foreign minister
Momen displeased at ‘seeking solutions’ of Bangladesh's internal issues from foreigners
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed displeasure over “seeking solutions” of Bangladesh's internal issues from foreigners, especially from diplomats stationed in Dhaka.
“I believe you (media) will not be playing a supportive role to that end,” he said while speaking at DCAB Talk at the Foreign Service Academy.
Momen said diplomats come here to promote bilateral relations between their countries and Bangladesh.
The foreign minister said the image of Bangladesh has undergone a complete change over the past decade.
Read more: Dialogues between parties not held in other countries, including in the US: Momen
“Bangladesh is not a country of terrorists and terrorism activities. That is a great achievement of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” Momen remarked.
Regarding the next national election, the foreign minister said the government is committed to holding a fair election free of violence.
It requires sincere commitment from all parties to make that happen, he said.
The foreign minister highlighted the achievements of the government and its efforts to boost export through diversification.
He said Bangladesh’s investment intention rate is very high but in some cases implementation gets slowed down.
Read more: Not aware elections in Bangladesh connected to US State Dept or EU Parliament: Russian Foreign Ministry
The foreign minister said Bangladesh is a peacebuilding nation.
Referring to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Momen said peace is imperative for development.
He said democracy, human rights and justice — these are in the DNA of Bangladesh.
Momen recalled the sacrifices made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, noting that her sacrifices go far beyond other global leaders.
He said everyone will be affected if the democratic process, peace and stability are hampered. “We need to make peace and stability sustainable. You (media) have a role to play.”
Read more: No pressure, no fear in Awami League’s dictionary: Shahriar Alam
The foreign minister said the government is maintaining good relations with the neighbouring countries.
He also said the government remains prudent in taking foreign loans.
As far as countries are concerned, maximum loans came from Japan while major loans came from the ADB, IMF and World Bank, he added.
Bangladesh does not want to tilt towards any specific country but maintains a balanced relations with all.
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event. DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and its General Secretary Emrul Kayesh spoke at the event. Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present on the occasion.
Read more: Climate-impacted countries like Bangladesh need financial, tech support: UN Resident Coordinator
Rohingyas to get better future only when they return to Myanmar: Momen
Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday (May 29, 2023) said the Rohingyas’ better life and future can be ensured only in their own country and it is better for them to start returning to their homes in Myanmar.
"For Rohingyas, better future is only possible in Myanmar, not in Bangladesh. Confidence building measures are being taken. It is better they start returning to Myanmar," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Momen said the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister came to Bangladesh to discuss the Rohingya, not the issues that media raised.
"He (Chinese Vice Minister) was not even close that issue," said the Foreign Minister while responding to a question on Global Development Initiative (GDI) of China.
Read more: Bangladesh urged to use LDC graduation as an opportunity to rethink its reliance on RMG
Momen said China is facilitating the Rohingya repatriation efforts.
On Sunday, Bangladesh and China reviewed the ongoing efforts for repatriation of the Rohingyas back to their homeland in Myanmar smoothly and on an expeditious basis.
Foreign Minister Momen thanked the Chinese government for making "sincere efforts" for the safe and quick return of the Rohingya people from Bangladesh.
Asked when the Rohingyas will start returning to Myanmar, he said he does not have any idea about any specific date.
Read more: Rohingya Case: OIC Secretary General seeks support from member states
Both Foreign Minister Dr Momen and Vice Foreign Minister of China Sun Weidong expressed similar views that the problem needed an urgent solution, because if left unaddressed for any longer, it could potentially evolve as a tangible threat to the regional security and stability.
"There are trilateral efforts. Our priority is to see repatriation of the Rohingyas," Momen said.
He said many Rohingyas are willing to return while some Rohingyas raised issues like citizenship.
During his meeting with Dr Momen on Sunday, the Vice Foreign Minister of China highly lauded the remarkable socio-economic transformation of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Read more: Dhaka, Beijing review Rohingya repatriation effort
"The Chinese Vice Minister visited Padma Bridge. He acknowledged that Bangladesh made things possible over the last 10 years that looked impossible," Momen said.
Dr Momen highly appreciated the substantial contributions made by China towards the developmental journey of Bangladesh.
Responding to a question, Momen said the Chinese Vice Minister invited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit China but Dhaka conveyed that the Prime Minister will be in New York at that time.
Read more: Countries investing heavily in Myanmar should come forward to solve Rohingya crisis: Momen
Rohingya Case: OIC Secretary General seeks support from member states
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha has urged the member states to do more and help The Gambia with funds to run the case in the International Court of Justice on Rohingya genocide.
"We call upon all OIC member states to join them in this case and give support to this fund created by OIC. This case is a top priority for us," the OIC Secretary General told reporters after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday (May 28, 2023).
He said the Gambia is not a big or rich country but there are lots of efforts from them.
Also read: OIC Secretary General in Dhaka; to meet PM Sunday
Foreign Minister Momen said said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, OIC Secretary General and the President of Gambia sent a joint letter to themember states recently seeking support for the fund created by the OIC.
He said the OIC delegation will visit the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar on Monday.
"They (OIC) have taken a leading role. Tomorrow they will visit the Rohingya camps," Momen said, adding that they discussed the Rohingya crisis and the necessity of unity among the Muslims.
The OIC Secretary General said in fact Bangladesh is a very important country for the OIC member states.
Read more: OIC members must share responsibility for sustainable solution to Rohingya crisis: Momen
"Rohingya is one of the top priority issues for OIC," he said, adding that they discussed the issues to maintain peace stability and development in the member states.
"We are here to convey our thanks for the tremendous efforts done by Bangladesh government. These Rohingya people are suffering. They deserve peace, security and better life," said Hissein Brahim.
During the visit, the OIC Secretary General will pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina later this evening.
As the Chancellor of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), the OIC Secretary General will join the 35th Convocation of the IUT to be held on May 30, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read more: Momen urges PUIC delegation to work for repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Nothing to worry about new US visa policy; don't want arson, violence: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said there is nothing to worry about the newly announced US visa policy, noting that the government is neither feeling pressure nor any discomfort.
With this announcement, he hoped that parties which resort to violence, arson and destruction would remain cautious.
"We don't want arson, violence and destruction. I hope these acts will come down," Momen told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when his comment was sought.
Responding to a question, Momen said they are not under any additional pressure from the US, noting that the relationship with the US is excellent.
“We are not sure. It is yet to be tested. We do not know yet how helpful it will be. He (Ambassador Haas) could not tell whether they have become successful by applying such policy in any other country,” he told reporters after his meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas.
Describing the letter he received from the US Secretary of State as very encouraging, Momen said Bangladesh Awami League is committed to holding a free and fair election.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants free and fair elections and this policy will further strengthen her position.
"We want free and fair elections. Our Prime Minister is committed to it," Momen said, adding that Awami League always believes in voters.
The Foreign Minister said they see very positively that they received from the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
This policy supports Prime Minister Hasina’s stated commitment to hold free and fair elections in Bangladesh, Momen said, quoting the letter.
He mentioned the use of transparent ballot boxes that made the norm to establish confidence among the electorates as well as the polling officials and agents.
Momen also mentioned a strong National Election Commission is in place.
He said all parties will have to have political commitment for a free and fair election.
Asked whether the government accepts or rejects the new visa policy, Momen said there is nothing to accept or reject as this is a policy announced by the US.
Read more: US govt’s new visa policy does not bother Bangladesh government: Shahriar Alam
PM’s 2nd visit to Qatar in 3 months bears sign of Bangladesh's visible presence in int’l arena: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday (May 22, 2023) said the two-time visits by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Qatar within three months this year bear the sign of Bangladesh's visible presence in the international economic arena as well as its close friendly relations with Qatar.
He made the remarks at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hours ahead of the Prime Minister’s departure for Doha to attend Qatar Economic Forum-2023. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin, among others, was present.
This forum will focus on nine important contemporary issues, Dr Momen said.
These issues include energy security; technology and innovation; changing market systems; innovation in the health sector; climate finance; trade strategies and arrangements; manpower in the fourth industrial revolution; sports in the digital world; and the future of foreign investment, he said.
Read more: ‘Very strange, no source mentioned’: Momen on report claiming new sanctions are coming
According to the organizers, prominent economists and leading business leaders of the world will participate in the discussion on these issues.
In addition to Minister Momen, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Private Industry and Investment; State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources along with senior government officials will participate.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka for Doha on Monday afternoon on a three-day official visit to attend the Qatar Economic Forum 2023 at the invitation of Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airline, carrying the premier and her entourage, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:13 pm.
Read more: Qatar Economic Forum 2023: PM to leave for Doha this afternoon
The flight is scheduled to land at Hamad International Airport at 6:00pm local time (9:00pm Bangladesh Time).
The Prime Minister will attend the Forum titled “3rd Qatar Economic Forum: A New Global Growth Story” to be held on May 23-25.
The Qatar Economic Forum is the Middle East's leading voice dedicated to global business and investment.
The main objective of this forum is to find a solution by increasing mutual cooperation among the international community to deal with the multi-faceted challenges and crises going on globally and the adverse economic consequences arising from them.
Read more: PM Hasina to leave for Doha on Monday to attend Qatar Economic Forum 2023
On May 23, Hasina will join the opening session of the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum, address the students of Qatar University in Doha, and hold meetings separately with Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi and Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia Khalid A. Al-Falih.
On May 24, the PM will join the forum, have a meeting with the emir of Qatar at Amiri Diwan and visit Awsaj Academy (a specialized school).
PM Hasina is expected to return home in the morning of May 25.
Read more: PM Hasina likely to attend Qatar Economic Forum May 23-25
‘Very strange, no source mentioned’: Momen on report claiming new sanctions are coming
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said there is no reason to impose sanctions afresh on Bangladesh and if that happens it will be very unfortunate.
He said he does not have any idea on new sanctions as it depends on individual countries.
“We hope (America's) good sense will prevail,” he said, adding that America is passing thousands of sanctions (on other countries)," Dr Momen told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that they (US) will not do these things.
It was arranged to brief the media on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Qatar visit that begins on Monday afternoon. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin, among others, was present.
It was very strange and surprising and no reference (source) is mentioned, Momen said regarding a media report that claimed that new sanctions are coming.
The Daily Kalbela newspaper published the report titled "US Sanctions Coming, Government Remains Ready.”
He referred to Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque who also said there is no reason to impose new sanctions.
On Sunday night, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested and condemned part of a media report terming it "false, baseless" and it was done with an "ulterior motive."
The Foreign Minister reiterated that he had never worked as a Chinese firm lobbyist before becoming a minister.
Rather, he said, he stayed in the USA and worked there. "This is something very strange (media report)."
Referring to the news published in the Daily Kalbela, the MoFA on Sunday night said in a part of the news, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was defamed.
The report mentioned that Dr Momen worked as a lobbyist for a Chinese organization before becoming a minister.
"It is completely false and baseless," MoFA said in a media release.
Through such lies in the name of AK Abdul Momen, the image of the government has been tarnished along with his defamation, MoFA said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently said Bangladesh will not purchase anything from countries that impose sanctions against the country.
A journalist wanted to know what actually provoked her to make this comment. In reply Dr Momen said politicians say many things that work as warnings as there are times when they see many issues.
“We are a very proud nation with many achievements. We have the capacity to face challenges. We are a victorious nation. I think this is the message (she wanted to convey). We will not step back but we will face the challenges.”
The US Embassy issued a “demonstration alert” ahead of the next general election and said the US citizens should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
When FM Momen’s attention was drawn regarding the alert, he said this question should be asked to the US side.
“Still there are still 7-8 months before the election. It is very strange. You ask them. Our law and order situation is very good. This is an amazing development we must say. They (law enforcement agencies) have done an excellent job,” Momen said.
The Foreign Minister said no one is getting killed on Bangladesh street and it will be relevant for the US to alert people regarding visits to US malls, schools or bars to remain careful there.
Also Read: PM Hasina: Bangladesh won't buy anything from those who impose sanctions against it
Countries investing heavily in Myanmar should come forward to solve Rohingya crisis: Momen
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today (May 20, 2023) urged countries, who are heavily investing in Myanmar, to come forward for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis for their own interests and to protect their investment.
"If this problem is not resolved, you have seen many countries in the Asia Pacific and the Bay of Bengal -- their attractions have increased and made investments, enhancing trade. This investment will be hurt if there are terrorist activities," Momen told reporters after a seminar.
Diplomats World, a publication that deals with cultural, legal, regional, global security, politics, and various other issues, hosted the seminar titled "Rohingya Repatriation: A Pathway to Peace, Stability and Harmony in the Bay of Bengal Region" at a Dhaka hotel.
Momen said if the Rohingyas who are frustrated succumb to terrorism, major investments by some countries in the whole region would be at risk.
Read more: Dhaka seeks global support in pilot Rohingya repatriation project
He said peace is required in the region so that investment can sustain.
"If there is a commitment, if there is a will, they can do it. It is the commitment that is lacking on the part of our global leadership. There is lip service, unfortunately," said the Foreign Minister.
He, however, said he always remains hopeful and mentioned that both the US and China have engaged in senior-level focal point for resolving the Rohingya issue.
As per Vienna Convention, host country must ensure protection of all diplomatic personnel: US State Dept
The United States has said the safety and security of their diplomatic personnel and facilities are of utmost importance.
“So, I’m not going to get into the specifics about security details concerning the U.S. embassy or its personnel,” Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State, said during a press briefing on May 15 (US time) at the State Department while responding to a question.
He, however, noted that as per the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, any host country “must uphold its obligations to ensure the protection of all diplomatic mission premises and personnel and take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on personnel.”
Read: US doesn’t endorse one political party over another in Bangladesh: State Department
Patel made the remarks after Bangladesh decided not to provide additional security escorts for a number of foreign diplomats, including the US and UK envoys, in Dhaka.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen yesterday (May 15, 2023) said, “If they want it, they can get it in exchange for payment. We won’t provide this extra (security) escort service with taxpayers’ money.”
“In developed countries, no government provides such extra facilities,” Momen said.
Read more: US calls upcoming national election an 'internal' affair of Bangladesh
The minister said there has been no deterioration of the law and order situation that such service is required.
Indian Ocean Conference in Dhaka on May 12-13: Myanmar not invited
Bangladesh's partnership with countries in the Indian Ocean will become stronger through hosting the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Dhaka on May 12-13, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said on Wednesday.
Mauritius President Prithvirajsing Roopun, minister and state minister-level delegation from 25 countries including Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend the conference.
Briefing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Momen also said around 150 foreign guests will participate in the conference including representatives from D8, SAARC and BIMSTEC.
The participating ministers will also visit Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 to pay respect to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh maintains good relations with Mauritius and the relations will further strengthen through the visit of the country's president.
Responding to a question, Dr Momen said Myanmar was not invited to the conference.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the conference at a Dhaka hotel on May 12. The Prime Minister will also host a dinner in honour of the guests.
The 6th edition of the conference is being organised by India Foundation in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh.
With the theme of “Peace, Prosperity and Partnership for a Resilient Future”, the conference would bring together a luminary gathering of key stakeholders to chart the roadmap for strengthening the Indian Ocean Region.
External Affairs Minister of India Dr S. Jaishankar will deliver the keynote address of the evening alongside special addresses by the Deputy Secretary of State of USA Wendy Sherman and Vice President of Maldives Faisal Naseem.
The inaugural session will also be graced by the presence of Foreign Minister Dr Momen and Foreign Minister of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi.
The Foreign Minister of Singapore (Dr Vivian Balakrishnan) will be represented by Dr Maliki Osman, Minister in the Prime Ministers' Office and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore.
Official delegations led by Heads of State/Government, Deputy Heads, Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Senior Officials from 27 countries and multilateral organisations will address the conference on May 13.
The conference will also bring together a gathering of over 300 social and corporate leaders, policy practitioners, scholars, professionals and media personnel from over 40 countries.
The Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) was started in 2016 and in the last six years it has emerged as the "flagship consultative forum" for countries in the region on regional affairs.
The conference endeavours to bring critical states and principal maritime partners of the region together on a common platform to deliberate upon the prospects of regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
The first edition of the conference was held in Singapore in 2016.
It was attended by over 300 delegates from 22 countries including ministers, political leaders, diplomats, strategic thinkers, academics, and media.
No point in complaining to foreigners, Bangladeshis will cast votes: Momen to BNP
Bangladesh's Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Sunday (April 16, 2023) said complaining to foreigners will bring no benefits to BNP and suggested that the opposition party reach out to voters at the grassroots and listen to them.
“These are very unfortunate. They should go to voters at the grassroots level. Foreigners will not cast votes, rather the people of Bangladesh will do that,” he said when a reporter drew his attention to a BNP delegation meeting US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Sunday.
Momen referred to his recent visit to his constituency in Sylhet and said political leaders' efforts should be focused on people’s welfare.
“If you discuss with grassroots voters, you will understand what can be done for further development,” he said.
Also Read: 3-member BNP delegation meets US envoy
Responding to a question, Momen said the US wants “free and fair elections” and they (AL) want the same. “There is no difference in opinion (on the election issue).”
He said the US wants to strengthen its relations with Bangladesh and the US ambassador is an expert on trade and investment issues. “We hope efforts on trade development will be expedited and the ambassador will emphasize on it.”
Regarding his recent meeting with the US Secretary of State, Momen said the Bangladesh side answered the questions that the US had including a question on the Digital Security Act (DSA).
Bangladesh is examining the issue as in some areas application of the DSA might not be done correctly. “We are examining it. If there is any weakness, we will take care of it,” said the foreign minister.
Also Read: US urged to create “safe protection zone” in Myanmar to facilitate Rohingya repatriation
Momen said the US is “pretty happy” with Bangladesh’s response as both sides want to avoid unnecessary harassment.
He said Bangladesh fought for establishing democracy, justice, freedom of press and religion and Bangladesh which gave blood does not need to take any lesson from others. “We told them our story and shared our position.”
Bangladesh has conveyed to the USA that the Digital Security Act (DSA) is not meant for restricting the freedom of press, noting that the government believes in freedom of press.
“We said we enacted the Digital Security Act, but it is not to curb the freedom of press. Awami League believes in freedom of press,” Momen told the US side during his meeting with Blinken in Washington DC.
Also Read: Digital Security Act not for restricting media freedom, Momen tells US
Momen mentioned the presence of a huge number of newspapers and private television channels in Bangladesh which he described as “hyperactive”.
At the meeting, Blinken expressed concerns about “violence against and intimidation of the media and civil society,” including under the Digital Security Act, according to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel.
Asked whether the government feels any pressure amid repeated calls for holding free and fair elections in Bangladesh, Momen said, “We are very happy.”
“No pressure. We want free and fair elections. It’s our own commitment.”
Read More: Investigate if BNP-Jamaat are behind recent fire incidents to cripple economy: PM Hasina asks authorities
Since holding free and fair elections is a government’s commitment, Momen said, the repeated calls from the US helped them make their commitment afresh.
He said the government and the Election Commission alone cannot ensure a free and fair election but it requires sincerity and commitment from all political parties.
Momen said the government encouraged the US side to send election observers as many as they want. “We are open to observers.”
“Of course, we’re looking – the world is looking – to Bangladesh for its next election, to make sure that they set a strong example of free and fair election for the region and for the world,” Secretary Blinken said during his meeting with Momen on April 10.
Read More: The entire world with Bangladesh for credible polls, human rights, press freedom: BNP
“I agree with Secretary Blinken. I am so happy that he also wants a model election which can be portrayed in the rest of the world. I want this, too and we seek support from all,” Momen said earlier.