AK Abdul Momen
FM reaches Washington; meeting with Blinken Monday
Bangladesh and the United States want to “enhance and deepen” their ties as the two countries will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on Monday.Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen reached Washington on Sunday, a day before holding a bilateral meeting with his US counterpart Antony Blinken at the US State Department.Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh Ambassador to the US M Shahidul Islam will also join the meeting that will begin at 1pm (Washington DC).
Also read: Dhaka to seek Washington’s wider, diversified cooperationDuring his official visit to the US at the invitation of Secretary Blinken, Momen will meet USAID Administrator Samantha Power.Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Sunday visited the Liberation War Museum to pay tribute to the memory of the martyrs of 1971 and re-affirmed Dhaka-Washington friendship.The United States recognized Bangladesh on April 4, 1972, in a press statement from the then Secretary of State William Rogers.In addition, Herbert Spivack, the then principal U.S. officer in Dhaka, delivered a message from President Richard Nixon to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman informing him that the US government wished to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, according to Office of the Historian.
Also read: Dhaka invites more investments from SeoulThe United States and Bangladesh cooperate closely on a range of issues, including economics, security, governance and development.
Dhaka calls for joint efforts to build smarter BIMSTEC
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday called for renewing joint efforts at building a "more effective and smarter" BIMSTEC as a result-oriented regional organization.
"The 5th BIMSTEC Summit would revitalize the BIMSTEC process with a stronger political commitment and substantive directives and guidanceof our leaders to chart the future trajectory of the BIMSTEC towards a higher level," he said.
Foreign Minister Momen, who led the Bangladesh delegation, was speaking at the eighteenth ministerial meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in the Sri Lankan capital city on eve of the 5th BIMSTEC Summit scheduled for March 30.
Secretary (East) Mashfee Binte Shams, Additional Foreign Secretary (SAARC and BIMSTEC) Md. Shamsul Haque, Rector, Foreign Service Academy Asad Alam Siam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Director (SAARC and BIMSTEC) Md. Aminul Islam Khan, Director (FMO) Md. Emdadul Islam Chowdhury, among others, joined as Bangladesh delegation members.
Also read: Seminar held to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations with Germany
Sri Lanka Foreign Minister and Chairperson of the 18th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting delivered opening remarks highlighting enormous potential that BIMSTEC holds in vast areas and laid emphasis on stronger cooperation for the benefit of whole region.
Not thinking about lockdown now: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said the government is not thinking about lockdowns at this moment but will follow the same procedures keeping passengers limited in all types of transports.
“We’ll reduce the number of passengers everywhere that we did during the earlier period. We’ll follow the same procedures. We’re not thinking of lockdown. The good news is that the fatality rate due to Omicron is very low. So, we’re not thinking of a lockdown,” he said.
The Foreign Minister said they will discourage travels through Bangladesh-India border on health safety grounds.
READ: Bangladesh seaweed is a goldmine waiting to be tapped: FM
“Even, there’re travels through borders; there should be more health safety measures. Hopefully, we’ll be able to protect our people,” Dr Momen said.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after the formal inauguration of booster Covid-19 vaccine doses for the diplomats stationed in Dhaka at Sheikh Russel Gastroliver Institute & Hospital in the city.
Brand Bangladesh, tap opportunities: Momen to missions abroad
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has sought a stronger role from the heads of Bangladesh Missions abroad to boost trade and investment, and improve the quality of services that the missions offer to expatriates.
He also alerted the heads of missions about the Prime Minister’s zero tolerance policy to corruption and advised them to avoid any incident that may harm the reputation of the respective mission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh as a whole.
“You all know our Prime Minister’s policy is zero tolerance to corruption. I don’t want to see anything in our missions abroad that harms our reputation. We don’t want to hear any such thing. You remain alert on that front,” Dr Momen conveyed the message to Bangladesh Missions head abroad seeking their strong position against corruption.
READ: Bangladesh seaweed is a goldmine waiting to be tapped: FM
The Foreign Minister came up with a slew of suggestions during his recent virtual interactions with the Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Bangladesh outlining the course of actions in the New Year – 2022 to ensure quality services without compromising with honesty and sincerity.
State Minister for Foreign Minister Md Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Secretary (East) Mashfee Binte Shams, Secretary (West) Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury and Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rear Admiral (retd) Md Khurshed Alam also joined the interactions.
FM for joint efforts to build Bangabandhu’s “Sonar Bangla”
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said his ministry has been working on multiple fronts to materialize the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to build “Sonar Bangla” as guided by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“Bangabandhu had given us a dream - the dream of building Sonar Bangla. It’s our responsibility to build Sonar Bangla,” he said, adding that the Prime Minister has made a number of roadmaps to build “Sonar Bangla.”
The Foreign Minister made the remarks at a discussion titled "Chiro Omlan Bangabandhu" organised by Association of Former BCS [FA] Ambassadors (AOFA) at Foreign Service Academy on Saturday.
READ: Sanctions on RAB: FM says impact on relations depends on US
Dr Momen said they believe the dream of building “Sonar Bangla” will be implemented by 2041 as the country is on the right track of achieving that goal.
The Foreign Minister appreciated the roles of the former Bangladesh envoys and said they are very experienced and steps have been taken to utilize their experiences. “We seek your continued suggestions and hope you all will get engaged deeply.”
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects deeper engagements of the envoys in MoFA’s efforts sharing their experiences and knowledge.
Dr Momen thanked the people of the country for giving Bangladesh Awami League an opportunity to celebrate twin mega events – birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of independence.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted MoFA’s initiatives through economic and public diplomacy wings.
READ: FM Momen greets new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen spoke as special guest at the discussion presided over by former Ambassador Shamsher M. Chowdhury. Former joint secretary Habibul Haque joined as a discussant.
Prolonged stay of Rohingyas in Bangladesh is security threat to the region: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has alerted the international community about possible disruption of peace and security in the region due to prolonged stay of the Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
"As the crisis lingers, the desperation of these forcibly displaced people increases jeopardizing the peace and security of the region," he said as the two-day World Peace Conference ended on Sunday evening.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the conference Momen said Bangladesh’s strong commitment to peace and humanity encouraged it to stand for the persecuted Myanmar nationals.
Like many other countries, he said, Bangladesh could have turned its back and remained insensitive.
"Such indifference, however, is alien to our psyche," said the foreign minister.
Also read: Let’s dream of a better world, FM Momen tells peace conference
Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, he said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
"Let’s lit up the power of love in every heart and create a mindset of tolerance; let the message of peace which this conference has generated help construct a defence of peace in every mind," said Momen.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the closing ceremony as the chief guest.
In Dhaka Peace Declaration, the participants said they remain sensitized to the growing security, displacement and ecological challenges posed by climate change and commit to enhanced climate action for a peaceful and sustainable future of planet.
"We must join forces to keep our oceans and high seas, outer space and Polar Regions free from armed conflicts and contestations," the Peace Declaration read.
The participants said they need to make the various components and manifestations of the Fourth Industrial Revolution employed at the service of our shared well-being.
"We must invest in health security and make quality and affordable treatments and vaccines available for all. We envision a world where the existing global inequities no longer persist and where peace and non-violence prevail as inalienable rights," they said.
Also read: Peace Conference testimony of Bangladesh's commitment to global security: FM
The global participants said they cannot lose sight of the fact that absence of peace anywhere in the world implies absence of peace everywhere.
"We must repose our faith and confidence in the spirit of multilateralism. We wish to see the comity of nations made fit for purpose for our evolving global realities," according to the Dhaka Peace Declaration.
Khaleda can fly in any foreign doctor for treatment: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is allowed to fly in any doctor from abroad for her treatment if she wants.
“If they feel that doctors from abroad would be much more helpful for her treatment, of course (it’s) most welcome,” he told reporters after briefing diplomats at state guesthouse Padma on the current issues including Khaleda’s health condition.
The current issues also included UP elections, forthcoming World Peace Conference, Covid-19, Rohingya crisis and recently held COP26.
Dr Momen said whatever the former Prime Minister wants to do, she is free to do and can receive treatment anywhere in the country.
Also read: Khaleda freed assassins of Bangabandhu, 4 leaders and made them ambassadors: Joy
“But if she has to go abroad, then she has to go through the legal process,” said the Foreign Minister, adding that the government wants to uphold the rule of law in the country and it wants Khaleda to follow it, too.
Dr Momen said the government has nothing against Khaleda and the law will take care of her as is a prisoner.
Talking about the UP elections, the Foreign Minister said these have been done in phases and they are very happy that the elections are “inclusive” and the “enthusiasm is very high.”
He, however, said the only bad thing is that in some cases, out of enthusiasm, there are a few fatalities. “We don’t want to see any single fatality in any election. But I don’t know how it can be done.”
The Foreign Minister said they ask all the leaders that they should not incite their people in such a way they have to get involved in any violence. “They should stop violence and they should only cast votes. Voters are really great and they never make mistakes.”
He said this is an enormous election and thousands of people are casting their votes and the government is committed to a free and fair and transparent election. “The government didn’t interfere and intervene. These’re free, fair and transparent elections.”
Also read: Khaleda diagnosed with liver cirrhosis: Medical board
Dr Momen said Bangladesh will host the World Peace Conference on December 4-5 where he expects a wider presence of the international community to promote peace in the world. “Peace is essential.”
On the Covid situation, the Foreign Minister said the pandemic is under control in Bangladesh but they are careful about the new South African variant.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a new coronavirus variant to be "of concern" and named it Omicron.
“In terms of Covid, it’s under control. But we had to stop all the flights from South Africa to Bangladesh to avoid that particular variant,” Dr Momen said.
Talking about the Rohingya crisis and their relocation to Bhasan Char, he said those who have been relocated so far have gone there voluntarily. "We didn't force anybody to go there."
Dr Momen said the ultimate solution is that they must go back to Myanmar.
The government has planned to shift 100,000 Rohingyas to Bhasan Char from Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps.
Dhaka for early conclusion of inclusive PTA with Jakarta
Bangladesh has stressed the importance of an early conclusion of bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Indonesia by making it inclusive and mutually beneficial.
Bangladesh observed that signing of the PTA, now under negotiation, could be an effective tool for further strengthening the trade and economic relations between the two countries.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen discussed issues when visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met him on Tuesday.
Also read: Indonesian envoy pays farewell call on President Hamid
The Indonesian Minister is visiting Bangladesh to attend the 21st IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting in Dhaka.
Momen thanked his Indonesian counterpart for their supportive role in the UNGA, OIC, Human Rights Council on the issue and urged them to play a more proactive role within the ASEAN to ensure an early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their motherland.
He highlighted the plights of 1.1 million forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens who are being temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh on humanitarian ground.
Momen also focused on the huge socio-economic pressure caused by the Rohingyas saying the problem is exerting on Bangladesh.
While exchanging views on the Covid-19 pandemic, he pointed out the very low level of positivity rate currently prevailing in Bangladesh and informed her of the government drive for vaccinating people en masse.
The Indonesian foreign minister congratulated Bangladesh on successfully organizing the 21st Council of Ministers Meeting in Dhaka.
While discussing the importance of IORA, Foreign Minister Momen reiterated that Bangladesh believes in a free, open, peaceful and inclusive indo-pacific for the common global benefit.
The two foreign ministers expressed satisfaction over the flourishing bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest over the last five decades.
Also read: Indonesia seeks more oxygen for COVID-19 sick amid shortage
Terming Indonesia as one of our trusted friends, Momen pointed out the excellent understanding and goodwill prevailing among the highest political level of the two countries.
Referring to the 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries that falls next year, both the ministers agreed to celebrate the special occasion in a befitting manner.
Momen stresses importance of a healthy heart to Sylhetis
To survive heart disease and high blood pressure, people need to change lifestyle and increase walking with a healthy diet, said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.
Momen said a playground at Kalapathar is being set up at Shahi Eidgah for sports entertainment to help the people of Sylhet maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The minister said these at a public awareness discussion on high blood pressure prevention and control in Sylhet district organized by National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh and Jalalabad Association in collaboration with the Health Ministry, the NCD Control Program of the Health Department.
The minister also said work has already started on a 17-storey building on the south-east part of Sylhet Osmani Medical College and Hospital. “It will provide treatment for heart disease, cancer and kidney patients so that we do not have to go abroad for treatment in the future.”
Read: Advice shifting on aspirin use for preventing heart attacks
The Sylhet National Heart Foundation Hospital has also been able to set up a non-profit and service-oriented hospital for heart patients with financial support from the government, expatriates from various organizations.
Meanwhile, founder and president of National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh Brigadier (Retd) Abdul Malik said, 20-25 per cent of adults in Bangladesh suffer from high blood pressure. In order to increase the detection and control of high blood pressure patients in the country, the Health Ministry, the NCD Control Program of the Health Department and the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh in collaboration with the US-based NGO Resolve to Save Lives have come forward.
Besides, Habibur Rahman Habib MP, while making a proposal, said that if a 10-kilometer walkway can be made along the banks of Surma, there would be no need to make people aware by holding seminars. "We have to plan for the development of Sylhet from now on," he said. He also proposed to increase the treatment of heart disease at the upazila level.
Moreover, A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh and the Jalalabad Association to accelerate this activity in 37 upazilas of four districts of Sylhet division and to encourage people to take regular medication to control high blood pressure.
Read: Trans-fat must be regulated to combat heart diseases: Speakers
President of Jalalabad Association Dr. AK Abdul Mobin said, "We hope that Jalalabad Association will be able to play a successful role in the public awareness program on prevention and control of high blood pressure in 37 upazilas in four districts of Sylhet division."
Dr Sohail Reza Chowdhury, General Secretary of the Department of Epidemiology, General Secretary of the Hypertension Committee of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, said that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Bangladesh. Thirty percent of deaths are due to non-communicable heart disease. “That's why people need to be made aware of the causes of heart disease by raising awareness. The main reason for this is high blood pressure and we need to be aware of the reasons why this high blood pressure occurs.”
Abu Taleb Murad, Publicity Secretary of National Heart Foundation, Former Secretary General of National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh Prof. Dr. Khandaker Abdul Awal Rizvi and Hafiz Ahmed Mazumdar MP were present at the program among others.
Dhaka to elevate ties with Tokyo to strategic level: Momen
Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has congratulated his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi on his re-appointment as the country’s top diplomat.
In his message Momen said Dhaka looks forward to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Tokyo next year.
Read: Momen greets Mamata; hopes to have closer ties with WB
Momen expressed his firm intentions to work closely with the government of Japan to elevate Bangladesh-Japan partnership from the ‘comprehensive level’ to the ‘strategic level’.
He acknowledged with deep gratitude the unwavering support from the government and people of Japan since the founding days of Bangladesh.
Read: China a major partner in Bangladesh's development endeavors: Momen
He underscored further consolidation of the trade and investment relations between the two countries in particular focus on infrastructure, ICT, high-tech products, electronics, deep sea fishing and mining, high-end consumer, bio-tech products, renewable energy and manpower engagements.
He reiterated his sincere appreciation for personal intervention by Motegi for providing three million vaccine doses and other support to Bangladesh by Japan during the pandemic.