Foreign-Affairs
Govt vows to bring home the 1971 killers of intellectuals Mueen and Ashraf to face execution: MoFA
The government has been continuing its efforts to bring back Chowdhury Mueen Uddin and Ashrafuzzaman Khan, who are living in the United Kingdom and United States of America, evading death sentence awarded to them for killing the country’s intellectuals during the War of Liberation in 1971, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
“We are maintaining constant communication with these two countries and working as part of the efforts to bring them back,” MoFA Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin said at a weekly media briefing.
Mueen and Ashraf were among the country's most wanted criminals after the Liberation War in 1971 for killing intellectuals as part of Al-Badr's plan to eliminate the bright minds just before the country's independence.
Killers of Bangabandhu are traitors, not heroes: Planning Minister
Mueen and Ashraf were sentenced to death after Special War Crimes Tribunal found them guilty of abducting and murdering 18 people including nine university teachers, six journalists and three doctors in December 1971.
Bangladesh observes Martyred Intellectuals Day on December 14 to remember and honour the intellectuals brutally killed by the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators in 1971. They were slain just before the country achieved victory in the nine-month War of Liberation.
Responding to a question, the MoFA spokesperson said around 16 Japanese observers have shown their interest to the Election Commission to observe the next national election.
Apart from that, she said, observers from India, Palestine, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab League will observe the election.
Fugitive killers of Bangabandhu continue to use law of foreign lands as shield to avoid punishment
The spokesperson said the four-member election expert mission from the European Union (EU) will continue to stay in Bangladesh till January 21, 2024.
She said the team had a meeting with additional foreign secretary M. Nazrul islam on November 30.
They met Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on December 3, said the spokesperson.
Govt would reward those providing info on Bangabandhu’s fugitive killers: Momen
Foreign Minister Momen in Qatar to attend ‘Doha Forum 2023’
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen is attending the ‘Doha Forum 2023’ in Qatar.
The two-day Forum began on Sunday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin said at a weekly media briefing.
Momen left Dhaka for Doha, Qatar on a three-day official visit at the invitation of the Qatari prime minister, who also holds the foreign ministry portfolio, she said.
Also read: Momen writes to UN, seeks its ‘constructive, collaborative’ role amid ‘unwarranted political pressure’
“Qatar's invitation to Bangladesh's foreign minister to participate in the Doha Forum is an expression of Qatar's intention to improve relations with Bangladesh,” Sabrin said, adding that the Doha Forum will be held under the patronage of the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
She said the foreign minister will attend a number of high-level meetings including a panel discussion on Covid-19 and vaccine development and another high-level panel discussion on “Changing Priorities in Global Trade.”
Also read: Joint statement from missions of western countries reconfirms support for those working to defend and advance human rights
Doha Forum is a platform that welcomes a diversity of viewpoints, reflecting the many perspectives and interests of all people, especially those whose voices are often ignored.
It is founded on the belief that constructive dialogue is the best – if not the only – way to create sustainable safety, justice and freedom in an interconnected world.
Speaking at the opening session of the Doha Forum, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the Security Council to press for averting a humanitarian catastrophe. Regrettably, the Council failed to do it, but that does not make it less necessary.
“So, I can promise I will not give up,” the UN chief said.
The 21st edition of Doha Forum gathers the world’s top officials, executives, and thinkers to address the most pressing unresolved questions in the following areas:
- International Relations and Security, Economic Policy and Development
- Cyber Security, Data Privacy, and Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability
Building on previous editions, engaging the most current discourse, and setting the stage for future action, Doha Forum 2023 will ask how countries can build interconnected futures of prosperity and well-being.
Under the banner of “Diplomacy, Dialogue, Diversity,” Doha Forum promotes the interchange of ideas and discourse towards policy-making and action-oriented recommendations.
Joint statement from missions of western countries reconfirms support for those working to defend and advance human rights
A joint statement from diplomatic missions in Dhaka on Sunday reconfirmed their support and solidarity with those who work to defend and advance human rights, fundamental freedoms, and equality for all.
The missions highlighted the fundamental role democracy plays in protecting human rights and promoting development.
Also read: BNP forms human chain in front of JPC on Human Rights Day
“Our commitment to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is unwavering,” according to the statement issued marking the International Human Rights Day being observed today.
On the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the statement was signed by the embassies/high commissions of Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, and the Delegation of the European Union.
Also read: BNP leaders face extreme human rights violation in jails: Rizvi
Bangladesh moving ahead with enhanced national mechanism amid loss and damage breakthrough at COP28
Bangladesh, despite its commendable progress in becoming a climate-resilient nation, is grappling with escalating loss and damage issues due to the intensifying impacts of climate change.
The ongoing COP28 in Dubai has seen pledged more than USD 600 million for Loss and Damage Fund, however, Bangladeshi experts and policymakers have shown concern over the size and accessibility of the fund on the one hand and the need for a functional and effective national loss and damage mechanism in the country on the other, at an event hosted by the Bangladesh Pavilion on Saturday.
Saber H. Chowdhury, special envoy to Prime Minister of Bangladesh for Climate Change mentioned “Due to our country's geographical position, we are witnessing flooding, depletion of water sources, escalating sea levels, and the intrusion of salinity. Projections indicate that millions, perhaps 1/7 of the population, might face displacement as per the World Bank's estimations.”
Read: COP28 High Level Segment: Despite limited resources, Bangladesh on low carbon development path
“Acknowledging the very real impacts, we find solace in the establishment of a loss and damage mechanism at COP28. Reflecting on the UNFCCC's responsiveness in decisions like Sharm El Sheikh, within 12 months, over 600 million USD has been allocated—an initial step, yet hopefully the beginning of greater contributions. Bangladesh aims to proactively access and efficiently utilize these funds nationally, drawing upon its wealth of experience in adaptation. To address loss and damage, it necessitates averting, minimizing, and addressing them—through both adaptation and mitigation. It's not just about mitigating loss and damage; it's about preventing them from occurring in the first place. While some adaptations inevitably lead to loss and damage, the key is to ensure not all adaptations halt at this point."
According to a report by International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD), Bangladesh has several national policies, including the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), and the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (MCPP), have set ambitious climate targets but face challenges in effectively addressing loss and damage.
Experts highlighted that even though policies acknowledge the challenge of mobilizing financial resources, there is a recognized need for separate policies specifically targeting loss and damage.
Read: COP28: Just $700m pledged by wealthy nations for Loss and Damage fund
Experts said that despite having dedicated climate funds like the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust (BCCT), challenges still persist, such as limited funding, coordination issues, and inadequate transparency mechanisms affect their utilization. Hence, it is important to develop the National Mechanism for loss and damage to have a window for L&D funds with improved transparency and accountability structures.
Md. Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive from Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD) stated “The establishment of Loss and Damage (LnD) at COP28 reflects the global unjust power dynamics and knowledge hegemony from developed countries. We welcome the national mechanism, but it requires inclusive institutions and governance. Expanding the Loss and Damage fund’s mandate is essential, involving different government entities such as: Planning Commission, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA). Justice at the national level must be ensured and addressing the governance gaps globally to prevent debt burden for countries like Bangladesh is important.”
The report emphasized the mobilization of funds from multi-actor partners, such as: private sector, financial institutions, NGOs, and local organizations.
A shift towards sectoral budgets is also highlighted for more targeted resource allocation.
Russian House observes 52nd anniversary of Bangladesh's Great Victory
Russian House in Dhaka, Bangladesh National Museum and Muktijoddha Academy Trust jointly organized a special discussion, cultural programs and honoring of the brave freedom fighters on the occasion of celebrating the 52nd anniversary of Bangladesh's Great Victory Day.
This event was held at the National Museum in Shahbagh on the morning of December 9, 2023. On this occasion, the organizers honored a total of 84 freedom fighters, including 52 brave freedom fighters on the battlefield and the background artist soldiers of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.
Russian House (formerly known as the Russian Cultural Centre) in Dhaka director Pavel Dvoichenkov, Director General of Bangladesh National Museum Kamruzzaman, Muktijudda Academy Trust Chairman, Dr. Abul Kalam Azad; former secretary of the ministry of Liberation War Affairs Taj Mohammad, brave freedom fighter and former Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh Professor Dr. Md. Rafiqul Haque and former Vice-Chancellor of University of Global Village- freedom fighter Professor Dr. Jahangir Alam Khan were present as guests on the occasion.
The program started with the performance of the National Anthem by all.
The director of the Russian House in Dhaka, Mavel Dvoychenkov, inaugurated the event. Congratulating everyone on the victory, he said in his speech that the Great Victory Day of Bangladesh is a day of glory 'for both our countries'.
"This day reminds us of our historic victory," Dvoychenkov said.
"Bangladesh-Russia friendly relations are historical. On the day of the 1971 revolution, the Soviet Union stood by Bangladesh. The relationship between the two countries was developed by supporting Bangladesh in the liberation war. Since then, Russia has been working for the economic development of Bangladesh. Russia helped build large industries and power plants," he said.
The journey of this historic relationship started with the official visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to the Soviet Union in 1972. Intergovernmental agreements on economic and technical cooperation, trade representation, cultural, educational, and scientific cooperation were signed during Bangabandhu's visit.
At the request of Bangabandhu, the Soviet Navy, with the direct cooperation of the then Soviet Government, deactivated the Chittagong port and made the port fully operational. During the visit, at the special request of Bangabandhu, a large number of students from Bangladesh went to study in the then Soviet Union or Russia with full government scholarships.
Later they returned to the country and became active in the formation of Bangabandhu's Sonar Bangla. Among them, more than 6,000 Soviet and Russian graduates are currently working and holding high positions in Bangladesh and various countries around the world.
He also said that the Russian government has increased the number of scholarships for Bangladeshi students to 124 in the academic year 2024-2025 due to the increasing interest of Bangladeshi students in pursuing higher education in Russia.
He also assured that he would continue his efforts to increase the number of these scholarships in the future. The Russian House in Dhaka is working hard to promote higher education opportunities in Russia as well as Russian language courses for Bangladeshi students.
Director General of the Bangladesh National Museum, Md. Kamruzzaman, said the Liberation War is a memorable chapter in the history of Bangladesh.
Chairman of Muktijoddha Academy Trust, Abul Azad, said it is a duty to respect the freedom fighters. "Through this program we want to show respect and gratitude to our brave freedom fighters," he added.
After the discussion, a cultural program was organized. Liberation War songs and poems were performed on the occasion. The freedom fighters present at the event shared their experiences and feelings.
Gender equality an effective strategy for economic growth: ILO Country Director
Country Director of ILO in Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen on Saturday highlighted the significance of gender equality, noting that the progress they see in Bangladesh's RMG sector is impressive.
"It demonstrates how gender equality is a moral imperative and an effective strategy for economic growth," Poutiainen said.
The ILO Country Director said they look forward to continuing this important work through the expansion of GEAR to foster a more inclusive workforce and drive tangible improvements in productivity and competitiveness.
The "Gender Equality and Returns: Advancing Women Leadership, Skills Development and Productivity in the Supply Chain" event held in Chattogram brought together stakeholders from the RMG industry to showcase the Gender Equality and Returns (GEAR) initiative in promoting gender equality and continued advancement of women's leadership and skills in the RMG sector.
GEAR, a collaborative initiative by ILO and the IFC Better Work programme, has trained 800 female workers since 2016, of which 528 have been promoted to supervisory roles.
In partnership with the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE), this event marked the joint commitment to women's empowerment in the RMG sector.
The RMG industry, a crucial contributor to the national economy, is experiencing positive change through initiatives like GEAR.
An Oxford University impact assessment revealed direct positive outcomes from GEAR, including a 5% increase in line efficiency, a 39% wage increase for female supervisors, and improved quality control, showcasing enhanced confidence and capabilities among trained workers.
Despite this, the sector still grapples with a mere 5% of supervisory roles held by women and an existing wage gap, highlighting the need for sustained efforts.
While acknowledging GEAR's successes, speakers at the event emphasized the necessity for collaborative action from the government, factory owners, buyers, development partners, UN agencies, and civil society organizations (CSOs).
These collaborative efforts are essential to creating a more equitable garment industry, according to ILO.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh Park Young Sik said Korea is proud to support Bangladesh in these vital initiatives. "The strides made here in gender equality inspire many," he noted.
Leena Khan, Labor Attaché, U.S. Embassy Dhaka, Bangladesh, said, "As graduates of the GEAR program, you will contribute to better working conditions, ensuring worker voices are heard, and improving employment opportunities for women."
"We recognize the program's work with governments, employers, workers, trade unions, and global brands to improve worker rights in the garment industry and to make the sector more competitive."
Bangladesh-Japan friendship children’s painting competition held in Dhaka
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori has congratulated the winners of the children’s painting competition.
“I do hope that after today’s competition, many of the participants from Bangladesh show strong interest to Japan. Embassy will give relevant information about Japan for your future activities. I do also wish that some of you will one day travel to our country and experience our culture directly,” he said.
The award giving ceremony was held at Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh on Saturday. A total of 15 winners from 5 groups received prizes.
Students from Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, also attended the prize giving ceremony online.
Along with young students, Mayor of Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Tatsuya ITO and representatives from the city sent a video message encouraging the participants and hoped that more such event will deepen Japan-Bangladesh relations.
“Today, the prizes are given not only to the children of Bangladesh but also to the Japanese boys and girls in Bangladesh and Japan,” said the Ambassador.
Prof. Syed Abul Barq Alvi, Department of Printmaking, University of Dhaka, and Md. Zahirul Hasan, founder President, Bangladesh-Japan Cultural and Friendship Exchange Forum, and Utpal K Das, attended the prize giving ceremony.
Not for UN Secretary-General to designate an event as genocide: Spokesman
The United Nations has reiterated its hope for "free, fair and credible elections" in Bangladesh.
"I haven’t seen the letter, and I would just refer you to what I’ve already said extensively on the elections in Bangladesh and our hopes for a free, fair, and credible elections," Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, told reporters during a regular briefing on December 8.
Earlier in November, Bangladesh conveyed to the United Nations that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is “determined to hold a free and fair election” but will not tolerate burning of public and private properties and human lives in the name of demonstration that the opposition frequently perpetrates.
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi celebrates Armed Forces Day
“In the context of undue, unwarranted and vested political pressure that we are facing from different comers ahead of our upcoming National Parliamentary Election, we hope that United Nations system, including its Secretariat, agencies and country office, would play a constructive and collaborative role to assist Bangladesh to remain persistent in its development trajectory,” Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen wrote in his letter to the UN.
The letter was written on November 19 and the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN transmitted it to the UN on November 20.
ADB to provide $400 million to support climate priorities in Bangladesh
Responding to a question, the UN Secretary-General’s spokesman said the UN does not send election observers without a specific mandate.
A questioner said the United Nations is yet to take action to recognise the genocidal action committed by Pakistani occupying force in Bangladesh during the Liberation War in 1971 and sought comments from the spokesman.
In reply, he said, “First of all, with all due respect to historical events and those who suffered during those historical events, I will not comment on things that happened that long ago. Second, as we’ve said here repeatedly over and over again, it is not for the Secretary-General to designate an event as genocide. It is up to competent judicial authorities.”
Momen writes to UN, seeks its ‘constructive, collaborative’ role amid ‘unwarranted political pressure’
Every 9 December, the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide marks the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide – a crucial global commitment that was made at the founding of the United Nations, immediately preceding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi celebrates Armed Forces Day
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has celebrated the Armed Forces Day of Bangladesh with a vow to brightening the country’s positive image across the world and upholding the image of Bangladesh Armed Forces.
To celebrate this special occasion, the High Commission hosted a reception at Bangabandhu Hall of the Chancery. Lieutenant General VM Bhuvana Krishnan, AVSM, YSM Quartermaster General of Indian Army graced the ceremony as the chief guest.
Director General of Border Security Force (BSF) Nitin Agarwal, ex-Chief of Army staff of Indian Army Gen Deepak Kapoor (retd) and many war veterans of Indian Armed Forces, diplomats of different countries and most of the Defence Advisers/Attaches based in Delhi attended the event held on Thursday.
On arrival, the chief guest along with High Commissioner and Defence Adviser laid floral wreath to the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and paid homage to all martyrs of Liberation War of 1971, said the High Commission in a media release on Friday.
The National Anthems of both the countries were played.Besides, a video clip containing the contribution of Bangladesh Armed Forcesin nation building and for international peace was screened.
Defence Adviser, Brigadier General Md. Hafizur Rahman, has delivered the welcome speech.
He specially mentioned the great sacrifice of the War Heroes of India besides the Mukti-Bahini of Bangladesh in achieving the glorious victory in 1971.
ADB to provide $400 million to support climate priorities in Bangladesh
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday approved a $400 million policy-based loan to support the government of Bangladesh in implementing its National Adaptation Plan, 2023–2050 and Nationally Determined Contributions 2021 Update to the Paris Agreement to achieve a climate-focused inclusive development.
Bangladesh is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the adverse impacts of climate change, recording an annual average loss of about $3 billion, said the Manila-based regional development bank.
This loan is the first subprogramme of the indicative $700 million Climate-Resilient Inclusive Development Program, which ADB says will help Bangladesh strengthen its climate resilience, transition to a low-carbon economy, mitigate its greenhouse gas emissions, and mainstream gender equality and social inclusion in the government’s climate actions.
“Climate shocks have been severely disrupting Bangladesh’s growth and poverty alleviation. Financing needs for climate actions are astronomical. Bangladesh has strongly committed to tackling this challenge, and ADB, as the region’s climate bank, is ready to support Bangladesh in its efforts,” said ADB Principal Public Management Economist Aminur Rahman.
The programme will create an enabling institutional and policy environment to mobilize climate finance, prioritize climate actions in the country’s overall development agenda, and help the government implement reforms in climate-critical sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, transport and infrastructure, urban development, and energy.
The programme facilitated the creation of the National Committee for Environment and Climate Change headed by the Prime Minister for holistic implementation of the government’s climate priorities across ministries.
The programme will intensively support the government in operationalizing the Bangladesh Climate and Development Partnership launched recently at COP 28.
It supports the mainstreaming of climate priorities in government planning and resource allocation, and the mobilization of climate finance through green bonds and sustainable finance policy.
At the sectoral level, the programme promotes climate-smart and climate-resilient agricultural practices, especially those that favor female farmers, adaptation of solar irrigation pumps, introduction of climate-resilient infrastructure design and planning, and regulatory framework for adaptation of electric vehicles and introduction of electric buses in the public transport fleet. ADB also helps promote climate-resilient city action plans and improved drainage system for municipalities to reduce urban flooding.
In October 2021, ADB announced it is raising its ambition to deliver climate financing to its developing member countries to $100 billion from 2019 to 2030.
This will expand access to new, climate-focused technologies and mobilize private capital toward climate finance.