Foreign-Affairs
173 Bangladeshis repatriated from Myanmar
One hundred and seventy-three Bangladeshi nationals who were imprisoned in Rakhine, Myanmar, and whose citizenship were verified, returned to Bangladesh from Myanmar by sea on Wednesday.
In addition, the repatriation of 288 Myanmar BGP, army members , immigration officials and others who have taken shelter in Bangladesh in the context of the ongoing internal conflict in Myanmar will be completed on April 25 and 26, according to a press release.
The repatriation process of the Myanmar nationals has been organised at BIWTA Ghat in Cox's Bazar.
Myanmar ship Chin Duin carrying the returning Bangladeshi citizens has arrived in Bangladesh and will leave Bangladesh carrying the Myanmar’s BGP, military and others.
MP of Cox's Bazar Sadar Shaimum Sarwar Kamal was present at the Jetty Ghat to welcome the returning Bangladeshi citizens.
Out of the 173 people, 129 are from Cox's Bazar, 30 are from Bandarban, seven are from Rangamati, one each from Khagrachari, Noakhali, Narayanganj, Chattogram, Rajbari, Narshingdi and Nilphamari.
The Bangladesh embassy in Yangon, upon learning of the tentative visit of the Myanmar ship to Bangladesh, took up the issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh and relevant Myanmar authorities to seize the opportunity to send back the maximum number of verified Bangladeshi Nationals who were in different prisons of Myanmar.
The embassy also pursued the relevant host authorities to bring the 144 "verified and jail term completed or pardoned" returnees in Sittwe prison for smooth return and pursued for releasing the 29 verified Bangladeshi nationals who were still serving their jail terms or under trial. Pursuant to the mission's efforts, the 29 persons were pardoned and sent back to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh embassy in Yangon and Bangladesh consulate in Sittwe have been working for this return since the last return of Bangladeshi citizens that took place on October 3 last year when 29 Bangladeshis returned home through a flag meeting.
Representatives of the Bangladesh embassy in Yangon and consulate in Sittwe were physically present to coordinate with the local authorities, conduct verification process and issue travel permits in favour of the returnees.
The necessary activities for the arrival of Bangladeshi citizens by ship, including immigration, health checks and other related activities, and for the dispatch of Myanmar military and other members havebeen carried out with the assistance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, BGB, Coast Guard, district administration, district police,civil surgeon and other authorities.
After completing the necessary formalities, the Bangladeshi citizens will be handed over to their relatives.
UK wants to help develop Bangladesh's aviation industry
The United Kingdom (UK) has expressed its keen interest in collaborating with Bangladesh to develop the country's aviation industry.
This was conveyed by UK High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke during a meeting with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Mohammad Faruk Khan at his residence on Wednesday.
The High Commissioner said that the UK has a long-standing partnership with Bangladesh's aviation industry. She mentioned that the two countries have previously worked together in various sectors of the aviation industry, including the development of airport security systems.
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Cooke said the UK is now eager to expand cooperation in a wider range of potential new areas, including the development of technical skills in Bangladesh's aviation industry, the training of skilled personnel, and the further enhancement of security measures. The UK is committed to playing a supportive role in transforming Bangladesh into an aviation hub.
In response, the minister welcomed the UK's friendly cooperation in successfully transforming Bangladesh into an aviation hub. He expressed his delight at the prospect of the two countries working together to develop the aviation industry. He added that the scope for collaboration between the two countries in various areas of the aviation industry will be explored.
Faruk Khan further stated that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is working to transform Bangladesh into a major aviation hub. He mentioned that extensive development work has been carried out at all airports in the country, including the construction of a third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and that further development work is underway.
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He also mentioned that the government is working to transform Syedpur Airport into a regional hub. Once the development work at Saidpur Airport is completed, it will play a game-changing role in regional connectivity, economy, and trade between Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Bhutan.
Supply Chain Law: EU Council vote still needed
The European Parliament voted on Wednesday to approve the proposed European law to require large companies to prevent and remedy human rights and environmental abuses in their global supply chains as a step forward for corporate accountability, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday.
Following the European Parliament’s vote, the law now needs final approval by ministers of EU member states. The EU ministerial vote is expected to take place in late May, according to the HRW.
The proposed EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) seeks to introduce legal obligations for large corporations to conduct human rights and environmental due diligence in their global supply chains.
UNOPS signs MoU with Bangladesh to strengthen collaboration on disaster risk reduction
The Parliament’s vote in Strasbourg was on the 11th anniversary of the tragic collapse on April 24, 2013, of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh, which killed 1,138 garment workers and injured over 2,000 others.
The proposed law requires large companies to conduct human rights and environmental due diligence in their own operations and in their global value chains. It considers large companies to be those with more than 1,000 employees on average and more than €450 million in net worldwide in the previous financial year.
It empowers regulators to take action against companies failing to conduct such due diligence and, in some situations, allows the victims of corporate abuses to approach European courts to seek justice.
“The 11th anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster is a somber reminder of why a due diligence law is long overdue,” said Aruna Kashyap, associate director on corporate accountability at Human Rights Watch. “The European Parliament’s vote sends a strong message that the EU should no longer let large corporations get away with human rights and environmental abuses.”
The Rana Plaza disaster, alongside a range of other corporate abuses of human rights, labor rights, and environmental standards in global supply chains, have prompted rights groups, trade unions, and even some businesses to call for binding legislation to hold corporations accountable for abuses in their global supply chains.
Rights groups and social movements from around the world have campaigned for the European Union to adopt such legislation.These efforts have been critical to push back against corporate lobbying seeking to derail the proposed law.
The legislative process, which began in 2020, has been protracted and difficult, Human Rights Watch said.The governments of France, Italy, and Germany vastly curtailed the scope of the legislation, limiting its application to very large corporations, excluding certain sectors, and extending the time it would take before the directive comes into force.
UNICEF urges parents to be extra vigilant in keeping their children hydrated, safe
On March 15, a majority of ambassadors of EU member states approved the draft law, but only after significantly weakening a text that had been previously approved.
On March 18, the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee approved the text.“The European Commission pledged to adopt a law to hold corporations accountable when they took office five years ago,” said Kashyap. “Ministers from EU member states should give a final nod to the text and pave the way for a new chapter on corporate accountability in global supply chains.”
UNOPS signs MoU with Bangladesh to strengthen collaboration on disaster risk reduction
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on disaster risk reduction initiatives in Bangladesh.
The MOU was signed on Wednesday by Md Mijanur Rahman, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) under under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh in the presence of the representatives from DDM and UNOPS.
The DG of the Disaster Management Department presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the shared commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering an empowered and Smart Bangladesh.
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With its infrastructure and procurement expertise, UNOPS will support DDM in rehabilitating critical infrastructure, providing emergency supplies and establishing robust field operations.
Additionally, specialized assistance will be extended in areas such as gender integration, stakeholder engagement and human-centered design.
Mijanur Rahman emphasized that this partnership, which aligns with Bangladesh's goal of reducing disaster risks, comes at a crucial time.
“With Bangladesh being one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, experiencing an average of 7-10 tropical cyclones annually, and with over 60% of its land vulnerable to flooding, the collaboration with UNOPS is essential. This collaboration will enhance institutional capacity, implement innovative solutions, and facilitate knowledge sharing, fortifying Bangladesh's resilience against disasters and safeguarding vulnerable communities. Together, we can create a safer and more resilient future for all.”
Sudhir Muralidharan expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “Today marks a significant milestone in our joint efforts to build resilience and strengthen disaster preparedness in Bangladesh.
"This MOU between UNOPS and the Department of Disaster Management reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding communities across the country from the increasing impacts of climate change and natural hazards.”
"Through this partnership, we aim to leverage UNOPS' expertise in infrastructure, procurement and project management to support the Department in developing resilient infrastructure, fortifying emergency response capacities and rolling out innovative technologies. Our complementary strengths can pave the way for a more proactive, coordinated and holistic approach to disaster management.”
The MoU establishes a framework of cooperation and collaboration between UNOPS and DDM in various areas of common interest.
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Areas of Cooperation:
The cooperation aims to develop and implement plans aligning with government DRR policies, priorities and the Sendai Framework for DRR, enhance institutional capacity for disaster preparedness, coordinate efforts for pre and post-disaster situations, craft guidelines in line with international standards, explore innovative DRR solutions, and foster knowledge sharing to implement best practices, ensuring comprehensive disaster resilience in Bangladesh.
The partnership upholds the core principles of the Sendai Framework, prioritizing localized, inclusive and whole-of-society approaches to reduce disaster risks, minimize losses and safeguard human well-being.
By uniting DDM's mandate and UNOPS' technical strengths, the collaboration will ensure Bangladesh is well-equipped to anticipate, respond to, and recover effectively from cyclones, floods, and other hazards exacerbated by climate change.
This strategic alliance represents a significant milestone in fostering a partnership that aligns with the global 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
Japanese envoy visits Japan-funded UNFPA project sites in Noakhali
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori has visited the Horni Union Health & Family Welfare Center, the women-led community center in Chanondi Union, and Islamganj Janata High School.
He attended the inauguration of the renovated labor room and Rohingya refugee ward at the Noakhali district Sadar hospital.
During the two-day visit (April 22-23), the ambassador also discussed with the Divisional Director of Health, the Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendent of Police, the Hospital Superintendent, the Deputy Director of Family Planning, UNFPA, and its NGO partners.
Since the large influx of Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar in August 2017, Japan has contributed over USD 220 million to various interventions in Cox's Bazar as well as in Bhasan Char through international organizations and NGOs.
UNICEF urges parents to be extra vigilant in keeping their children hydrated, safe
These assistance included food assistance, healthcare, WASH, shelter, protection, and gender mainstreaming, said the Embassy of Japan on Wednesday.
Witnessing the ongoing activities in the field, Ambassador Iwama said, “This is my first visit to the Noakhali dostrict, and I extend my appreciation to UNFPA for its unwavering commitment to promoting maternal health as well as addressing gender-based violence (GBV), in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh and the people of Japan.”
He said this is a unique contribution to bridging humanitarian assistance and development cooperation. “I hope this project will contribute to delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled”.
“We are grateful to the Government and people of Japan for their generous support for the health, protection, and dignity of women, adolescent girls, and young people here in Noakhali,” said Masaki Watabe, Deputy Representative of UNFPA Bangladesh.
“The Japanese timely support to the health facilities is vital for ensuring that Rohingya refugees hosted in Bhasan Char have full access to life-saving emergency obstetric care through referral systems. With the Japanese support, we are also promoting life skill education in schools that help prevent child marriage and ensuring that community-based survivor-centred GBV services are made available and accessible.”
Qatari emir’s just-held visit to generate goodwill, understanding between 2 countries: Dhaka
More than six years have already passed since the onset of the crisis, it is essential to keep the attention of the global community, while multiple emergencies have been taking place in different parts of the world. Japan will continue to work toward the resolution of the Rohingya issue.
UNICEF urges parents to be extra vigilant in keeping their children hydrated, safe
UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Sheldon Yett has said UNICEF remains deeply concerned about the health and safety of children across the country due to sweltering temperatures with an oppressive heatwave persisting throughout Bangladesh.
“Look out for your neighbors: Vulnerable families, children with disabilities, pregnant women, and the elderly face a higher risk of illness or death during heatwaves. Take the time to check on your neighbors, especially those who live alone,” Yett said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to UNICEF’s 2021 Children's Climate Risk Index (CCRI), children in Bangladesh are at 'extremely high risk' of the impacts of climate change.
The unusual rise in temperatures poses grave risks, particularly to newborns, infants, and young children who are considered to be an especially vulnerable population to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and diarrhea caused by dehydration.
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“Moreover, as the Primary and Mass Education Ministry has ordered the closure of all government primary schools in the country till 27 April due to concerns with the impact of rising temperatures on children, UNICEF is urging parents to be extra vigilant in keeping their children hydrated and safe,” Yett said.
The severity of this heatwave underscores the urgent need for action to protect children from the worsening impacts of climate change.
With temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels, we must prioritize the well-being of children and the most vulnerable populations.
To protect children from this heatwave, UNICEF urged frontline workers, parents, families, caregivers and local authorities to protect children and pregnant women by taking the following steps:
Prevention: Wherever children are staying, create cooler places for children to sit or play. Avoid being outdoors during the hot midday and afternoon hours. Make sure that children wear light, breathable clothes, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
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First aid: If a child or a pregnant woman shows symptoms of heat stress (eg dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, mild fever, nosebleeds, muscle cramps, heath rashes in diaper area), place the person in a cool, shaded area with good ventilation and apply wet towels or cool water to the body.
Administer water or Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS). Severe symptoms of heat stress (such as confusion or inability to respond, fainting, high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, seizures and loss of consciousness) require urgent hospital care.
Security relationship between Dhaka-Washington, and in region important: Peter Haas
Bangladesh and the United States Navies have started Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Bangladesh commemorating the 30th year of the CARAT exercise series.
CARAT Bangladesh is a week-long exercise that seeks to enhance collaboration focused on shared maritime security challenges in the region.
"CARAT remains one of our most important annual exercises. The security relationship between our two countries and in the region is an important one," said U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas.
“Our militaries are finding more ways to expand their ability to work together to counter security threats and alleviate the impact of natural disasters," he said.
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With nearly a half century of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Bangladesh, this year’s exercise focuses on innovative naval capabilities and featured cooperative evolutions highlighting the ability of Bangladesh and the U.S. to work together on common goals that ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific and rules based international order.
“We are committed to partnering with Bangladesh on our shared regional priorities and maintaining consistent collaboration ashore, in the air, and at sea,” said Capt. Sean Lewis, commodore, DESRON 7.
“Bangladesh joined the CARAT exercise series in 2010 and have been dedicated partners in continued bilateral opportunities for training. Our coordination and integration are even stronger today and it shows in the highly professional in-depth training that we have planned this year.”
Other focus areas include surface warfare, search and rescue, exchanges between explosive ordnance disposal technicians, and subject matter expert exchange events featuring a variety of joint training opportunities, to include maritime aviation, maritime domain awareness, Women, Peace & Security symposium, and mine countermeasures.
U.S. assets participating in CARAT Bangladesh 2024 include staff from U.S. 7th Fleet, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, CTF 73, CTF 75, CTF 76, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, and U.S. Embassy Bangladesh.
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CARAT exercises are designed to address shared maritime security concerns and strengthen partnerships between regional navies, according to the US Embassy.
The exercises feature complex training to demonstrate the bilateral force’s ability to work together through numerous events including divisional tactics designed to practice maneuvering as ships sail together in complex formations.
As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, functions as Expeditionary Strike Group 7’s Sea Combat Commander and builds partnerships through training and exercises and military-to military engagements.
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
ILO's Global Skills Forum: Session on Bangladesh tomorrow
The two-day Global Skills Forum hosted by the ILO Skills and Employability Branch started in Geneva on Tuesday.
A session titled "Transforming Skills Development Systems: A Case Study of Successful ILO-EU-Canada Partnership in Bangladesh" will take place during the Forum on Wednesday.
The session will showcase how collaborative efforts between the International Labour Organization (ILO), European Union (EU), and Canada have effectively supported Bangladesh in revamping its skills development systems to be more market-oriented, appealing, and inclusive.
The speakers will also discuss how these efforts will shape future investments, said the ILO on Tuesday.
Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury, along with representatives from employers' organizations, trade unions, and development partners, will examine the achievements, current challenges, and recommendations for advancing Bangladesh's skills ecosystem through partnerships and collaboration.
The forum brings together delegates from governments, employers' associations, trade unions, and international organizations.
The aim of this Forum is to foster a comprehensive dialogue on navigating the complexities of our rapidly evolving economies and societies.
Skills development is a crucial part of preparing individuals and societies for the jobs of the future.
As economies shift direction to clean energy use and advances in technology transform the world of work, new skills will be needed throughout our lives.
Qatari emir’s just-held visit to generate goodwill, understanding between 2 countries: Dhaka
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani left Dhaka for Kathmandu, Nepal on Tuesday afternoon wrapping up his 24-hour state visit which will “significantly contribute” to the consolidation of ties and elevate the Bangladesh-Qatar bilateral relations to the next level.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud saw him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, said a senior official at the ministry.
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Held in a cordial and amicable environment, the Qatari emir’s visit is expected to generate goodwill and understanding between the two countries, said the Bangladesh side.
At the invitation of the President Mohammed Shahabuddi, the emir of Qatar paid the state visit to Bangladesh.
He led a delegation that included, among others, Qatar’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, member of Qatar Investment Authority.
On Monday, the president received the emir at the airport while Bangladesh Minister for Liberation Affairs, Home Affairs, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, Foreign Affairs and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources also welcomed him in presence of the senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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This highest-level visit took place after around 19 years from the Qatar side which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Qatar.
During the visit, Bangladesh and Qatari delegations led respectively by the prime minister and the emir held fruitful bilateral talks at the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday.
During the bilateral talks, both sides reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral relations and underlined the need for enhancing the bilateral cooperation through exchange of visit and increased interaction at all levels and strengthening bilateral engagements between Bangladesh and Qatar.
The areas that came up for discussion on cooperation included bilateral trade and investment, energy and power, manpower, defense, education, agriculture, food security and culture. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interests in the meeting.
In the opening remarks, the prime minister deeply appreciated the incredible advancement and transformation of Qatar as an advanced knowledge-based multi-cultural society and Qatar’s role in mediation and multilateral diplomacy under His Highness’s stewardship.
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Qatari emir appreciated remarkable achievements of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of the prime minister and commended Bangladesh as an investment destination and expressed his keenness to invest in diverse potential sectors.
He also appreciated the expatriate community in Qatar who are making positive contributions to the economies of both the countries.
Both the leaders expressed satisfaction at the level of understanding and cooperation in the energy sector adding that both sides are working together to forge this cooperation to the partnership level in the near future.
The emir had an audience with the president the same day. The president extended a warm welcome to the emir on his visit to Bangladesh and praised him for his leadership and vision.
They held discussions on wide ranging issues related to the bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation as well as on regional issues of mutual interest.
Later, the emir joined an official luncheon at Bangabhaban hosted in his honour by the president.
The luncheon was attended by PM Hasina, members of the cabinet and other dignitaries. A cultural programme, representing Bangladesh’ tradition, heritage and culture, was also held.
173 Bangladeshis to return home from Myanmar Wednesday
One hundred and seventy-three Bangladeshi nationals will return home on Wednesday from Sittwe prison in Rakhine State of Myanmar.
The returnees will be carried by the ‘Myanmar Naval Ship Chin Dwin’ which is visiting Bangladesh to bring back members of Myanmar defence force who were forced to cross the border into Bangladesh due to conflict in Rakhine state, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon.
The ship is expected to reach the Bangladesh territory by Wednesday and handover of the Bangladeshi citizens to the relevant authorities of Bangladesh will take place at that time.
Out of the 173 people, 129 are from Cox’s Bazar district, 30 are from Bandarban district, seven are from Rangamati district, one each from Khagrachari, Noakhali, Narayanganj, Chattogram, Rajbari, Narshingdi and Nilphamari district.
Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon, upon receipt of the information of the tentative visit of the Myanmar ship to Bangladesh, took up the issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh and relevant Myanmar authorities to seize the opportunity to send back the maximum number of verified Bangladeshi Nationals who were in different prisons of Myanmar.
The Embassy also pursued the relevant host authorities to bring the 144 ‘verified and jail term completed or pardoned’ returnees in Sittwe prison for smooth return and pursued for releasing the 29 verified Bangladeshi nationals who were still serving their jail terms or under trial. Pursuant to the Mission’s efforts the 29 persons were pardoned and sent back to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon and Bangladesh Consulate in Sittwe have been working “steadfastly” for this return since the last return of Bangladeshi citizens that took place on October 3, 2023 when 29 Bangladeshis returned home through a flag meeting.
Representatives of Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon and Bangladesh Consulate, Sittwe were physically present to coordinate with the local authorities, conduct verification process and issue Travel Permits in favour of the returnees.