parlament
Foreign Secretary requests Estonia to consider expanding scholarship for Bangladeshi students
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has requested Estonia to consider expanding scholarship for Bangladeshi students.
He reiterated the importance of exchange/linkage programme between universities of Bangladesh and Estonia for cooperation in research on information technology and business.
Director General of the Asia Pacific region, Africa and Middle East and of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Ambassador Kristi Karelsohn made a courtesy call on the Foreign Secretary at State Guest House Padma on April 1 and discussed the issues.
The Foreign Secretary thanked Ambassador Kristi Karelsohn for coming to Dhaka for the 1st Bilateral Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Estonia.
He praised Estonia's advancement in the ICT sector and sought the country’s assistance particularly in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies.
Both Foreign Secretary and Ambassador Karelsohn agreed that bilateral trade and investment levels between the two countries are still very low and there are plenty of scopes to increase it.
Foreign Minister for concluding PTA with Indonesia
The Foreign Secretary suggested facilitating exchange of trade delegations or missions between the chambers of commerce or trade associations of both countries will help to unlock the potential in bilateral trade.
He sought Estonia’s support and vote for Bangladesh’s candidatures in different international fora.
The Foreign Secretary expressed hope that Estonia as an individual state and with the EU will remain active in mounting pressure on Myanmar to stop violence against Rohingya people, including sustainable return in safety and dignity to their ancestral land.
The meeting was followed by the 1st Bilateral Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Estonia.
Additional Foreign Secretary (Bilateral- East & West) Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Nazrul Islam and Ambassador Kristi Karelsohn led their respective sides to the Foreign Office Consultations.
All possible areas of bilateral engagements were discussed in the Foreign Office Consultations including political cooperation, candidatures in different multilateral fora, economic and digital cooperation including cooperation in blue economy and e-governance, ways of trade promotion, cooperation in sustainable development and climate change and educational cooperation.
Saima Wazed, Princess Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck launch Bhutanese version of Bangabandhu’s ‘Unfinished Memoirs’
Both sides also exchanged their views on issues of regional and global security including the situation in Myanmar, Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The Foreign Office Consultations were followed by an iftar and dinner program hosted by Additional Foreign Secretary (Bilateral- East & West) in honour of Ambassador Kristi Karelsohn and her delegation.
BRAC empowers 1,200 disadvantaged young women in coastal areas with support from US Embassy
BRAC's Skill Development Programme (SDP) has created employment opportunities for 1,200 young women who were previously disadvantaged and lagging behind in coastal areas vulnerable to climate change.
School dropouts are provided with hands-on training under BRAC's Skills Training for Advancing Resources (STAR) model as apprentices under local businessmen in the 'Ustad-Saagred' system, which is believed to be more effective than traditional on-the-job training.
This training has been provided to young women in coastal areas from January 2023 to March of this year under the 'Alternative Learning Pathway for School Dropout Girls in Climate Vulnerable Regions of Bangladesh' project, implemented by SDP in collaboration with the US Embassy.
On this occasion, a programme titled 'Bridge to Success: Alternative Learning Pathways Project Learning and Knowledge Dissemination' was organised on Monday at BRAC Centre in Mohakhali, Dhaka.
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In her address, Sharlina Hussain-Morgan, the Director of Public Engagement at the US Embassy, emphasised, "While this training programme may have concluded for now, it is not the end, it is the beginning. Our aim is to witness a substantial influx of female entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, who will make significant contribution to the nation's economy.”
Tasmiah Tabassum Rahman, Associate Director of BRAC SDP, underscored the accomplishments of the SDP and Star Model initiatives during the programme, noting that over 71% of the young women who underwent training have secured employment. Of this percentage, 11% participants were persons with disabilities.
Safi Rahman Khan, Director of Education, SDP, and Migration expressed gratitude during the event.
He emphasised the significant endeavours underway within the programme, particularly regarding the marketplace. Enhancing inclusivity within this market, especially to bolster the participation of women and individuals with disabilities, remains a vital focus.
Some of the young women who received training through this project shared their experiences and achievements.
The guests inaugurated the day-long 'Eid Fair', held at the BRAC Central Plaza, where various products made by the trained youth from BRAC were displayed.
BRAC Bank Reading Café engages with 'Protishwor'
The fair included clothes, jute products, bamboo and rattan products, furniture, pottery, beauty salon services, mobile phone servicing, etc.
Additionally, there were bioscopes and fascinating magic shows.
Since its inception in 2012, the STAR programme has provided training to over 120,000 youths.
Among them, approximately 64% are female, and 10% are persons with disabilities. Alongside BRAC, partners in this initiative include the Bureau of Non-Formal Education (BNFE), UNICEF, and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Foreign Minister for concluding PTA with Indonesia
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday highlighted the importance of concluding the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with a view to increasing the trade volume between Bangladesh and Indonesia.
Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Heru Hartanto Subolo met the Foreign Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed bilateral issues.
Foreign Minister advocates for continued focus on climate-induced displacement
Discussions centered on mutual interests between the two countries, with a pledge to further deepen bilateral relations in the areas of trade and investment, energy, agriculture and connectivity among others.
Ambassador Subolo affirmed Indonesia's keen interest in bolstering economic partnerships and expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh's energy sector.
There’s fear that Buet might become a ‘hub of militancy’: Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Hasan also sought Indonesia's support in key issues such as Rohingya repatriation and ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership status for Bangladesh.
This courtesy call signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of the peoples of two nations, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
No credit in projecting the country negatively: Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister advocates for continued focus on climate-induced displacement
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has suggested the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to continue to highlight climate-induced displacement and migration in all relevant forums, including as part of the UNFCCC COP processes.
Chief of Mission, IOM Bangladesh, Abdusattor Esoev met the Foreign Minister at the latter’s office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday and discussed issues of mutual interest.
There’s fear that Buet might become a ‘hub of militancy’: Foreign Minister
During the meeting, the IOM representative acknowledged Bangladesh as the birthplace of the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), and the work being undertaken with the inter-agency Migration Compact Taskforce for its follow-up.
No credit in projecting the country negatively: Foreign Minister
The Foreign Minister assured of Bangladesh’s continued support and advocacy as one of the GCM Champion Countries.
Bangladeshi teen shot dead by NYPD officers: Foreign Minister hopes US authorities will take apt action
Saudi Embassy hosts iftar
The Embassy of Saudi Arabia has hosted an iftar in honor of political leaders, diplomats stationed in Dhaka and journalists.
Deputy Head of Mission Abdulaziz Fahad M Alibrahim hosted the iftar on behalf of the Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa bin Yousef Al Duhailan at the Embassy.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, senior government officials and civil society members were also present.
Saima Wazed, Princess Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck launch Bhutanese version of Bangabandhu’s ‘Unfinished Memoirs’
The autobiography of the Father of the Nation, “Unfinished Memoirs”, has been translated into Bhutanese (Dzongkha) language.
WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia and granddaughter of the Father of the Nation, Saima Wazed, and Princess of Bhutan Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck launched the Dzongkha version of the book on March 31 in Thimphu.
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat was present at the launching ceremony.
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The “Unfinished Memoirs” of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been translated into Dzongkha language by the most prominent writer and Commissioner of Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies (CBS) Dasho Karma Ura, with an initiative of the Embassy of Bangladesh in Bhutan.
At the launching ceremony, Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk, Agricultural Minister Yonten Phuntsho, Home Minister Lyonpo Tshering, Industry, Commerce & Employment Minister Namgyal Dorji represented the Royal Government of Bhutan.
A large number of dignitaries including Ambassador of Kuwait in Bhutan, Ambassador of Bhutan in Bangladesh, Head of Diplomatic Missions and UN offices in Thimphu, secretaries, academicians, intellectuals, researchers, expatriates Bangladeshi nationals were also present at the program held at Zhichenkhar in Thimphu.
At the launching program, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia Saima Wazed said the Dzongkha translation of the autobiography will create new opportunities for cultural connection and the book will serve as a milestone for the researchers of Bhutan and Bangladesh to unearth new information.
She thanked the Royal Government of Bhutan and Centre for Bhutan Studies for publishing the Dzongkha version of the significant book.
In the welcome speech, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Bhutan Shib Nath Roy paid respect to the Father of the Nation and elaborated the connection of Wangchuck Dynasty and family of the Father of the Nation.
At the launching ceremony, the essence of the book was presented by Counsellor Sujan Debnath with Bangladeshi and Bhutanese students.
PM Hasina seeks more support from ADB for socioeconomic uplift
The students read out some portion of the Dzongkha, English and Bangla versions of the book.
The book was published from PT printing in Thimphu. After the launching, copies of the book were given to all the attending guests.
Bangladesh Embassy informed that the book will be distributed to the libraries, universities, colleges, research centers and monk bodies of Bhutan.
PM Hasina seeks more support from ADB for socioeconomic uplift
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said Bangladesh expects the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to extend greater support to accelerate the socioeconomic development of its people.
She conveyed the expectation to ADB Vice President (Sector and Themes) Fatima Yasmin who paid a courtesy call on her at Ganabhaban here.
PM’s Speech Writer Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting.
“Our main goal is the socioeconomic uplift of the country’s people and inclusive development. The government is attaching priority on the development of rural people,” the premier was quoted as saying.
Cabinet committee recommends Eid holiday extension by one day
She told the ADB official that her government has focused on enhancing the purchasing power of the country’s people as it would help expand industrialisation and create more job opportunities.
Hasina mentioned the sectors like climate change adaptation, agriculture, river excavation and restoration where the Manila-based Asian Development Bank can increase its assistance.
The PM called upon the ADP to take more people-centric projects so that a large number of people could benefit.
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Fatima said Bangladesh is a top priority country for the ADB as the regional lender enhanced its support towards the South Asian country five times since 2009 to 2023.
She told the prime minister that ADB is keen to implement projects centering river restoration as well as river-based tourism, recreation centres and irrigation alongside prioritising climate change adaptation, human and social development, technical education and health sector projects.
Fatima served as the senior secretary in the finance division of Bangladesh before joining the ADB in September last year.
PM’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah and Economic Relations Division Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky were present.
Nasrul Hamid highlights Nepal's huge hydropower potential, Bangladesh's growing energy demands
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has emphasized the substantial investment potential in Nepal and expressed Bangladesh's desire to further strengthen investment linkages with Nepal.
He stressed the opportunities for energy cooperation while highlighting Nepal's huge hydropower potential and Bangladesh's growing energy demands.
The State Minister was addressing at a seminar titled "Pre-event Seminar on the 3rd Nepal Investment Summit -2024" as the chief guest at Nepal Embassy in Dhaka.
The process of importing 40MW of electricity from Nepal using India's transmission facility is nearly finalised.
Trilateral agreement essential to increase regional cooperation in power sector: Nasrul Hamid
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid that Bangladesh-India-Nepal trilateral agreement is essential to increase regional cooperation in the power sector.
Negotiations are ongoing, he said adding, Bangladesh has sent a proposal to India and Nepal for signing an MoU (memorandum of understanding).
He made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled "Pre-event Seminar on the 3rd Nepal Investment Summit -2024" at the Nepal Embassy in Baridhara in the city on Saturday.
The state minister said that if the transmission line is built between Nepal and Bangladesh, electricity can be imported as well as exported.
Nepal wants to showcase itself as emerging destination for FDI
He said that it is possible to build profitable partnerships across borders through regional cooperation.
“Through joint efforts, the potential of our region can be quickly exploited. It is essential for neighboring countries to work together for sustainable development and economic prosperity”, he observed.
Nasrul Hamid said Bangladesh was the first to import electricity from India. Now about 2660 MW electricity is being imported from India.
He noted that a process for importing 40 MW of power from Nepal through the unused capacity of Bangladesh's Bheramara HVDC sub-station using the Indian grid is almost finalised.
“Tariff settlement between Nepal's National Electric Authority (NEA) and Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) is almost complete”.
The state minister said BPDB will invest in Nepal's Sunkoshi-3 project with the opportunity to sell electricity to Nepal and India.
“Feasibility study has already been completed. Discussions are going on between the two sides to move forward”, he said.
Bangladesh seeks Chinese investment in textile and jute sector
The matter of importing the electricity produced by the joint investment of the Indian company in the GMR project to Bangladesh is almost at the final stage.
He also said that Bangladesh Power Management Institute can provide quality training to Nepalese engineers.
Bangladesh can help Nepal in setting up solar power plants and solar home systems.
Nasrul Hamid said private investors from Bangladesh are willing to invest in Nepal's power sector. Nepal should announce special incentives to encourage them.
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Ambassador Nepal to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari said in his speech that the investment environment in Nepal has been made more liberal and business friendly in recent years.
In this regard, strengthening economic relations with Bangladesh is on the priority list of Nepal, he said adding, Specially in the power sector, for the first time in South East Asia, these two countries have come a long way towards eco-friendly hydropower trade.
Sushil Bhatta, Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Investment Board, spoke among others on the occasion.
Nepal wants to showcase itself as emerging destination for FDI
Nepal has invited global investors, including investors from Bangladesh in joint venture, as the Himalayan country is eyeing growth and shared prosperity.
"We stand ready to facilitate Bangladeshi investors. Investment is playing an important role in strengthening economic ties between Bangladesh and Nepal," said Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari.
He was speaking at a pre-event seminar on the 3rd Nepal Investment Summit-2024.
State Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid spoke as the chief guest.
CEO of Investment Board Nepal (IBN) Sushil Bhatta spoke as special guest.
Lawmakers and entrepreneurs and businesspeople were present.
Nepal is located between two economic powers India and China and is an emerging destination for the global investors, said the organisers of the Nepal Investment Summit 2024 which stands as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nepal into a premier global investment destination.
With a keen focus on developing the private sector and attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the Summit brings investors, policy makers, experts and Development Finance Institutions together.
In a determined effort to fortify Nepal’s standing as a highly promising investment destination, the government of Nepal (GoN) is organizing the Third Nepal Investment Summit (NIS) 2024, scheduled for April 28-29, 2024, in Kathmandu.
This Summit will convene national and international speakers, dignitaries, sector-specific experts, and, notably, high-level representatives from the government, private sector, and development partners.
The GoN is collaborating closely with development partners, DFIs, and the private sector to organize the Summit. In alignment with Nepal’s periodic plan and the government’s policies and programmes, the GoN has attached high priority to the private sector investment, including foreign direct investment.
Relevant laws have been amended/ enacted to foster an investment-friendly environment, accompanied by streamlined procedures aimed at bolstering ease of doing business.
To bridge resources and technology gaps for the country’s economic development, the government is resolute in augmenting foreign investment commitments and inflows.