AK Abdul Momen
Bangladesh never supports country-specific, motivated issues: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has justified Bangladesh’s vote against a UN resolution on genocide charges against Sri Lanka saying Bangladesh has a foreign policy of supporting the neighbours and not supporting any country-specific or “politically motivated” resolution.
“We never supported those motivated and country-specific issues,” he told reporters while responding to a question during a virtual press briefing on the D-8 Summit being hosted by Bangladesh virtually.
Also Read: World starts looking at Bangladesh in a new light: FM
On March 23, the UN Human Rights Council was given a mandate to collect and preserve information and evidence of crimes related to Sri Lanka's civil war.
In the resolution brought by Britain on behalf of a group of countries, 22 countries voted in favour of the text, 11 opposed and 14 abstained, including Sri Lanka’s neighbours, India and Nepal and most Muslim majority countries.
Sri Lankan government forces and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) both committed numerous war crimes and human rights abuses during the civil war that ended in 2009, according to Human Rights Watch.
Also Read: Extreme poverty to fall to 3% by 2030: FM
Responding to another question over the Bangladesh defense attaché joining the Myanmar Armed Forces Day military parade in Naypyitaw on March 27, Dr Momen said it was a routine programme.
India, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Russian representatives also attended the occasion.
Also Read: D-8 Summit on April 8; focus on trade, investment, Rohingya crisis
He also said many of the Western countries’ business with Myanmar have increased over the years, despite the fact that Myanmar is accused of genocide.
“We didn’t see a boycott (severing business ties with Myanmar). It’s a matter of shame (for those countries),” Dr Momen said, seeking a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
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.
Bangladesh says the Rohingyas do not trust their government, and Bangladesh gave a number of proposals to build trust among them.
Bangladesh is trying in multiple ways -- bilaterally, multilaterally, tri-laterally and through the judicial system -- to find a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Bangladesh proposed deployment of non-military civilian observers from Myanmar’s friendly countries -- Japan, China, Russia, India and Asean countries.
Aiming to utilise neighbouring leaders’ visits towards better connectivity, relations: FM
Bangladesh is looking for better connectivity and expansion in relations with the five neighbours whose heads of government are visiting the country to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Opposition to Modi’s visit: Momen says nothing to be worried about
There is no reason to be worried about the opposition to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh by a group of people, said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Saturday.
Bangladesh promoting culture of peace following Bangabandhu’s philosophy: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday said Bangladesh has been promoting a culture of peace following Bangabandhu’s philosophy through its leadership role in UN peacekeeping and peace building for sustainable peace and stability.
He made the remarks while addressing the 4th Bangabandhu Lecture Series titled “Bangabandhu: the Soul of Bangladesh” at Foreign Service Academy in the city as the chief guest.
Bangladesh awaits signing a series of deals with different countries: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said many agreements and MoUs will be signed with a number of countries during the visits of their heads of state and government, including that of India.
Singapore, Romania to recruit 12,000 Bangladeshis: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said Singapore will recruit 10,000 Bangladeshis while Romania 2000 more soon.
Land crisis: FM says Purbachal may have a diplomatic zone
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said it may be necessary to set up a diplomatic zone in Purbachal due to land crisis in Gulshan and Baridhara areas.
Momen provides deliberations on country's progress, aims and challenges
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said Bangladesh’s achievements demonstrate that it has built the resources and capabilities to leverage opportunities, and to adapt and grow even in adverse circumstances.
FM opens Tennis Court for diplomats at State guesthouse Meghna
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday inaugurated the diplomats' Tennis Court at State guesthouse Meghna and urged all to make best use of it.
PM monitoring Sylhet Raihan killing case: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is monitoring Sylhet youth Raihan Ahmed killing case and assured the victim’s family that they will get justice.