Foreign-Affairs
Let’s ensure an inclusive world for persons with autism: Foreign Secretary at UN
Bangladesh has urged all to work together to come up with innovative solutions to better integrate individuals with disabilities into society and ensure that none is left behind.
“We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that 75 million people in the world who live with autism can make the most of their talents and participate fully in our societies," said Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.
He was speaking at a high-level event, titled “World Autism Awareness Day 2023: Inclusion for health through the life course”, which was jointly organized by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh, Qatar, World Health Organization and UNICEF at the United Nations Headquarters on Monday.
Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar, and Ambassador Muhammad A Muhith, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, delivered the welcome remarks.
In his keynote speech, Foreign Secretary Momen said that Bangladesh has seen tremendous increase in awareness on autism in the past decade, thanks to Saima Wazed, Chairperson of Bangladesh National Advisory Committee on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
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He highlighted the various initiatives of the Government of Bangladesh which includes, among others, enactment of Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013; Neuro-development Trust Act 2013; establishment of more than 100 Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorder centers and introduction of capacity building trainings for caregivers.
“Simultaneously, with our national efforts, we had been advocating the issue at the UN, including through adopting UNGA resolution, and co-hosting the World Autism Awareness Day every year since its launching in 2007. We also made specific commitments in the Second Global Disability Summit 2022 to address the challenges persons with autism face while receiving education and healthcare,” he further added.
In his welcome remarks, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh Muhammad A Muhith referred to various challenges that children with developmental disabilities face in accessing healthcare services, education and opportunities for social participation, and underscored the importance of introduction of early interventions, inclusive education, creative expressions, artificial intelligence enabled personalized assistive technology to better integrate individuals with disabilities into the community and leave no one behind.
Moderated by Werner Obermeyer, Director, WHO, the event was attended by a significant number of permanent representatives, UN high officials, civil society representatives and media personalities.
In addition to that Foreign Secretary Momen had bilateral meetings with Under Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A. Dicarlo, Executive Director of the UN Women Sima Sami Bahous, and Mohamed Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Political Affairs.
He also had a bilateral meeting with the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations Björn Olof Skoog. During these meetings, the Foreign Secretary briefed them about the developments concerning the upcoming general election of Bangladesh, current situations in the Rohingya camps and Bangladesh’s partnership with the UN in various socio-economic sectors.
The Foreign Secretary sought the support of the UN in the early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner.
The counterparts assured the Foreign Secretary of their understanding and commitment for continued partnership with Bangladesh.
Foreign Minister reiterates govt’s commitment to hold free and fair election during meeting with UNRC
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reiterated the government’s strong commitment to hold a free and fair election.
He also underscored Bangladesh’s continued cooperation with the UN and the international community on human rights issues, including the recent visits of a number of UN Special Procedure mandate holders to Bangladesh.
UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis met Foreign Minister Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday and discussed the ongoing democratic process in Bangladesh including the next National Election.
They also discussed major upcoming events in the UN, including the SDG Summit.
Also read: No need for UN cooperation in election: Foreign Minister
The UNRC informed that the UN is looking forward to extending further support to Bangladesh in realizing the SDGs, especially in some priority areas to be determined by Bangladesh.
During the meeting, discussion was held, among others, on the Rohingya situation.
The Foreign Minister called upon the UN, specially the UNHCR, to assist Bangladesh in the ongoing efforts for the repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas.
Discussion was also held on possible ways and means to raise funds for humanitarian assistance for Rohingyas as per the Joint Response Plan 2023.
Momen also asked for UN’s further engagement in the humanitarian operations at Bhashan Char.
The UNRC informed about the UN Secretary General’s new initiative ensuring early warning for natural disasters, and expressed willingness to work with thd Bangladesh Government in this regard.
Gwyn Lewis also discussed the recently concluded LDC5 Summit in Doha, and expressed hope that the cooperation between Bangladesh and the UN on LDC issues would continue.
No need for UN cooperation in election: Foreign Minister
Foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday asserted that Bangladesh is mature enough and there is no need to take help from the United Nations in the National Parliament election of Bangladesh.
However, the minister also said that the government has no objection with foreign observers in the election.
“There is no need for us to take any cooperation from the United Nations. We are mature enough. We have formed those necessary institutions which are needed for a fair, transparent and acceptable election,” he said.
The minister made these remarks while speaking with reporters after a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Ms Gwyn Lewis.
“But we have no objection regarding foreign observers in the election. Although many developed countries do not take them. But we don't mind taking it. We welcome them (observers),” he said.
Let them come and see how fair and transparent elections occur in our country with a cheery environment, said the minister adding that elections are not held in such a festive atmosphere in their country.
At this time, the minister claimed that foreign observers can learn from our election.
Responding to a question about detention of Prothom Alo journalist Shamsuzzaman, the minister said that he was arrested not as a 'journalist', but as a 'child abuser'.
“According to our information, he has been arrested for child abuse. He tortured the child and abused him”, Momen said adding “The second issue is that he made fun of our freedom. The people of Bangladesh won’t accept it.”
On the Rohingya issue, Foreign Minister praises the US for providing continuous support for Rohingyas.
“United States has been cooperating since the first day and is still doing so. They have no negligence. But many other countries have given a lot of aid in the past, and now cut back much”, the minister said.
In response to the question whether the Rohingya issue is losing importance in various global issues, Momen said, "We have highlighted this issue in various ways so that attention remains. Our friend-countries are giving importance to it so far.”
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ghana share climate prosperity plans
Business and philanthropy welcomed the invitation of the Vulnerable Twenty (V20) Group of Finance Ministers of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) to invest in economy-wide strategies focused on delivering resources in the remaining years of this decade.
The V20, representing some 1.5 billion people across 58 countries, hosted an online forum last March 29 to present the Climate Prosperity Plans (CPPs) of the current CVF and V20 chair Ghana, former chair Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to philanthropic foundations, investors, and other private sector representatives.
“Economic cooperation is a powerful and dynamic tool for promoting debt sustainability in climate resilient growth. By working together, the private sector and V20 countries can create win-win situations that promote sustainable economic growth, while also addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change without compromising financial returns,” said Ghana president and CVF chair Nana Akufo-Addo on Monday.
“Achieving net zero requires the transition to be a just, global, and inclusive effort – and it requires a new approach to mobilize private capital and investment in emerging markets & developing economies. GFANZ is committed to translating the concept of country platforms into viable financing programs – and we know private and public sector collaboration is essential to remove the barriers to investment, and create the enabling investment environment and projects that crowds in private finance. The leadership from the Vulnerable 20 in developing Climate Prosperity Plans and exploring innovative financing options to counteract climate risks and leverage transition opportunities is critical for the net-zero transition,” said Mark Carney, UN special envoy for climate action and finance and co-chair of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero.
The event aimed to provide a platform for mutually beneficial engagements that would enable private sector corporations to realize their Net Zero and other sustainability objectives through business collaborations around the CVF/V20 CPPs, including, for example, carbon reduction projects/carbon offsetting opportunities in energy, agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU) activities.
Ghana Minister for Finance Ken Ofori-Atta stated: “Unfortunately, the main hurdle that vulnerable countries face is access to timely and concessional financing to realize our ambitions. We lack the resources of our wealthy and major economy counterparts. Our fiscal space is under constant pressure from the impacts of climate change. And the negative effects of climate change are further worsening the already high cost of capital for developing countries. Securing climate financing and investment for the CPPs is a clear priority of the V20.”
Global Centre for Adaptation (GCA) CEO Patrick Verkooijen added: “We all know that access to finance is a critical challenge for climate vulnerable countries. At GCA, we push relentlessly to ensure that the doubling of adaptation finance that was promised in Glasgow will be realized. To our colleagues in the private sector, my message is this: The investments put forward under the CPPs are more future-oriented than any other current pipeline. GCA is behind them, the African Development bank is behind them. This engagement should serve to open up huge opportunities for business, in terms of new investment options, supply chain opportunities, and much more. Under Ghana’s leadership, and Bangladesh’s before that, the V20 economies are seizing the future through CPPs.”
“We are delighted to see these investment platforms move ahead, and we would be pleased to support the harmonization of approaches, accelerated project preparation and efficient implementation to ensure that finances and results flow more quickly to countries and communities that need them the most,” said World Bank climate change director Jennifer Sara.
The Climate Prosperity Plan private sector focused session was hosted by Ghana’s Ministry of Finance.
Ghana is the current Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and the V20 Group of Finance Ministers.
The V20 Group of Finance Ministers is a dedicated cooperation initiative of economies systematically vulnerable to climate change. The V20 membership stands at 58 countries representing some 1.5 billion people from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Palau, Palestine**, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Senegal, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, and Yemen.
France keen on cooperation with Bangladesh in aviation, maritime security: Envoy tells PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said relationship between Bangladesh and France has expanded further towards the objective of strategic dimension– guided by common goals of sustainable development.
“France has always been a trusted partner of Bangladesh, and this partnership has expanded further towards the objective of strategic dimension guided by our common goals of sustainable development,” she said.
The Prime Minister said this while the newly appointed French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy called on her at her official residence, Ganabhaban.
PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the growing relationship – with cooperation in various fields over the last five decades, on the path set up by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Referring to Cox’s Bazar airport, the PM told the French ambassador that the government is transforming it into an international hub for refilling and linking Asia and Europe.
While talking about Rohingya crisis, the Prime Minister said, the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals sheltered in Bangladesh have to return to their homeland as they have become a burden for the country.
The newly appointed ambassador to Bangladesh said that France is keen to promote cooperation with Bangladesh particularly in the areas of aviation, aerospace and maritime security for mutual benefits.
In this regard, Masdupuy said her country is interested to construct a second satellite for Bangladesh.
Pointing out the issue of climate change, the envoy said, France has been working on this issue including adaptation and can share their experience with Bangladesh.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister recalled her visit to France in November 2021 and her fruitful talks with President Emanuel Macron in Paris.
Sheikh Hasina also thanked the French President for inviting her to attend the Climate Summit, to be held in Paris on June 22-23.
Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah was present at the meeting.
Bosnia and Herzegovina convinced about continued growth of ties with Bangladesh
Bosnia and Herzegovina Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković has said he is convinced that the friendly relations between his country and Bangladesh will continue to grow for the benefit and welfare of both countries.
Konaković said this while congratulating Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on the occasion of the country's Independence and National Day.
In a congratulatory message sent on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and himself, Elmedin also wished for the continued prosperity of Bangladesh.
1 Bangladeshi shot dead, another wounded by BSF along Lalmonirhat border
A Bangladeshi man was shot dead and another injured by members of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along Danga border in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat district early Sunday.
The deceased was identified as Rabiul Islam, son of Chenu Miah of Burimari union of the upazila while the injured was Shahidul Islam, 30, son of Hedul Miah of the same area.
Quoting family members of the victims, Omar Faruk, officer-in-charge of Patrgram police station, said the BSF members opened fire on 5-7 Bangladeshis including the duo while they were returning home with cattle, leaving Raibul dead on the spot and another injured.
Read more: 2 Bangladeshis shot dead in BSF firing in Lalmonirhat
The body was sent to Rangpur Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy while the injured is undergoing treatment there.
Lieutenant Colonel AM Mahbubul Alam Khan, director at the BGB-61, confirmed the incident saying that they have already sent a protest letter to the BSF authorities in this connection.
Work abstention in India’s Petrapole: Import-export at a standstill in Benapole for 2nd day
Export and import through Benapole land port in Jashore with neighbouring India remains suspended for the second consecutive day today (April 2, 2023) due to a work abstention of clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents in India’s Petrapole land port.
Several hundreds of goods-laden Bangladeshi trucks heading towards India have been stuck at the Benapole port since yesterday.
Abdul Jalil, deputy director of Benpole land port, confirmed the development saying that the work abstention continues for the second day.
Sajedul Rahman, general secretary of Benapole C&F Staff Association, said that ‘Mostafa Organic’ from Satkhira exported three tonnes of fish through the Benapole border on March 18. A local C&F agent submitted documents at the Benpople customs; ‘Baba International’ of North 24 Parganas in India was importing the consignment.
Tipped-off, members of India's Border Security Force (BSF) seized gold bars weighing around 4.66 kg from the Bangladeshi truck when it arrived there.
And Indian truck driver and a C&F employee were sued in a case in this connection there, he said.
Protesting the case, users of the Indian land port called a strike yesterday, demanding withdrawal of the case filed against the Indian C&F employee in connection with the recovery of the 40 gold bars from the Bangladeshi truck at Petropol land port on March 18.
Urging the authorities concerned to address the problem, Benapole Import-Export Association Vice President Aminul Huq said that around 300 trucks carrying goods including jute and jute products, chemicals for textiles, and fish were stranded at the local land port due to the strike.
Businessmen allege that they are being subjected to harassment due to smuggling of gold and drugs.
New avenues discussed to expand 'imperfectly perfect' relationship with France
Covering the wide sweep of the historic relationship between France and Bangladesh from the Battle of Plassey to the present day, French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy has said the two countries share an “imperfectly perfect” relationship, with much scope for expansion ahead.
She was delivering the keynote at the latest edition of the Cosmos Foundation's Ambassador Lecture Series on Saturday, which returned to its in-person format for the first time since early 2020 and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our relationship is imperfectly perfect,” she said, adding, “Our relations are politically perfect when our leaders meet. It’s always an occasion to note a broad convergence on many global and regional issues such as climate change, fight against terrorism, Rohingya crisis, advocacy for an open, inclusive, safe and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.”
The French ambassador highlighted the long-standing relationship between the peoples of France and what is now Bangladesh since the 17th century, when the first French traders came to this region.
“The French presence in Bengal was established in the 17th century. Trade was at the heart of the presence in this region,” she said at the symposium styled 'Bangladesh-France Relations: Prognosis for the Future'. The session was chaired by the president of Cosmos Foundation, renowned scholar-diplomat Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who served as Bangladesh's permanent ambassador to the UN in New York, as well as foreign affairs adviser to the last caretaker government.
“France saw an opportunity to accomplish its old dream of barring a British takeover of the whole Indian sub-continent at Plassey (Palashi), to the north of Kolkata, in 1757 where the allied French-Bengali forces fought the British for Bengal – which was at that time under the leadership of the last independent Nawab,” said Masdupuy.
Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of Cosmos Foundation, in his opening remarks said, “The deep and longstanding ties between France and Bangladesh are evidenced by the existence of Farashganj in old Dhaka that used to be home to a French market on the bank of Buriganga river dating back to the 17th Century.”
He said the trade relations between Bangladesh and France continued to thrive in a variety of ways even after the disappearances of those centuries-old establishments.
The French ambassador provided insight into how the relationship between France and Bangladesh might look like in the future.
On the realignments centring the Indo-Pacific region, Ambassador Masdupuy said, “The French strategy in the Indo-Pacific is different from that of other countries. It’s a balanced one as shown by its emphasis on the blue economy, sustainable fisheries, green port and connectivity; all these issues belong to our country’s Indo-Pacific agenda. On such shared goals with Bangladesh, we can build up, construct and co-create the agenda for the region.”
She also cautioned against any domestic instability that might affect the trade and business relationship between the two countries - bilateral trade in 2021 amounted to $3.3 billion, with a massive trade surplus in favour of Bangladesh. France is the 5th largest importer of Bangladeshi goods worldwide, and third within the EU.
Ambassador Masdupuy called on the authorities to work on solving the trade imbalance between the two countries as well as to focus on strengthening cooperation in the potent sectors of defence and security.
“In the field of security and defence, there’s a clear appetite of Bangladesh Armed Forces to acquire French equipment as a high quality answer to their needs. But the financing side is an issue. So, let’s hope it will change,” she said.
Post-LDC era: Dutch support sought for development journey to continue
Bangladesh has sought the support of the Netherlands to continue its development journey in the post-LDC era.
It urged the Netherlands government to consider an extension of the transition period of GSP (EBA) to six years instead of three years, saying that it would contribute to ensuring smoother graduation.
A delegation led by Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah, principal secretary to the prime minister, met with Steven Collet, director for Sustainable Economic Development and ambassador for Business and Development, and Dirk Klaasan, head of the Department of International Trade Policy and Economic Governance, at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hague Saturday.
Other members of the delegation were Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Faruque Hassan, Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands M Riaz Hamidullah, and former Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nihad Kabir.
Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Anne van Leeuwen also joined the meeting.
At the meeting, Faruque gave an overview of the sustainable strategic vision 2030 of Bangladesh's apparel industry that aims to secure a sustainable and better future for it.
He urged the Dutch government to support the industry with knowledge, technology and funds in becoming more energy and resource-efficient, recycling and other environmental areas.