parlament
FAO DG lauds PM Hasina’s leadership in ensuring food security in Bangladesh
Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Qu Dongyu has lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership in ensuring food security in Bangladesh.
He made the remarks when Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen met him in FAO HQs in Rome recently.
The FAO DG recalled his fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the 36th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) held in March 2022 in Dhaka.
Read more: Italy lauds development journey of Bangladesh
The Foreign Secretary shared an overview of the achievements of Bangladesh in recent years, particularly in the areas of agriculture and food security which received global recognition.
Masud Momen further said that the legacy of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is being carried forward by his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina whose visionary leadership helped achieve a revolution in agriculture and turned the country into self-sufficient in food production.
The Foreign Secretary urged the FAO to support Bangladesh in agro-and-food processing.
Read more: Italy to take skilled workers from Bangladesh, contain illegal migration
While expressing satisfaction with the strong partnership between Bangladesh and FAO for about 50 years, both of them agreed to work closely in the coming days to eradicate poverty and hunger around the globe.
Later, the Director General took the Foreign Secretary and the accompanying delegation for a tour to show the progress of the ongoing construction of the “Sheikh Mujib-Bangladesh Room” at the FAO Headquarters.
Md. Shameem Ahsan, Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy and Permanent Representative to FAO, was present, among others.
Read more: Rooftop agriculture needed to ensure sustainable food production in Bangladesh: FAO
Bangabandhu International Prize Conferred at UNESCO
Foreign Minister Dr A.K. Abdul Momen handed over the UNESCO-Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman International Prize for the Creative Economy at a gala ceremony at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on Tuesday evening.
Melody Zambuko received the award on behalf of the winning organisation Music Crossroads of Zimbabwe which was organised after the conclusion of the first day’s session of the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expression.
UNESCO Assistant Director General for Culture Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, Ambassadors and delegates of nearly a hundred countries, conference participants, high officials of UNESCO, Bangladeshi expatriates and correspondents of the print and electronic media attended the ceremony.
Also read: Italy lauds development journey of Bangladesh
The award instituted in 2020, on the occasion of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was unanimously adopted at UNESCO. This is widely regarded as a diplomatic success of Bangladesh. In 2021, the two living daughters of Bangabandhu, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana handed over the award at the same venue to the first winner, MoTIV Creation of Uganda.
Foreign Minister Abdul Momen recalled the sacrifice and contribution of Bangabandhu in rebuilding a war-ravaged nation and paid deep homage to his memories. He mentioned Bangabandhu’s idea of engaging youth in emancipation of the country’s socio-economic situation through creative entrepreneurship. The minister believed that through this award Bangabandhu’s philosophy of economic freedom will be disseminated around the globe.
Also read: Bangladesh must suspend pilot project to return Rohingyas to Myanmar: UN expert
ADG Ottone, while underlining the importance of creativity in the global economy, expressed his profound gratitude to the government and people of Bangladesh for instituting this award. He further said that the award will inspire the youth to embrace the ideas of creative economy and, through its practice, they will lead the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Chair of the jury Ellen Stevens informed that Music Crossroads was chosen for their outstanding contribution to the creative industry through promoting creativity and inter-cultural connectivity bridging the women and the youth.
Music Crossroads’ representative Zambuko said that they were overwhelmed to receive the award. This would not only inspire them but also provide support to the organisation and the beneficiaries of their work, she added.
Also read: 'UNESCO-Bangladesh Bangabandhu International Prize promoting creative economy globally'
The Bangladesh Foreign Minister presented the trophy to the laureate while the Bangladesh Ambassador to UNESCO handed over the certificate. The event also included musical performances from Bangladesh and Zimbabwe and followed by a reception where Bangladeshi dinner was appreciated by the attendees.
Italy lauds development journey of Bangladesh
Italian Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi has lauded the impressive socio-economic progress of Bangladesh in recent years.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen met her at her office in Rome, Italy on Wednesday and briefed on the development journey of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Italian Undersecretary expressed satisfaction for the signing of the MoU on bilateral consultation between the two Foreign Ministries and holding of the first meeting of the political consultations earlier on the day between the two Foreign Secretaries in Rome.
Read: Bangladesh must suspend pilot project to return Rohingyas to Myanmar: UN expert
While thanking the Italian government for inclusion of Bangladesh successively in the second year (2022) under the Flussi Decree for seasonal and non-seasonal employment of Bangladeshi workers in Italy, Masud Momen expressed deep appreciation for hosting the large Bangladesh community, second largest in Europe after the UK.
The Undersecretary deeply appreciated the Bangladesh diaspora for being peace-loving and hard-working.
She felt that it would be mutually beneficial if Bangladeshi skilled workers could be brought into Italy through a formal mechanism for which both countries are currently working closely.
The Foreign Secretary appreciated the constructive position of the Italian government on the Rohingya issue and urged Italy to exert more pressure on the Myanmar government to take their nationals back.
Read: US eyeing enhanced cooperation with Bangladesh in security and trade
Undersecretary Tripodi thanked the government of Bangladesh for hosting around 1.2 million Rohingyas.
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary invited the Italian Undersecretary to visit Bangladesh to witness the development journey and the indomitable spirit of the nation which she accepted gladly.
State of Christians in Bangladesh: Archbishop Emeritus Patrick D'Rozario rejects 6 US congressmen’s letter to Biden
Archbishop Emeritus Patrick D'Rozario, has rejected the projection of the state of Bangladesh’s Christian community as being “persecuted” under the current government as per the much-contested recent letter by six US congressmen to President Biden.
Calling such assertions “incorrect”, the former Archbishop of Dhaka insisted that the government has stood by the Christian community in Bangladesh against bigots.
Read more: 6 congressmen’s letter to Biden a ‘false projection’ of the state of Bangladesh’s minorities, community leaders say
The congressmen’s letter to the US President sought the latter’s intervention, saying: “Sheikh Hasina's government also has persecuted Bangladesh's minority Christian population – burning and looting places of worship, jailing pastors, and breaking up families when religious conversion occurs.”
Responding to the claim, D'Rozario said, “From my experience, I can say this statement belies reality. The real situation on the ground is completely different from what has been stated in the letter.”
Read more: Don’t believe wholesale sanctions on Bangladesh warranted: Congressman Meeks
“Under the current government, Christians have received support; it is safe to say that they have stood by us,” said D'Rozario, who, in 2016, became the first Bangladeshi to be formally inducted into the Roman Catholic Church's College of Cardinals, an elite body which advises and elects popes.
“Though some incidents happened in the past, this government took a decisive stance in defence of our community,” D'Rozario said.
Asked about the possible intention behind such “disinformation” regarding the minority community, D'Rozario said, “My contention is that this use of religion is intended for political gains.”“Except political aspirations, can you suspect any other factor that can justify such projection?” — the Archbishop Emeritus asked.
Read more: No US plan to impose sanctions on Bangladesh: Congressman Meeks
The letter has already been criticized by other minority community leaders including leader of the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Oikya Parishad, Rana Dasgupta, who pulled up the six US congressmen over the projection of the state of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
About the claim in the letter that “Since Sheikh Hasina's rise to power, the Hindu population has been halved,” Advocate Dasgupta outright rejected it.
In response to such assertions in the letter from the US congressmen, Dasgupta said, “As the national election is approaching, a certain group has become very active.”
Bangladesh must suspend pilot project to return Rohingyas to Myanmar: UN expert
Bangladesh must immediately suspend a pilot repatriation project for Rohingya refugees to return to Myanmar, where they "face serious risks" to their lives and liberty, a UN expert said on Thursday (June 8, 2023).
UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said there were reports that Bangladeshi authorities were using “deceptive and coercive measures” to compel Rohingya refugees to return to Myanmar.
Also read: Rohingyas wanting to return to Myanmar should have access to clear info: UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees
“Conditions in Myanmar are anything but conducive for the safe, dignified, sustainable, and voluntary return of Rohingya refugees,” Andrews said.
“Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who commanded the forces that launched the genocidal attacks against the Rohingya, now leads a brutal military junta that is attacking civilian populations while denying the Rohingya citizenship and other basic rights,” he said.
Bangladesh officials have stated that an initial group of 1,140 Rohingya refugees will be repatriated to Myanmar at an unspecified date and 6,000 will be returned by the end of the year. Actions by Bangladesh authorities suggest that the first return could be imminent.
Aslo read: Myanmar team arrives in Cox's Bazar to verify list of Rohingya for repatriation
“There are also reports of refugees being promised large sums of money, if they agree to return. These promises are allegedly being made even as food rations are being cut to $.27 per person per day for those in the Bangladesh camps. It remains unclear where the funds for repatriated families will come from,” Andrews said.
Under the pilot project, Rohingya refugees will not be allowed to return to their own villages, many of which were razed to the ground during the genocidal attacks of 2017. The refugees would pass through “reception” and “transit” centers in Maungdaw township, after which they would be moved to a designated area of 15 newly constructed “villages” – places they would not be allowed to leave freely.
In March, Bangladesh authorities facilitated two visits by Myanmar junta authorities (SAC) to the Bangladesh camps.
Also read: Dhaka seeks global support in pilot Rohingya repatriation project
Bangladesh and SAC officials also coordinated a “go and see” visit to Rakhine State for some Rohingya refugees. Bangladeshi officials said the refugees had expressed “general satisfaction” with arrangements made for their return, but these assurances were contradicted by reports that those who participated in the trip had unequivocally rejected the repatriation plans.
India–EU Connectivity Conference in Meghalaya: Identifying concrete projects in India’s northeast and Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan
India and the European Union (EU) are exploring connectivity investments and identifying concrete projects in India’s northeastern states and Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan for implementation.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the EU Delegation to India, and the Asian Confluence jointly organized the India–EU Connectivity Conference in Meghalaya recently.
Also read: PM Hasina wants greater cooperation between Bangladesh and Indian armies
The objective of the conference was to explore connectivity investments and identify concrete projects in India’s northeastern states and with the country’s neighbours under the India-EU Connectivity Partnership, which was launched during the India–EU leaders’ meet in May 2021.
The conference, held earlier this month, was inaugurated by Conrad Kongkal Sangma, chief minister of Meghalaya, and Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, minister of state for external affairs.
Dr Singh stressed the importance placed by the Government of India on connectivity initiatives, both within the country, and as part of India’s development partnership abroad.
He further highlighted the tremendous opportunities for India–EU Triangular Development Cooperation in South Asia and the Indo–Pacific, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
The CM of Meghalaya emphasized the importance of interstate and cross border connectivity for the northeast region as a whole, and for Meghalaya in particular.
Also read: ‘Undivided India’ map at new parliament: No reason for confusion, Dhaka waiting for official version from Delhi, says Shahriar Alam
He referred to India’s ‘Act East’ Policy, within which Meghalaya has an ‘Act South’ Policy focussing on the need to improve connectivity between Meghalaya and Bangladesh.
He suggested a ‘zonal approach’ to connectivity, involving neighbouring states that caters to the needs of each state.
The second day of the conference saw technical sessions on the themes – digital connectivity, energy connectivity, and transport connectivity – focusing on projects linking the northeast with India’s neighbourhood, as part of the ‘Act East’ and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policies.
The sessions saw participation from senior officials of the government of India, the EU Commission, governments of the northeastern states of India, North Eastern Council, stakeholders from Nepal, Bangladesh and executives from the private sector with presence in the region.
Also read: India sees huge potential for cooperation with Bangladesh Railway
Deliberations in the panel on ‘Connectivity & Beyond’ focused on the hurdles and bottlenecks faced by these projects, and on ways to ameliorate their impacts.
The panel on ‘Digital Connectivity’ focused on improving the network penetration in the region by deploying infrastructure, and simultaneously building capacity of the various stakeholders to ensure meaningful connectivity.
Developing localized off–grid solutions through community participation was stressed as the way forward to promote ‘Energy Connectivity’ in the region.
Experts deliberating on ‘Transport Connectivity’ appreciated the several ongoing transformative infrastructure developments in road, rail and waterway connections in the region, but suggested there was need for more. Deliberations also focussed on identifying the right projects to source external funding.
Also read: Indian envoy pledges easing visa process further
A study on the existing EU Member States driven projects would be brought out by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS).
The first-ever India-EU Trade and Technology Council Ministerial meeting held in Brussels on 16 May 2023 had prioritised Connectivity Partnership as one of the important focus areas of cooperation between India and the EU.
US eyeing enhanced cooperation with Bangladesh in security and trade
The United States has reiterated that they are keen to enhance relationship and cooperation with Bangladesh in key areas, including security and trade.
“Last year we celebrated an anniversary as it relates to our bilateral relationship with Bangladesh, and this year in 2023 we look forward to deepening that relationship, and there are a number of areas in which we intend to deepen that cooperation,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson at US State Department, Vedant Patel, said.
Also read: Italy to take skilled workers from Bangladesh, contain illegal migration
Responding to a question during a regular briefing at the US Department of State on June 7, he said that in addition to security cooperation, there is potential for enhanced cooperation on climate, trade and many other issues.
Also read: US consistent on the need for free, fair election in Bangladesh: White House
“So of course, this is an issue that continues to be of importance to us. I have spoken about this a great deal to some of your colleagues. One of them, of course, is the opportunity for security cooperation with Bangladesh,” Patel said when asked about boosting US engagement in counterterrorism in Bangladesh.
Also read: Won’t get into specific election results in another country, Vedant Patel says on Gazipur City Polls
Italy to take skilled workers from Bangladesh, contain illegal migration
Bangladesh and Italy have agreed to contain illegal migration to the European country.
Italy has agreed to take skilled workers from Bangladesh under bilateral migration and mobility arrangement, particularly in the construction, shipbuilding and hospitality sectors.
The decisions were shared at the Political Consultations held on June 7 in Rome.
The Italian side expressed satisfaction that at present over 46% of workers under Flussi Decree are coming to Italy from Bangladesh for seasonal and non-seasonal work.
Also read: ‘Bangladeshi migrant workers’ being prepared for post-pandemic labour market’
Bangladesh and Italy held the first-ever Political Consultations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rome.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Riccardo Guariglia led the respective sides at the consultations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Before the Political Consultations, Foreign Secretary Momen and Secretary General Guariglia signed am memorandum of understanding on Political Consultations between the foreign ministries of Bangladesh and Italy.
During the meeting, both countries expressed keen desire to deepen the relations and further engage in multiple areas including trade and investment, technological intervention in Bangladesh’s textile sector, cooperation in defence and security, ICT, agriculture, migration and mobility.
Also read: Italy declares state of emergency as migrant numbers surge
BIMSTEC chief urges member states to boost trade within the region
Secretary General of BIMSTEC Tenzin Lekphell has expressed his optimism that all the member states will put in place necessary trade facilitation measures as soon as possible to boost trade within the region.
“Today as the world economy passes through economic and political uncertainties, all countries are facing huge challenges in coping up with these uncertainties,” he said, putting emphasis on “collective action” to address the challenges.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam spoke as the chief guest at BIMSTEC Day reception held at its headquaters in Dhaka on Tuesday evening. Ambassadors and high commissioners from BIMSTEC member states were present.
Read: Bangladesh, other BIMSTEC members must work together to address post-LDC challenges: Shahriar Alam
Terming BIMSTEC a dynamic region, the secretary general said all challenges and crises also create opportunities that need to be capitalized.
He said the BIMSTEC Energy Centre that will act as the Secretariat of BIMSTEC energy cooperation will formally be inaugurated in India later this year.
The secretary general also expressed happiness that the BIMSTEC maritime cooperation agreement was also endorsed by the 19th ministerial meeting in March this year and will be signed during the upcoming sixth summit in Thailand.
The meeting also endorsed several important instruments including the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, Rules of Procedures for BIMSTEC Mechanisms, Terms of Reference for Eminent Persons’ Group, Inclusion of Blue Economy, Mountain Economy and Poverty Alleviation under the purview of re-constituted sectors/sub-sectors of BIMSTEC Cooperation.
Lekphell said the three key components to realise intergrid connection namely the BIMSTEC Energy Master Plan; BIMSTEC Policy for Transmission of Electricity; and the Policy for Trade, Exchange of Electricity and Tariff Mechanism – are nearing completion.
Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh and a few other BIMSTEC members will quickly lose the advantages they had after graduating from LDC status, and in the BIMSTEC process, they must work together to develop alternatives.
He urged all the stakeholders to strengthen and put our partnership into action. “The earliest conclusion of all constituent agreements and MoUs pertaining to the BIMSTEC FTA is required," he said.
The state minister said through coordination, facilitation, and implementation of all decisions, the Secretariat has a significant role to play in any regional organization.
He said they look forward to the Secretariat to be progressive and proactive while maintaining objectivity and neutrality.
Read: India provides $1 million to BIMSTEC to boost its operational budget
"We want the BIMSTEC process to be most effective and result oriented. We want BIMSTEC to deliver and contribute in fulfilling the dream of Bangabandhu who was an ardent proponent of regional cooperation and envisioned closer cooperation among the countries of the region for the socio-economic emancipation of the people," he said.
The state minister said the Bay of Bengal, which includes two dynamic regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia, has enormous potential for growth through significant multi-sectoral collaboration.
He urged member states to follow a quick course of action to complete the negotiation on the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area and sign the relevant legal documents so that concrete actions could be taken.
He also called upon the member states and the Secretariat to take rapid measures to implement the already concluded legal documents.
There is a tremendous amount of untapped and unexplored potential for growth and development in the dynamic Bay of Bengal region, said the state minister.
Read more: Bangladesh for speedy implementation of BIMSTEC Free Trade Area
He said the world is going through immense economic uncertainties at the moment.
"While our countries are trying to overcome the unprecedented consequences of the Covid-19, the Ukraine war and sanctions have brought new challenges for us. We need to enhance our cooperation to face these challenges," said Shahriar Alam.
During the 5th BIMSTEC Summit, the leaders of seven member states adopted the BIMSTEC Charter, and also reconstituted sectors and sub-sectors which has provided BIMSTEC a solid footing and allowed a higher level of cooperation.
Abducted Bangladeshi peacekeeper rescued in South Sudan
A Bangladeshi peacekeeper, who was abducted by a group in South Sudan on Tuesday, has been rescued.
Md Ashekur Rahman, a sub inspector of Bangladesh police, has been serving as Individual Police Officer (IPO) in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), said a police media release signed by Md Manjur Rahman, additional inspector general (Media and PRO) of police headquarters.
Read: US lauds Bangladeshi peacekeepers' role
A local group abducted Ashekur while he was patrolling with a police component around 6pm (local time), it reads.
Later, he was rescued and is now well and safe along with other Bangladeshi peacekeepers, the release added.
Read more: UN honours five fallen Bangladeshi peacekeepers