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FM’s book on Padma Bridge unveiled
Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury unveiled the cover of the book titled “Amader Aurthey Amader Padma Setu” (Our Padma Bridge by Our Own Funds) in the capital on Tuesday.
The book edited by Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was unveiled at a programme organised by “Chandaboti Academy” at auditorium of Foreign Service Academy.
Foreign Minister Momen, Law, Justice and Parliament Affairs Minister Anisul Huq, State Minister for Foreign Minister Md Shahriar Alam and Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam were present at the ceremony.
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Speakers at the programme said the Padma Bridge is the symbol of the capability of the country as the bridge was implemented under determination of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
They also said the book will be a document in the history of Bangladesh’s development as several aspects of the implementation of the bridge was scripted in the book.
Foreign Minister Momen dedicated the book to the premier.
The 400-page book contains 67 articles written by the prominent writers on various aspects of the recently inaugurated Padma Bride which is the symbol of pride and self-confidence of the Bangladeshi nationals.
Climate-induced migration poses security risks in Bangladesh and beyond: Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday warned that climate-induced migration poses grave security risks that may go beyond national borders.
“We remain sensitized to the fact that climate-induced forced migration can pose serious security risks with spill-over effects beyond national borders,” he said, seeking united and urgent action on climate migration.
Momen was speaking at a policy dialogue on “Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change: Towards a Common Narrative and Action Pathway” held at the Foreign Service Academy.
Also read: Dhaka: Inadequate efforts for climate migrants may lead to global security risk
The event aimed at bringing together all stakeholders for identifying potential avenues for Bangladesh to contribute further to advance the global agenda on climate change-migration nexus in the lead up to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt in November this year.
It was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Concert for Bangladesh made the world aware of Liberation War: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen Friday said that the historic ‘Concert for Bangladesh’, the charity event organised during the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh, helped spread the news to the world about the combat's real scenario.
"During the Liberation War, many foreigners and their countries supported us and helped us with financial assistance, and one such exceptional example was the 'Concert for Bangladesh' organised in New York in 1971. Joined by 40,000 people, that concert eventually spread the name of Bangladesh to the world and let people know the actual scenario," he said.
Read: Genocide against Rohingya: Bangladesh welcomes ICJ's rejection of Myanmar claims
The FM shared his remarks at a discussion programme titled 'The Concert for Bangladesh and Contribution of Foreign Friends in the Liberation War' which was organised at the premiere of the documentary ‘Ekti Desh-er Jonno Gaan’ (Songs for a Country), directed by journalist-writer Shamim Al Amin, at the Liberation War Museum in the capital on Friday.
Jointly organised by the world-famous Indian sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar and English singer-songwriter and the iconic English rock band ‘The Beatles’ lead guitarist George Harrison at the historic Maddison Square Garden in New York on August 1, 1971, the concert got its befitting tribute in the documentary, Momen said at the event.
People's welfare depends on social harmony: FM
Mentioning the government is working for social peace and harmony, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said that if social harmony is not destroyed and peace is maintained in the society, it brings the welfare of the people.
He made the remarks while addressing a discussion meeting on the occasion of Ulto Rath Yatra at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)) Sylhet Temple in Yugaltila, Sylhet on Friday as the chief guest.
The minister said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working relentlessly to build the golden Bengal of harmony that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamt about.
Shrimat Bhakti Odito Navadwip Maharaj presided over the function.
Read: FM Momen mourns Abe's death
Speaking as the special guest, Awami League Central Organizing Secretary Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel said a vested quarter has been conspiring since independence and their activities are still going on. "So we have to be careful about them."
At the end of the meeting, the Foreign Minister inaugurated the Rath Yatra festival by lighting up mangal pradeep (lamp of welfare).
Later, a procession with idols of Jagannath, Subhadra and Balaram set out in three huge chariots in colorful attire.
The procession passed through Rikabibazar, Chauhatta, Zindabazar, Nayorpool, Bandarbazar, Taltala, Rikabibazar of the city and ended at the ISKCON temple.
Earlier, Momen visited the development work of the traditional Dhopadighi of the city with the funding of the Government of India.
Rohingya Repatriation: Dhaka seeks proactive role from Indonesia, ASEAN
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has urged Indonesia and the ASEAN to play a proactive role to facilitate an early repatriation of the displaced Rohingya people currently sheltered in Bangladesh on humanitarian grounds.
He reiterated that the problem was created by Myanmar and it has to be solved by Myanmar as well, and the only possible solution in this regard is the repatriation of the displaced people to their homeland, the Rakhine State of Myanmar.
Momen also sought Indonesia’s support in favour of Bangladesh’s candidacy as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Also read: FM Momen’s new book focuses on Bangladesh’s successes, potential
The foreign minister discussed the issues when Ambassador of Indonesia to Bangladesh Heru Hartanto Subolo met him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Momen recalled with gratitude the support of Indonesia for early recognition of independent Bangladesh in 1972.
He expressed happiness on the celebration of Golden Jubilee of Diplomatic ties with due festivity both in Bangladesh and Indonesia.
While appreciating the current volume of bilateral trade, Momen stressed on further expanding and accelerating the scope of trade and investment tapping into the unexplored potentials by the business communities of the two countries.
He specifically emphasized on having a better balance of bilateral trade by allowing more Bangladeshi products, including RMG, Pharmaceuticals, leather goods etc., into the Indonesian market and on concluding the Bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement which is under negotiations.
Momen suggested more frequent interactions among the business communities of the two countries, according to the MoFA.
The foreign minister explained briefly the remarkable socio-economic success of Bangladesh to the new Indonesian envoy.
Also read: Malta to send team for hassle-free visa processing of 3000 Bangladeshis: FM
He specifically highlighted the success of digital integration and ICT development in Bangladesh under the vision of ‘Digital Bangladesh’ as steered by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Momen elaborated how a well-built ICT infrastructure helped Bangladesh in coping with the challenges of the pandemic and in administering one of the largest inoculation programs in the world.
Echoing the views of the foreign minister, the Indonesian Ambassador also emphasized on further strengthening economic relations between the two countries through various means including exchange of trade delegations, participating in trade expo etc.
Momen wished the Ambassador all success and assured him of all possible support during his tenure in Bangladesh.
New Chancery building of Bangladesh Embassy in Lisbon inaugurated
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has formally inaugurated the new Chancery building of Bangladesh Embassy in Lisbon.
Bangladeshi expatriates have expressed their joy at having a Bangladesh-owned Embassy in Portugal, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.
The entrance and premises of the Chancery wore a festive look with decorations befitting the occasion.
Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal Ambassador Álvaro Mendonca e Moura graced the inaugural ceremony held on Friday as special guest.
Dhaka seeks greater trade, investment with visa-free Commonwealth regime
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has called for strengthening free mobility of trade and investment and human resources and introducing a visa-free Commonwealth regime.
He made the call during the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at the Rwandan capital Kigali on Saturday.
President of Rwanda Paul Kagame officially welcomed more than thirty heads of states, foreign ministers and delegates to this year’s CHOGM held on June 24-25 in Rwanda under the theme “Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming.”
The Commonwealth leaders discussed building more partnerships among Commonwealth countries in areas including sustainable and inclusive development, governance, and rule of law, post-covid recovery, youth technology, and innovation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.
Also read: Padma Bridge: FM says WB must be apologetic
While delivering a speech at the CHOGM executive session, Foreign Minister Momen reiterated that commitment made in COP 26 on limiting temperature increase within 1.5 degrees and mobilizing US$ 100 billion climate finance must continue to remain the flagship agenda of the Commonwealth.
He also proposed a crisis management mechanism in the Commonwealth to address equitable access to global public health goods and services, including vaccines and therapeutics as well as mental health.
Momen called upon Commonwealth nations to exert pressure on the Myanmar regime to comply with the ‘provisional measures’ by the ICJ and create a conducive environment in the Rakhine State for the safe, secure and dignified return of their nationals.
During the CHOGM the role of Bangladesh in climate change was commended by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and British Prime Minister while the Sultan of Brunei and Deputy Prime Minister of Malta commended Bangladesh on its pioneering role and initiative on Mental Health.
Also read: Bangladesh ready to engage with everyone who wishes no harm: FM
While attending CHOGM and its sideline meetings, the Foreign Minister also had bilateral meetings with his counterpart of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Jamaica, Sri Lanka, Australia and the UK.
Issues of bilateral interest were discussed during the meetings.
The two-day meeting ended with adopting declarations on childcare and protection reform; the Commonwealth Living Land Charter, the declaration on sustainable urbanization, and the Heads of Governments Communiqué.
A leaders’ statement was also adopted at the retreat.
Padma Bridge: FM says WB must be apologetic
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the World Bank (WB) must be "apologetic" and feel "sorry" considering that they did Bangladesh a "big injustice" by cancelling the funding for the Padma Bridge which is set to be inaugurated on June 25.
"There is no guarantee that big institutions (like WB) always do good things," he said while talking to television journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thursday.
Minister Momen said the global lending agency should pay compensation to those who faced harassment and seek an apology from them, acknowledging the big injustice they had committed.
The Bangladesh government invited WB President David Malpass to attend the inaugural ceremony of the much-awaited Padma Bridge.
The Bangladesh Bridge Authority e-mailed the invitation to the chief of the multilateral lending agency Wednesday.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her government's move to self-finance the Padma Bridge brightened Bangladesh's image globally. "Such a bold decision has also boosted the self-confidence and mental strength of the nation."
Also read: Padma Bridge inauguration: Invitation card sent to World Bank
FM urges UNHCR to expedite efforts at Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has urged the UNHCR to enhance their activities in Rakhine in creating an environment conducive to the sustainable repatriation of the persecuted Rohingyas to Myanmar.
He raised the issue on Wednesday when United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Under-Secretary General Filippo Grandi met him in Dhaka.
Momen said proactive engagement of the international community in confidence building among the Rohingya people is crucial for sustainable repatriation.
He thanked the UNHCR for its continued engagement in the humanitarian operations for the forcibly displaced Rohingyas.
The foreign minister highlighted the introduction of informal education for the Rohingya children under Myanmar curriculum in Myanmar language, skill development activities, livelihood opportunities, health facilities etc. both in Cox’s Bazar and in Bhasan Char.
He expressed hope that these initiatives would facilitate their reintegration in Myanmar society upon return.
READ: Bangladesh lost a patriotic penman following Gaffar Chy’s death: FM
Momen urged the high hommissioner to engage with Myanmar with the view to create conducive environment in the Rakhine State for early repatriation.
The high commissioner informed that his organization is making efforts in this regard and assured that he will further pursue this.
He underscored that the UNHCR is in the same page with Bangladesh concerning voluntary and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
While sharing his experience of the visits to Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Camp and Bhasan Char, he mentioned the ardent aspirations of all the Rohingyas he met to return to Myanmar at the earliest.
He assured to extent all sorts of support to Bangladesh in ensuring sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya to Rakhine.
He also informed that the UNHCR and other international agencies are undertaking number of projects for the benefit of the local population in Cox’s Bazar.
While highlighting various aspects of Bhasan Char, the foreign minister emphasized on the full engagement of UN systems in Bhasan Char to provide humanitarian assistance for all the relocated Rohingyas on the island.
High Commissioner Grandi reiterated to continue providing necessary support to government of Bangladesh for Bhasan Char.
He underscored that ensuring sustainability of the Bhasan Char project is important and all should work together on this.
High Commissioner Filippo Grandi arrived in Bangladesh on May 21 on his fifth visit. He travelled to Cox’s Bazar from May 21 to 23 and visited Bhasan Char on May 24.
FM to attend River Conclave in Guwahati, JCC talks in Delhi May 28-30
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will attend the third edition of Asian Confluence River Conclave-2022 (NADI) to be held in Guwahati on May 28-29 before holding the next round of Joint Consultation Commission (JCC) meeting with his Indian counterpart scheduled to be held in New Delhi on May 30.
“We’re in constant discussion with India. It’s good that we can raise all the issues. They’ve (India) become good friends,” he told reporters at his office on Tuesday.
A number of Indian ministers including Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar are likely to attend the Asian Confluence River Conclave-2022.
Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami on Tuesday had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on preparation of the JCC.
The JCC will be co-chaired by Foreign Minister Dr Momen and his Indian counterpart Dr Jaishankar. The two Foreign Ministers met in Dhaka last month and stressed on following up the decisions taken at the highest level for their effective implementation for mutual benefit.
The sixth meeting of the JCC was held on September 29, 2020. Although Dhaka was scheduled to host the meeting, due to the COVID-19 situation the meeting was held on a virtual platform.
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Bangladesh and India noted that 2021 was a landmark year for the Bangladesh-India relationship as the President and Prime Minister of India visited Bangladesh in a single year and both the counties celebrated the 50th years of diplomatic ties through the joint celebration of a number of landmark events across the world.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will also visit India this year, most probably in July first week.