UN
Policies must to stop misuse, overuse of antibiotics: Health Minister
Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said that the United Nations (UN) has urged its member states to formulate policies and laws so that excessive use of antibiotics can be prevented.
The minister revealed the information during an exclusive interview with UNB, held at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel, on Sunday.
During the interview, the health minister informed that the issue of antibiotics use received special focus during the 77th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Read: Bangladesh makes progress in efforts to locally produce Covid-19 vaccines: Health Minister
“This year, UNGA held three sessions on health, in which I had participated. The antibiotics issue, particularly resistance to antibiotics, was widely discussed during these sessions. Countries present during the sessions expressed great concern over the fact that people all over the world were often using antibiotics without prescriptions, and it was discovered that people from low and middle income countries were using antibiotics more than people from rich countries,” Zahid Maleque said.
The minister added that one of the reasons why antibiotics use is so widespread is because a lot of medicines are sold over-the-counter.
“Anyone can buy antibiotic medicine from the medicine stores directly, without showing any prescription. People are developing antibiotic resistance due to such overuse, which means antibiotics can’t cure the illness for which it is consumed. As a result, many people are dying around the world not from sickness, but from overusing drugs,” the minister commented.
Read: First dose of Covid-19 vaccine won’t be administered after Oct 3: Health Minister
Replying to a question, the minister said that Bangladesh’s healthcare system was praised during the UN session.
“Our success in Covid-19 management has been lauded by all. Besides, the medicines we produce and export were also acclaimed. We screened a documentary in which we have highlighted our achievements in the health sector, which was well received. All in all, the response has been mostly positive,” Zahid Maleque said.
Terming antibiotic resistance as a terrifying phenomenon, he added that the UN has emphasized the need for inventing new antibiotics that are more effective than the existing ones.
Read “Won’t allow anyone to do business in the name of healthcare”
“At the UN session, member states have been urged to provide healthcare services in proper ways. They have also been asked to ensure that no one can avail medicine like antibiotics without prescriptions. Most importantly, the countries present at the session have pledged to make sure that everyone gets treated by an expert doctor, and doesn’t consume drugs without sufficient reason,” the minister concluded.
What PM said on Russia-Ukraine war, Rohingya issue, climate action, terrorism at 77th UNGA
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday demanded immediate end to the Russia-Ukraine war and lifting sanctions for the sake of lives and livelihoods of people worldwide.
“We want the end of Russia-Ukraine war. Due to sanctions, and counter-sanctions, not a single country, rather the entire mankind including women and children is punished,” she said.
The Prime Minister made the call while delivering her statement at the 77th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Also read: Hasina breaks down in tears while talking about everyday ordeals of Rohingyas
Like previous years, she delivered her statement in Bangla. The theme of this year's general debate is “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges”.
She mentioned that the impact of Russia-Ukraine war does not remain confined to one country, rather puts the lives and livelihoods of the people of all nations in greater risk, and infringes their human rights. People are deprived of food, shelter, healthcare and education.
She said Children suffer the most in particular and their future sinks into darkness. “My urge to the conscience of the world community- stop the arms race, war and sanctions. Ensure food and security of the children. Establish peace,” she said.
Read Homelessness is a curse that impacts people everywhere: PM
“We share one planet, and we owe it to our future generations to leave it in a better shape,” she said.
“Dialogue is the best way to resolve crises and disputes,” she added.
In this context, she thanked the UN Secretary General for setting up the Global Crisis Response Group.
“As a champion of this group, I am working with other world leaders to determine a global solution commensurate with the gravity and depth of the current situation,” said the Bangladesh premier.
Read Dhaka-Washington: A thaw in the offing?
“This (war) has brought economies like ours under tremendous pressure. Inflation has gone up. We (Bangladesh) are taking various initiatives to overcome this situation,” she noted.
Rohingya crisis may affect regional stability and beyond
Talking about the forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar, Sheikh Hasina said, Last month Bangladesh witnessed five years of the 2017 mass exodus of Rohingyas to Bangladesh from their home country.
“Not a single Rohingya was repatriated to their ancestral home Myanmar, despite our bilateral engagements with them, discussions with partners in trilateral format and engagements with the UN and other partners to assist Myanmar to create necessary conditions for safe and dignified repatriation,” she complained.
Read UNGA lauds Bangladesh’s leadership in promoting culture of peace
In this connection, she said the ongoing political turmoil and armed conflicts in the country has made possibilities of Rohingya repatriation more difficult. “I hope the United Nations will play an effective role in this regard,” the PM added.
Talking about the prolonged presence of Rohingyas in Bangladesh, she said, it has caused serious ramifications on the economy, environment, security, and socio-political stability in Bangladesh.
“Uncertainty over repatriation has led to widespread frustration. Cross-border organized crimes including human and drug trafficking are on the rise,” she said, adding that this situation can potentially fuel radicalization.
Read Citing abstention at UNGA vote on Ukraine, Lithuania withdraws vaccine donation to Dhaka
“If the problem persists, it may affect security and stability of the entire region, and beyond,” she cautioned.
Promote inclusive climate action
Regarding the impact of climate change she said it is one of the biggest threats for humankind. “In the past, we have seen a vicious cycle of promises being made and broken. We must now change this course,” she said.
In Bangladesh, she mentioned that the government has led to many transformative measures to tackle perilous impacts of climate change consistent with implementing the Paris Agreement and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Read Fear grips border areas as Myanmar fighter jets fire towards Bangladesh
During Bangladesh’s Presidency of Climate Vulnerable Forum, it launched ‘Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan’, which aims to put Bangladesh on a sustainable trajectory from “one of vulnerability to resilience to climate prosperity,” she said.
“Our national plans and policies on climate change and natural disaster are gender responsive and take into account the critical role of women in adaptation and mitigation,” said Hasina.
She said Bangladesh is ready to support other vulnerable countries to develop their own prosperity plans. “I call on world leaders to promote inclusive climate action,” she said.
Read PM in NY: Rohingyas living in Myanmar’s Arakan since 8th century
Zero tolerance policy on terrorism and extremism
The Prime Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s stance of 'zero tolerance' to terrorism and violent extremism. “We do not allow our territory to be used by any party to incite or cause terrorist acts or harm to others,” she said.
She also called upon the UN member states to work together for the conclusion of an internationally binding instrument to tackle cyber-crimes and cyber-violence.
Bangladesh fully committed to protecting human rights
As a responsible member state, Bangladesh is fully committed to protecting and promoting human rights of its own people, PM Hasina said. “We have adopted a holistic and inclusive approach to ensure the political, economic, cultural and social rights of the people.”
Read Myanmar’s shelling inside Bangladesh “unintentional mistake”, Momen says in NY
She said Bangladesh is interested in looking for transformative solutions to poverty alleviation, mitigating climate change effects, preventing conflicts and finance, energy and fuel crises that the world is grappling with now.
Dhaka to continue supporting Palestine
The premier said Bangladesh will continue to extend its support to the occupied Palestinian people.
She reiterated Bangladesh’s unequivocal support for the two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Read Helicopters attack school, village in north-central Myanmar, 7 children among 13 killed
Briefly describing the success of Bangladesh in controlling COVID-19, she said, as of August 2022, hundred percent of the eligible population of Bangladesh have been vaccinated.
Besides, in the 77th UN General Assembly 2022, Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted the economic progress of the country, its successes in different sectors including education, food security and health, and gender inequality.
PM off to New York ending UK visit
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday left London for New York after attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
The premier will attend the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and some important events on the sidelines in New York.
A VVIP chartered flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the PM and her entourage took off from London Stansted International Airport for New York at 8pm local time.
The flight is scheduled to arrive at New York JFK International Airport at about 10:30pm New York time on the same day.
Bangladesh Ambassador-designate in Washington Muhammad Imran and Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad Abdul Muhith will receive her at the JFK International Airport.
On September 20, the PM is scheduled to attend a reception hosted by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and join the inaugural ceremony of 77th session of UNGA.
She will have bilateral meetings with Filippo Grandi of UNHCR and Slovenian President Borut Pahor. She will also join the UNGA Platform of Women Leaders.
At the end of the day, she will attend the reception of US President Joe Biden.
Besides, she will join a high-level side event on sustainable housing co-hosted by Bangladesh, Botswana, Slovak Republic and UN Habitat on September 21.
On the same day, she will have a bilateral meeting with WEF Executive Director Professor Schwab Klaus, and join the Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) Champions' Meeting.
In the afternoon, the prime minister will visit the photo exhibition on Padma Bridge at UNHQs followed by bilateral meeting with Kosovo President Dr Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso Mendoza, and Rabab Fatima, USG OHRLSS.
The PM will start the day on September 22 through a breakfast meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) followed by a courtesy call on by IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino. She will also join a high level policy roundtable with the US Bangladesh business council.
Later, she will have bilateral meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and ICC Prosecutor Nick Klegg and Karim Khan.
On September 23, the Prime Minister will deliver her address at the General Debate of the 77thSession of the UN General Assembly.
She will join a civic reception to be given by the expatriate Bangladeshis on September 24.
Earlier, Hasina arrived in London on September 15 on an official visit to the United Kingdom mainly to attend the Queen’s funeral and the new king’s ascension reception.
The PM is scheduled to return home in the early hours of October 4 after a short stopover in London on her way from Washington.
Also read: PM reiterates commitment to work for child rights
Dhaka-Washington: A thaw in the offing?
While the political chessboard sets itself at home ahead of the run-up to the next elections - for which a fortnight’s window spanning the last week of 2023 and the first of 2024 has now officially been disclosed by the Election Commission - Sheikh Hasina’s government seems to smell more fertile ground overseas to get some points on the board.
Of course September always has the flavour of international relations about it, given its permanent slot for UNGA Week. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spent barely a week in the country between returning from the extreme scrutiny of a bilateral summit in India to jetting off again for New York City (via farewell to Queen Elizabeth) for the annual meet of the international family of nations. Even so, it proved a busy, as well as telling, even fruitful period for the premier.
Read:Buckingham Palace calling: King Charles thanks PM Hasina, wishes Bangladeshis well
Although ostensibly this visit will be to the UN, the reality is lost on no one that this will be the first time Prime Minister Hasina will be setting foot in the US since an apparent strain in ties caused by the Biden Administration’s sanctions imposed against RAB and seven of its current and former top officials, including the current chief of police, Benazir Ahmed, last December 10 - International Human Rights Day. Even IGP Benazir’s recent visit, thanks to a UN invite for which the US allows certain exemptions to its own policies, drew great interest among Bangladeshis both at home and abroad. By and large it passed without incident. The Hasina visit is shaping up to be more significant.
This was evidenced by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas seeking out an audience with the premier during her short stay in Dhaka. When an American envoy moves with such urgency, you can safely conclude something concrete is afoot. Interestingly, the US embassy’s statement following the meeting had no mention, not even as afterthought, of ‘human rights’ - on which the two sides haven’t seen eye-to-eye since President Biden took the reins in Washington. Rather, it spoke in glowing terms of ‘shared achievements over the 50 years of positive bilateral relations’ and setting the stage for the next fifty.
Read: Your democracy is for you to develop: Doraiswami
The range of issues discussed at the meeting included cooperation in economic development, security, climate change, Rohingya refugee assistance, and COVID-19, according to Ambassador Haas himself. While on the one hand there was the reiteration of US cooperation, particularly its remarkable contribution of vaccines (88 million doses) to Bangladesh during the pandemic, on the other there was acknowledgement of Bangladesh’s own achievements, including “remarkable economic progress, its leadership on climate change, its generosity in sheltering Rohingya refugees, and its tremendous contribution to global peacekeeping operations.”
The clincher came with the announcement of a “ministerial-level special session” of the two countries, along with other stakeholders, to be held on the sidelines of the UNGA. Word in the diplomatic quarter of Dhaka was that it was all about the signing of two preliminary defence deals - pretty basic ones that only set the grounds for defence purchases from American manufacturers. But reading the tea leaves, you couldn’t help but feel a more significant breakthrough might be in the offing.
Read UNGA lauds Bangladesh’s leadership in promoting culture of peace
Home Minister: Will complain to UN over Myanmar’s mortar shelling if needed
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan has said the government is trying to resolve the Myanmar issue peacefully and diplomatically but a complaint will be lodged with the United Nations regarding mortar shelling at the border if necessary.
The minister said this in response to journalists after attending a programme at Ahsania Mission in Dhaka today.
He said the Foreign Ministry has warned Myanmar again and again but they didn’t keep their promise. “We have lodged a strong protest against casualties from Myanmar’s mortar shelling on Friday at Tombru border,” he added.
Also read: Do more to cut Myanmar military's revenue, arms supply: UN to countries
“Myanmar’s internal conflicts should remain within its border but their forces are entering the Bangladesh border time and again and injuring Bangladeshi nationals,” said Asaduzzaman.
He said Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP) is continuously being contacted about this issue and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has remained strictly alert to prevent illegal entry of Rohingyas.
On Friday night, a 17-year-old-Rohingya boy named Mohammad Iqbal was killed and five others were injured as a mortar shell fired by the Myanmar army exploded at the Zero Point Rohingya Camp close to the international border in Tombru, Bandarban.
The deceased and injured were all residents of the Zero Point Rohingya Camp, known as the camp that is closest to the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, in no man’s land.
Also read: Rohingya boy killed, 5 injured as Myanmar steps up shelling along border
Four mortar shells landed in succession at the Rohingya camp around 8pm.
Earlier, an indigenous youth named Anganthowai Tanchangya was grievously injured in a landmine explosion along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban on Friday noon. Locals said it is the Myanmar army that has mined the area.
Twelve mortar shells have been fired by the Myanmar army into Bangladesh territory so far.
Do more to cut Myanmar military's revenue, arms supply: UN to countries
Countries will have to do more to cut the Myanmar military's access to revenue and arms supplies to halt its repression of the people, the United Nations Human Rights Office said in a report Friday.
The report was requested by the Human Rights Council to follow up on earlier recommendations made by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (FFM) on the economic interests of the Myanmar military (the Tatmadaw).
Today's report reiterated the FFM's recommendations to impose targeted financial sanctions on the Tatmadaw and its economic interests as well as arms embargoes, while at the same time highlighting that such measures must respect human rights and that efforts must be made to mitigate foreseeable socio-economic impacts.
Several countries continue to supply weaponry and engage in military cooperation, it said.
Since seizing control of state organs, the State Administration Council has failed to govern in meaningful and sustainable ways, instead continuing to repress and terrorise the Myanmar people, the report added.
While some progress has been made on the FFM's recommendations to economically isolate the Tatmadaw, there remain significant gaps, which are ever more important following the coup.
Read: It was end-of-mandate statement, not global report: UN rights office
Targeted measures should particularly focus on the military's foreign currency access, the report said.
It urged the international community to step up its efforts to support the people of Myanmar and to ensure the military's financial isolation in a coordinated fashion.
Myanmar's military authorities are clearly prioritising their military campaigns over the welfare of the population and economic recovery, the report said.
In comparison with the previous annual government budget, the military authorities' 2022-23 budget increased defence spending, while reducing allocations to education, health, and social welfare.
Poverty in Myanmar has increased at least two-fold and the public health system has effectively broken down since the coup, and more than half of all school-age children have not had access to education for two academic years.
Some countries and companies continue business relationships with military-owned enterprises in a number of sectors.
Read: UN Human Rights Council adopts resolution to end Rohingya crisis
All businesses active in Myanmar or sourcing from the country should take steps to ensure they do not economically benefit the military, including by conducting ongoing and transparent heightened human rights due diligence, the report said.
UN experts seek more help for human rights defenders in push for accountability in Myanmar
UN experts on Friday said human rights defenders documenting and responding to atrocities by Myanmar's military junta urgently need comprehensive support, including financial.
They called on the international community to end apparent indifference to the violence targeting the country's population.
“In the face of inaction by the international community, and with human rights violations continuing to be perpetrated on a daily basis by the military junta, human rights defenders are persisting in their support for those targeted and working to preserve the possibility of justice in the future,” said Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.
Along with Tom Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Lawlor highlighted the grave risks defenders face and the specific challenges confronting women human rights defenders.
“Defenders have been murdered and disappeared by the military since the coup took place. They now risk arrest, detention, torture, including sexual violence and death when going about their work and fear having their documents seized at military checkpoints,” the experts said.
Read: UN Human Rights Council adopts resolution to end Rohingya crisis
“Many have had to go into hiding after being targeted by the military for assisting survivors of gender-based violence. They are on the move constantly, and women human rights defenders often have no choice but to take their children with them when they flee.”
Others have had to relocate to neighbouring countries, where they remain vulnerable.
Lawlor and Andrews said they had publicly expressed concerns for the safety of defenders in the country just over a year ago.
“What's needed is concrete support for Myanmar human rights defenders, including those who have had to flee the country: stronger, coordinated pressure on the junta, timely and responsive direct financial support for defenders on the ground, and visas or resettlement for those fleeing the country,” the experts said.
“The international community must not adopt a passive stance when it comes to the crimes that are being perpetrated by the military junta and the risks for human rights defenders in Myanmar.”
"Bangladesh should not have to carry the burden of climate change alone"
UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change Ian Fry has said the major greenhouse emitting countries have a clear obligation under international law to provide funding to help highly vulnerable countries like Bangladesh to recover from the impacts of climate change."Bangladesh should not have to carry the burden of climate change alone," the UN expert said on Thursday, calling for an international fund to help the South Asian country to recover from the impacts of extreme weather events.He visited some of the most adversely affected regions of Bangladesh and said it is clear to him that the burden of climate change should not be carried by Bangladesh alone.
Read What can COP27 do for climate vulnerable countries?“For too long, major emitting countries have denied their responsibility for the suffering they are causing. This must end," said the UN Special Rapporteur.In a statement at the end of his 10-day visit to Bangladesh to study the impact of climate change in the South Asian nation, Fry said the international community must immediately establish a loss and damage fund to finance the recovery of climate change-affected States.
Fry said women carried an enormous burden of climate change impacts, walking long distances to fetch fresh water, which put them at risk of sexual harassment and kept them from childcare and farming.
Read Aid pours into Pakistan; deaths from floods cross 1,200 markAccording to the Special Rapporteur, women lost livestock, crops and stored seeds in the flash floods of Sylhet, in northeast Bangladesh, and it would take the community at least two years to fully recover.During his visit, the UN expert held meetings online with indigenous peoples who expressed grave concerns about their future, as the logging of their land was destroying traditional livelihoods and making it harder to find freshwater, food and medicine.The logging was a violation of the Bangladesh government’s own programme to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+), the Special Rapporteur said.
Read: UN human rights expert on climate change to visit Bangladesh from Sept 4-15
The government refuses to recognise that these communities are indigenous, and their plight was therefore being ignored, he said.“The issue of climate change displacement was deeply disturbing for me. Millions of people suffering from hardship caused by climate change are migrating to cities to seek other opportunities,” the expert said.“Inevitably these people end up in the slum areas of the major cities, where their basic rights are being denied,” he said.
Read Dangerous heat predicted to hit 3 times more often in futureThe Special Rapporteur said he had received reports that the situation of children in urban slums was particularly dire.“They suffer high rates of malnourishment, school drop-out, child marriage, child labour and abuse,” he said.Fry said he also met with climate change activists who claimed they were being persecuted by the government for protesting against new coal-fired power plants.
Read Northeastern farmers face new challenges with severe drought“The government appears to be using the Digital Protection Act to suppress the voice of climate activists. This is a gross overreaction. People have the right to express their views without being referred to as ‘terrorists’, the UN expert said.Fry will present a report to the UN General Assembly in 2022, focused on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change mitigation, loss, damage and participation – an issue he said was brought sharply into focus during his visit to Bangladesh.A full report on his visit to Bangladesh will be presented to the Human Rights Council in June 2023.
Read Climate change wipes out $525 bn over last 2 decades: Report
“Bangladesh suffering from greenhouse gas impact caused by the developed world”
UN Special Rapporteur on promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, Ian Fry, is currently on an official visit to Bangladesh.
The special rapporteur’s news conference to share his preliminary findings from the visit will be held virtually on September 15.
This is the first official visit (September 4-15) by the UN expert since he took office on May 1, 2022, said an official.
He is assessing how the adverse impact of climate change affects human rights in vulnerable communities.
Also read: UN acting rights chief for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly in Bangladesh ahead of polls
The special rapporteur is focusing on loss and damages incurred due to climate change and extreme weather.
“The impacts of climate change continue to take a huge economic and social toll on the people of Bangladesh. Studies indicate that globally, costs related to loss and damage from climate change impacts will rise to between $290 billion and $580 billion a year by 2030,” Fry said.
“People of Bangladesh are suffering from the greenhouse gas pollution caused by the developed world. It is time the international community stepped up and took responsibility for these impacts,” the UN expert said.
He is also paying special attention to and exploring how climate change impacts are forcing people to be displaced from their land and what measures are being taken to address these impacts.
The UN expert will identify good practices, strategies and policies implemented by the government of Bangladesh, as the country adapts to climate change and builds resilience to its adverse impacts.
The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive report on his visit to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in June 2023.
Ian Fry is the first Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.
He was appointed by the Human Rights Council at its 49th session in March 2022 and started his mandate on May 1, 2022.
Fry is an international environmental law and policy expert.
Also read: UN for adoption, implementation of national strategy for cutting poverty among Bangladesh's differently-abled
His focus has primarily been on mitigation policies, and loss and damage associated with the Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol and related instruments.
He worked for the Tuvalu government for over 21 years and was appointed as their Ambassador for Climate Change and Environment from 2015 to 2019.
UN acting rights chief for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly in Bangladesh ahead of polls
UN acting High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al- Nashif has said it will be vital for the government of Bangladesh to ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and for security forces to refrain from using "excessive force" against protests in the "polarising environment" ahead of the next elections.
Nashif said this while delivering a statement on global update at the 51st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday.
During the first ever visit by a High Commissioner to Bangladesh last month, as well as to the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, the former High Commissioner discussed a full range of concerns with the authorities and offered OHCHR’s support to review restrictive laws governing on-line expression.
Also read: EVMs to be used in maximum 150 constituencies in next national polls: EC
At that time, she encouraged the establishment of an "independent, specialised mechanism" to investigate allegations of human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, by law enforcement agencies, particularly by the Rapid Action Battalion.
"Human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists and victims’ families should not face reprisals or sanctions for their advocacy work," said Nashif.
Also read: UK ready to send independent observers to Bangladesh national polls: Envoy