foreign minister
Bangladesh to work for resolving dispute between Guyana and Venezuela: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, Chair of Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana, on Tuesday reaffirms the proposal of the group for peaceful settlement of the dispute between Guyana and Venezuela through the intervention of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
''Bangladesh looks forward to steering the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana to reach a peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and international adjudication which also is in line with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's visionary foreign policy doctrine," Momen said.
The foreign minister attended the virtual meeting for the second time during his tenure as the chairman.
Bangladesh took over the chairmanship from South Africa for this Ministerial Group.
Read: Bangladesh to be voice of climate vulnerable countries: FM
The Group is currently overseeing the long-standing territorial dispute between the British Guyana and Venezuela over their maritime territory.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland and Foreign Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica and the UK were present in the meeting.
Momen reiterated firm and unswerving support for the maintenance and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.
He assured that Bangladesh would steer the deliberations of this Ministerial Group's work towards a peaceful settlement of the territorial dispute between Guyana-Venezuela.
It's unfair, discriminatory: FM on UK's Covid red-listing
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reiterated Bangladesh’s call to remove it from the red-listed countries with travel restrictions terming UK's decision unfair and discriminatory.
"It's unfair and it's discrimination (to Bangladesh)," he said while talking to a select group of journalists at his office on Monday.
Referring to the sufferings of more than 7000 British-Bangladeshis currently stranded in Bangladesh, Dr Momen said the UK government is doing disservice to its own citizens.
He said the UK government argued that the vaccination rate is low in Bangladesh but Bangladesh says the UK is allowing people from other countries having lower vaccination rate.
READ: Policy towards Afghan depends on its attitude: FM
Responding to a question, Dr Momen said Bangladesh has lined up for 24 crore vaccine doses, and over 2.22 crore people have already been vaccinated.
Asked about Rohingya issue as the UNGA is approaching, Dr Momen said many countries are much interested to see restoration of democracy in Myanmar and Bangladesh also wants it.
But, he said, Bangladesh wants the repatriation of Rohingyas too without any delay. "Our priority is repatriation."
READ: FM reiterates call for removing Bangladesh from UK's Covid red list
Rohingya repatriation: Dhaka seeks Moscow's support
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has sought support from Russia for the early repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar's Rakhine State.
The minister made the request as newly appointed Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Vikentyevich Mantytskiy met him at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sunday.
Bangladesh continues to bear the burden of over 1.1 million Rohingyas as no repatriation took place over the last four years amid a "lack of initiative" from Myanmar and "inadequate steps" by the international community.
Bangladesh now 'friendless': Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Saturday said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen’s frustration over not getting Covid vaccines from different countries has manifested that Bangladesh has become 'friendless' in the world.
“The Foreign Minister expressed deep frustration over not getting the corona vaccines after visiting several countries. He told the media that the rich countries aren’t willing to give Bangladesh vaccines. If this is the case, Bangladesh has become friendless in the world,” he said.
The Jatiya Party chief made the remarks while speaking at a meeting of Jatiya Jubo Sanghati at Jugantar Bhaban in the city’s Baridhara area.
READ: GM Quader wants crackdown on illegal arms
He said though the Foreign Minister has said the status of the country has enhanced across the world, Bangladesh ranked 106th in the 2021 Henley Passport Index while its position was 96th in 1996.
“The dignity of the Prime Minister and her cabinet member may increase in the world. The dignity of the common people hasn’t improved at all, but it has declined. That’s why those who now go abroad with Bangladeshi passports have to face various kinds of harassment,” the Jatiya Party chairman observed.
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said the country lacks good governance due to politicisation.
He said the country’s situation has turned so worse that now it is not possible to get a job even after becoming first in the examination without the affiliation with the ruling party.
READ: Waterways must be made safe: GM Quader
The Jatiya Party chief said the ruling party leaders are acquitted by court even after committing crimes as the laws are not enforced equally for all.
He said no one was above law during the rule of Jatiya Party founder HM Ershad. “So, people are expecting Jatiya Party as an alternative force to Awami League and BNP. They want Jatiya Party to return to power.”
GM Quader urged the party leaders and activists to strengthen the party by holding the councils of its all district units by December 31.
Policy towards Afghan depends on its attitude: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said Bangladesh will decide its policy towards Afghanistan independently after observing the situation, their attitudes and policies but no terrorists will be patronized.
“We’ve zero tolerance...we'll in no way patronise any terrorists,” he told reporters referring to the involvement of few Bangladeshis in Afghanistan in the previous Taliban government.
Dr Momen said he was asked whether Bangladesh will follow the policy of India or Pakistan but he made it clear that the decision of Bangladesh is not linked with the decision of any other country.
While briefing journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said Bangladesh has a historic relationship with Afghanistan and is observing the situation in Afghanistan which is a member of Saarc.
“We believe in democracy. We should ensure people’s welfare and we’re yet to take any decision on the Afghanistan issue,” he said.
The Taliban on Tuesday announced an all-male interim government for Afghanistan.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh always believes in a people's government that comes through a political and democratic process and Bangladesh always extends support to such a government where people’s desire is reflected.
On Wednesday, State Minister for Foreign Affair M Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh is still waiting for a permanent government in place in Afghanistan without hurriedly reaching a decision whether it will welcome the interim government or not.
“We’re still observing the situation very closely. Our focus still remains on peace and stability fully free from any war,” he told reporters at his office.
Responding to a question on progress over bringing back BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and other criminals, the Foreign Minister said he cannot tell it exactly as the government is following the issues as per the laws. “I don’t have any such progress report.”
Read: Bangladesh to take its policy towards Afghanistan independently
Dhaka seeks unity against vaccine inequity to accelerate economic recovery efforts
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said a successful pandemic recovery must involve universal vaccination ending vaccine inequality.
He referred to the unfortunate manifestation of vaccine nationalism and called the world to stand united against such vaccine inequity.
“It’s time for development partners to be more humane and help the deserving without discrimination. Vaccine should be a public good,” said the Foreign Minister while speaking at the United Nations high-level Forum on the Culture of Peace held at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.
This year’s high-level Forum on the Culture of Peace focused on the transformative role of the Culture of peace in promoting inclusion and resilience in the post Covid recovery. The daylong event included an inaugural session, a plenary session and a virtual panel discussion.
“An essential component of our recovery effort from the pandemic must involve a peaceful environment in which all of us irrespective of our caste, creed, colour, race and religion can meaningfully contribute to our re-building efforts. There is no alternative to inculcate the Culture of Peace in our efforts to build back better in the post-Covid recovery,” Dr Momen said.
The Foreign Minister recalled Bangladesh’s pioneering role in the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution on the Culture of Peace since 1999 and organization of the high-level forum since 2012.
Read: 'Vaccine inequity' concerns IMF, WB, WHO, WTO
Apart from the Foreign Minister, the President of the General Assembly, High Representative of UN Alliance of Civilization, Chef de Cabinet of UN Secretary General and the Representative of UNESCO delivered remarks at the inaugural session.
Bangladesh to take its policy towards Afghanistan independently: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said Bangladesh will decide its policy towards Afghanistan independently noting that what India or Pakistan is doing is not that much important to Bangladesh.
“Bangladesh always decides its foreign policy in the interest of its own and very independently,” he told BBC Bangla in an interview making it clear that the decision of Bangladesh is not linked with that of any other country.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh always believes in a people's government that comes through a political and democratic process, and it always extends support to such a government where people’s desire is reflected.
“We’ll extend support if people’s desire is reflected in the new Afghan government. At this moment, we don’t know as we’re yet to understand the situation in Afghanistan,” Dr Momen said, adding that things will depend on how the new Afghan government acts and what policy it adopts after the formulation of the government.
The Foreign Minister, however, said there is a perception to get about the people in Afghanistan as what they want.
Read: Bangladesh observing Afghanistan situation, in touch with stranded citizens
Pay compensation to climate vulnerable nations: FM to developed countries
Bangladesh has called upon the developed countries -- responsible for the highest rates of global carbon emissions -- to pay compensation to the poorer nations for the losses and damages incurred through climate change.
In an interview with ITV News, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said it is fair and just for these bigger countries to pay compensation because they are the ones that abuse the resources and spoil planet Earth.
The G20, which is made up of most of the world’s largest economies, accounts for more than 80% of global carbon emissions.
Meanwhile, developing countries like Bangladesh often emit the lowest amounts of global emissions but are forced to endure the disproportionate wrath of climate change.
Bangladesh is only responsible for 0.4% of the planet’s total carbon discharge yet loses around 2% of its GDP yearly to extreme climate events, says the ITV News.
Six million Bangladeshis have so far got displaced as a consequence of climate change and by 2050, the country fears 17% of its coastline will vanish underwater creating 30 million climate refugees.
“This is an existential problem for Bangladesh,” Momen said, adding that the climate change issue is not a national issue, not a regional issue, it is a global issue. "We all have to work together in collaboration and partnership to save this planet."
Read: Bangladesh to be voice of climate vulnerable countries: FM
Dhaka reminds int’l community of responsibility towards Rohingyas
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has stressed on the international community’s responsibility towards establishing accountability and justice for the massive human rights violations perpetrated against Rohingyas in Myanmar.
Dr Momen had a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet Jeria in Geneva on Tuesday where he raised the issue.
He reiterated Bangladesh’s strong commitment to promoting the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the Rohingyas in a conducive environment in Myanmar.
READ: New film, 'EXODUS', provides unique window into lives of Rohingyas: Fortify Rights
Dr Momen conveyed Bangladesh’s readiness to work with Myanmar, UNHCR, OHCHR and other concerned parties to bring about a sustainable and durable solution.
Bangladesh continues to bear the burden of over 1.1 million Rohingyas as no repatriation took place over the last four years amid “lack of initiative” from the Myanmar side and “inadequate steps” by the international community.
Four years ago, Myanmar's military launched a horrific "ethnic cleansing" against the Rohingya in northern Rakhine State. The brutality of the military’s atrocities on that day shocked the conscience of the international community.
The last exodus began on 25 August 2017, when violence broke out in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, forcing thousands of Rohingyas to seek shelter in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh had handed over a list of 840,000 Rohingyas to Myanmar for verification but the verification process by the Myanmar side was very slow, Dhaka says.
Repatriation attempt failed twice in November 2018 and August 2019 amid Rohingyas' lack of trust in the Myanmar government.
READ: US welcomes NUG's inclusive path forward for Rohingyas
Bangladesh and Myanmar signed the repatriation deal on November 23, 2017. On January 16, 2018, Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a document on ‘Physical Arrangement’, which was supposed to facilitate the return of Rohingyas to their homeland.
Dhaka wants continued LDC-specific int’l support for graduating countries
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has called for continuation of LDC-specific flexibilities and exemptions available under the WTO rules and provisions for the least developed countries after graduation.
He made the call during his meeting with the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at her office in Geneva on Tuesday.
At the meeting, Dr Momen highlighted Bangladesh’s impressive development trajectory under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that has enabled the country to be eligible for graduation from the LDC category in 2026.
While conveying satisfaction for the TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Council’s recent decision to allow the LDCs with exemption period until 01 July 2034 under TRIPS Article 66.1, the foreign minister expressed concerns for possible negative impacts on the development momentum of the graduated countries if they lose the international support measures (ISMs).
READ: Int'l support architecture for Asia-Pacific LDCs need of the hour: Momen
Referring to LDC group’s submission in the WTO for extension of LDC-specific ISMs, Dr Momen expressed hope for a favourable decision in the upcoming 12th Ministerial Conference to be held in November in Geneva.
The foreign minister also held a meeting with Guy Ryder, Director General of International Labour Organization (ILO) at their offices during the day.
He highlighted the incremental progresses that Bangladesh has made in the RMG sector during his meeting with Guy Ryder which was duly recognized and appreciated by the DG.
Terming Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the “friend of workers”, Dr Momen emphasized on the initiatives taken by the government of Bangladesh during the pandemic for the welfare and protection of the garment workers.
He said no garment worker was terminated during Covid-19 pandemic thanks to different stimulus packages and initiatives of the Government of Bangladesh.
Dr Momen is on a three-day visit in Geneva to participate in the Asia-Pacific Regional Review Meeting of the LDCs, convened jointly by the Government of Bangladesh, UN-OHRLLS and UNESCAP at the UN Headquarters in Geneva in preparation for the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (UNLDC-5).
READ: Plans afoot to transform Bangladesh’s economy in view of LDC graduation
He is scheduled to reach London on Wednesday to attend a number of programmes from where he will travel to the Netherlands.
He is scheduled to return home on September 9.