United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has described Bangladesh's relationship with the United States as "outstandingly warm and cordial," but noted that some quarters are trying to inject bitterness into this relationship through lies. The foreign minister said that the United States believes in democracy and human rights. "So, there is similarity in our views and thoughts with the United States. In principle, the two countries have similarities. However, some individuals may not appreciate our development," Momen said, calling upon the Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States to be vigilant. Govt can't guarantee violence-free election without support from all: FM Momen He urged the Bangladeshi diaspora to take a stand, regardless of their political affiliation, to challenge those who lie about Bangladesh. The foreign minister was speaking at a views-exchange meeting organized by the Bangabandhu Foundation in New York's Bangladeshi-dominated Jackson Heights on September 26. The foreign minister said, "We have remarkably friendly relations with the United States. America believes in the same principles and values we believe in. Bangladesh is the country where we have fought for democracy. Although we won the popular vote, we were not allowed to form the government in 1971. Rather, genocide was unleashed on us, and then Bangabandhu declared independence." FM Momen for strengthening trade, investment ties with African nations Momen said Bangladesh declared independence to establish democracy, justice, and human rights. "Because of this, we had to sacrifice three million lives during the Liberation War. Nowhere in the world have so many people sacrificed themselves for democracy and human rights in such a short period of time. We are the only nation in the world that has made such great sacrifices for democracy and human rights," he added. Referring to the replacement of the Digital Security Act, he said, the government accepted the suggestions provided by the United States as a friendly country. Read Cyber Security Bill before making comments: FM "The United States expects free and fair elections, and we are also committed to free and fair elections. But there are some people in our country who want to boycott the elections, they fear elections," the foreign minister said, referring to the opposition, that they are trying to thwart the election. The foreign minister said Bangladesh is now the 35th largest economy in the world. "If Bangladesh's current economic development continues, we will become the 26th largest economy in a few years. We have 17 crore people, so our own market is huge. That's why many people are interested in our country, because our per capita income has increased 5 times," he said. Momen said the poverty rate has been reduced by more than half. "All these have become possible due to the implementation of goal-oriented measures of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina." Momen also said, "We are now self-sufficient in food. We are third in the world in fish and vegetable production. We are fourth in the world in rice production. Our agricultural land has shrunk, but food production has quadrupled. This has been possible due to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina." Momen said as Bangladesh is making progress, many people do not like the development activities of the country. "We are an independent, sovereign country. Our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has given us a beautiful foreign policy. And this principle is 'friendship to all, malice to none.' We believe in this principle. We follow a balanced foreign policy," said the foreign minister. Bangabandhu Foundation United States unit General Secretary Abdul Quader Mia was present at the event as a special guest. Other leaders including Moshiur Malek, Fakir Ilyas, Abdul Khalek Mia, New York Correspondent of Bangladesh Protidin Lovelu Ansar were present.

Leaders of Bangabandhu Foundation on Friday paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at his grave at Tungipara in Gopalganj. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, president of Bangabandhu Foundation, along with other leaders of the organisation placed wreaths at Bangabandhu’s grave in the morning. They offered fateha and raised hands in prayer seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Bangabandhu and his family members who were killed on the dreadful night of August 15, 1975. The Executive President of the Central Committee of Bangabandhu Foundation Advocate Moshiur Malek, Vice President Advocate Abdul Khalek Mia and Md Delwar Hossain were present among others.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday urged the patriotic citizens abroad to put in their stronger efforts to counter conspiracies against the country’s interest, noting that there might be more “assaults” on the country and its interests based on propaganda and disinformation. “It seems to me there might be various types of assaults and conspiracies against us in the next two years,” he said urging the activists of Bangabandhu Foundation abroad to take a stronger position against such attempts centering the next national elections. The Foreign Minister, also the President of the Bangabandhu Foundation, said each Bangladesh Mission abroad that runs with the country’s taxpayers’ money is the number one lobbyist of the country to uphold Bangladesh’s interests. Also read:Sheikh Selim slams US for sanctions on RAB He hoped that the people associated with the Bangabandhu Foundation abroad will help the missions abroad with the information regarding any attempt of conspiracies against the country as in some cases missions may not get access to such information instantly. Dr Momen was addressing a virtual discussion titled “Lobbying conspiracy that started centering the 12th parliamentary election and steps that Bangabandhu Foundation can take” as the chief guest. Pointing finger at conspirators, the Foreign Minister said the country’s interest and people’s welfare should be the priority if anyone wants to get involved in politics. Referring to the letter written by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Ivan Stefanec to High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, Dr Momen said, “When I was reading the letter, I felt that I was reading about another country as the letter’s content doesn’t go with the situation of the country.” He said there is a possibility that the opposition parties might engage more such people to write against Bangladesh. Also read: No impact on European business interest in Bangladesh, says EU envoy about sanctions The Foreign Minister said the Awami League has continued its efforts to make the election process transparent which needs to be highlighted. “We’re lucky that we’ve got a transparent, very committed, firm and very strong leadership, and we hope under her leadership we’ll build Bangabandhu’s Sonar Bangla,” he said. Central AL leader and Bangabandhu Foundation General Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam Thandu, Foundation’s Executive President Adv Moshiur Malek, Rashida Hoque Konica and Engineer M Shakil Khan also spoke at the event.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has urged expatriate Bangladeshis to keep an eye on fugitive killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as efforts are ongoing to bring back the remaining killers to execute court verdict.