’s Bazar district, 30 are from Bandarban district, seven are from Rangamati district, one each from Khagrachari, Noakhali, Narayanganj, Chattogram, Rajbari, Narshingdi and Nilphamari district.
Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon, upon receipt of the information of the tentative visit of the Myanmar ship to Bangladesh, took up the issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh and relevant Myanmar authorities to seize the opportunity to send back the maximum number of verified Bangladeshi Nationals who were in different prisons of Myanmar.
The Embassy also pursued the relevant host authorities to bring the 144 ‘verified and jail term completed or pardoned’ returnees in Sittwe prison for smooth return and pursued for releasing the 29 verified Bangladeshi nationals who were still serving their jail terms or under trial. Pursuant to the Mission’s efforts the 29 persons were pardoned and sent back to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon and Bangladesh Consulate in Sittwe have been working “steadfastly” for this return since the last return of Bangladeshi citizens that took place on October 3, 2023 when 29 Bangladeshis returned home through a flag meeting.
Representatives of Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon and Bangladesh Consulate, Sittwe were physically present to coordinate with the local authorities, conduct verification process and issue Travel Permits in favour of the returnees.
Bangladesh has no significant changes in human rights: US report
There had been "no significant changes" in the human rights situation in Bangladesh during the year 2023, the United States has said in a new report.
The country reports in the 2023 Human Rights Report (HRR) do not draw legal conclusions, rank countries, or draw comparisons, said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday.
There were numerous reports of widespread impunity for human rights abuses, said the report in its Bangladesh chapter.
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In most cases, it claimed, the government did not take credible steps to identify and punish officials or security force members who may have committed human rights abuses.
The U.S. Department of State released the 2023 Human Rights Report, which the US Embassy described as a "factual and objective" record on the status of respect for human rights worldwide.
The 2023 Human Rights Report (HRR) covers 198 countries and territories.
The individual reports in the HRR detail "credible factual information" on human rights abuses and violations, providing a tool used by governments, advocates, journalists and others concerned about the state of human rights and democracy in specific countries and territories, said the embassy.
The United States has issued these reports for nearly five decades.
The HRR represents several months of work performed by U.S. Department of State colleagues in our missions abroad and in Washington, D.C.
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The HRR informs U.S. foreign policy decisions and assists the U.S. Congress, Executive Branch, and immigration courts when accurate information on human rights conditions is needed.
The HRR also informs the work of civil society — including human rights defenders—lawmakers abroad, scholars, immigration judges and asylum officers, multilateral institutions, and other governments.
Contractual Appointment: Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan gets 6 months extension
The government has extended the contractual appointment of Shahabuddin Ahmed as the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan by another six months.
His new appointment will be effective from July 1, 2024, according to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration.
The government, in 2020, appointed Shahabuddin Ahmed as the ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan for three years.
He got an extension later, and his tenure was scheduled to end in June this year.
With the latest extension by six months, he will remain Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan until December this year.
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Ambassador Shahabuddin is a former secretary to the government of Bangladesh and was also a member of Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Administration cadre.
Shahabuddin obtained his Bachelor and Masters degree in Soil Science from the University of Dhaka.
He also completed his degree in Development Finance from the University of Birmingham.
Trade talks with USTR delegation 'comprehensive': Foreign Secretary
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen had a meeting with the Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch in Dhaka on Monday.
During the meeting at the state guesthouse Padma, the two sides engaged in comprehensive discussions on various aspects of Bangladesh-US trade relations, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two countries and exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration in trade and investment.
Both sides expressed their commitment towards fostering a conducive environment for bilateral trade, addressing the trade barriers, and promoting mutual economic growth.
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Asst USTR Lynch is visiting Bangladesh as the head of the five-member delegation and attended the inter-sessional Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement (Ticfa) meeting that took place on Sunday.
Bangladesh seeks Kyrgyzstan’s support for signing FTA with Eurasian Economic Commission
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has requested Kyrgyzstan to support Bangladesh for signing the free trade agreement (FTA) with Eurasian Economic Commission and also to support Bangladesh’s candidatures in different international fora.
He made the request when Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Avazbek Atakhanov paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Minister Hasan mentioned that there are a lot of scopes for increasing the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries and requested Kyrgyzstan to import garments, pharmaceuticals, jute products, tropical fruits, ceramics, IT products, etc. from Bangladesh.
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The Foreign Minister sought Kyrgyzstan’s assistance for repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support to the legitimate aspiration of the Palestinian people for independent statehood, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Foreign Minister expressed happiness at the successful completion of the first Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries.
He thanked the President of Kyrgyz Republic for his congratulatory message to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for her re-election on 7th January 2024.
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The Foreign Minister recalled the valuable support of Kyrgyz people as part of the former USSR extended to our Liberation war in 1971.Meanwhile, the First Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan was held at State guesthouse Padma on Monday.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Avazbek Atakhanov led their respective sides in the FOC.
All possible areas of bilateral engagements were discussed in the meeting including political cooperation, candidatures in different multilateral fora, increasing the volume of bilateral trade, educational cooperation, agricultural cooperation etc.
Both Foreign Secretary and the Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister agreed that trade between Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan is still very negligible and there are ample scopes to further enhance bilateral trade.
Both sides expressed hope that the pending MoUs between the two countries would be signed soon.
The Foreign Secretary mentioned that Bangladesh’s tourist spots like Cox’s Bazar and Sundarban can be attractive destinations for Kyrgyz tourists.
Both sides also exchanged their views on issues of regional and global security including the situation in Myanmar, Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Foreign Office Consultation between the two Foreign Ministries was also signed during the FOC.