Foreign-Affairs
"I am amazed by what Bangladesh’s women farmers can achieve when provided the opportunity"
UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis has said increasing women’s empowerment is essential for women’s well-being and it has a positive impact on agricultural production, food security, diets, and child nutrition.
"I am amazed by what Bangladesh’s women farmers can achieve when provided theopportunity," she said, reflecting on her experience.
FM flags “biased sourcing” of OHCHR with Gwyn Lewis
Led by the Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, FAO, IFAD, WFP, and UN Women teams visited Kurigram for two days to explore innovative ways to better support women through existing food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and climate change adaptation programmes.
According to the Bangladesh Chronic Food Insecurity Situation 2019-2024 report, 20 percent of households in Kurigram suffer from malnutrition and food insecurity. Many households depend on unskilled daily labor, marginal farming, or traditional fishing to survive.
Gwyn Lewis lauds invaluable contributions of all UN volunteers
They often live in areas where there is a high recurrence of shocks, flash and monsoon floods, riverbank erosion, and dry spells.
During the visit, women at a grassroots level explained how, thanks to the UN support, they are accessing resources and growing their businesses and agency within the household.
Bangladesh’s private sector has so much to gain, give: UNRC Gwyn Lewis
UN programmes have enabled small-scale farmers and agribusinesses to access finance, insurance, inputs, and training, as well as to promote information on market conditions and weather advisories.
By empowering women at the grassroots level with these innovations, the food and nutrition security of rural families is improving.
The UN team was also able to identify practical solutions to enhance gender inclusion, through in-depth discussions with women and men farmers and communities, and in dialogue with local government counterparts.
One of the three interventions visited was IFAD’s PROVATi project, which has increased resilience and sustainability at Kurigram for 303,000 rural families. One of their unique activities was integration of gender-based learning systems to promote behavioral changes in families.
“We are grateful to the government for partnering with us to implement this multi-year project to create an enabling environment for such vulnerable communities,” IFAD Country Representative, Arnoud Hameleers, said about his organization’s initiative.
The mission met with the women farmers of Jatrapur, supported by WFP’s Building Resilience for Zero Hunger project and discussed their engagement in farming activities, adapted to seasonal patterns to mitigate their financial risks.
Domenico Scalpelli, WFP’s Head of Agency, said WFP's role extends beyond just agricultural aid; and they are committed to empowering these women, helping them gain confidence through economic empowerment, and contributing to positive changes in their families and communities.
"This high-level perspective underscores WFP's commitment to not only improving food security but also fostering sustainability.”
Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh said FAO’s Missing Middle Initiative facilitates access to finance and markets.
"We have strengthened the capacities of 55 Producers’ Organisations and their 11000 smallholder members of which 64 percent are female farmers. The project supported them in management, governance, and engagement with agriculture value chains. Our beneficiaries’ financial achievements via a revolving loan fund, common facility center, and our Digital Village Centre to produce inputs, mechanization services, and post-harvest operations are impressive.”
“The work of the UN in Rangpur prioritizes gender equality. Gains have been made in exercising voice and agency. However, women farmers still demanded dedicated spaces for women in markets, farmer cards, seed banks, female-friendly toilets, and the redistribution of the care burden. We also observed how social norms, linked to mobility restrictions, continue to pose a barrier," said Gitanjali Singh, Country Representative, UN Women, stated on the mission.
Russain Federation Council Chairwoman Valentina Matvienko congratulates Speaker Shirin Sharmin
Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matvienko, has congratulated Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury for her re-nomination to the position.
"Please accept congratulations on your re-nomination to the position of Speaker of the Parliament of the People's Republic of Bangladesh," read the letter Matvienko sent to Shirin.
"It provides convincing evidence of your authority as a statesperson, as well as recognition of your efforts in tackling major political and socio-economic issues for the benefit of your country," said Matvienko.
The Federation Council is committed to further cooperation with the Bangladesh Parliament in a wide range of spheres, the letter also read.
"Hopefully, you will continue to apply your rich professional experience and administrative talent for strengthening bonds of partnership between the legislators of our countries," Matvienko also said.
Russian-Bangladeshi parliamentary cooperation will develop in the spirit of mutual respect and serve as an example of equal and mutually beneficial relations, she added.
Our discussions today will strengthen Bangladesh-India Maitri, says Jaishankar welcoming FM in New Delhi
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday said discussions with his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Hasan Mahmud would strengthen the Dhaka-Delhi relations.
"Our discussions today will strengthen Bangladesh-India Maitri (friendship)," Jaishankar said in a brief message shared from X, formerly known as Twitter.
He welcomed Dr Hasan to India.
Hasan Mahmud is visiting India at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar.
He held a meeting with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the first day of his visit.
After the meeting, the Awami League Joint General Secretary paid floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation ground and memorial square at Rajghat.
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Greatest leaders Bangabandhu, Mahatma Gandhi inspiration for leaders around world: Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday paid tribute to the Father of the Nation of India Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
The Foreign Minister noted that Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Mahatma Gandhi are the two greatest leaders of the two countries and have been inspiration for the leaders around the world.
First 'Safe Food Carnival' in the country starts from Feb 8
Mahatma Gandhi's conviction in the innate goodness of humanity and his unwavering faith in peace and non-violence as a force for change remain as relevant today as they were during India’s freedom struggle.
Gandhi's historic visit to Noakhali in 1946 exemplified the extraordinary power of dialogue, empathy, and understanding, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
Hasan Mahmud is visiting India at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar.
Foreign Ministry summons Myanmar Ambassador
Environment Minister urges Saudi Arabia to ease remittance transfer process
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury urged the Saudi government to simplify the process of remittance transfer that would significantly benefit Bangladeshi expatriates.
The minister said this when the ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh, Essa Yussef Essa Al Dulaihan, paid a courtesy call on him at his office at the secretariat on Wednesday.
The minister sought Saudi cooperation to implement Bangladesh government's climate strategies, including the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan, and take action against pollution, improve waste management, and promote renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
Read: Health Minister, Indian HC explore areas for future partnership in strengthening health services for Bangladeshis
He said collaboration between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia can lead to innovative solutions and accelerate progress towards a more sustainable future.
The Saudi ambassador said KSA has invested USD 3 billion for renewable energy in Bangladesh.
He also reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to bolstering cooperation with Bangladesh in environmental initiatives and expressed interest in exploring partnerships with Bangladesh on initiatives like renewable energy development, sustainable development goals, and climate actions.
Read: Political stability, peace must for development and progress: Hasan Mahmud says in Delhi
During the meeting, discussion was held over enhancing bilateral cooperation between the KSA and Bangladesh in the areas of environmental conservation, and climate change mitigation.
Health Minister, Canadian HC explore areas for future partnership in strengthening health services for Bangladeshis
Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen and High Commissioner of Canada in Bangladesh Dr Lilly Nicholls on Wednesday identified Bangladesh’s priorities in the health sector and explored areas for future partnership in strengthening health services for Bangladeshis, and especially for women and girls.
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They had a "productive" first meeting and discussed Canada’s support for the empowerment of women in the nursing sector and efforts to advance and improve sexual and reproductive health and rights.
BIMSTEC Aquatic Championship 2024 opens in New Delhi
Discussions also highlighted Canada’s dedicated and longstanding support for Bangladeshi institutions such as the iccdr,b, which have developed life saving health solutions.
Political stability, peace must for development and progress: Hasan Mahmud says in Delhi
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said it is essential to maintain political stability and peace for the sake of development and progress, and that is the issue getting priority during his ongoing bilateral visit to India.
Hasan Mahmud is visiting India at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar.
He held a meeting with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the first day of his visit.
After the discussion at Sardar Patel Bhavan, the Awami League Joint General Secretary paid floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation ground and memorial square at Rajghat.
Read: What British PM Rishi Sunak’s letter to PM Hasina says
Talking to reporters, he said unprecedented development has been achieved in Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, India has also made great progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“There is no alternative to maintaining regional political stability and peace to maintain this development trend. We discussed in that direction,” Hasan Mahmud said.
Foreign Minister Hasan also said there was a discussion about the rehabilitation of Rohingyas with full rights to their own country Myanmar, and they also discussed ways to work together on the ongoing situation in Myanmar.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India Md Mustafizur Rahman, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh High Commission were present.
Read: Hasan Mahmud holds meeting with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval
Hasan Mahmud will hold a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar at the Hyderabad House in Delhi this evening.
The Foreign Minister is scheduled to speak at the Vivekananda Foundation and hold several meetings on Thursday and Friday.
What British PM Rishi Sunak’s letter to PM Hasina says
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has written to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, expressing his “commitment to strengthen” the growing economic and security partnership between the two countries and to support Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status.
“As you embark on a historic fifth term and reflecting Bangladesh’s impressive development gains under your leadership in recent years, I am writing to underline my commitment to strengthen the growing economic and security partnership between our countries and to support Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status,” said the British Prime Minster in his letter to PM Hasina.
Bangladesh High Commission in London shared the later dated February 7.
“Our partnership is based on a deep shared history and friendship, underpinned by strong people-to-people ties,” wrote the British Prime Minster.
Sunak hoped that Bangladesh can move forward with reconciliation in political life together with progress on rights and freedoms.
“These values are the cornerstone of the Commonwealth family and create vibrant democratic societies which attract the inward investment needed for economic growth,” he said.
“I see cooperation on migration as an important part of our bilateral agenda,” wrote the British PM.
“You have kindly endorsed a sustainable and streamlined way forward to return those Bangladeshi nationals in the United Kingdom illegally,” the letter reads.
“I anticipate seeing that arrangement finalised as part of our wider agenda of mutual cooperation,” he wrote.
The British PM said he looks forward to working with PM Hasina to continue to build on and develop still further the two countries’ important and historic relationship.
Hasan Mahmud holds meeting with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday had a meeting with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
The meeting began at 12:30 pm and lasted till 13:15pm.
“I had an excellent meeting with the National Security Adviser of India, Ajit Doval. We discussed a number of security issues, including the Rohingya issue. It was really an excellent meeting,” said the Foreign Minister.
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar are scheduled to hold a meeting later today.
Hasan landed in New Delhi a little before 1 am on a three-day official visit from Wednesday.
Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, and Smita Pant, Ambassador designate of India to Uzbekistan received the Foreign Minister at the airport in New Delhi.
India has said Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Hasan’s first bilateral visit to New Delhi reflects the high importance and priority both countries attach to their relationship.
During the visit, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Hasan will hold talks, in which both leaders will review the progress in wide-ranging areas of bilateral relations and chart out the agenda for future engagement.
They will also exchange views on sub-regional, regional and multilateral issues of common interest.
This is Hasan’s first bilateral visit abroad as Foreign Minister.
The foreign minister is likely to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and have a separate meeting with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during his stay in New Delhi.
The foreign minister will also pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the iconic Rajghat.
Earlier, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seheli Sabrin, said issues of mutual interest including trade, connectivity and energy cooperation, people-to-people contacts and regional cooperation will be discussed between the two sides at the bilateral meeting to further strengthen Bangladesh-India relations.
Asked whether the Teesta water-sharing issue will be discussed in the meeting, the foreign ministry spokesperson said they expect the issue would be discussed.
Foreign Minister in New Delhi, talks with Jaishankar today
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar are scheduled to hold a meeting as Hasan begins his first bilateral visit to India.
Hasan landed in New Delhi a little before 1 am on a three-day official visit.
Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, and Smita Pant, Ambassador designate of India to Uzbekistan received the Foreign Minister at the airport in New Delhi.
FM Hasan reiterates government’s firm commitment to building peaceful, inclusive progressive nation
India has said Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Hasan's first bilateral visit to New Delhi reflects the high importance and priority both countries attach to their relationship.
During the visit, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Hasan will hold talks, in which both leaders will review the progress in wide-ranging areas of bilateral relations and chart out the agenda for future engagement.
They will also exchange views on sub-regional, regional and multilateral issues of common interest.
This is Hasan’s first bilateral visit abroad as Foreign Minister.
FM Hasan's 1st bilateral visit to India reflects high importance, priority both countries attach to their relationship: India
The foreign minister is likely to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and have a separate meeting with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during his stay in New Delhi.
Since the Foreign Minister will have a meeting with India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the current security situation in Myanmar is likely to be discussed in the context of regional issues, said a diplomatic source.
The foreign minister will also pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the iconic Rajghat. He is likely to attend a seminar, too.
Earlier, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seheli Sabrin, said issues of mutual interest including trade, connectivity and energy cooperation, people-to-people contacts and regional cooperation will be discussed between the two sides at the bilateral meeting to further strengthen Bangladesh-India relations.
Asked whether the Teesta water-sharing issue will be discussed in the meeting, the foreign ministry spokesperson said they expect the issue would be discussed.