parlament
Release promised climate funds for developing nations: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday called for the immediate utilization of the promised climate finance for developing nations as well as early operationalization of the fund for loss and damage.
Momen stresses 'unity, collaboration, shared vision' for Global South
He made the call when a delegation from the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Bangladesh at the Scottish Parliament led by its Convenor and Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development of Scotland Foysol Choudhury MSP (Labour Party) met the Foreign Minister at the latter’s office.
The other members of the delegation included, among others, Deputy Convenor of CPG Miles Briggs MSP (Conservative Party), and Member of CPG Ms. Evelyn Tweed MSP (Scottish National Party).
The Foreign Minister appreciated the CPG's special role to promote Bangladesh’s political, economic and cultural relations with Scotland.
He recalled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s last visit to the Scottish Parliament in November 2021 while attending the COP 26 in Glasgow and her talk at the Scottish Parliament.
The CPG delegation highly commended Bangladesh’s socio-economic development over the last decade, particularly expressed their appreciation in completing mega infrastructure projects like the Padma Multipurpose Bridge and Dhaka Metro Rail.
The CPG delegation underscored the importance of cooperation in climate actions, particularly as a follow-up to COP 26 held in 2021 in Glasgow.
The Foreign Minister informed the CPG delegation that the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has always been the voice for climate justice of all the climate vulnerable countries, especially members of Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF).
Bangladesh eager to boost partnership with ASEAN for greater peace, prosperity, stability: Momen
He narrated Bangladesh government’s mitigation and adaptation measures, including establishment of a large housing project in Cox’s Bazar for climate migrants as well as free housing with land ownership to the homeless and landless vulnerable people all over Bangladesh under Prime Minister’s ‘Ashrayan Project’.
The Foreign Minister appreciated the CPG delegation for their willingness to visit Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar to understand the magnitude of challenges faced by Bangladesh in hosting 1.2 million Rohingyas, and explained how the prolonged presence of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas is creating burden on our economy and environment in Cox’s Bazar.
Momen underscored the importance of the Rohingyas’ safe and sustainable return to their homeland Myanmar. He also encouraged the CPG delegation to play more active role in Scottish Parliament to mobilize support for the ICJ case on the Rohingyas.
The Foreign Minister invited Scottish investment on renewable energy, green transition including electric vehicles, shipbuilding, marine fisheries and aquaculture and tourism.
Both sides also shared views on enhancing welfare of RMG workers through ‘fair price’ by the brands.
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The Foreign Minister also briefed the delegation on the government’s commitment to assisting the Election Commission to organize the upcoming parliamentary elections in a free and fair environment.
Bogota keen on cooperation with Dhaka in RMG, pharmaceutical sectors
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran, concurrently accredited to Colombia, has recently presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Colombia Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego.
Ambassador Imran formally presented his credentials to the Colombian president at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, on November 8.
Upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace, the Bangladesh Ambassador was greeted with a guard of honor by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Presidential Guard Regiment.
He was later introduced to Colombian President Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego. Acting Foreign Minister Francisco J. Coy G. and senior officials were present on the occasion, said the Embassy on November 19.
While presenting the credentials to the Colombian president, the ambassador conveyed greetings to him from President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Colombian president reciprocated the greetings to the Bangladesh president and PM.
Colombian President Gustavo Francisco welcomed the Bangladesh ambassador in his country and expressed his satisfaction over the excellent bilateral relations existing between the two countries. He also hoped that the ties would be further consolidated in the coming days.
The Colombian president, from his government, assured the ambassador of extending all kinds of support to discharge his diplomatic duties.
Later, the ambassador had a meeting with Nelsy Raquel Munar Jaramillo, Director for Asia, Africa and Oceania, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Carlos A. Forero, Coordinator, Asia Pacific at the Foreign Office.
During the meeting, they discussed a wide range of bilateral issues and focused on many areas of cooperation.
The ambassador apprised them of Bangladesh’s tremendous socioeconomic progress that took place in the last 15 years under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Nelsy Raquel expressed his keen interest in cooperation in the ready-made garment (RMG) and pharmaceutical sectors between Bangladesh and Colombia as well as signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on regular Foreign Office Consultations (FOC).
Information minister attends swearing-in ceremony of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hassan Mahmud has attended thethe swearing-in ceremony of the new president and vice president of the Maldives.
Hassan Mahmud joined the newly elected President Mohamed Muizzu and Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef in taking the oath of office in Male on Friday evening, according to a press release.
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The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from Sri Lanka, Seychelles, China's special envoy, as well as ministers from India, Pakistan, Turkey, the UAE, ambassadors, and representatives of international organizations.
At the end of the swearing-in ceremony, the guests joined the Maldives president for a state banquet.
President, PM extend greetings to Maldives president-elect
Mohamed Muizzu, the candidate of the People's National Congress, secured 54.04% of the votes in the first and second rounds of the direct popular vote held on September 9 and 30. He defeated the former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to become the newly elected president.
The cooperation between Bangladesh and the Maldives remains strong in various fields such as education, health, culture, youth and sports, aviation, and information technology.
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The participation of the Minister of Information and Broadcasting in the swearing-in ceremony of the new Maldivian President will further strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Maldives.
Bangladesh condemns Israel's attack on Jordanian Field Hospital in Gaza Strip
Bangladesh is "deeply concerned" over the tragic incidents unfolding in Gaza Strip and strongly condemned the targeted attacks on civilians and civilian establishments causing increasing deaths and casualties of innocent children and women.
"Bangladesh strongly urges the international community and relevant agencies to reject such inhuman actions and engage in efforts collectively to end this senseless and barbaric bloodshed in Palestine," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Saturday.
Bangladesh denounced the recent storming of civilian healthcare centres like Al- Shifa Medical Hospital and Jordanian Field Hospital in besieged Gaza by the Israeli Occupied Forces.
Targeting hospitals and medical personnel intentionally, under any circumstances is totally unacceptable, MoFA said.
"The assault on Jordanian hospital and the resultant injuries of its medical personnel, is a case in point of Israel's total disregard for international humanitarian laws and accords," it said.
Momen stresses 'unity, collaboration, shared vision' for Global South
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday reiterated the importance of sustainable regional peace and stability, emphasizing the need to work together for long-term benefits.
He noted the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, making Global South countries economically and politically more vulnerable.
Momen was speaking at the Foreign Ministers' Session of the '2nd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS 2.0),' hosted by India, although held virtually.
The session was chaired by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.
Read: Bangladesh eager to boost partnership with ASEAN for greater peace, prosperity, stability: Momen
Foreign Minister Momen emphasized the need to ‘reward rather than punish’ the countries graduating from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group, and urged the continuation of duty-free and quota-free market access for the graduating LDCs for at least six years.
He also called for collective efforts to fulfill commitments in reducing and limiting global temperature rise, urging developed countries to provide more climate finance and technologies.
Besides, the foreign minister advocated for necessary reforms in multilateral institutions, international financial architecture, and terms of trade, ensuring greater representation of Global South countries in decision-making processes.
Momen urged support from the world for the early repatriation of 1.2 million Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals, i.e. the Rohingyas in the refugee camps of Cox's Bazar, back to Myanmar.
Read: Momen congratulates US-Bangladeshis over state parliamentary elections win He expressed his conviction that collaboration between India and Bangladesh can catalyze in promoting the interest of Global South in the region and beyond. Momen stressed the need for unity, collaboration and shared vision highlighting its significance in driving joint efforts towards the betterment of the Global South.
He thanked India for their dedication in upholding the issues of the Global South during its G20 Presidency.
The theme of the session attended by the foreign minister was ‘India & the Global South: Emerging Together for a Better Future.’
The session was attended by foreign ministers from Global South countries namely Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Djibouti, Mongolia, Cambodia, among others.
Read: Momen highlights media's role in speedy implementation of projects Momen reflected on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed the interconnectedness of unity among nations, stating, "Nobody is safe until everybody is safe."
He highlighted the policy of shared prosperity embraced by Bangladesh and India under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, fostering inclusive development and a culture of peace in the region.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke at the inaugural session of the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit joined by world leaders and chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
AL responds to Lu: 'Conditions don't exist for meaningful discussions'
Bangladesh Awami League appreciates the outpouring of international support for the country's upcoming national elections, the party's General Secretary Obaidul Quader said in a letter to Donald Lu, US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the US Department of State and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, that also ruled out any possibility of dialogue.
In the letter dated November 15, 2023, Quader expressed gratitude to Lu and US Ambassador Peter Haas on behalf of Awami League for their support and assistance in ensuring a free, fair, and violence-free national parliamentary election.
AL expressed its commitment to upholding the democratic process and the sacred right of people to vote. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is also the President of AL, the current government in Bangladesh has implemented various reforms to make the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) an independent organization, including the introduction of photo-based voter ID cards, transparent ballot boxes, and a law for the appointment of election commissioners, Quader said in the letter.
The Bangladesh Election Commission has already announced the schedule for the 12th national parliamentary election, set to take place on January 7, 2024, with the last date for submission of nominations being November 30, 2023. AL expressed openness to dialogue with other political parties, but such discussions were hindered by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) insisting on the resignation of the current government as a precondition for any talks, he said.
The ongoing political unrest, including blockades and arson attacks orchestrated by BNP and its allies like Jamaat-E-Islami, Quader said, further complicated the possibility of meaningful dialogue. According to the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence, between October 28 and November 13, a total of 154 arson attacks have been carried out by blockade supporters, Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges minister also said.
AL highlighted that, despite the willingness to engage in dialogue, currently the conditions do not exist for meaningful discussions. With the election fast approaching, political parties, including AL, are focused on finalizing electoral tasks such as reviewing and confirming nominees, preparing manifestos, and strategizing campaigns.
Bangladesh Awami League expressed its gratitude for international cooperation and hopes that all international friends will continue to support the country in ensuring a free and fair election in a peaceful environment, added the letter
Quader was replying to a letter from Lu's office dated November 12, that said the US hoped to see the parties here engage in dialogue without conditions ahead of the election.
Foreign secretary-level bilateral meeting with India likely in Delhi next week
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen is likely to visit India next week for a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Vinay Kwatra.
The visit, once finalised, will take place at the invitation of Vinay Kwatra.
Read: US to hold accountable those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labour rights defenders, labour orgs
Officials of the two countries are in discussion to finalise the visit, said a diplomatic source.
Once finalised, the foreign secretary will leave Dhaka for New Delhi on November 23.
The meeting is likely to take place on November 24.
Moscow can be a promising destination for the Bangladeshi youth
Youths from Bangladesh working in different professions should explore Moscow, the capital city of Russia, as it offers a vast array of opportunities for them.
Bangladesh's youth population has increased by 15.81 percent to 4.59 crore in the last decade, as per the recent census -- raising the stakes for the government to take measures to make the most of their potential.
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UNB correspondent recently visited the Moscow under a New generation programme titled Russia is a country of youth opportunity and learned about the city with youth from different countries like Serbia, Armenia, Belarus, Lebanon, Moldova, India and Tajikstan.
Around 42 people coming from different countries praised Moscow as they found the city most vibrant and habitable city which can be considered as one of best cities of the world to stay, learn,travel and work.
Mikalai from Belarus told UNB that Moscow is a metropolis, where you can see the architecture of different styles and different centuries. Where despite the current situation in the world peacefully live people of different nationalities and faith live peacefully in the world.
"In general, Moscow - a huge and beautiful city, which has its own vibe and city is worth visiting for everyone," he also said.
Alaa Kanaan from Lebanon who is working for Russian House in the capital city Beirut shared his view with UNB.
He described Moscow as distinguished by its unique architecture that reflects its nation, wide streets and great metro experience. It's a versatile city where many nationalities are living in it, and from all over Russian regions. It is a city of beauty, where you can find everything, with easy access. Beautiful parks are all over.
"It's a destination for love, beauty and business," he also said.
Student of the Russian presidential academy, Iakovleva Daria, referred to Moscow as one of the most developed cities in the world.
"If we talk, for example, about food delivery. 30 minutes and you have pasta with meat at home. We have clean subway (really clean!), we have delicious food, doesn’t matter Russian, Italian or French cuisine," she said.
He added that Moscow is the city where you can find all car diversity (rolls Royce, Porsche, Russian old cars - whatever).
Secretary of Belarusian Youth Union Oksenyuk Ivan Evgenievich also talked to UNB and mentioned that Moscow is a city where many nationalities and religions live peacefully, where your rights are not infringed.
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"A city where you can express yourself in any field. Moscow is about cultural values in their original form (family, children, religion, respect for elders). A huge city that always stood to the end, but if it was captured, the inhabitants themselves burned it so that it would not fall to the enemy," he added.
Recently the Russian government has allotted 124 scholarships for Bangladeshi students for the 2024–2025 academic year while the total number of scholarships for the academic year 2023–24 was 110.
The country also organising World Youth Festival to bring together the most passionate people from all over the world. The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has officially decreed that the Festival would be held from March 1 to March 7, 2024, on the Sirius Federal Territory in Sochi.
The WYF 2024 will bring 20,000 Participants from 180 countristay,leahere Bangladeshi youth from 15 to 35 can register themselves for the programme.
According to the embassy of Bangladesh, more than 2000 Bangladeshi nationals are living in Russia.
On the other hand, a significant 42.4% are considering leaving the country, citing socio-economic concerns (75.5%), skill-job mismatch (50.9%), and restricted educational options (42.3%) as reasons.
Bangladesh Youth Leadership Centre (BYLC) and BRAC University’s Centre for Peace and Justice jointly conducted the research study titled 'Youth Matters Survey' to understand the aspirations, priorities, and viewpoints of Bangladesh’s youth.
The total population now is 16.98 crore and 27.96 percent of them are aged between 15-29 years. In the last survey, the total population was 14.98 croreDaria er, 26.4 percent of which were youth.
Bangladesh's growth is India's growth: Shringla
India's former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said Bangladesh's development is India's development, Bangladesh's growth is India's growth and vice versa.
He said India always stands by a strong, stable, peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh.
Shringla expressed hope that the two countries will continue the unique partnership to reap the benefits mutually as this should not be a one-way traffic.
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi organised an event on Thursday to unveil the book titled ‘Bangladesh: From Basket Case to Asian Tiger’ by Samuel Richard.
The book highlights the remarkable success and development progress of Bangladesh achieved in various sectors during the Awami League government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
A special panel discussion on the book was also organized as part of the event.
Shringla took part in the discussion as a panelist and highlighted the important aspects of Bangladesh-India bilateral relations in the context of the continued progress of Bangladesh’s growth and development, said the Bangladesh High Commission on Friday.
Joining the discussion, Professor of Research and Information Systems for Developing Countries (RIS) Dr Prabir De termed connectivity as one of the key components of strong Bangladesh-India ties.
Another panelist, Professor Dheeraj Sharma, Director of Indian Institute of Management Rohtak mentioned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s bold leadership as the main catalyst behind Bangladesh’s recent development success.
In his closing remarks, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India Md. Mustafizur Rahman shed light on various path breaking achievements of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, including Bangladesh’s progressive economy, education, information technology, health, women’s empowerment and infrastructural development.
He also expressed gratitude to the government and people of India for being a contributing partner in the ongoing development of Bangladesh.
Selim Md. Jahangir, Minister (Consular) of the High Commission moderated the programme and shared his thoughts and reflections on the book briefly.
Ambassadors and diplomats of various countries, dignitaries of the host country, journalists, Mission officers and employees and expatriate Bangladeshis attended the event.
US to hold accountable those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labour rights defenders, labour orgs
The United States has said they will work to hold accountable those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labor rights defenders, labor organizations – including using things like sanctions, trade penalties, visa restrictions – all the tools in their kit.
"We want to be there for people like Kalpona Atker, a Bangladeshi garment worker and activist, who says that she is alive today because the U.S. embassy advocated on her behalf," said US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken at the rollout of the Presidential Memorandum on "Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally" on November 16.
He said when they use their voice, their advocacy around the world, they can make a concrete difference in making sure that those who are trying to advance labor rights are protected and defended.
Washington urges all parties to avoid violence and work together for fair vote in Bangladesh
"We will strengthen the federal government’s capacity to advance worker rights abroad by prioritizing greater job opportunities for employees with labor expertise, training our personnel to know about worker rights, to look for and prevent abuses," Blinken said.
He said they will work with governments and multilateral institutions like the United Nations, with the G20, to promote labor rights and standards.
"This will be part of the work that we do in these international organizations, where so many of the rules are set. It happens in windowless rooms around the world, but it’s important – the standards, the norms, the rights that are established. These have a profound effect around the world. We’re going to be in there making sure that we’re advocating for labor," Blinken said.
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He said they will step up their due diligence and enforcement to ensure that their own trade agreements, supply chains, protect workers, and that we’re not importing goods made with forced labor.
Blinken said they will engage governments, workers, labor organizations, trade unions, civil society, and the private sector around the world to protect and promote respect for internationally recognized labor rights.
"That means, for instance, that all of our ambassadors, all of the folks running our embassies around the world, will engage with workers, with unions so that their voices are reflected in everything that we do," he said.
The US Department of State will begin implementing key actions from President Biden’s Presidential Memorandum on "Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally."
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"Labor rights are integral to building democracy, achieving economic growth, strengthening supply chain resilience, and leveling the playing field for American workers and companies," said Blinken on Thursday.
This new whole-of-government approach will advance worker empowerment and unions, in line with President Biden’s policies here at home, according to an announcement made by the US Department of State.
The Presidential Memorandum for the first time directs Chiefs of Mission and Department officials to directly engage in labor diplomacy and enhancing programming and public messaging on workers and labor rights.
The Department’s efforts to advance internationally recognized workers’ rights will be carried out alongside interagency partners, including U.S. Department of Labor.
"This Memorandum is intended to raise global labor standards, building on the full range of existing authorities and tools in diplomacy, foreign assistance and programming, law enforcement, and global trade and economic cooperation, consistent with relevant international obligations and commitments," the announcement reads.