Foreign-Affairs
Take decisive actions to shape world’s future, Ban Ki-moon tells Asia conference in China
Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia and the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Thursday called upon leaders from Asia and around the globe to step forward, speak the truth to power and take decisive actions to shape the future through words and deeds, and to live up to the high expectation of the people.
He said this at the the formal inauguration of annual conference of the Forum for Asia held in the resort town of Boao, located in the southern Chinese province of Hainan.
This year's theme has bern set as “Asia and the World: Common Challenges, Shared Responsibilities.”
Ban Ki-moon reviewed the challenges facing the world today and encouraged the participants to think about reality with a dialectical perspective and to collectively create the future through responsible actions.
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Saying that the urgent climate crisis has led to a historic consensus at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, he said that the reality requires the world to take more effective actions to make further progress.
He expressed concern about the uncertain trends in geo-political and geo-economic spheres, as well as the restructuring of global supply, trade, and investment flows, while inclusive globalisation is being sacrificed.
Recalling his years of work at the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon mentioned that he has witnessed both good times and difficult period. In the "good times," the world enjoyed the benefits of global peace dividends and rapid globalisation, while in the "bad days," the world was divided into opposing camps and blocs.
"Under no circumstances should we return to the "lbad days, and the only way forward is unity, cooperation, multilateralism, globalisation, and an open world economy," he emphasised.
Ban Ki-moon stated that global crises have compelled all to work together. "We face common challenges and should share responsibility," he added
Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Zhao Leji, attended the opening plenary of the four-day conference and delivered a keynote speech.
On the other jand, the top legislator of China called for solidarity and cooperation to meet challenges and work together to create a better future for Asia and the world.
The world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and global peace and development face grave challenges, Zhao said.
He added that facing the question of the times regarding the direction the world should take, China's answer is to work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Nauru David W.R. Adeang, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunawardena, Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Daren Tang, and Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Mathias Cormann attended the annual conference.
Li Baodong, secretary general of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), presided over the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia' annual conference.
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This year’s event is focusing on how the international community can work together to deal with challenges and shoulder responsibilities.
The annual meeting sets up four major sections: "World Economy," "Technological Innovation," "Social Development," and "International Cooperation," totaling dozens of topics. Each section's topics will reflect the theme of unity and development, seeking evidence through in-depth discussions on various issues.
The mission of the BFA is to gather positive energy for the development of Asia and the world to promote economic integration in Asia.
Hainan Province, also known as “Qiong”, is located at the southernmost tip of China. With its tropical coastal view and first-class ecological quality, Hainan has long been a renowned tourist destination in China.
On June 1, 2020, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued the Master Plan for the Development of Hainan Free Trade Port, entrusting Hainan with a new and historic mission to build a free trade port (FTP) with Chinese characteristics. In 2023, the provincial GDP was up by 9.2 percent, the second highest growth rate in China.
BGB gives state guard of honour and farewell reception to Bhutan’s King in Kurigram
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) gave a state guard of honour and farewell reception to Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at Sonahat land port in Kurigram district on Thursday.
As part of his state visit to Bangladesh, the King of Bhutan visited Special Economic Zone and Sonahat Land Port in Kurigram district on March 28, said Kurigram Battalion (22nd BGB) Commander Lt. Col. Muhammad Masudur Rahman.
Bhutanese king visits Special Economic Zone in Kurigram
BGB Rangpur Region Commander Brigadier General Khondkar Shafiquzzaman extended greetings and a warm welcome to the King of Bhutan when he arrived at Sonahat land port on Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, a well-armed smart contingent of the BGB's Kurigram Battalion (22 BGB) presented a state guard of honour to the king. The Bhutanese King then signed the BGB's VVIP visit book and gave sweets to the BGB members who were presenting the guard of honour.
Later, the King of Bhutan was given a state guard of honour again by the BGB members after completion of his immigration process. Then he was provided strict security up to the zero line of the border and the Bhutanese King was accorded farewell by the Rangpur Regional Commander just before he left for India.
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BGB Rangpur Sector Commander Col Mamunur Rashid, Kurigram Battalion (22nd BGB) Commander Lt. Col. Muhammad Masudur Rahman along with other BGB officials were present.
The Bhutanese King left for India at around 2:50 pm by land to return to his country.
Bangladesh seeks Chinese investment in textile and jute sector
Bangladesh invited Chinese businessmen and entrepreneurs to invest in its textile and jute sectors on Thursday.
Textiles and Jute Minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak made this call during his meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen at his office in the capital's secretariat.
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At that time, Ministry of Textiles and Jute Secretary Md Abdur Rauf, Additional Secretary Taslima Kaniz Nahida, Director General of Textile Directorate Mo Nuruzzaman, Executive Director of JDPC Gopal Chandra Das, Economic and Commercial Counselor Song Yong of the Chinese Embassy and Attaché Li Jichen were present.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, the minister said the Chinese envoy praised Bangladesh government for the development in different sectors.
During the meeting, they discussed various issues, including the opportunity of Chinese students to study in different educational institutions in Bangladesh.
They also discussed the progress of various development projects of Bangladesh's textiles and jute sectors.
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The Chinese ambassador greeted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for assuming office for the fourth consecutive term. Replaying to a question, Nanak, also Awami League Presidium Member, said China is a development partner of Bangladesh.
China is playing an important role for the development of Bangladesh, he said.
The minister hoped that China would continue its cooperation to make 'Smart Bangladesh' under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
JICA, BFDC join hands to modernise fish landing centre in Cox’s Bazar
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement of JPY 2,294 million (approx. BDT 165 crore) to implement a project for the improvement of Fish Landing Center of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) in Cox’s Bazar District
The signing ceremony held on Thursday at the Economic Relations Division (ERD).
Under this project, JICA and BFDC will work together for infrastructural upgradations within the center, and improve management skills among the BFDC officials.
The Grant Agreement was signed by Ichiguchi Tomohide, Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh and Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD) Iwama Kiminori, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh; Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider, Chairman of BFDC; and relevant officials from JICA, ERD, BFDC and the Embassy of Japan were present to witness the signing.
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Bangladesh’s fishery sector, the second-largest earner after textiles, employs 11.8 percent of the population, with 40 percent of artisanal fishers in Cox’s Bazar District.
Yet, natural disasters and aging facilities hinder efficient landing, contributing to a high poverty rate of over 32 percent, surpassing the national average of 24 percent.
The influx of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) and COVID-19 have driven up demand for livelihood improvement and poverty reduction.
The Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation Fish Landing Center in Sadar Upazila handles over 85 percent of Cox’s Bazar’s fish catch.
However, damage from a 2012 cyclone has left parts of the quay, jetties and landing facilities in disrepair, making restoration challenging both financially and technically.
Additionally, fishers face income challenges due to declining prices and post-harvest losses from inefficient landing processes and poor handling, impacting the quality and freshness of fish.
Against such a backdrop, the aims to improve the efficiency of landing, handling and quality of fish catch through upgrading landing facilities and related equipment at the (BFDC) fish landing center in Cox’s Bazar District; thereby contributing to the improvement of productivity of fishermen and decrease of post-harvest loss rate in the distribution system.
JICA has already conducted a survey to assess the feasibility of improving the BFDC Fish Landing Center in Cox’s Bazar.
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The survey results indicate that improving the fish landing center will lead to enhanced capacity in the fisheries value chain.
The project will contribute to the achievement of SDG 1(No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 13(Climate Action), and 14(Life below Water).
Bangladesh, China exchange survey report to sign FTA agreement
Bangladesh and China exchanged a draft feasibility study report with a view to initially signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries to increase trade and investment.
The two countries exchanged the survey report in a ceremony in the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, and senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and related ministries and divisions were present.
Speaking on the occasion, senior secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Ghosh said that Bangladesh's transition from a LDC to a developing country is a significant achievement in the economic sector.
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“This achievement will create a positive image of Bangladesh in the world and new opportunities in investment and trade, but it will also create challenges,” he said.
Among the challenges, LDCs lose duty-free quota-free access to developed and developing countries after 2026 and rate of value addition, he pointed out.
As a result, the export products of Bangladesh will have to face the generally imposed duties when entering the market of those countries, said Ghoshy.
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There is a possibility of shrinking the export market of Bangladesh in those countries,he said adding FTA will help to promote the export of Bangladesh products.
During the visit of the President of China to Bangladesh on October 14-15, 2016, a memorandum of understanding was signed regarding the joint feasibility study of the signing of the FTA between Bangladesh and China.
Foreign Minister denounces Dr Yunus for receiving award from Israeli sculptor
Foreign Minister denounces Dr Yunus for receiving award from Israeli sculptor
"I am very surprised.....it's very unfortunate," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said there was no single word of protest from Prof Yunus when people including children and women are killed in Gaza and when there is crimes against humanity.
"In this situation in Gaza, Prof Yunus received an award from an Israeli. What is this? What does it mean? Is it not supporting Israeli killings in Gaza?" Hasan asked.
He said Prof Yunus was not awarded by the UNESCO but it was lies spread by Yunus Centre.
Hasan said it is not the first time Yunus Centre did it but they did spread same falsehoods in the past.
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Earlier, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury on Wednesday said the UNESCO did not confer “The Tree of Peace” award to Nobel laureate Professor Yunus.
Mohibul, who is also the Chairman of the Bangladesh UNESCO Commission, made the statement to reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
He said "Dr Yunus was conferred the 'Tree of Peace' award by an Israeli sculptor, upon invitation from the Ganjavi Foundation in Azerbaijan."
The minister said that Dr Yunus’ claim that he received the award from UNESCO is untrue.
"The information propagated by the Yunus Centre regarding the UNESCO award is inaccurate and misleading," said the minister. "It is imperative that we set the record straight and ensure that such misinformation does not tarnish the reputation of our country. An explanation will be sent to the UNESCO headquarters regarding this matter as it is humiliating for Bangladesh."
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The minister also warned of legal repercussions if the Yunus Centre persisted in spreading false claims about the UNESCO award. He emphasised the need for immediate cessation of such misleading information to prevent further damage to the reputation of both Dr Yunus and Bangladesh on the international stage.
However, comments from the Yunus Centre were not immediately available.
Death toll of Bangladeshis along border comes down: FM
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said the use of non-lethal weapons has increased in recent days compared to the past, leading to a decrease in death toll along Bangladesh-India border.
"We have long been discussing with India. When I visited India recently, we discussed the issue with much importance so that non lethal weapons are used along the border. Now, compared to the past, use of non lethal weapons has increased," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Minister sees progress in efforts to free hijacked ship, crew members
The Foreign Minister described the recent border killings in Lalmonirhat and Naogaon and mentioned that flag meeting was held between Border Guard Bangladesh and Border Security Force.
There was a protest from the BGB side, he added.
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Hasan said they want to see no such incident in the border areas.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) have agreed to bring down the border casualties of Bangladeshi nationals to zero by enhancing joint patrolling, vigilance, intensifying public awareness programme, preventing criminals or inhabitants from crossing border and sharing information.
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Since BGB and BSF are in engagement, he said, they think problems can be solved there.
Foreign Minister sees progress in efforts to free hijacked ship, crew members
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Thursday (March 28, 2024) said that there has been progress in the government’s efforts to free the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah, which was hijacked by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean along with 23 sailors on board.
“Our aim is to rescue the sailors unharmed and at the same time rescue the ship. I just want to say that we have advanced much,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
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Hasan Mahmud said they are in contact and are making multifaceted efforts to rescue the crew members.
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Regarding the reported food shortage on the ship, he said food shortage has never happened in the past when ships have been hijacked. “Hopefully it won’t happen in this case either.”
After 9 days of taking the Bangladeshi ship and holding 23 sailors hostage, Somali pirates contacted the owners.
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Donald Lu lauds Bangladeshi Americans for building foundation of ties between two countries
US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, has highly appreciated the contributions of the Bangladeshi Americans in building the foundation of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Lu was addressing, as the guest of honour, a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Tuesday evening on the occasion of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh.
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Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran delivered the welcome address at the function held at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Mission.
The US Assistant Secretary of State said that there are huge number of Bangladeshi Americans in the United States and it is their strength and tremendous hard work that builds the foundation of the excellent relations between the two countries.
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“We are so proud of the work of the Bangladeshi Americans, what they do to support the relations between our two great nations,” Bangladesh Embassy in Washington quoted Lu as saying.
In this connection, Lu referred to Bangladeshi-American entrepreneurs who have excelled in different fields with their unique and innovative ideas.
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The US Assistant Secretary of State concluded his remarks by saying, “Happy Birthday Bangladesh and Joy Bangla.”
In his welcome remarks, Bangladesh Ambassador Muhammad Imran extended heartfelt greetings to all Bangladeshis living at home and abroad on the occasion of Independence and National Day.
He also paid deep homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and three million martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of independence.
Ambassador Imran said Bangladesh attaches high importance to its long-standing partnership with the United States. Ever since the establishment of the two countries’ relations, excellent understanding and collaboration with the United States have played a positive role in Bangladesh’s development journey.
He mentioned that Bangladesh also shares with the United States a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region with shared prosperity for all.
"We sincerely believe that two countries will be able to strengthen and advance the relationship further and explore new areas of cooperation," Ambassador Imran said.He said Bangladesh looks forward to the support and cooperation from all its friends to realise the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to transform Bangladesh into “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal), a hunger-and poverty-free prosperous Bangladesh.
Later, the US Assistant Secretary of State and the Bangladesh Ambassador jointly cut a cake in the presence of the guests.
Earlier, the reception began with the playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States. It was followed by a screening of a documentary on the Liberation War and development of Bangladesh.
Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales, Director, Office of Foreign Missions, US State Department; ambassadors and diplomats of different countries, senior officials of the State Department, and representatives from the US Government, USAID, USTR, NDI, IRI and other organisations were present at the function.
The event was also attended by Ambassador Muhammad Ziauddin, Ambassador at Large of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and former Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, Dr. Ahmed Kaikaus, ex-Alternate Executive Director of World Bank Group and Principal Secretary to Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Saddam Selim, a Bangladeshi American elected a State Senator from Virginia and Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, the President of the US chapter of Bangladesh Awami League, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.
To celebrate Independence and National Day, the Bangladesh Embassy arranged daylong programs that included hoisting of the National Flag, placing a floral wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, screening of a documentary and holding a discussion session and a special prayer.
Visit by Qatar's Emir to strengthen cooperation in manpower, energy, and investment: Foreign Ministry
Bangladesh and Qatar want to expand the existing ties with broader cooperation in the areas of manpower, energy, trade and investment following the planned visit of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Bangladesh next month.
The two countries are in discussion to finalise nearly a dozen of cooperation documents which will be signed during the visit, said a source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two-day visit is likely to take place on April 21-22, he said.
The two sides are now working on the MoUs and agreements that will be signed after the Emir’s meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already held an inter-ministerial meeting to discuss various aspects of the visit.
In March last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a meeting with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha.
She sought increased energy, particularly LNG, from Qatar to meet the energy demands.
The State of Qatar recognised Bangladesh as a sovereign State on March 4, 1974 following the 2nd OIC Summit held in February 1974.
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Bangladesh opened its diplomatic mission in Doha on June 25, 1975. The State of Qatar reciprocated by opening its diplomatic mission in Dhaka in 1982.
Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Qatar are based on mutual respect, shared values, common religious ground, shared culture, and tradition.
People-to-people contacts bolstered by more than four hundred thousand Bangladeshi workers who are highly appreciated as disciplined and hardworking is one of the dominant features of bilateral relations, according to the MoFA.
Bangladesh and Qatar consider each other as brotherly countries and important development partners in materialising Bangladesh’s Vision 2041 and Qatar’s vision 2030.
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