fm
Dhaka, Delhi likely to sign 7 deals, MoUs during PM's India visit: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said Bangladesh and India are likely to sign seven agreements and MoUs on water management, railway, science and technology; and information and broadcasting during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's India visit.
"We hope the visit will be very successful. It will help achieve our goals," he told reporters while briefing the media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The prime minister leaves for New Delhi on Monday on a four-day state visit at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
Also read: “Rohingyas a big burden on Bangladesh, India can help”
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were also present at the media briefing.
Bangladesh thinks the visit will open new "windows of cooperation" between the countries.
Issues related to security cooperation, investment, enhanced trade relations, power and energy sector cooperation, water sharing of common rivers, water resources management, border management, combating drug smuggling an human trafficking will get priority during the talks between PM Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House.
The visit is seen as significant amid the Ukraine crisis, global economic downturn and ongoing Covid-19 pandemic as the two South Asian neighbors seek enhanced cooperation to overcome the challenges, he said.
Hasina will visit India after three years since she last visited in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic broke out. The visit is significant for both Bangladesh and India, said the government of Bangladesh.
The visit will further strengthen the multifaceted relationship between the two countries based on strong historical and cultural ties and mutual trust and understanding, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
Also read: “Decision to join politics is best left to Joy and people of Bangladesh”
The prime minister will lead a high-level delegation which includes several ministers, advisers, state ministers, secretaries and senior officials.
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Railways Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan, PM’s economic affairs adviser Dr Mashiur Rahman, PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid and State Minister for Water Resources Zaheed Farooque are among the delegation members.
Representatives from business bodies of Bangladesh will also accompany PM Hasina. Hasina is also scheduled to attend a business event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries.
The prime minister will be formally received by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while a ceremonial guard of honour will be accorded to her. She will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
During her visit, PM Hasina will meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar apart from holding bilateral consultations with her Indian counterpart Modi at the Hyderabad House.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will call on PM Hasina, said the Ministry of External Affairs. Hasina is also likely to visit Ajmer.
The Bangladesh prime minister is also scheduled to attend a lunch to be hosted by her Indian counterpart.
She will award the Mujib Scholarship, an initiative of the Bangladesh government, to the descendants of 200 Indian Armed Forces personnel who were martyred and critically injured during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
In recent years, both sides have sustained a high level of engagement, including at the highest level, MEA said.
A VVIP chartered flight of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Prime Minister and her entourage members will depart the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka at 10am Monday, said PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim.
The flight is scheduled to land at the Palam Airport, New Delhi at 12pm (BD time). Bangladesh premier will be received by State Minister for Railways and Textiles of India Darshana Vikram Jardosh and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran.
A red carpet will be rolled out at the airport in honour of Sheikh Hasina while a cultural team comprising 6-7 members will later perform a welcome dance and play musical instruments.
During the visit, she is scheduled to hold bilateral talks and a one-to-one meeting with Modi at the Hyderabad House on September 6, the second day of her India visit.
After holding the bilateral talks, agreements and MoUs (Memorandum of Understandings) are likely to be signed between the neighbouring countries while a press statement will be issued later.
On September 6, she is scheduled to meet family members of former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee the same day.
Minister for Development of North Eastern Region of India G. Kishan Reddy and Nobel laureate Kailash Shatyarthi will separately meet her on September 7.
Adani Group Chairman, Gautam Adani will also pay a courtesy call on Hasina on September 5.
The prime minister is scheduled to visit Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah Sharif, Ajmer (Ajmer Sharif Dargah) in Rajasthan before returning to Dhaka on September 8 and Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah in Delhi on her first day of India visit on September 5.
No more refugees from Myanmar this time: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said no refugees would be allowed to enter Bangladesh this time in light of the internal conflict in Myanmar.
“However, we have information this time they won’t be coming toward Bangladesh,” he told journalists after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's video conference with tea workers on Saturday.
Momen said different armed groups and the ruling junta have been locked in clashes in Myanmar recently.
Also read: Security tightened along border after firing from Myanmar side: Police
During such incidents, he said, Myanmar nationals run towards Bangladesh fearing atrocities.
"Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) has already been instructed to remain vigilant so that no one can enter Bangladesh,” Momen said.
On Saturday morning, two helicopters and two aircraft reportedly appeared between pillar No 40 and 41 under Reju Amtali BGB BOP in Ghumdhum union of the Naikhonchhari upazila in Cox’s Bazar.
Locals reported firing from the aircrafts and dropping of two mortar shells near the Myanmar-Bangladesh border.
Law enforcement agencies have further strengthened security measures along Bangladesh-Myanmar border at Naikhongchhari point after the reported firing.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will summon Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Aung Kyaw Moe again on Sunday to lodge a strong protest regarding the matter, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam told UNB.
The Myanmar side was warned twice in August following mortar shells landing in Bangladesh territory from Myanmar and strong protests were lodged in this regard.
Also read: “BGB vigilant, none can enter from Myanmar now”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs last Monday summoned Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Aung Kyaw Moe and lodged a strong protest against Myanmar’s mortar shells landing inside Bangladesh territory a day earlier.
Bangabandhu did everything to give Bangladesh a strong footing: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said that Father of The Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did everything possible to place the country on a solid foundation.
Momen said this while speaking as the chief guest at an award-giving ceremony organized by Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) at the Sylhet Zila Parishad Auditorium on Friday afternoon.
“Under Bangabandhu’s leadership, Bangladesh received recognition from 126 countries within just three and a half years. After the Liberation War, Bangabandhu also sent back Indian soldiers from Bangladesh within just two and a half months. While Bangladesh received membership of all the major global organizations during his rule, his biggest contribution was to present the country with a constitution within just nine months of assuming power,” Momen said.
Also read: Make PM stronger to materialize Bangabandhu’s dream: FM
Momen added that the students need to know about the achievements of Bangabandhu.
“Bangabandhu has worked on all fronts, including education, culture and religion. His policies and strategies in the agricultural sector are still guiding us. Our foreign policy, which is ‘Friendship to all, malice to none’, is also the brainchild of him,” added Momen.
Writer and social worker Selina Momen attended the event as special guest. Fahima Yasmin, Secretary of Sylhet City Corporation, among others, was present at the event.
Also read: Bangabandhu upheld the principle of neutrality in a bipolar world: Anisul
Rapid sustainable repatriation is the only solution for Rohingyas: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said that rapid sustainable repatriation is the only solution for Rohingyas.
Momen said this when the UN special envoy for Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer paid a courtesy call on him at his office on Wednesday.
Both of them discussed ways for a fruitful solution for the displaced Rohingyas.
The foreign minister informed the envoy that Bangladesh has given shelter to the 1.2 million Rohingyas considering humanity. But their long presence is creating various instabilities in the country including the socio-economic situation.
He feared that delay in Rohingya repatriation can create disappointment among the Rohingya people and then they could be a threat to the security of this region.
In response, Heyzer thanked Bangladesh for giving shelter to the Rohingyas.
Read: Dhaka to reach out to global leaders at UNGA with Rohingya issue
She expressed her firm commitment that she will work for Rohingya repatriation with the UN, the ASEAN and neighbouring countries.
Heyzer, however, said the role of Myanmar’s government is very important in this case.
Earlier on Tuesday, Heyzer visited the Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar.
She arrived in Dhaka Monday on a four-day visit.
Momen is none of AL central committee: Hasan
Information Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said since foreign minister AK Abdul Momen is none of Awami League’s central committee, the party give him no responsibility to advocate for it in the foreign lands.
“He is an MP of Awami League but none of the party’s central committee. So, Bangladesh Awami League has not given that responsibility to anyone (him) to say something on behalf of the party going abroad,” he said while exchanging views with journalists in his ministry here in the capital.
Hasan, also an AL joint general secretary, said this when his attention was drawn to the comments of AL presidium member Abdur Rahman that Momen is none of the party and his recent statement (seeking Indian support for Sheikh Hasina) is not the party’s stance.
Also read: Momen comments: AL expects PM to formally look into it
Hasan said they believe in the power of the people. “We believe that none but the people can sustain the government,” he said.
He said the party is not responsible if someone shares his personal views with someone. “If someone talks to someone, it is his responsibility. Neither the government nor the party gave him any such responsibility,” he added.
"I think if you are in a responsible position, you need to speak responsibly,” he continued.
Hasan claimed that BNP doesn’t believe in the power of the people, rather curries favour with the European Union, the United States and China regularly to come in power. “In this country, no one can put someone in power,” he said.
Also read: Momen's India remarks have no link with AL: Quader
In reply to a question if there is any initiative to bring back BNP leader Tarique Rahman to the country, the minister said Tarique has been convicted with life-term imprisonment in the August 21 grenade attack case. “We continue talks with the United Kingdom. But they have some domestic laws where there are complexities (to bring him back),” he added.
I told India to help maintain stability in Bangladesh, Momen clarifies
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday said he told the Indian government that Bangladesh would be happy if India helps Bangladesh in maintaining stability, noting that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants stability and communal harmony in the country.
“So, stability is the most important. We want stability in this region, too. We don’t want any instability. If we can do this (maintain stability together), it will be meaningful in this Golden Chapter of our relations,” he told reporters explaining what he wanted to say in Chattogram at a programme on Thursday night.
Earlier, he offered munajat and paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Mausoleum of Bangabandhu at Tungipara.
Momen said he conveyed that there are some wicked people in both countries – Bangladesh and India – who make instigative remarks and they instigate to turn minor things into big ones.
Also read: Requested India to help Bangladesh maintain stability, harmony: Momen
“Both the governments have a responsibility to stop this. If we can do that, there will be communal harmony and there will be no uncertainty,” he said.
Responding to a question, Momen said Bangladesh is witnessing development amid communal harmony as Hasina is there (in power).
“It’s good for everyone if a non-communal social system gets established. In Bangladesh, all the citizens have equal rights,” he added.
Momen said Bangladesh gets stability when PM Hasina remains there ( in power) and the development journey remains uninterrupted when there is stability.
The foreign minister said he referred to what the Assam Chief Minister told him and that exactly he conveyed to the Indian government.
“Going to India, I said your Assam Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her zero tolerance policy and her announcement that Bangladesh cannot be a hub for terrorists,” Momen said.
He said there are no terrorist activities in Assam and surrounding areas and they are seeing growing development with increased investment in Assam and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s efforts were credited.
“I conveyed to the Indian government that your chief minister said there is stability as Sheikh Hasina is there. It benefits both sides,” Momen said.
On Thursday, Momen said he requested the Indian government to do whatever necessary to help Bangladesh maintain stability and harmony.
"When I went to India, I told the Indian government that Sheikh Hasina must be sustained. Bangladesh will continue to march towards development and will truly become a country free of communalism under her leadership," he said.
Speaking as the chief guest at a Janmashtami, one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu calendar, programme in Chattogram, Momen also said, "If someone takes the country to the path of instability to shake Sheikh Hasina's government, then it is a danger for everyone. We want stability."
The foreign minister said they told the Indian government that the two countries will work in such a way that neither side promotes instigative behaviors to maintain law and order and stability.
“If we can do that, it’s good for both Bangladesh and India,” Momen said, adding that India does not need to face extra expenditure in its border areas as Sheikh Hasina is there in power.
He said thousands of people from Bangladesh visit India every year and many Indians work in Bangladesh as there is development in Bangladesh. “This has been possible as the two countries are going through a Golden Chapter.”
Also read: Bangladesh not turning into Sri Lanka : FM
For that reason, Momen said he requested the Indian government to continue supporting Sheikh Hasina as peace and stability brings benefits for the two countries.
He said there are some wicked people and fundamentalists who create noise though the government remains silent.
Bangladesh not turning into Sri Lanka : FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said a certain group is spreading panic with 'baseless' claim that Bangladesh will see a situation like crisis-hit Sri Lanka.He, however, acknowledged the challenges that Bangladesh is facing due to global crises."People of Bangladesh are leading happier lives compared to other countries," Momen said while talking to reporters in Sylhet on Friday.
Also read: Dhaka approached Swiss banks about deposit of Bangladeshi money: MomenHe said Bangladesh has enough dollar reserves and is just maintaining a bit of austerity considering the future crises.Responding to a question, the foreign minister said the Swiss banks do not want to share the information on alleged laundered money from Bangladesh.He said, “Whenever we seek information from a country where Bangladeshi money has been laundered the authorities there seem reluctant to provide it. It’s their inherent issue.”He said the Bangladesh Bank sought information from the Swiss banks mentioning the names of 67 individuals."At that time, they provided information on one individual. Information was sought several times," Momen said.
Also read: Dhaka, Delhi agree to strengthen defence cooperationThe foreign minister said Switzerland is Bangladesh’s friend and urged them not to provide misinformation.Earlier in the morning, Momen attended an emergency meeting to solve the airport land acquisition problem at MAG Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.
Dhaka approached Swiss banks about deposit of Bangladeshi money: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said Bangladesh sought information on the deposits of Bangladeshi money in the Swiss banks but the Swiss side did not respond to the query.
Momen said this after his conversation on the issue with Bangladesh Bank governor Abdur Rouf Talukder and Finance Secretary Fatima Yasmin on Thursday.
The foreign minister said he advised the governor and the finance ministry to come up with the statements as confusion arose following some media reports quoting Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard. He said the ambassador lied by saying that Bangladesh had not sought information.
“Let’s know first from the statements from the governor and the finance ministry,” he said while talking to a small group of reporters at his office.
Also read: Why govt didn't seek info of Bangladesh money in Swiss banks: HC
Momen said it is not true that Bangladesh did not seek information from Switzerland.
The Swiss envoy at the DCAB Talk on Wednesday said any estimate on deposits of Bangladeshi money in the Swiss banks is “purely speculative” and no conclusion can be drawn on the basis of media and other reports.
“Switzerland is not a safe haven for corrupt money,” she said adding “When it comes to the Bangladeshi money deposited in the Swiss banks - the deposits meant by individuals …represent only one aspect of various sources of public and private funds.”
The Swiss envoy said … no conclusion can be drawn on the volumes of private deposits from Bangladeshi customers in Switzerland on the basis of these reports of the Swiss National Bank.
Bangladeshi media outlets reported that funds parked by Bangladeshi nationals and entities in all the Swiss banks swelled by 54 per cent to around CHF (Swiss Franc) 871 million (Tk 83.18 billion) in the last calendar year. The amount was around CHF 563 million in 2020.
Responding to a question on information exchange on the issue, she said Switzerland is really committed to implementing international standards. In accordance with these international standards they can have some specific regulations and agreements also with the country to exchange this type of information, she said.
“So that is something should be developed,” said the ambassador, adding that they have been providing to the government all the information regarding how to reach an agreement on these matters but no request has been submitted regarding any particular funding.
On the statistics, the Swiss envoy said, money of the individuals that is placed, for instance, in Swiss banks - not just in Switzerland but in the Swiss banks worldwide - has recently been decreasing.
Also read: Estimate of Bangladesh money in Swiss Banks is “purely speculative”: Swiss Envoy
She said they certainly do not encourage capital flight and the Swiss bank system is the most renowned and internationally connected system.
At all the financial centers, the envoy said, there is always a risk of abuse but Switzerland really takes steps to mitigate its risk as fast as possible.
Chinese FM’s visit: Dhaka, Beijing likely to sign multiple cooperation documents
Bangladesh and China are likely to sign multiple MoUs and agreements during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's two-day visit that begins Saturday morning.
Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam said the list is not finalised yet and it can be five-seven – new and renewal including cooperation on the disaster management and cultural exchange fronts.
He assured that the planned MoUs and agreements will be aligned with Bangladesh’s cultural, social and economic policy though the list is not finalised yet.
The State Minister said the relationship between Bangladesh and China is “deep and wide” and the two countries will discuss areas of future cooperation.
Shahriar said the Chinese Foreign Minister is scheduled to arrive here at 11am on Saturday while he will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sunday morning.
Minister Wang will also have a bilateral meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen the same day to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues.
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader will host a dinner in honour of the Chinese Foreign Minister Saturday evening, Shahriar said.
Foreign Minister Momen is expected to return home Saturday night after attending the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting on August 5-6 in Cambodia.
It is not yet decided who will receive the Chinese Foreign Minister.
Also read: No discussion on new loan during Chinese FM's visit: FS
Responding to a question, the State Minister said Bangladesh will seek a stronger role from the Chinese government for early repatriation of the Rohingyas.
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas and there is a tripartite mechanism – Bangladesh, Myanmar and China – to discuss and resolve the crisis.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said taking a new loan from China will not be a part of their agenda during the Chinese Foreign Minister's upcoming Bangladesh visit.
"This time, the issue of taking loan afresh isn't there at least," he said on Wednesday when a reporter wanted to know whether Bangladesh is going to take a loan from China again.
Asked what message this visit carries amid the crisis in various parts of the world, the foreign secretary said it will be known once the Chinese foreign minister comes. "We are working on the visit. Things are yet to be finalised."
He reiterated that the visit is part of the Chinese side's routine visit to the region and also it is an opportunity to review the existing engagements between the two countries.
"It can't be said (there's) urgency (from the Chinese side). Since he will be visiting this region, he expressed the desire to come here if we can give him time. We are looking into the timings," he said earlier when a reporter wanted to know why there was so much urgency from the Chinese side.
In January 2017, Wang Yi had an hour-long stopover in Dhaka. "This time, he will be coming for a longer period," said the foreign secretary.
Wang is a member of the 19th CPC Central Committee, State Councilor and a member of the Leading CPC Members Group of the State Council.
Also read: Dhaka closely following developments in Taiwan Strait: MoFA
Dhaka seeks smooth transfer of technological innovations to combat human trafficking
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said developed countries and the international partners need to ensure smooth transfer of the latest technological innovations to the developing countries to effectively combat the human trafficking in persons.
He said human traffickers equipped with technology can do greater harm but the government agencies and relevant stakeholders can undo the efforts of the trafficker effectively with the help of technology.
"We need to keep in mind that human trafficking is trans-boundary crime and the traffickers may possess better technology than it is available in a particular country," he said.
Also read: FM’s book on Padma Bridge unveiled
Momen was speaking at National Consultation on "Combating Human Trafficking in the Context of Use of Technology and its Abuse" at a city hotel on Saturday.
To end human trafficking, Momen said they need a comprehensive view of it. "We must ask, why young men and women, in the first place, become victims of the dangerous route of trafficking. We know why."
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said trafficking in persons is a serious human rights violation and the government has a zero-tolerance policy on this.
"We are actively taking steps to fight this horrific crime," he said.
Also read: People's welfare depends on social harmony: FM
The fight against trafficking requires multi-stakeholder engagement.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to increase awareness around human trafficking utilizing the digital space,” he added.
The scourge of human trafficking has expanded into cyber space as a result of the expansion of technology use around the world, which in turn has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition of our daily lives to online platforms.
It is imperative that efforts to combat human trafficking are coordinated both online and offline.
The theme of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2022 is “Use and Abuse of Technology,” and focuses on the role of technology as a tool that can both enable and combat human trafficking.
To mark the day, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and the Counter Trafficking in Persons Technical Working Group (CTIP-TWG) of the Bangladesh UN Network on Migration (BDUNNM) organized the event.
The consultation explored recent human trafficking trends in the context of COVID-19 and its aftermath and the trafficking in persons in cyberspace.
Participants at the consultation called on the government of Bangladesh (GoB), international partners, the private sector, and civil society actors to focus their efforts on advancing a robust, rights-based approach aimed at preventing the exploitation of individuals by trafficking networks and shrinking the space in which they operate.
Bangladesh is a source, transit, and destination country for women, men and child victims of human trafficking.
Bangladesh, though still ranking at “Tier 2”, the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2022 highlights significant progress in responding to TIP in Bangladesh through joint efforts of Government and non-government partners.
Due to the global economic contraction, job losses and difficulties earning livelihoods have amplified the risk of trafficking.
In addition to root causes of human trafficking reportedly intensifying, Bangladesh has experienced an increase in the form of digital abuse and exploitation, with traffickers rapidly adjusting to the changing landscape.
According to Md. Akhter Hossain, Senior Secretary, Public Security Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, “Victims of trafficking experience physical & mental violence levels, harassment, forced labour, forced & illegitimate marriages, death, and they are often used in drugs and goods trafficking rings. The government has taken strong steps to combat human trafficking at all levels.”
Dr. Ahmed Munirus Saleheen, Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, said the government of Bangladesh has sufficient law and policies to combat human trafficking.
“In addition, the Global Compact on Migration commits to eradicating trafficking in persons. We now need to ensure comprehensive efforts at national, regional, and global levels to implement these laws effectively and end this heinous crime.”
Gwyn Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh said technology also presents a lot of potential as a tool to combat trafficking.
"The ability of law enforcement and the criminal justice system to use technology in their responses to trafficking will be crucial to the future success of efforts to eradicate human trafficking.”
Abdusattor Esoev, Chief of Mission of IOM & Coordinator of the Bangladesh UN Network on Migration, said prevention and awareness-raising activities on the safe use of the internet and social media can help mitigate the online risk of trafficking.
"Cooperation with the private sector is important to harness their innovation and expertise in developing sustainable technology-based solutions to support prevention and combatting of human trafficking.”
Of the almost one million Bangladeshis migrating abroad every year, many vulnerable migrants are targeted by traffickers, and some are subject to debt bondage, forced labour, sexual exploitation, forced marriages and other forms of modern slavery.
Robert Chatterton Dickson, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh; Nathalie Chuard, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh; Jeremy Opritesco, Charge d’Affaires of the Delegation of the European Union; and Scott Brandon, acting Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy in Bangladesh were also present.