Foreign-Affairs
Bangladesh fully committed to nuclear disarmament: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said Bangladesh's commitment to general and complete disarmament is a fundamental aspect of its foreign policy under the guidance of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh, since becoming a member of the United Nations, has consistently played an active role in United Nations disarmament diplomacy.
Read: Govt can't guarantee violence-free election without support from all: FM Momen
The Foreign Minister met with CTBTO (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization) Executive Secretary Dr. Robert Floyd on the sidelines of the 78th UNGA at CTBTO liaison office in the UNGA building recently, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.
The CTBTO Executive Secretary requested Bangladesh's assistance in encouraging other countries that haven't yet signed the CTBT to agree to the treaty.
Read: US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom meets Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen in New York
Bangladesh, as the first South Asian country, signed and ratified the CTBT in 2000.
Tagore a visionary whose influence transcends borders, generations: Indian envoy
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said that Rabindranath Tagore was a visionary whose influence transcends borders and generations.
"His profound thoughts, poetic brilliance, and artistic endeavours continue to inspire and enrich humanity. His contributions to literature, music, and philosophy have left an indelible mark on the world," said the High Commissioner.
The High Commission of India in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh organised the screening of the documentary film “Chinnapotra: Padma Pare Rabindranath” directed by Dr. Chanchal Khan at Rabindra Kuthibari in Kushtia on Saturday.
Read: Yoga a gift of India to world: Pranay Verma
The documentary film is a part of Tagore's extensive body of works and includes the collection of letters that he wrote to his niece Indira Devi during his stay in Kuthibari.
The High Commissioner also appreciated the artists from both India and Bangladesh who participated in the making of the film.
The joint effort reflects the shared cultural heritage of our two countries.
"It is also a reflection of the cultural bonding and the strong people-to-people exchanges which are the hallmark of our partnership," said the envoy.
Read: Multimodal connectivity to shape future links between Bangladesh, India: Pranay Verma
The event also saw the performance of Rabindra Sangeet by famous Rabindra Sangeet singer and composer Sadi Mohammad.
Selim Altaf George, Member of Parliament from Kushtia was also present on the occasion.
Bangladesh among more than 30 countries approved to trade in rouble: Russian Embassy
The Russian government has approved a list of more than 30 friendly and neutral countries, banks and brokers from which will be allowed to trade in the Russian currency and derivatives market.
The list includes Bangladesh, said the Russian Embassy in Dhaka on Saturday.
Read: Russian House in Dhaka organises seminar on study opportunities in Russia
The countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Cuba, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Qatar, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Vietnam.
But Argentina, Hong Kong, Israel, Mexico and Moldova were taken off the list that was published in draft form in the summer.
Read more: Import 300,000 metric tons of wheat from Russia gets cabinet body’s nod
Visa restrictions: US didn’t issue any statement regarding anyone in particular, says Home Minister
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan today said that the visa policy is up to the United States.
“The decision to grant visas or not is solely up to the country. The US government did not issue any statement regarding anyone in particular,” he said while talking to reporters during an event at Satkhira Police Line on Saturday afternoon.
Read: Visa restrictions imposed upon 'careful review of evidence': US embassy
“They have said that the visa policy may be enforced against those who obstruct fair elections or attempt to manipulate the upcoming election,” the minister said.
Regarding the ongoing road march organized by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the home minister said that the government is “not afraid of any protest.”
Read: US taking steps to impose first batch of visa restrictions
“The government is committed to holding election in Bangladesh on schedule,” he said.
'Nothing to lose' from visa restrictions: Shahriar Alam
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has said they have nothing to lose and they are not worried about the visa restrictions issue, as they are doing nothing wrong.
Talking to reporters at his residence Friday night, he also said there is no reason to see further sanctions from the US before the next elections as the government has received assurance from the US side adequately.
"Is there any such incident recently?," the State Minister asked reporters back as they kept asking about further sanctions.
Responding to a question, he said it is implied that BNP-Jamaat was referred to as opposition in the US statement, as previous discussions suggest.
The State Minister said the opposition has probably changed its strategy as they used to get involved in violence and anarchy ahead of the elections.
Read: Visa restrictions imposed upon 'careful review of evidence': US embassy
He said if the current decision of the US government hampers their routine work, the government will take it up with the US side, but only once they come to know about the persons.
The United States has said it will not release the names or numbers of people in Bangladesh subject to the visa restrictions.
"Visa records are confidential under US law," US Embassy Spokesperson Bryan Schiller told UNB Friday while responding to a question.
But, he said, the US government has looked very closely at incidents since they announced this policy.
"After a careful review of the evidence, we have imposed visa restrictions on members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition,” said Bryan Schiller.
In May this year, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the new visa policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) (“3C”) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to support Bangladesh’s goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful national elections.
Under this policy, the United States will restrict the issuance of visas for any Bangladeshi individual, believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
Read: US taking steps to impose first batch of visa restrictions
The United States notified the Bangladesh government of this decision on May 3, 2023.
The Department of State on Friday said they are taking steps to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
"Our actions today reflect the continued commitment of the United States to supporting Bangladesh’s goal of peacefully holding free and fair national elections, and to support those seeking to advance democracy globally," said its Spokesperson Matthew Miller in a statement.
These individuals include members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition, he said.
"The United States is committed to supporting free and fair elections in Bangladesh that are carried out in a peaceful manner," Miller said.
These persons and members of their immediate family may be found ineligible for entry into the United States.
Additional persons found to have been responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh may also be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy in the future, according to US Department of State.
This includes current and former Bangladeshi officials, members of opposition and ruling political parties, and members of law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services, Miller said.
Visa restrictions imposed upon 'careful review of evidence': US embassy
The United States (US) has said it will not release the names or numbers of people in Bangladesh subject to the visa restrictions.
"Visa records are confidential under US law," US Embassy Spokesperson Bryan Schiller told UNB Friday while responding to a question.
But, he said, the U.S. government has looked very closely at incidents since they announced this policy.
"After a careful review of the evidence, we have imposed visa restrictions on members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition,” said Bryan Schiller.
In May this year, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the new visa policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) (“3C”) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to support Bangladesh’s goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful national elections.
Read: 'Nothing to lose' from visa restrictions: Shahriar Alam
Under this policy, the United States will restrict the issuance of visas for any Bangladeshi individual, believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
The United States notified the Bangladesh government of this decision on May 3, 2023.
The Department of State on Friday said they are taking steps to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
"Our actions today reflect the continued commitment of the United States to supporting Bangladesh’s goal of peacefully holding free and fair national elections, and to support those seeking to advance democracy globally," said its Spokesperson Matthew Miller in a statement.
These individuals include members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition, he said.
"The United States is committed to supporting free and fair elections in Bangladesh that are carried out in a peaceful manner," Miller said.
Read: US taking steps to impose first batch of visa restrictions
These persons and members of their immediate family may be found ineligible for entry into the United States.
Additional persons found to have been responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh may also be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy in the future, according to US Department of State.
This includes current and former Bangladeshi officials, members of opposition and ruling political parties, and members of law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services, Miller said.
US taking steps to impose first batch of visa restrictions
The Department of State is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh, said its Spokesperson Matthew Miller on Friday.
"Our actions today reflect the continued commitment of the United States to supporting Bangladesh’s goal of peacefully holding free and fair national elections, and to support those seeking to advance democracy globally," he said in a statement.
Read: US visa policy to supplement govt commitment to hold free election: Uzra Zeya tells PM
These individuals include members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition, he said.
"The United States is committed to supporting free and fair elections in Bangladesh that are carried out in a peaceful manner," Miller said.
These persons and members of their immediate family may be found ineligible for entry into the United States.
Read: US visa policy should be effective on BNP, Quader says
Additional persons found to have been responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh may also be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy in the future, according to the US Department of State.
This includes current and former Bangladeshi officials, members of opposition and ruling political parties, and members of law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services, Miller said.
Commenting on the latest decision, US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Human Rights and Democracy Uzra Zeya wrote on X, formerly known as twitter that the announcement affirms their commitment to "free, fair and peaceful elections" worldwide and supports efforts of government of Bangladesh partners, civil society and media to ensure democratic elections that reflect the will of Bangladeshi people.
In May this year, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the new visa policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) (“3C”) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to support Bangladesh’s goal of holding free, fair, and peaceful national elections.
Read: Dangling threat of visa sanctions in Bangladesh’s case, US silent on undeclared martial law situation in Pakistan: Geostrategist Chellaney
Under this policy, the United States will restrict the issuance of visas for any Bangladeshi individual, believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
The United States notified the Bangladesh government of this decision on May 3, 2023.
Bangladesh can be trade hub for ASEAN, South Asia: FBCCI
Bangladesh can be the trade hub and bridge of business between the ASEAN, South Asian and South East Asian countries, FBCCI Vice President Dr. Joshoda Jibon Deb Nath opined this during a courtesy call with President of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam H.E. Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue held on Monday at the Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka.
FBCCI Vice President said that Bangladesh will soon graduate from LDC countries in 2026, and it will try to enter into several FTA and PTA with South East Asian emerging economic tigers.
“Bolstering bilateral trade with Vietnam will provide Bangladesh access to new markets, especially with members of ASEAN. On the other side, ASEAN seeks external economic and trading relations with many developed and developing countries. With its economic potential and geographic rapport, Bangladesh can offer ASEAN a bridge between South Asia and South East Asia,” he added.
Read: Uzra Zeya discusses Bangladesh's upcoming national election with PM Hasina: US Embassy
The President of the National Assembly of Vietnam H.E Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue said both Bangladesh and Vietnam share excellent bilateral friendship. “Recently, both countries celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relationship. Bangladesh is the second largest trade partner of Vietnam in South Asia. Vietnam is interested in enhancing bilateral trade with Bangladesh, he mentioned.”
Later on a discussion meeting titled, ‘Forum on Policies and Laws to promote the economic, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Bangladesh’ held at the hotel.
FBCCI Vice President Shomi Kaiser said that economic and trade partnership has been a highlight of bilateral relations for the two countries. Two-way trade maintaining a rising trend in recent years, reaching US$ 1102.77 million in 2021-22, of which Bangladesh export to Vietnam was US$ 92.77 million and import from Vietnam amounted to US$ 1010 million.
She invited the Entrepreneur of Vietnam to invest in 100 Special Economic Zones, Hi-Tech parks, tourism.
Read: Doesn't matter if someone observes the general election or not: Hasan Mahmud
Among others, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam H.E. Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Secretary General of FBCCI Md. Alamgir, Head of the International Wing Ambassador Mosud Mannan ndc and other business dignitaries from both Bangladesh and Vietnam were present at the program.
Build resilience against adverse impact of climate change: World leaders tell UN meet
The world leaders have stressed that building resilience and tackling the adverse impact of climate change should be an urgent priority for all as the planet grapples with chaotic weather patterns.
At the UN General Assembly high-level debate on Thursday, more than a dozen heads of state and government spotlighted the need for concrete climate measures, as opposed to mere promises, calling for reforming global financial institutions and unlocking funds for developing countries to allow them to catch up on the path to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
They also emphasised that the current exclusionary architecture, dominated by a few states, is failing to deliver the requisite resources, saying no meaningful climate action or development can take place in conditions of financial distress.
Govt can't guarantee violence-free election without support from all: FM Momen
Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo, cited climate as the most pressing of all emergencies and drew attention to the afforestation initiative that he undertook in his capacity as President of the Congo Basin Climate Commission.
Pointing out that arable land in Africa must be protected from the impacts of climate change, he called for effective technical and financial partnerships.
José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste, proposed to accelerate energy transition in fragile developing States by unlocking finance through debt alleviation, streamlining international finance at the lowest interest rates and increasing development assistance.
Wesley Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, implored all parties to the Paris Agreement — particularly major emitters — to commit to emissions reductions of at least half by 2030 and peg their net-zero goals no later than 2050.
Uzra Zeya discusses Bangladesh's upcoming national election with PM Hasina: US Embassy
Han Zheng, Vice-President of China, stressed the importance of the Paris accord and the need to stop building new coal-fired power projects abroad, and to vigorously support developing countries to create more green energy projects.
For its part, he said, China will continue to prioritize ecological conservation and the advancement of green and low-carbon development. “Through Chinese modernization and rejuvenation, the country seeks to achieve harmony between humanity and nature while promoting ethical material advancement.”
Jessica Alupo, Vice-President of Uganda, called on developed countries to fulfil their commitment, in line with the Paris Agreement, to provide $100 billion — annually, through 2025 — to developing countries to assist with mitigation and adaptation.
Answering that call, Dan Jørgensen, Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy of Denmark, said his government is increasing grant-based climate finance to its highest level ever this year, doubling its contribution to the Green Climate Fund next year, and tripling its contribution to climate finance in developing countries by 2030.
Dhaka urges OIC members to contribute voluntary fund to bear legal expenses of Rohingya case
“The world needs to better leverage the enormous potential of international financial institutions, and development banks must raise trillions of dollars for climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he insisted.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, said high temperatures resulting from global warming are driving threats of fires, heat waves and landslides in different countries.
“While the world acts decisively on long-term mitigation, the international community is “collectively guilty in not placing enough emphasis on short-term adaptation” he said, calling for the creation of a global forum that can deliver access to new financing to drive such adaptation “before it is too late.”
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ in a video message to the ministerial meeting of the least developed countries, pushed for a Climate Solidarity Pact in which all countries make extra efforts to reduce emissions this decade.
“Developed countries must also present a clear and credible road map to double adaptation finance by 2025. The $100 billion goal must be met, and the Green Climate Fund must be fully capitalised,” he said.
Govt can't guarantee violence-free election without support from all: FM Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said the government can’t give the guarantee of violence-free election without sincere cooperation from all stakeholders.
He made this remark at a press briefing, replying to a question about the next election-related discussion that took place in the meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday.
“It is clear that we want to make the next election free and fair. They (US) said for (making it) peaceful as well. Then we said that we can’t guarantee it,” said Momen, adding that the arrangement of a peaceful election doesn’t depend on the government alone.
Dhaka urges OIC members to contribute voluntary fund to bear legal expenses of Rohingya case
“There is such an environment in our country where sincere cooperation from all political parties and people irrespective of their views is required to make sure that the election will be free from violence,” he said.
To make the election peaceful, the USA can assist Bangladesh so that the people from all parties and views will cooperate for a peaceful election, he added.
“In our country, the election will be held in line with our country’s constitution. We believe in people. We don’t think anyone can come to power without the mandate of the people. If anyone comes to power through vote-rigging, the government will not last long. We’ve such instances,” said Momen.
Uzra Zeya discusses Bangladesh's upcoming national election with PM Hasina: US Embassy
In reply to a question regarding the election observers, Momen said Dhaka welcomes foreign observers in the next general election, but many countries like India, the USA and the UK don’t allow election observers to their countries.
He doesn’t think if the foreigners describe anything well then it will be fine otherwise it will be wrong. “We don’t want to run the country by taking certificates from foreigners,” she said.
Besides, the Rohingya issue was also discussed in the meeting, said the Foreign Minister.
Sheikh Hasina who is now in New York to attend the 78th United Nations General Assembly, said Bangladesh has attached priority to send back Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar.
US prepared to extend support for ‘free, fair, peaceful’ election in Bangladesh: Peter Haas
"Our priority is to repatriate the forcibly displaced Rohingyas who have taken shelter in Bangladesh to their homeland," the PM was quoted as telling Zeya.
Zeya stressed the need for creating a conducive environment in Myanmar and ensuring safety and security before the repatriation of the Rohingyas.
She put emphasis on creating employment for Rohingyas to ensure their better livelihood.
The PM said the repatriation process should start as early as possible otherwise the region will fall into security threats as the Rohingyas have been engaging in criminal activities that included killings, firearms smuggling and trading.
She said Rohingyas have become frustrated with their long stay here and get involved in criminal activities and they are sensing no future there.
Sheikh Hasina also sought international support to the case filed with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by Gambia.
Uzra Zeya informed the prime minister that they have decided to allocate $116 million for the displaced Rohingya.
Meanwhile, Under Secretary-General and Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide Alice Wairimu Nderitu met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the UN headquarters.
In the meeting, the prime minister urged the United Nations to give recognition of the mass killings during the 1971 Liberation War as genocide.
She also sought cooperation from the UN to continue the trial proceedings of the genocide in Myanmar.