Foreign-Affairs
330 officials handed over to Myanmar
A total of 330 Myanmar officials, BGP members, army personnel, and customs officials who fled Myanmar and took shelter in Bangladesh recently, were handed over to Border Guard Police of Myanmar on Thursday amid tight security.
They were handed over in two phases, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a press release.
Of them, nine were injured BGP members, it added.
The press release said the handover process started from Inani Navy Jetty around 5 am.
At first, 165 arrived at Inani Jetty at 7:30 am and the remaining at 8:00 am.
After completing their verification, they were handed over to the delegation from Myanmar, led by Ambassador Aung Kyaw Moe, reads the release.
BGB DG, DG of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Coast Guard, Deputy Commissioner of Cox's Bazar and Superintendent of Police were present.
Earlier, the delegation arrived at the Naval jetty ghat in Inani, Cox’s Bazar district, on Thursday (February 15, 2024), aboard a speedboat at 9:50 am.
The repatriation, supervised by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), involves individuals including members of the Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP).
The group had crossed into Bangladesh, fleeing clashes between the Myanmar military and armed rebel groups.
This border tension has led to casualties on the Bangladeshi side, including the deaths of a Bangladeshi woman and a Rohingya man due to mortar shells coming from Myanmar.
An unidentified body was also found on February 8 in the Rahmaterbil border area of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, said Md Shamim Hossain, Officer-in-Charge of Ukhiya Police Station.
No impact on Dhaka-Moscow ties following PM's scheduled meeting with Ukraine President: Hope Bangladesh, Russia
Bangladesh and Russia have said there will be no impact on Dhaka-Moscow relations following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
"We hope that it'll not impact," Russian Ambassador Alexander Mantytskiy said on Thursday while replying to a question at DCAB Talk.
He hoped that Bangladesh-Russia relations will improve.
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) organised the event - DCAB Talk.
Earlier on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said that Bangladesh's position is always against any war and they will discuss ways to end the war during the Munich Security Conference.
"We are always against the war. That's our position. We want peace and stability in the world," he told reporters while briefing the media on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Germany.
The foreign minister said they will discuss global security issues as the ongoing conflicts in the world pose security threats for all.
In Germany, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, the foreign minister said.
The Ukrainian President sought the appointment for a meeting with PM Hasina, he said.
Asked what will be discussed during her meeting with the Ukrainian President, the foreign minister said there will be discussion on ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
A journalist wanted to know whether there will be any impact on the Bangladesh-Russia relations due to PM Hasina’s meeting with the Ukrainian President.
In reply, the foreign minister said there is no such scope as the Bangladesh-Russia relationship and bonding is very strong.
"Russia is a friendly country. Our bonding with Russia is very warm and strong. They stood beside us during the War of Liberation in 1971. We have a historic relationship with Russia," he said.
Bangladesh maintains strong relations with Russia and Bangladesh follows the foreign policy dictum of friendship to all, malice towards none.
The Russian ambassador welcomed Bangladesh's foreign policy and said: "We are not at war with the US. They have their own economic interests; we also have economic relations with Bangladesh."
He clarified Russia's stance on the Zelensky peace formula. Russia had consistently criticised the Zelensky formula for its shortcomings, hypocrisy and lack of connection to reality, he said.
"First, the Zelensky formula consists of a series of ultimatums targeting Russia. They are trying to force us to withdraw from the liberated territories and abandon Russians who voted to reunite with their homeland. Ultimatums of this kind cannot serve as a foundation for launching talks.”
"Second, Ukraine has enacted a legal ban on holding talks with the Russian leadership. As long as this ban remains in place, discussing any proposals will not yield tangible results. Third, discussing a settlement in Ukraine without involving Russia is senseless. Fourth, Kyiv has been pushing the ultimatums contained in the Zelensky formula as the only possible solution with no room for alternatives.”
"Fifth, Zelensky has been bombing civilian sites with cluster munitions in Belgorod, Donetsk and other Russian cities, intentionally killing civilians. The West has been supplying ammunitions to Kyiv, including cluster and depleted uranium bombs, and delivering more weapons, which does nothing but escalate hostilities and prolong the conflict," the ambassador said.
DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib and its General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu also spoke on the occasion.
Bangladesh-India Urs special train, a symbol of friendship for over 100 years
A special train left Chuadanga’s Darshana on Thursday with 2,250 devotees who will attend the annual Urs at Jora mosque in Midinipur , West Bengal.
The train left Rajbari at 10:30 pm on Wednesday and reached Darshana International Railway Station at 12:10 pm. It left for Medinipur at 10:30 am today.
The special train that runs between the two countries once a year has been in operation since 1902.
Mirza Kamrul Hasan, superintendent of Darshana International Railway Station, said the special train left for India at 10:30 am with 2,250 passengers following all rules.
The devotees included 1,312 men, 858 women and 80 children.
Rajbari Anjuman-e-Quaderia general secretary Abdul Aziz Quadri said that the Urs will be held at Medinipur Jora Mosque on February 17 night. For more than 100 years, this international special train has been a bridge of friendship between the two countries as many Bangladeshis travel by the train to attend the religious event every year, he said.
Aziz Quadri said that the Indian Embassy provides visa to the Bangladeshi devotees in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh.
Rajbari station master Tanmoy Kumar Dutta said the 24-coach train from India reached Rajbari on Wednesday afternoon and then it left Rajbari station at 10:30 pm.
The railway authorities have taken all measures so that passengers can reach their destination safely, he said adding that guards, electricians, attendants have been appointed so that there is no disruption inside the train.
The devotees will return home by the same train on February 19.
Darshana International Immigration in-charge Atiq Hasan said tight security arrangements have been taken for the passengers.
African countries praise PM Hasina for Bangladesh IMO scholarships
Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Permanent Representatives of more than 40 African countries, members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for offering 10 marine cadetship scholarships from Bangladesh for African LDCs and SIDS at the IMO.
At a reception hosted by Bangladesh High Commission London in honour of African members of the IMO who supported Bangladesh’s candidature to the IMO in council Category C elections last December, Ambassador of Guinea on behalf of African Union and Ambassador of Nigeria on behalf of IMO African group at the IMO thanked Bangladesh government for announcing 10 scholarships for African groups and SIDS in Bangladesh marine academies, said the Bangladesh High Commission, London on Thursday.
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They said Bangladesh’s election to the IMO council is a well-deserved honour and Africa wants to foster a stronger partnership to promote and mutual collaboration and understating at the IMO in addressing climate change and GHG reduction from shipping sector enhancing safety and security from maritime cooperation, promoting digitalization and advanced technologies and welfare and working conditions of seafarers.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh and PR to the IMO Saida Muna Tasneem said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over the past decade and half has completely transformed Bangladesh’s maritime landscape with building country’s first Deep Sea Port in Matarbari, the first Bay Terminal in Chattogram, the first LNG FSRU in Moheshkhali, the first Single buoy mooring in Kutubdia, the first Maritime University, the Pyra Specialized port and the Delta Plan 2100 -all part of her ‘Smart Bangladesh’ Vision.
The latest initiative to ratify the Hong Kong convention in 2023 was a historic decision advancing health and safety conditions in Bangladesh ’s ship recycling industry, she said.
The High Commissioner further said Bangladesh will work hand to hand with vast members of the African group and challenges faced by LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS countries of the Africa to promote shared interest of more recruitment at the IMO technical cooperation.
Read: Foreign Minister sees huge scope to increase Japanese investment in Bangladesh
Aly Diallo, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea, Dr. Cyprian, acting High Commissioner of Nigeria, Dorota Lost-Sieminska, Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations Division, Jose Matheickal, director, Technical, Cooperation and Implementation Division spoke at the event.
Ambassadors, PRs and APRs of more than 40 African countries attended the event.
Dhaka-Moscow relations strong both politically, economically: Ambassador Mantytsky
Bangladesh-Russia relations have proven to be resilient and strong both politically and economically, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky said on Thursday judging the outcomes of the year 2023.
"2024 seems to be equally promising," he said while speaking at DCAB Talk at Jatiya Press Club hosted by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB).
Together with Bangladeshi partners, the Ambassador said, they are eager to expand and diversify areas of mutual interest for the sake of people of the two countries.
"It leaves no one doubt that we have all prerequisites for that and share the same commitment," he added.
Speaking about economic cooperation, the Ambassador said Bangladesh remains Russia’s second largest trade partner in South Asia after India.
In January-November 2023, the trade volume amounted to $2,3 billion.
The Russian side is interested in diversification of its export basket by supplying machinery, equipment and technologies necessary for railway, road construction, building, metallurgy and other industrial spheres, said the envoy.
Russian House organises literary programme dedicated to "Pushkin Memorial"
"Russia makes a significant contribution to Bangladesh food security. Despite artificial and counterproductive obstacles created by the Western countries, Moscow continues to export to Bangladesh key agro-industrial products, mainly wheat and fertilizers," he said.
In 2023, Bangladesh imported 2,7 mln tons of grain from Russia.
The Russian side is ready to expand the list of export items with edible oils, peas, chickpeas and lentils, said Ambassador Mantytsky.
"Energy has been the backbone of our cooperation. In 2023, Gazprom continued projects aimed at enhancing Bangladesh energy security," he said.
The drilling of three additional wells on Bhola Island was completed, bringing the total number of drilled wells to 20.
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The company’s proposals for gas evacuation and exploration of new fields are under consideration.
"There are more offers and projects in the pipeline, such as the supply of Russian LNG and crude oil for further local refining, Russian solar energy technologies, upgrade of local power stations, and more," said Mantytsky.
The Rooppur NPP flagship project is moving according to the schedule.
Among the recent milestones, there is the installation of the passive heat removal system at Unit 2.
The first unit is expected to start pilot operation by the end of this year.
"Safety has always been the top priority of JSC “ASE” – general contractor of the project. Russian specialists use the most advanced engineering solutions and technologies," said the Ambassador.
The same VVER-1200 reactors that are installed at the Roppur NPP are already in operation in Russia, having proved their efficiency and reliability, he said.
They can survive almost everything – from earthquake to a plane crash.
Rooppur NPP will make a considerable contribution to Bangladesh economic development and energy security, said the envoy.
Nuclear energy is environment friendly, produces no carbon emission and no pollution.
It is affordable, reliable and clean. Russia will assist our Bangladeshi partners throughout the entire life cycle of the nuclear project, including our obligations for the long-term deliveries of reactor fuel, plant maintenance, and handling nuclear waste.
"Rooppur is more than just a power plant. Dozens of Bangladeshi companies provide their services and materials for construction works," Mantytsky said.
The NPP project will create a new sector of economy with more than 18 thousand workplaces for locals, he said.
The envoy said through training of Bangladeshi students in nuclear universities in Russia and at the education center at Rooppur itself, Russia assists in adding a large amount of skilled engineers to the Bangladesh economy capable of bringing a meaningful contribution not only to the nuclear industry, but to other sectors too.
Sadly, he said, it has come to their knowledge that certain pro-Western quarters are hatching plans to smear the Rooppur NPP project.
Instead of focusing on the achievements, local hype-seeking journalists are ready to undermine the epitome of our bilateral relations for short-lived considerations, said Mantytsky.
They deliberately exaggerate minor shortcomings unavoidable in any project of such scale, while turning a blind eye to its benefits, he added.
The Ambassador touched upon the situation around and in Ukraine, as well as highlighted the current state of Russia-Bangladesh affairs.
The past year showed the growing global intolerance towards the arrogant manners of Western countries still clinging to their fading hegemony in world affairs, while basing squarely on their vested interests with disregard for the opinion of all others, he said.
The envoy said the West has demonstrated worrisome inability to make honest deals and has proven to be an unreliable partner.
At the UN and other multilateral platforms, Russia advocated for the peaceful development of all states based on the principles of sovereign equality and indivisible security.
"Russia effectively thwarted plans for its international isolation while maintaining opportunities for respectful dialogue and pragmatic cooperation with the West," he said.
In November, a detachment of warships of the Russian Pacific Fleet paid a goodwill visit to the port of Chittagong.
It was the first time in the last 50 years when Russian Naval ships entered the Bangladeshi port.
In December, two veteran Russian sailors who were engaged in demining and clearing the port of Chittagong from sunken ships in 1972-1974, took part in the Victory Day celebrations in Bangladesh.
DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib and its General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu also spoke.
Workshop on building awareness against disinformation among youth held in Rajshahi
The US Embassy (Public Diplomacy Section) has hosted its quarterly workshop titled, 'Building Awareness Against Disinformation Among Youth' at Rajshahi American Corner, Varendra University.
The workshop, held recently in collaboration with Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), was attended by various university students of Rajshahi.
Information technology is advancing in leaps and bounds, and the dangers of disinformation, misinformation and fake news loom large.
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The youth must be aware of these dangers and prepare themselves accordingly.
Furthermore, the young generation needs to understand what information they share with the masses, said a media release on Thursday.
Fahad-Al-Salam, Research Assistant, BIPSS, spoke on the topic of 'A World of Disinformation: Understanding and Analysing the Threat of Disinformation'.
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He highlighted the understanding of disinformation with multiple examples and how such disinformation leads to devastating outcomes.
Lamia Rahman Tammi, Project and Event Coordinator, BIPSS discussed the topic 'Countering Disinformation and Building Up Societal Resilience'.
She emphasised the importance and vitality of understanding disinformation and how to counter it in society.
Besides, she also portrayed the legal aspects associated with the spread of disinformation.
Foreign Minister sees huge scope to increase Japanese investment in Bangladesh
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said there is huge scope to increase Japanese investment in the exclusive economic zones including that of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Shilpa Nagar in Chattogram.
He referred to the prospective Economic Partnership Agreement and said Bangladesh would like to complete the process as early as possible.
The foreign ministerial expressed his satisfaction on gradually increasing Japanese investments in Bangladesh.
The issues were discussed when Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori paid his maiden call on Foreign Minister Dr Hasan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Iwama handed over the original letter of congratulation that the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Kamikawa Yoko has sent to Hasan.
She reiterated Japan’s commitment to continue the development activities in Bangladesh.
Hasan acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Japan to Bangladesh’s development.
He recalled the high impression of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Japan’s development achievements and wanted to follow this process to bring about development in Bangladesh.
Hasan said the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would like to strengthen collaboration with Japan to achieve mutual benefits of the two nations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ambassador referred to the already completed plant of the Matarbari Power Station and said the second plant will be completed this year.
He also mentioned that the road project from Chattogram to Matarbari will be completed in due course.
Hasan acknowledged the state-of-the-art technology at the Terminal-3 of HSIA, Dhaka which is due to be operational this year.
He referred to the Japanese assistance in constructing Terminal-1 of the Shah Amanat International Airport, Chattogram in 90s and proposed that Japan could go for constructing Terminal-2 in the airport.
Hasan stressed the need to have more regional connectivity to have mutual benefit and said Japan can play an important role in this regard.
He thanked Japan for continuous assistance to the Rohingya refugees who came from Myanmar.
He referred to the pressure to host about 1.2 million Rohingyas to Bangladesh for such a long time whereas the international assistance has significantly decreased over the time.
Hasan reiterated the need to repatriate them to their home in Myanmar as early as possible.
Russian House organises literary programme dedicated to "Pushkin Memorial"
The Russian House in Dhaka in collaboration with Tejgaon College, Dhaka, organises a Russian Literary Programme dedicated to "Pushkin Memorial Day (10 February)".
Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, Pavel Dvoychenkov welcomed the distinguished guests and visitors to the event.
He briefly discussed the literature and life of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, Russia's greatest poet and the father of modern Russian literature and elaborated on the activities of the Russian House in Dhaka, which was established in March 1974 and has, since its inception, had significant contributions and has been involved in higher education for the youth of Bangladesh in Russia.
He urged the students of Tejgaon College to take advantage of the opportunity of the Russian government scholarship for higher education and participate in Russian language education.
The principal of Tejgaon College Professor Harun-or-Rashid thanked the Director of the Russian House in Dhaka for selecting Tejgaon College for this literary event and promised to support any future event.
In the second half, a Russian literary programme dedicated to "Pushkin Memorial" was held with the participation of the Russian Language students of Russian House in Dhaka. They recited some notable poems of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin in Russian, Bengali and English, as well as performed a dramatic production of "Eugene Onegin" based on his literature and music.
At the end of the event all the participants were awarded certificates along with commemorative souvenirs by the director of Russian House.
The invited guests enjoyed the entire event with joy.
Dhaka always against war; wants peace and stability in world: FM
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said that Bangladesh's position is always against any war and they will discuss ways to end the war during the Munich Security Conference.
"We are always against the war. That's our position. We want peace and stability in the world," he told reporters while briefing the media on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Germany.
PM Hasina to leave for Munich Security Conference on Thursday
The foreign minister said they will discuss global security issues as the ongoing conflicts in the world pose security threats for all.
In Germany, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, the foreign minister said.
The Ukrainian President sought the appointment for a meeting with PM Hasina, he said.
Asked what will be discussed during her meeting with the Ukrainian President, the foreign minister said there will be discussion on ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
A journalist wanted to know whether there will be any impact on the Bangladesh-Russia relations due to PM Hasina’s meeting with the Ukrainian President.
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In reply, the foreign minister said there is no such scope as the Bangladesh-Russia relationship and bonding is very strong.
"Russia is a friendly country. Our bonding with Russia is very warm and strong. They stood beside us during the War of Liberation in 1971. We have a historic relationship with Russia," he said.
The Foreign Minister said the Rohingya issue will also come up for discussion as their presence has created a security threat for Bangladesh.
"Meanwhile, the ongoing problem in Myanmar created a security threat for the entire region," he said.
Dr Hasan said Bangladesh will seek global support so that Myanmar takes back their people (Rohingya) with full rights.
Sheikh Hasina will leave Dhaka for Germany on Thursday to attend the Munich Security Conference which will offer a unique opportunity for global leaders to search, find, and promote solutions to shared security concerns.
She will attend the global conference at the invitation of Ambassador Christoph Heusgen, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference (MSC).
The PM will return to Dhaka on February 19 morning, Mahmud said.
From February 16 to 18, the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC) will once again offer unparalleled opportunities to discuss the world’s most pressing security challenges.
PM Hasina will also call for ending other wars and conflicts happening in various parts of the world.
"When there are conflicts here and there, the global stability is affected. We don't want the global stability and security to be hampered," the foreign minister said.
Bangladesh will uphold its position on various national and international issues at the 3-day Munich Security Conference 2024, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"With participation of the Prime Minister in this conference, it is expected to create opportunities for bilateral meetings with world leaders apart from upholding Bangladesh's position on various national and international issues," said Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Seheli Sabrin earlier.
Around 50 Heads of State or Government, over 100 ministers as well as the leaders of many key international and civil society organizations are expected for this year’s anniversary edition.
The state and future of the international order, much-needed reforms of multilateral governance mechanisms, regional conflicts, transnational challenges such as climate and food insecurity, as well as Europe’s role in the world will be at the center of the discussions in Munich.
In addition to the official programme, the MSC will once again host a multitude of events for the interested public.
While the security landscape has evolved dramatically since the Munich Security Conference (MSC) was founded more than 60 years ago, its mission has not changed an inch.
It still seeks to enable and promote a constructive dialogue on the most important security challenges of our time.
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Naturally, this ambition is also at the heart of this year’s anniversary conference which comes at particularly trying times.
The 60th Munich Security Conference is expected to be the most diverse yet with well over 100 countries represented with official delegations, said the organisers.
In line with its efforts over the last couple of years, the MSC has placed special emphasis on including countries and actors from the so-called “Global South” in all aspects of the programing in order to ensure the most inclusive debates possible.
Against this backdrop, the MSC 2024 will offer a unique opportunity to search, find, and promote solutions to shared security concerns.
Programme of the MSC 2024
On Friday, the conference’s main program will kick off with a focus on global security challenges, including the future of global governance and multilateralism, democratic resilience, climate security, nuclear security, migration, and the future of AI.
Discussions on the state of the international order as well as regional conflicts and crises – ranging from Ukraine to Sudan and the Middle East - will be at the top of the agenda on Saturday.
On Sunday, the conference will close with discussions on Europe’s role in the world and its relations with partners. As always, a detailed agenda of the MSC 2024 will only be published shortly before the conference begins.
Formats at the MSC 2024
The MSC 2024 will once again serve as a marketplace for ideas and create space for as many relevant and consequential debates as possible.
As in previous years, the conference’s program is divided into three parts: the main program curated by the MSC, around 200 official side events hosted be leading research institutions and other partners from around the world, and dozens of public outreach events.
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All formats are governed by the Munich Rule, which calls for maximum interaction between speakers and participants, true to the motto: Engage and interact with each other. Don’t lecture or ignore one another.
Outreach Events at the MSC 2024
In addition to the official programme, the MSC will host a variety of public events during the conference week, including an edition of its Zeitenwende on Tour Townhall, the fifth edition of its Innovation Night, a Policy Concert featuring prominent artists and discussants, and three evenings of its Security & Literature Series.
The first evening of the Security and Literature Series will focus on the “Global South”.
The second evening of the series will focus on this year’s Guest of Honor of the Frankfurt Bookfair, Italy.
The third evening of the series will focus on the war in Ukraine, particularly on the works of authors Volodymyr Vakulenko and Viktoria Amelina who were killed in Russian attacks
Australian HC launches book to preserve Patra ethnic community culture, language
The Australian High Commission in Bangladesh has launched a translation of a book to help preserve the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Patra ethnic community in Bangladesh.
The launching ceremony took place at the Australia Day reception held at the Australian High Commission in Dhaka on February 13 which had the theme of ‘Languages of our Lands’ to celebrate linguistic diversity in Australia and Bangladesh.
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The Australian Government supported the translation of the book ‘Cultural Heritage of the Patra’ given its strong commitment towards the diversity and inclusion of cultures and languages – values reflected in the legacy of the language martyrs of Bangladesh and the spirit of International Mother Language Day observed globally on 21 February.
“Australia is built on the foundation of diversity, multiculturalism and tolerance. Tonight, at this Australia Day event, we pay tribute to these values we share with Bangladesh. We are hopeful that this translation will support the Patra community by increasing awareness of their culture and language,” Acting High Commissioner Nardia Simpson said at the event.
The Patra ethnic community, of whom there are fewer than 5,000 members, are inhabitants of the Sylhet division.
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They are believed to be the surviving legacy of medieval Sylhet’s last kingdom from the 14th century – the Gour Kingdom of King Gaur Govind.
The Minister of Housing and Public Works, R A M Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury MP, was chief guest at the programme.