Foreign Affairs
Uzbekistan to set up embassy in Bangladesh, restart Dhaka-Tashkent direct flights
Uzbekistan has agreed to set up its embassy in Bangladesh and restart the Dhaka-Tashkent direct flights, and ease the visa procedure for Bangladeshis.
Foreign Dr AK Abdul Momen had a meeting with visiting Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev at a city hotel Friday.
Both countries agreed to enhance connectivity and strengthen cooperation in the textile, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and tourism sectors.
Momen and Jamshid discussed code-sharing (flight sharing agreement) between the national air carriers of the two countries.
Jamshid said setting up direct links between Bangladesh's Chattogram and Iran's Chabahar ports will cut the cost of transportation of goods, helping boost Bangladesh-Uzbekistan trade.
Momen showed interest in importing cotton and fertiliser from Uzbekistan.
Jamshid said Bangladesh can export the cotton imported from Uzbekistan to other countries through value addition.
Read: PM: Bangladeshi investors can set up fertilizer factories in Uzbekistan
"As many Bangladeshis are interested in visiting and doing business in Uzbekistan," Momen requested the Uzbek deputy prime minister to make the visa procedure easier for them.
Jamshid said they will introduce the e-visa system for Bangladeshis, which will simplify their entry into Uzbekistan.
The Uzbek deputy prime minister is now in Dhaka for the "3rd meeting of the Bangladesh-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation."
Bangladesh, India reiterate pledge to work towards citizen-centric consular mechanisms
Bangladesh and India have reiterated their commitment to continue to work towards citizen-centric consular mechanisms.
Noting the unique friendship and special bond between the two countries, especially in this 50th anniversary year of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties, they agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations through easier and more extensive people-to-people exchanges.
The third Bangladesh-India Consular Dialogue was held on Monday in Dhaka that discussed the issues of mutual interest.
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA) led the Indian delegation, while the delegation from Bangladesh was led by Mashfee Binte Shams, Secretary (East), MoFA, Bangladesh.
The Consular dialogue mechanism was instituted in 2017 to discuss and improve consular, visa and mutual legal assistance cooperation between India and Bangladesh, thereby contributing to stronger people-to-people ties.
Read: Bangladesh-India train connectivity resumes after 2 years
The two sides held wide-ranging discussions on mechanisms to strengthen coordination and cooperation on Consular issues.
These included finalization of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for repatriation of each other’s detained nationals and early release of detained fishermen.
It was agreed that more intensive implementation of provisions under the Revised Travel Arrangements (2018), relating to tourist, student and business visas, and further liberalization of visa procedures and entry and exit norms would further enhance ease of travel.
Both sides welcomed the close cooperation between law enforcement agencies to prevent terrorism, cross-border crimes, and to increase mutual legal assistance.
The next Consular Dialogue will be scheduled in New Delhi.
Dhaka calls for strengthening global solidarity, adopting well-coordinated response to global challenges
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shariar Alam MP has called for strengthening global solidarity and adopting a well-coordinated response to address and overcome the ongoing challenges of the ongoing multiple and interlinked challenegs.
“As a member of the Champions of the Global Crisis Response Group, my Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working with other global leaders to chart a global response commensurate with the scale and gravity of the crises,” he said.
Shahriar was addressing a ministerial roundtable titled “Accelerating achievement of the SDGs by 2030: addressing on-going crises and overcoming challenges” at the high-level political forum (HLPF) 2022 at the UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday.
The Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima and high-level official were present at the event.
Also read: Momen in Cambodia on two-day official visit
Highlighting the impacts of multiple and overlapping crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and the war in Ukraine, along with other protracted conflicts, the State Minister said, “In Bangladesh, we have been able to show strong resilience to tackle the impacts of these crises."
Modi to work together with Bangladesh for inclusive growth
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to work together with Bangladesh to deliver inclusive growth for their citizens despite an "increasingly complex and challenging" international environment."Our shared commitment to intensify the excellent cooperation and partnership between India and Bangladesh is one of the most important means through which we can continue to deliver inclusive growth," he said in a message to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.Modi said he looks forward to discussing these and other issues when they meet in New Delhi in a few weeks' time.Modi extended his personal good wishes to PM Hasina for Eid-ul Azha."I have the pleasure to wish you (PM Hasina), your family and the fraternal people of Bangladesh Eid Mubarak," he said.
Read: Depot Fire: Modi says India stands ready to support affected families
"As our people prosper, this festival reminds of the virtues of sacrifice and sharing, especially with less fortunate members of our societies, whose interests have been of priority to both of us and our governments," the message reads.
Hasina gifts high quality mangoes to Malaysian King, PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sent high quality Bangladeshi mangoes for King Yang Di Pertuan Agong of Malaysia and Prime Minister Ismail Sabri as gift.
Read: PM Hasina sends mangoes to Indian President, PM as gift
On behalf of the King and Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Istana Negara and the officials of the Prime Minister's Office received the mangoes respectively.
Under the supervision of Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, 1,000 kgs of mangoes were also sent to the ministers of various important ministries, heads of political parties, high-ranking government officials, businesspeople, media personnel, heads, and deputy heads of various diplomatic missions.
The gift from the Prime Minister is a manifestation of the existing brotherly relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia, said the High Commission.
The High Commission hoped that this initiative will further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries as well as help in promoting Bangladeshi mangoes and agricultural products as a potential item in Malaysia.
Elections: Heads of Mission from OECD countries meet CEC
Heads of Mission representing the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries had a “constructive meeting” with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Sunday and discussed the preparations of the next parliamentary polls.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson who attended the meeting said fair and transparent elections are vital for democracy.
“The UK and likeminded partners will continue to encourage a free and participatory process,” Dickson tweeted after the meeting.
The OECD is a group of countries including the United States, Canada, Turkey, Germany and France which aims to assist economic development, raise living standards and promote growth in world trade.
Read: OECD delegation interested in FBCCI's Innovation Centre
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley also attended the meeting. “Wide-ranging exchange today between heads of mission from OECD countries and the Bangladesh Election Commission on preparations for the December 2023 parliamentary polls,” he tweeted.
Bangladesh to host D-8 council of ministers 20th session 27 July
Bangladesh will host the 20th session of the Council of Ministers of D-8, also known as Developing-8, on 27 July.
The country already invited the foreign ministers of D-8 members.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said he had another chance to request during his recent visit to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
While talking to reporters at his office on Sunday evening, Momen said some countries are yet to confirm their participation while few countries have already confirmed.
He said he had a discussion with the Nigerian President and his Malaysian counterpart during his stay in Kigali.
Momen also said Indonesia and Pakistan are yet to confirm while Turkey’s participation has been confirmed.
D-8 is an organisation for development cooperation among Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
Bangladesh will also host the 45th session of the D-8 Commission from 25 to 26 July.
The establishment of D-8 was announced officially through the Istanbul Declaration of Summit of Heads of State or Government on 15 June, 1997. It is a global arrangement rather than a regional one, as the composition of its members reflects.
Read: D-8 Commission’s two-day meeting begins Monday
Inauguration of Padma Bridge celebrated at Bangladesh HC in New Delhi
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has celebrated the inauguration of the much-awaited Padma Bridge with much fanfare.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran started off the celebration at 9:00am by placing a wreath at the effigy of Father of The Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inside the High Commission premises.
Read: Opening of Padma Bridge celebrated in Washington DC
A discussion was held by the High Commission to commemorate the event where messages from President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were read.
In his speech, Imran said that the construction of Padma Bridge has taken Bangladesh closer to becoming 'Sonar Bangla’ envisaged by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“The Padma Bridge is a symbol of self-respect, courage, aim and ability of Bangladesh. The bridge also portrays the firm leadership capability of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” said Imran.
Later, the High Commission staff joined the inauguration ceremony of Padma Bridge virtually and took part in the special prayer.
Encouraged by Malaysia’s leadership on Myanmar crisis: UN expert
The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, on Thursday expressed his appreciation for Malaysia’s increasing leadership on the crisis in Myanmar.
He urged States in the region to adopt a similar approach to the human rights catastrophe unfolding under military rule.
“Too much is at stake for Myanmar and its people to accept complacency and inaction by the international community,” Andrews said in a statement at the end of an eight-day visit to Malaysia.
He said Junta forces have killed more than 2,000 civilians, arrested more than 14,000, displaced more than 700,000, driving the number of internally displaced persons well over one million, and plunged the country into an economic and humanitarian crisis that threatens the lives and wellbeing of millions.
““The military’s attacks on the people of Myanmar constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes. No one has been spared the impact of the military’s violence,” said the UN expert.
Andrews said that even before the coup, the Myanmar military had committed atrocities against the people of Myanmar.
Read: Myanmar questioned for not fulfilling Rohingya repatriation pledge
“The Rohingya faced genocidal attacks by Myanmar security forces. I have learned that there are over 104,000 registered Rohingya in Malaysia who have fled from Myanmar seeking safe haven with untold numbers who are unregistered,” he said.
Those who fled Myanmar also told Andrews about the challenges they faced in Malaysia, citing fears of being sent to migration detention, insufficient education opportunities for their children, and instances of extortion by police officers.
“Let me be clear, refugees from Myanmar are here because they were forced to come here. Their inability to return to their homes in Myanmar is directly linked to the military junta’s human rights violations and war against the people of Myanmar. It is impossible to address issues related to those seeking refuge in Malaysia and other nations in the region without directly and effectively addressing the crisis inside of Myanmar,” Andrews said.
Malaysia not only recognizes this fact, it has been willing, through the words and actions of Foreign Minister Saifuddin, to challenge ASEAN to reexamine their current policy on Myanmar, the UN expert said, adding that Foreign Minister Saifuddin had called on ASEAN to move from a policy of “noninterference” to, in his words, one of “non-indifference”.
“Malaysia has given voice to the obvious fact that after more than one year, nothing has moved and since nothing has moved, more people are being killed and more people are being forced to flee the country,” Andrews said.
He has not only called for ASEAN to engage with the Myanmar National Unity Government, he has begun engaging with the National Unity Government’s Foreign Minister Zin Mar Aung, Andrews said.
“I look forward to working to support Malaysia’s foreign policy leadership on Myanmar, to affirm the human rights of a people under siege and to reduce the incredible scale of human suffering in Myanmar.”
Bangladesh, EU to work for improved health, safety at Ctg port
Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) have agreed to accelerate the removal of idle containers from the Chittagong Port premises in order to increase cargo-handling capacities and improve health and safety situation in the port, which is the largest gateway for Bangladesh's trade with the EU.
In addition, approval would be issued for interchange of empty containers between Dhaka rail and river terminals.
Bangladesh has agreed a few months ago as suggested by the EU to launch a survey to assess the costs and benefits of up to 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh's logistics sector.
The issues were discussed at the 7th plenary meeting under the EU-Bangladesh business climate dialogue held in a city hotel on Thursday.
The dialogue aims to jointly facilitate trade and investment from the EU, Bangladesh's number one trading partner and the second largest source of FDI to Bangladesh.
Read: EU’s new Global Gateway strategy offers new opportunities for Bangladesh-EU relations: Envoys
Bangladesh's exports to the EU amounted to around €16 billion in the 2021 calendar year, while the EU exports to Bangladesh were to the tune of €3 billion, according to a joint statement.
The plenary was co-chaired by the senior secretary commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh and EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley.
It was attended by EU Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Dhaka - Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden.
Representatives of the numerous Government authorities including the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Ministry of Shipping, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Bangladesh Bank participated in the dialogue, as well as some representatives from the EU private sector.
Both sides took stock of discussions in three priority fields, namely: tax and customs, shipping and logistics, and green business practices.
Read: EU contributes to strengthen social security in Bangladesh with EUR 24mn
They agreed a joint committee will be constituted to examine the challenges and opportunities to simplify the customs clearance process for both express and non-express air cargoes.
The "green business practices" is a new topic in the dialogue, under which the EU side informed the government of Bangladesh about the upcoming supply chain due diligence requirements in Europe and encouraged adaptive actions with a view to ensure smooth trade with the EU as the number one market for Bangladeshi exports.
The EU side informed the meeting about two upcoming initiatives - the "EU-Bangladesh Meaning Business", which is conceived in the context of the 50th anniversary of the European Union (EU's) diplomatic relations with Bangladesh established in 1973.
It aims to showcase commercial sectors which are underexplored and where closer collaboration between Bangladesh and Europe could be mutually beneficial.
“Eurocham” in Bangladesh, a European Union (EU) Chamber of Commerce, will also be established.
It aims to build bridges between the Bangladeshi and EU private sectors and serve as a centre of excellence connecting Bangladeshi public and private sectors with investors from Europe, to the benefit of smooth and sustained business relations between Bangladesh and the EU.
It would also help to navigate Bangladesh's transition to a post-EBA trade regime in the EU, according to the joint statement.
The Heads of Mission expressed their desire to continue working constructively in improving trade and investment relations with Bangladesh. The next plenary is scheduled for the first semester of 2023.