parlament
US wants to make Bangladesh playground to dominate India: Inu
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haque Inu on Monday said that the United States wants to make Bangladesh a playground to ‘dominate’ India.
“The United States has suddenly become very enthusiastic about Bangladesh. They actually want to make Bangladesh a playground to 'dominate' India,” he said.
Also read: Bangladesh not concerned about new US visa policy; we can have our own policy too: Obaidul Quader
The former Information Minister, Inu said this while participating in the general discussion on the proposed budget for the financial year 2023-2024 in Parliament.
He mentioned that if the United States does not get New Delhi fully as a ‘close ally', then it will try to oust government of India’s friendly country Bangladesh.
Also read: US govt’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh government: Shahriar Alam
He said that it means the US wants to remove Sheikh Hasina’s government and put a puppet one in the power.
Inu said that bargaining is on basically between the United States and India.
“They are using the term democracy. But no one can name a country in the world where America has established democracy,” he said.
Also read: New US visa policy declared targeting next Bangladesh polls
Rather, he said, when America becomes enthusiastic about the democracy of a country, it brings more sufferings to the people than the government or the opposition party of that particular country.
"It's time for us to think about the reason for America's over-enthusiasm. Is it Democracy or the Saint Martin's Island?”
Inu said that it will not be allowed that someone from 20,000 miles away will come and make the country a playground.
“Election will be held in the right time according to the constitution in Independent, sovereign country Bangladesh,” he said.
Inu claimed that as the BNP and Jamaat are not able to stand on their own feet, they are inviting a calamity by one’s own imprudence by going to different quarters of foreign countries.
Talking about the due bills of coals that led the country for a huge load management recently, Inu questioned how such a huge amount of money remained unpaid.
Inu said that the daily commodity market must be controlled at any cost.
“Inflation must be controlled. The purchasing power of common people must be maintained. Power supply should be uninterrupted.”
Pointing out that the government set up the quick rental on an emergency basis, Inu said that when other power plants started coming up, why Tk 90,000 crore needed to be paid as capacity charge in 10 years keeping them idle.
“in the last 9 months, capacity charges of Tk 17,000 crore had been given to some major companies in the country for the quick rental concept.”
Inu said that the elections will be held at the end of December 2023.
“Some foreign quarters are making a fuss about the election. And looking at the attitude of BNP-Jamaat and their allies, it seems that they want to decide the question of power before the elections.”
He urged BNP to come to elections and said that there will be no more ghost government or military government like the 1/11 in the country.
Another deal signed with Oman to import more LNG from 2026
State-owned Petrobangla, the oil gas and mineral corporation of Bangladesh, signed another agreement with OQT, Oman to import more liquified natural gas (LNG) from the Middle-east country.
As per the new agreement, the OQT, the Omani state-owned company, will supply LNG 0.25-1.5 million metric ton per annum (MTPA) to Bangladesh over 10 years from 2026.
Prime Minister’s Energy Advisor Dr. Tawfiq-e- Elahi chowdhury, who was present at the singing ceremony at Sonargaon Hotel on Monday, said it will play a vital role in ensuring Bangladesh energy security.
Also read: Bangladesh to sign another deal with Oman to increase LNG import
“It’s a way forward to ensure energy supply to the country”, he added.
However, no prices or financial details of the deal was disclosed in the function. “It’s a confidential matter between the two sides”, said the Omani ambassador in Bangladesh Abdul Ghaffar Albulushi.
The function was also addressed by chief executive of OQT Said Al Maawali, and Petrobangla chairman Janendra Nath Sarker while Energy Secretary Dr Khaituzzanan Majumder presided over it.
Under the existing Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) of LNG signed with Petrobangla and Oman Trading International (now known as OQ Trading Limited-OQT) on 06 May 2018, Oman has been supplying 1.0 to 1.5 MTPA of LNG on a G2G basis for a period of 10 years.
Also read: Deal signed with Qatar to get additional 1.5 MTPA of LNG for next 15 years
Under new agreement, the OQ Trading Limited (OQT) will supply more LNG over 10 years on G-to-G basis.
It will supply 4 cargoes of LNG in 2026, 16 cargoes of LNG per year from 2027 to 2028 and 24 cargo LNG per year from 2029 to 2035.
Currently 3.5-4.0 MTPA of LNG is being imported under the two existing contracts.
“This will be in addition to the existing deal with Oman to increase the import by another 1 million MT under a 10-year agreement”, said the Petrobangla chairman.
Also read: Qatar's Amir promises larger supply of LNG to Bangladesh
Bangladesh has been desperately looking for increasing its import of LNG under a long-term agreement to sustain the volatility due to the frequent price fluctuation in the global energy market.
As part of the move, recently Bangladesh signed a new deal with Qatar to get an additional 1.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the next 15 years from 2026.
The Petrobangla signed the new agreement with Qatar’s state-owned Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Ltd., (Qatargas).
Under the new deal, Qatar will supply an additional about 1.5 MTPA of LNG per year from 2026 to 2040. Of this, Bangladesh will get 12 LNG cargoes in 2026 and 24 cargoes in 2027.
Also read: Bangladesh expects 1-1.5mn MT LNG annually from Brunei starting early 2023
The country's total natural gas production is about 3000 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) against a demand of 4000 MMCFD leaving a shortfall of about 1000 MMCFD. Of the total production, 700 MMCFD is imported while 2300 MMCFD.
PM Hasina for peaceful resolution of Ukraine crisis
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday called for resolving any dispute peacefully and extended Bangladesh’s support to this end saying this principle should be followed universally.
The Prime Minister made the call while having a telephonic conversation with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal this afternoon.
“Bangladesh is respectful towards sovereignty and regional integrity according to the objectives and principles of the United Nations,” she said.
Read more: Biden and Sunak to focus on Ukraine and economic security in British PM's first White House visit
Pointing to the Russia-Ukraine war, Sheikh Hasina expressed sorrow over the death of common people and children due to the ongoing war.
“We also emerged from war, war does not bring any good for any side, we believe in the principle of peace,” she said.
In this regard, the Prime Minister said that Bangladesh wants immediate stop of the Russia-Ukraine war so that food grains could easily be transported from Ukraine-widely known as ”Bread Basket”.
During the time, she hoped uninterrupted transportation will be maintained for imports of food grains from Ukraine.
Read: Putin meets with African leaders in Russia to discuss Ukraine peace plan, but no visible progress
Sheikh Hasina extended full support of Bangladesh to the “Black Sea Grain Initiative” under the UN and thanked all involved in such initiatives.
In this connection, she expressed her optimism that such noble steps would continue in the days ahead.
During the telephone conversation, the Ukrainian Prime Minister renewed his stance to work together with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for taking the existing bilateral relations between the two countries to a new height.
Denys Shmyhal requested Hasina to stand beside Ukrane in the international arena particularly at the UN and in other fora.
Read more: 110 million people forcibly displaced as Sudan, Ukraine wars add to world refugee crisis, UN says
FBCCI-HSBC to work together to boost exports between Bangladesh-UK
The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) in partnership with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) commissioned a study on the UK – Bangladesh market, to Ernst & Young and Quay Asia on Monday.
The study aims to improve bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh. It will explore the ambitious growth agenda that showcases areas of cooperation between the two countries and was launched at an event titled “Bangladesh–UK Business Corridor: Legacy and the Future” on Monday.
Also read: Bangladesh to retain duty-free access for 98% of exports, including RMG as UK introduces new scheme
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin, , Chief of Staff HSBC Asia Pacific Philip Fellowes and HSBC Bangladesh CEO Md Mahbub Ur Rahman, shared their insights during the occasion.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem, also attended the event and spoke over Zoom.
The event also highlighted the important ways in which both countries can unlock the potential market opportunities.
Also read: UK will continue to "support democratic process" in Bangladesh
“We were able to grow trade with the UK with our contemporary export policies and bilateral relations; this relation will only grow in the coming days with the agreements in place with UK. I thank HSBC and FBCCI for supporting this market study which will undoubtedly open opportunities for further trade and investment growth,” said the commerce minister.
“While Bangladesh considers the UK an important export destination, the trade relationship is currently concentrated on a few specific items. Policymakers and business leaders from both countries,” said the FBCCI president.
Also read: President Shahabuddin seeks more British investment in Bangladesh's energy sector
The UK solidified its position as the leading investor in Bangladesh in 2022, attracting the highest inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and ranking second in terms of FDI stock. Notably, investments were concentrated in key sectors such as textiles and weaving, power, banking, and food supply.
Bangladesh to retain duty-free access for 98% of exports, including RMG as UK introduces new scheme
UK’s landmark Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) has come into effect that simplifies trading rules and cuts tariffs on products entering the UK from 65 developing countries, including Bangladesh.
The DCTS will help grow trade, boost jobs, and drive sustained economic growth. This new scheme demonstrates the UK’s commitment to a modern and mutually beneficial partnership with Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is due to graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2026.
Changes made to the DCTS mean Bangladesh will retain duty-free access for 98% of exports, including readymade garments, said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Monday.
Read: Exports to China can grow with extension of duty-free access to 380-plus new products
It is more generous than the European Union’s scheme the UK was previously a member of, said the High Commission.
The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, said the DCTS will support Bangladesh’s manufacturing capacity, increase long term economic growth and resilience, and allow it to access global supply chains.
"It benefits the UK through greater consumer choice and competitive prices. This announcement underscores our commitment to a modern and mutually beneficial partnership with Bangladesh, based on deeper, economic and trade ties and global standards”.
The scheme will contribute to developing countries’ integration into the global economy, creating stronger trade and investment partners for the future, and strengthening supply chains.
Read: BGMEA writes to US policymakers for duty-free access for US cotton-made apparel
The DCTS makes it easier to produce goods using components from other countries without losing duty free status.
Under the new scheme, Bangladesh will be able to participate in global value chains involving raw materials from 95 countries to export their final products to the UK duty-free, provided they meet certain requirements.
The DCTS promotes free and fair trade, human rights, and good governance.
Read more: UK to continue duty-free market access to Bangladesh after LDC graduation
Retention of DCTS preferences is based on respect for human and labour rights and compliance with relevant international conventions, including those on civil and political rights, anti-corruption, climate change and the environment.
IFAD President lauds Bangladesh's remarkable achievements in food production, climate-smart agriculture
President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Alvaro Lario has praised Bangladesh's remarkable achievements in food production, climate-smart agriculture, and including women and youth in rural enterprises.
He met Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque at the G20 Agriculture Ministers’ meeting in Hyderabad, India, recently.
Successes of the 45-year-long partnership between IFAD and the Government of Bangladesh include crop diversification, business-oriented agriculture, youth capacity building, and private sector engagement were also discussed, IFAD said in a media release on Monday.
“Despite the fact that the multiple crises are staling global progress on eradicating poverty and hunger, we can still achieve our goals,” said Lario.
Read: G20: IFAD President Alvaro Lario advocates for increased investment in rural transformation
“We know what works: climate-smart technologies, improved resilience, and commercially viable nature-based solutions are proven ways to build equitable, sustainable and inclusive food systems. But to realize this potential, we must invest in small-scale producers and boost the role of rural women and youth in value chains,” he added.
“Continuous collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and development partners such as IFAD is vital to creating an inclusive and empowering ecosystem for our farmers to fortify resilience against climate change, foster sustainable food systems, and drive rural development with the ultimate goal of promoting rural prosperity,” said Abdur Razzaque.
The delegation also discussed the three ongoing IFAD-financed projects implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA).
First, the National Agricultural Technology Programmes – Phase 2 (NATP-II) co-financed with the World Bank, strengthened the research abilities of the MoA and established extension offices at the union parishad level – both critical interventions in the transformation of the extension system in Bangladesh.
Read: IFAD president visits India to advocate for small-scale farmers, rural communities at G20 meeting
Second, The Smallholder Agricultural Competitiveness Project (SACP) enabled 250,000 coastal farmers to diversify crops, improve livelihoods, and build climate resilience.
The success of this model has opened up opportunities to extend the project's reach to an additional 420,000 farmers through a USD 31 million project, including a 20 million grant from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program.
The Programme on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience (PARTNER), co-financed with the World Bank. is a USD 543 million sectoral transformation project promoting crop diversification, entrepreneurship, and climate resilience across Bangladesh.
Read more: Bangladesh, IFAD sign financing deal for USD 31 million project to diversify agriculture
UK will continue to "support democratic process" in Bangladesh
British Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Anne-Marie Trevelyan has assured that her government will continue to support democratic process in Bangladesh, according to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam held a meeting with the British Minister on Monday in London and expressed Bangladesh government’s resolve to extend all possible support to the Election Commission to hold free and fair general elections.
During the meeting, the State Minister expressed happiness that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina could attend the historic royal coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May 2023 in London.
Read: PM Hasina credits peaceful democratic atmosphere for country's massive progress
He also expressed satisfaction over the fruitful meeting between Hasina and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the Marlborough House in May on the margins of the Commonwealth Leaders Event.
The FCDO Minister of State (Indo-Pacific) conveyed the British government’s sincere appreciation for Prime Minister Hasina’s attending the royal coronation.
She expressed that Rishi Sunak was pleased to meet Hasina during the royal coronation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The British Minister expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Joint Communique on Aviation Trade and Investment Partnership between Bangladesh and the UK governments during the Prime Minister’s visit to the UK last month.
The State Minister thanked the British government for their humanitarian support to the Rohingya camps and political support towards a safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar.
He also underscored that the Rohingya crisis must not go out of sight of the international community.
The British Minister of State praised Bangladesh’s generosity in hosting the Rohingyas and echoed that the issue should get due attention from the international community.
Read: New visa policy merely to support democratic electoral process: Ambassador Haas
The State Minister informed the British Minister of State that the Bangladesh Cabinet decided last week to accede to the Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling paving the way for the Convention to come into effect.
The British Minister of State thanked the Bangladesh government for its decision and expressed the desire to work together for green shipping and maritime security.
Both sides also shared their views on Commonwealth affairs, particularly on trade and investment issues and hoped that the upcoming Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum in Dhaka will be a success.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem and Director General (West Europe & EU) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kazi Russel Pervez were present at the meeting.
Read: Govt expects undemocratic forces to refrain from misguided efforts to jeopardize electoral process
Momen unhappy over Congressmen’s letter, says statement over minorities is not true
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday expressed displeasure over the misinformation in the six Congressmen’s letter regarding Bangladesh’s Hindu and Christian.
The ruling Awami League party has been criticising their recent letter for its content, saying that they mimicked nothing but the BNP.
The Foreign Minister said that the content regarding the religious minorities in the country does not represent facts.
“It’s not true,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday referring to the letter’s content that contains what he said was wrong information.
Dhaka to welcome if BRICS formally invites to join
The minister said such letters need proper verification before sending. Momen said exchange of such letters is the headache of those who are involved, but people including journalists should question the wrong information.
“For God’s sake, don’t destroy the country. This country belongs to all,” he said referring to political parties that are involved in engaging lobbyists to run smear campaigns against the country. But he did not name any.
Momen advised them to deploy lobbyists for the welfare of the country like how the energy supply can be increased to Bangladesh and how employment opportunities can be boosted.
Regarding the next national election, the Foreign Minister said the government remains very transparent to hold a free and fair election in the country.
Bangladesh likely to become member of BRICS in August: Momen
He said all political parties need to demonstrate sincerity and commitment to ensure a fair election free from violence.
US President Joe Biden will host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an official state-level visit to the US, which will include a state dinner on June 22.Asked whether the Bangladesh issue will be there, Momen said they will discuss what they will feel good about.
Uphold multilateralism for greater global interest: Momen tells G20 meeting
The minister said he has nothing to talk about that meeting. “India is a mature democratic country. India has a very strong leadership.”
Asked about PM Sheikh Hasina’s likely visit to China, the Foreign Minister said it is a wrong statement that PM Hasina is going to China.He said the Chinese side invited the PM in September, but Bangladesh conveyed that the PM will be occupied in New York at that time.
Asked about any rescheduling of the visit, Momen said, “I don’t know about rescheduling.”
Responding to a question, the Foreign Minister said he had a very good meeting with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar in India recently.
“We have discussed many issues. I am so happy. We are working at the same level. I am very pleased. They have shown much respect to us,” he said.
UNDP, British Council join hands to empower Bangladeshi youth
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh and the British Council signed a deal on Monday at the UNDP Dhaka office to address the growing importance of English language proficiency in today's interconnected world.
Recognising the significance of English skills in enabling youth to compete in the local and global job market, this collaboration aims to offer online self-study courses through Futurenation, focusing on workforce development and youth upskilling.
Futurenation is a unique alliance formed by UNDP Bangladesh, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) & Grameenphone, working towards accelerating the Nation's future economic growth.
UNDP to work with content creators to promote SDGs
English has emerged as the global language of communication, even for non-native speakers, making proficiency in the language essential for accessing employment opportunities and entrepreneurial scopes with confidence. Leveraging the British Council's unparalleled expertise in delivering English language education for over 80 years, this partnership aims to equip the youth of Bangladesh with the necessary language skills to navigate the dynamic employment landscape.
Through this joint initiative, UNDP Bangladesh and the British Council will establish a framework to facilitate global citizenship education, co-design initiatives, and provide skills and training programs for the youth.
By combining their strengths, expertise, and resources, the two organisations seek to magnify their impact and accelerate progress toward shared objectives.Stefan Liller, the Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.
UNDP to raise awareness on plastic pollution by introducing jute-polymer bags
"This collaboration between the British Council and UNDP marks a significant milestone in our shared mission to promote education, culture, and sustainable development. By joining forces, we synergise our strengths, expertise, and resources, magnifying our impact and accelerating progress toward our shared objectives,” he said.
One of the primary focuses of this partnership is to jointly develop training courses on business English, enhancing the employability of the youth and creating economic opportunities for all. Additionally, the initiative will prioritise climate action and youth, business and human rights from the youth perspective, and joint campaigns for creating social impact.
Tom Miscioscia, the Director of the British Council in Bangladesh, said they are excited to collaborate with UNDP on the Futurenation programme.
“Together, we will harness the transformative power of education and boost young people’s English language skills across Bangladesh to enhance their entrepreneurship and employment prospects.
The British Council is committed to supporting Bangladesh’s next generation by building their skills, confidence, and connections through life-changing opportunities in English, education, and the arts.”
The collaboration between UNDP and the British Council will open numerous opportunities for information sharing and consultation on matters of common interest.
Together, they aim to ensure inclusive and quality education, leaving no one behind in the pursuit of sustainable economic well-being.
Dhaka to welcome if BRICS formally invites to join
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said Bangladesh will welcome if BRICS invites Bangladesh formally to join the group of five member states - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
“We will surely join once they invite us. We are yet to receive any formal letter (inviting us to join). BRICS leaders are thinking of taking some emerging economies – around eight new countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Bangladesh,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Earlier in Geneva, Momen hinted that Bangladesh is likely to become a member of BRICS in August this year.
Read: Bangladesh likely to become member of BRICS in August: Momen
BRICS leaders are expected to attend the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa from August 22-24. The Summit will be hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
BRICS leaders will engage with business during the BRICS Business Forum and engage with the New Development Bank, BRICS Business Council and other mechanisms during the Summit.
South Africa will also continue its outreach to leaders from Africa and the global South and hold a BRICS Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue during the 15th BRICS Summit.
Read: Momen joins Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meet
Foreign Minister Dr Momen recently joined the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting virtually at the invitation of the Foreign Minister of South Africa Dr. Naledi Pandor and said the current global economic crises are inducing countries to cooperate more in regional and multilateral platforms.
Momen referred to the development, economic, environmental and health-related focus of the BRICS nations.
He suggested that the BRICS member states transfer their cost-effective technology to the developing partners.
Read more: China hosts BRICS meeting amid rising economic concerns