Bangladesh
Bangladesh thanks China; seeks larger amount of vaccine doses
Extending thanks to the Chinese government for providing 5 lakh doses of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine as a gift, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said Bangladesh wants a larger amount of vaccine doses from China.
"We’re very thankful to them. We’re thankful to China. They’ve been very cooperative to us. We look forward to many more vaccine doses from China," he said.
Dr Momen said China has the capacity and competency to produce vaccines on a large scale and he has no doubt that Bangladesh will get more vaccine doses as China agreed.
Read: 500 thousand doses of China’s gifted vaccine arrive in Bangladesh
The Foreign Minister was addressing the vaccine handover ceremony participated by Health Minister Zahid Maleque and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming.
Acknowledging China's vaccine capacity, Dr Momen also shared Bangladesh's interest to go for co-production in Bangladesh.
The vaccine doses, donated by the Chinese government to Bangladesh, arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning.
500 thousand doses of China’s gifted vaccine arrive in Bangladesh
Five lakh China’s Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine doses, donated by the Chinese government to Bangladesh, arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday (May 12, 2021).
A flight, carrying the vaccine, reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the morning.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen is scheduled to attend a programme and receive the vaccine at 11:15 am at State Guest House Padma.
Read:5 lakh doses of Chinese vaccine to arrive on May 12: Envoy
Although facing difficulties of huge domestic demand and a tight supply of the international market, China gave priority to ensuring that the vaccine doses reach Bangladesh as soon as possible, and has now successfully made it a special gift of Eid Festival to the government and people of Bangladesh, which demonstrates the profound traditional friendship between the two countries.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic last year, China and Bangladesh have been supporting and assisting each other to fight together against the pandemic.
China has donated and is donating vaccine doses to 80 developing countries with urgent needs, and has provided support under COVAX for the emergency use of vaccines in developing countries.
Read: Ready to offer more support if Covid situation deteriorates in Bangladesh: China
China has fulfilled its solemn commitment to make the Covid-19 vaccine a global public good with practical actions, promoted the fair distribution of global vaccines and made China’s contribution to the realisation of vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries.
China will continue to make joint efforts with Bangladesh to make positive contributions to Bangladesh’s endeavour of protecting human lives and fight to win the battle against the pandemic, and together to build an even closer community of shared future and health for mankind.
Read Sinopharm begins shipment of its vaccine to Bangladesh
Bangladesh stands by Nepal in its Covid-19 crisis
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque on Tuesday handed over medicines and health protection items to the Nepalese Ambassador in Dhaka Dr Banshidhor Mishra for the COVID affected people of Nepal amid the deteriorating situation in the Himalayan nation.
The Ministers handed over the items at a brief ceremony at State guesthouse Padma.
The Foreign Minister handed over a token box of Remdisivir Injection manufactured by BEXIMCO Pharma to the Ambassador as part of 5000 vials of Remdisivir to Nepal from SAARC COVID Emergency Fund created at the instruction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Remdisivir was transported by Himalayan Airlines to Kathmandu on Tuesday, as arranged by the Nepalese Embassy in Dhaka.
Also read: Doctors in Nepal warn of major crisis as virus cases surge
The Health Minister handed over token boxes of Hydroxychloroquine tablets manufactured by Essential Drugs Company, PPE and masks for the friendly Nepalese people.
The Health Ministry is sending a substantive volume of these items which will be transported to Nepal by the Nepalese Embassy soon.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Health Services Division Secretary Lokman Hossain Miah were also present.
It's very regrettable, says FM on China's Quad remarks
Terming Chinese envoy's recent remarks very regrettable, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said Bangladesh maintained a non-aligned and balanced foreign policy and it will decide what to do following that principles.
"We’re an independent and sovereign State. We decide our (own) foreign policy. But yes, any country can uphold its position," he told reporters adding that they recall with respect what others say but did not expect such behaviour from China.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks when his comments sought on Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming's remarks on "Quad" and Bangladesh.
"Naturally, he (Ambassador) represents a country. They can say what they want. Maybe they don't want it (Bangladesh's joining Quad)," Dr Momen said, adding that no one from the Quad has approached Bangladesh yet.
“The comment has been an advanced one,” said the Foreign Minister.
He said usually China does not interfere in others' internal affairs and they did not see anyone saying anything in such an aggressive way. "It's very regrettable."
Also read: Beijing wants Dhaka not to join Quad
Dr Momen said they (China) can say their position and Bangladesh always welcomes what others say. "We'll listen to what they say. But we'll decide what is good for us."
He said once the United States had asked Bangladesh for selling gas but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina replied to power like the US that Bangladesh would decide after keeping reserve for 50 years. "Who’re you?"
Dr Momen said they are lucky that they have a leader like Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He said many people at many times had said many things in the past but Bangladesh has done what is good for the country and for the wellbeing of its people guided by its principled position.
Dr Momen said they will decide following the foreign policy principles considering the interest of people and the country. "We've maintained a non-aligned and a balanced foreign policy. We’ll continue to do it (maintaining non-aligned and balanced foreign policy)."
"What he (Ambassador) said (is) fine. We’ve no special comment on that," Dr Momen added.
Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming on Monday said Bangladesh’s relations with China will "substantially get damaged" if Bangladesh joins "Quad", a US-led initiative.
Also read: 5 lakh doses of Chinese vaccine to arrive on May 12: Envoy
The envoy said obviously it will not be a good idea for Bangladesh to participate in this small club of four countries because it will substantially damage the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
“So, we don’t like to see any form of participation by Bangladesh to this small group of countries,” said Ambassador Li.
He termed “Quad” a military alliance aiming against China's resurgence and its relationship with neighbouring countries.
The US, India, Japan and Australia are part of an informal strategic alliance - the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad as it is known.
Known as the “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,” representatives for the four member nations met periodically since its establishment in 2007.
While talking to UNB at his residence recently, Dr Momen said then the world was divided into blocks -- one was eastern bloc and another western bloc.
Since the eastern bloc helped Bangladesh most, many had thought Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman would join the eastern bloc but Bangabandhu did not do it and maintained a non-aligned position, he said.
Also read: Ready to offer more support if Covid situation deteriorates in Bangladesh: China
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh still believes in the foreign policy given by Bangabandhu - friendship to all malice to none.
Following Bangabandhu's footprint, Dr Momen said, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, adopted a balanced and non-aligned foreign policy.
He said Bangladesh is in a very good position as it has friends like India and China - two big countries. "We maintain good relations with both the countries."
Dr Momen said Bangladesh has had a "rock-solid" relationship with India since 1971 and China is a big economic and development partner.
"Others see us with much respect as we maintain good relations with India and China," said the Foreign Minister, adding that Bangladesh could do things that other countries could not.
Ready to offer more support if Covid situation deteriorates in Bangladesh: China
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has said China is ready to help Bangladesh with more medical supplies, including medical oxygen, if the situation gets worse as it is facing the second wave of Covid-19.
“China is ready to offer more, if needed,” he said, recalling how Bangladesh and China helped each other in dealing with the first wave of Covid-19.
Read:Chinese Embassy invites essays from Bangladeshi friends
Ambassador Li said they will do whatever they can during the second wave of Covid-19 in Bangladesh.
He said this pandemic unseen in a century is a global challenge, and past experience keeps reminding them that only through cooperation within the international community they can embrace victory.
“Bangladesh has done what it can to fight the pandemic, and it’s my strong conviction that with the joint efforts of the people of Bangladesh and government, and the help of the international community, Bangladesh’s V-Day over Covid-19 will be just around the corner,” said the Chinese Ambassador.
He made the remarks during a virtual programme organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) on Monday. DCAB President Pantho Rahaman and its General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the event.
The Ambassador said it is believed that the safe and reliable Chinese vaccine will play a positive role in the construction of Bangladesh’s anti-epidemic defence line, help the people of Bangladesh to overcome the epidemic, and continue the friendship story between the two countries.
He said, “The virus respects no boundary, and we’re all in this together. Solidarity and cooperation are our most powerful weapon in this war.”
The envoy said China hopes all parties will take real action, provide more vaccines to developing countries, including Bangladesh, and contribute to the equitable distribution and application of vaccines across the world so that we can defeat the virus at an early date.
Some 500,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines gifted by the Chinese government to Bangladesh will arrive in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Ambassador Li said it is a concrete step towards honoring President Xi Jinping’s pledge of making Covid-19 vaccines a global public good, a solid action taken by both sides towards building a community with a shared future for mankind, and a powerful measure to implement the consensus reached in the recent virtual meeting of Foreign Ministers of China, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Covid-19.
Read:5 lakh doses of Chinese vaccine to arrive on May 12: Envoy
This vaccine gift (Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine) is produced by Beijing Bio-Institute of Biological Products Co Ltd, a subsidiary of China National Biotec Group.
The World Health Organization (WHO) listed the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, giving the green light for this vaccine to be rolled out globally. The Sinopharm product is an inactivated vaccine called SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell).
He said its efficacy for symptomatic and hospitalised disease was estimated to be over 79%, all age groups combined and its easy storage requirements make it highly suitable for low-resource settings.
The envoy said it is also the first vaccine that will carry a vaccine vial monitor, a small sticker on the vaccine vials that change color as the vaccine is exposed to heat, letting health workers know whether the vaccine can be safely used.
Last year, at China’s most trying moments, Bangladesh was among the first countries to donate medical supplies to China in a great act of valuable support.
When the epidemic situation in China eased, China supported Bangladesh’s fight against the virus through various means including gifting medical supplies and sending medical experts.
China offered to gift vaccines to Bangladesh in February but the Embassy did not get the EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) from the government of Bangladesh until April 30.
Though facing difficulties of huge domestic demand and a tight supply of international market, China decided to give priority to ensuring that the vaccines arrive in Bangladesh as soon as possible, said the Ambassador.
He said although it was the May Day holiday in China (five days), many Chinese workers worked overtime and sacrificed personal rest time to rush out these vaccines in less than two weeks.
Read:Beijing wants Dhaka not to join Quad
The Ambassador said it is under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and with the great spirit of fighting the pandemic that they are able to conquer the virus.
The year 2021 marks the birth centenary of the CPC which, in the days to come, will continue leading the Chinese people to work relentlessly to fight the pandemic, promote global economic recovery and defend peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom which are shared values of humanity, he said.
Biman to run additional flights to Dubai Wednesday
Biman Bangladesh Airlines will run two additional flights on the Dhaka-Dubai route on May 12 before the UAE's ban for travellers from Bangladesh comes into effect.
The national flag carrier made the move as the UAE's restrictions for entry of travellers from Bangladesh will come into effect Wednesday, Biman Deputy General Manager (public relations) Tahera Khandaker said Monday.
Also read: Biman to run special flights to 5 countries from Apr 17
"The UAE will bar entry for travellers from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka to guard against the spread of Covid-19 infections," the country's National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority said Monday.
"However, flights between the four countries will continue to allow the transport of passengers from the UAE to Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka," it said.
Thailand axes travel corridors with Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan
Thailand has shut its door to travellers from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan after confirming cases of the Indian variant of Covid-19 in the country.
"The Thai embassies in these countries have also stopped issuing certificates of entry for non-Thai nationals from May 10 until further notice," Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanee Sangrat said.
The ban was slapped as health authorities Monday confirmed the country's first cases of the Indian variant of Covid-19 in a Thai woman and her 4-year-old son who have been in quarantine after arriving from Pakistan.
The finding comes as Thailand fights against a new wave of the Covid-19 that began in April. Many of the recent cases involve the British variant of the virus – more infectious than the original form found last year.
Thailand banned travellers from India, other than its citizens, starting May 1 in response to the rising tide of Covid-19 cases in the South Asian nation that began in early April. India has reported more than 22.6 million infections, second only to the US, and more than 246,000 deaths. However, the experts believe both figures are undercounts.
Also read: 78 Bangladeshis, foreign nationals arrive from Thailand
Apisamai Srirangsan, a deputy spokesperson for Thailand's Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration said: "The Indian variant was found in a pregnant 42-year-old woman who arrived on April 24 with three sons. She and her 4-year-old were staying in the same room under state quarantine. The two other sons, ages 6 and 8, stayed in another room and tested negative."
"The authorities are also worried about people who cross into Thailand illegally, mostly from neighbouring Cambodia and Myanmar," Apisamai added.
Thailand on Monday announced 1,630 new cases, bringing its confirmed cases to 85,005 since the pandemic began. There were 22 new deaths, for a total of 421.
New clusters continue to be discovered in Bangkok, not only in crowded communities but also at markets and department stores. Other clusters have been found among migrant workers at factories in two provinces near Bangkok, reports AP.
BD v SL: Liton focusing more on long shots
Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das, gearing up for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting from May 23, says he is concentrating more on hitting long shots.
Unlike Tests, he is an opener for the Tigers in ODI. He believes if he can improve his long-hitting ability, he can achieve more in this format.
The right-handed plays as a wicketkeeper-batsman in Tests, and in limited-overs cricket, he plays as an opener. He says he is confident about delivering big scores if he can ensure steady starts.
“I’ve been working in many ways (to improve my game),” Liton told reporters on Monday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. “For the last couple of days, I’ve been working on long-hitting.”
Also read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka ODI series 2021: Expected personal milestones to Reach
Liton is the holder of the highest individual innings in ODIs for Bangladesh. In March last year, he smashed 176 off 143 against Zimbabwe in Sylhet.
“I understand my game and ability more than before,” he said. “Since I open the innings in white-ball cricket, I’m giving more importance to face the new ball well. If I can play the first 10 overs well, it becomes easy for me to bat better, and I can play big innings as well which I’ve done against Zimbabwe.”
According to him, a good 10-over helps him play well in the remaining part of the innings, and he has been working more on playing the new balls in practice.
He said that many players of Bangladesh’s limited-over set-up are matured now, and they are set to deliver big things for the Tigers. Now, the most important thing for them is to play their roles properly.
“We’re a very good team when we play at home, especially in white-ball cricket. We’ll have a full-strength team in this series. We’ve to play our role properly to do well. I believe we’ve a team who can beat anyone in the world,” Liton said.
He said that Sri Lankan are a good team in limited-overs cricket. Doing well against them will require smart cricket from Bangladesh and proper execution of the game plan, he noted.Bangladesh lost the last ODI series against the islanders 3-0. This series came as a good opportunity for the hosts to prove their mettle against Sri Lanka.
Also read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series 2021: ODI Ranking Prediction
All the matches of the upcoming series will take place at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on May 23, 25 and 28. Sri Lanka are scheduled to arrive on May 16.
Bangladesh condemns attacks on Al-Aksa Mosque
Bangladesh has strongly condemned the attacks of terrorist nature and violence unleashed on innocent devotees and civilians at Al-Aksa Mosque compound.
Bangladesh also condemned the evictions of Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood and transfer of civilian population into occupied territories by the occupying Israeli forces which exposes the severe violation of Humanitarian norms, Human Rights and International laws and accords and provoked the feelings of repressed people all over the world.
Bangladesh urged the international community to take sustainable measures to end such attacks of terrorist nature, stop confiscation of private properties in occupied territories through the policy of apartheid and the measures of terror which may be tantamount to war crimes in the occupied territories.
Also read: Palestinians, Israel police clash at Al-Aqsa Mosque; 53 hurt
Bangladesh reaffirmed its position in favour of establishing a State of Palestine on the basis of a two-state solution with the pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital.
Bangladesh firmly supports the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine for a sovereign and independent homeland in a viable Palestine State and territorial integrity as established through various UN resolutions, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Bangladesh reiterated its steadfast position to a lasting solution to the Palestinian issue by engagement of both sides in dialogue to reach an agreement so that peace is attained for the people living in the area.
Beijing wants Dhaka not to join Quad
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming on Monday (May 10, 2021) said Bangladesh should not join "Quad", a US-led initiative, and Dhaka’s relations with Beijing will "substantially get damaged" if it joins it.
He termed “Quad” a military alliance aiming against China's resurgence and its relationship with neighbouring countries.
Read:5 lakh doses of Chinese vaccine to arrive on May 12: Envoy
The Ambassador said Quad was a "narrow-purposed" geopolitical clique, and Bangladesh should not join it as it will not derive any benefit from the initiative.
The US, India, Japan and Australia are part of an informal strategic alliance - the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad as it is known.
"History has proved again and again such partnership surely damages our neighbours' own social, economic development and people's wellbeing," Ambassador Li said.
He said obviously it will not be a good idea for Bangladesh to join this small club of four countries because it will substantially damage the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
“So, we don’t like to see any form of participation by Bangladesh in this small group of countries,” said the envoy.
The Chinese Ambassador was speaking at a programme with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) held virtually.
DCAB President Pantho Rahaman and General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the programme.
Read: Decision on China vaccine after consulting advisory body: Health Minister
On April 27, Chinese State Councillor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe met President Abdul Hamid and the two sides agreed to advance bilateral military cooperation.
To jointly maintain regional peace and stability, the two sides should make joint efforts against powers outside the region, setting up military alliance in South Asia and practising hegemonism, Wei was quoted by Xinhua as saying.
Known as the “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,” representatives for the four-member nations met periodically since its establishment in 2007.
Rohingya, Teesta
The Chinese Ambassador said no one can say that the situation in Myanmar is improving and mentioned that Bangladesh will have to wait to resume the tripartite talks on Rohingya repatriation among Bangladesh, China and Myanmar.
He said China could not contact the Myanmar government on the Rohingya repatriation issue as the situation in Myanmar is not normal now.
Myanmar did not take back a single Rohingya from Bangladesh over the past years.
Read: US may consider taking Rohingyas from Bangladesh: FM
Two repatriation attempts turned futile as Myanmar “failed to remove trust deficit” among the Rohingyas and there was a “lack of conducive environment” in Rakhine for their return.
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. Myanmar did not say no to those proposals but no proposal was implemented.
Bangladesh is trying in multiple ways -- bilaterally, multilaterally, tri-laterally and through the judicial system – to find a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Read: Dhaka seeks serious regional, multilateral initiatives over Rohingya repatriation
Responding to another question, Ambassador Li said China will sincerely consider its engagement in the Teesta River management project if the country gets a feasibility study report on this project.
He added that the Bangladesh government should conduct a study on the project first before sending the proposal.