Foreign-Affairs
Agri-Business Conclave to bridge Dutch innovation, tech for dev of Bangladesh agro, food industry
Bangladesh Embassy in the Netherlands is convening the Bangladesh-Netherlands Agri-Business Conclave on May 30 in The Hague to forge result-oriented collaboration between the Dutch and Bangladeshi agripreneurs in horticulture, livestock, poultry, fisheries, food processing.
The conclave is expected to be joined by 40 recognised entrepreneurs from Bangladesh engaged in agriculture and food industry.
Also read:Bangladesh elected to 4 governing councils of UNESCAP' regional institutions
Several Dutch companies have signed in to participate in the conclave, to be held in collaboration with Wageningen University and Research, the leading global agri-science university.
In the conclave, the Dutch entrepreneurs are expected to share their innovation-technology; and explore possibilities of potential collaboration using Dutch technology-solutions-in Bangladesh, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague.
The second day of the conclave (May 31), will see the entrepreneurs visit key industry-clusters in Wageningen, Friesland, Boxmeer and World Horti Center for the Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to understand onsite application of Dutch technology.
Last year, for the first time, the Embassy could arrange commercial import of mango from Bangladesh to the Netherlands.
This conclave builds on continuing efforts to project Bangladesh agri-food sector as the next big frontier of engagement between the two countries.
A Dutch Trade Mission is expected to be Bangladesh later this year.
The Netherlands is less than one-third in size of Bangladesh.
Yet, it is the second largest exporter of agro products globally.
In 2021, the Netherlands earned over 110 billion USD by exporting agri-food products.
The Netherlands is a global leader in agri-tech, business and innovation.
While Bangladesh has made significant strides in agricultural production over the past decade, next opportunity can be seized in export of Agri-products.
Also read:Greater coordination among govt agencies, dev orgs sought
Advanced Dutch agri-tech can be instrumental in transforming Bangladesh agro sector, as Bangladesh Delta Plan envisages as well.
The Embassy conceived this conclave to link the entrepreneurs of the two countries.
Bangladesh's Ambassador to the Netherlands Riaz Hamidullah says that the Conclave is a first step in creating long-term link between the responsible-credible entrepreneurs from Bangladesh with their peers in the Netherlands.
The Conclave aims to focus on areas like safe and quality materials, agro-logistics, certified fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.
In organizing the Conclave, for the first time, the Embassy partnered with Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Netherlands Enterprise Agency, Netherlands Food Partnership, Top Sector Agro-Food, CordAid, Dutch-Greenhouse Delta as also Larive International, Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Light-Castle Partners. Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture of Bangladesh are supporting the Embassy's initiative.
Bangladesh elected to 4 governing councils of UNESCAP' regional institutions
Bangladesh has been elected to the governing councils of all four regional institutions of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) for the period of 2022-25 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Also read:Greater coordination among govt agencies, dev orgs sought
The four regional institutions are the Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP) situated in Makuhari, Japan; the Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT) situated in Incheon City, Korea, and the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM) situated in Beijing, China and the Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM) situated in Tehran, Iran.
Bangladesh is the only country besides India that is elected to the governing councils in all four regional institutions of UNESCAP.
The election was held at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, Thailand as well as at the ESCAP Subregional Office for the Pacific, Suva, Fiji, and at the UN Compound, Beijing, China simultaneously on Thursday.
Greater coordination among govt agencies, dev orgs sought
State Minister for Social Welfare Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru has urged the non-government development organizations to have greater coordination with relevant government agencies in implementing their programmes for the socio-economic development of the persons with disabilities.
“The government of Bangladesh and development organisations are working for the overall development of the persons with disability. But we sometimes see a lack of coordination among them. I expect you will have greater coordination among you in implementing your programmes,” he said.
Also read: UN honours 2 Bangladeshi fallen peacekeepers
The state minister was speaking at the launching of CBM Global Disability Inclusion in Bangladesh at Banani Club on Thursday afternoon as the chief guest.
Director General of NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) KM Tariqul Islam, Convenor of CSO Alliance Rasheda K Choudhury, Founder Trustee of Impact Foundation Monsur Ahmed Chowdhury, and INGO Forum representative Hasin Jahan spoke at the event as the special guests.
UN honours 2 Bangladeshi fallen peacekeepers
Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima has received the ‘Dag Hammarskjold Medal’ awarded posthumously to two Bangladeshi fallen peacekeepers.
Fallen peacekeepers Major A K M Mahmudul Hasan was serving in MINUSCA and Lance Corporal Md. Rabiul Mollah was serving in UNMISS.
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Ambassador Fatima re also signed the condolence book kept in the UNHQs.
Bangladesh is currently the top contributor of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations and around 6802 Bangladeshi peacekeepers are deployed in 9 peacekeeping missions at present.
So far, 161 peacekeepers from Bangladesh have lost their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping operations.
Momen, Jaishankar to inaugurate River Conclave in Guwahati Saturday
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen left here for Guwahati via Kolkata on Friday to attend the third edition of the Asian Confluence flagship dialogue NADI Conclave to be held on May 28-29.
The two-day conclave will be inaugurated by foreign minister Momen, his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar and the foreign minister of Thailand, along with Himanta Biswa Sarma, chief minister of Assam in the presence of diplomats of several countries, top experts and scientists and other dignitaries.
Also read:Myanmar situation continues to remain unsafe for civilians: Bangladesh
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the valedictory address of the conclave on May 29.
A galaxy of leaders and experts will be there in Guwahati to attend the event organized by think tank Asian Confluence, headquartered in Shillong, in collaboration with Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the Act East Department of Government of Assam, the North Eastern Council and other partners.
The goal will be to articulate and activate a collective vision of sub-regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region and with South-East Asia, keeping North East India and Assam at the epicenter of activity, said the organisers.
The Bangladesh Foundation for Regional Studies is the country partner for the event and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IIT Guwahati and Guwahati University, are knowledge partners.
NADI (Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence) recognizes the region south of Himalayas from Ganga, Brahmaputra to Mekong as a contiguity of river basins with common challenges that require close cooperation beyond their political borders.
It is also aimed at building confidence in the key role of North Eastern Indian region in taking forward India’s strategic initiative for energy and water security in the neighborhood, and the Bay of Bengal region leading towards a vibrant and secure Indo-Pacific.
Myanmar situation continues to remain unsafe for civilians: Bangladesh
Bangladesh is concerned that the situation in Myanmar continues to remain unsafe for civilians, especially for the ethnic and religious minorities such as Rohingyas, Ambassador Rabab Fatima has said.
While referring to the precarious security situation in Myanmar which is causing a delay in the repatriation of the Rohingyas, she also expressed concern about the denial of access to the UN and other humanitarian agencies in the country.
Ambassador Fatima was speaking at the UN Security Council (UNSC) Open Debate Wednesday.
She said the protection of civilians (POC) is an important national priority for Bangladesh, and the country remains committed to all efforts to strengthen it.
Convened by the US delegation as the current president of the Council, the debate focused on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
It discussed possible practical measures that the UNSC can take in the context of denial of humanitarian access, and attacks against humanitarian workers, among others.
The Bangladesh ambassador said the protection of civilians remains a serious challenge in the context of ongoing conflicts, protracted humanitarian crises and growing forced displacement.
While humanitarian needs are soaring, access remains a major challenge.
Ambassador Fatima mentioned Bangladesh's commitment to the protection of civilians, and the role its peacekeepers play in fulfilling this mandate.
"Nearly 7,000 peacekeepers from Bangladesh are serving in some of the most challenging missions, providing security at civilian sites, ensuring unhindered humanitarian services, supporting delivery of health and social services, community engagement and empowerment of women and youths," she added.
However, the peacekeepers and the humanitarian workers are increasingly becoming targets of attacks, often fueled by misinformation and disinformation.
The ambassador suggested that the relevant UN entities develop effective communications strategies to combat this.
She also emphasised ensuring that the peacekeeping missions are adequately resourced and equipped to fulfil their POC mandates.
Ambassador Fatima also called for increased awareness of compliance with international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflicts.
She also stressed the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable for violations of international humanitarian law. "Targeting civilians, schools, hospitals, and humanitarian actors cannot be condoned under any pretext. These attacks must be investigated and accounted for."
Also read: FM urges UNHCR to expedite efforts at Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship: Applications from Bangladeshi professionals invited
The US Embassy in Dhaka has invited applications from the Bangladeshi professionals for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship programme for the academic year 2023-2024.
This unique one-year programme is open to Bangladeshi professionals currently working in the public and private sectors, including for local and international non-governmental organizations.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Programme is one of the US government’s prestigious Fulbright programmes that brings accomplished mid-career professionals to the United States for a year of non-degree, graduate-level study, leadership development, and substantive professional collaboration with US counterparts.
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By providing future leaders and policy makers with exposure to US society, culture, and professional fields, the program seeks to develop lasting, productive ties between program participants and their Americans counterparts.
Over the past few decades, nearly 100 Bangladeshi professionals have participated in this prestigious exchange programme, said the US Embassy on Thursday.
Also read: Bangladesh to open first official visa application centre in Kolkata
To apply, applicants first need to create an IIE account at https://apply.iie.org/huberthhumphrey and submit a complete application package containing the form and required documents. Applications can be submitted till July 7.
Steps sought to make Portuguese universities more accessible to Bangladeshi students
To make Portuguese universities more accessible to Bangladeshi students, Bangladesh has urged the government of Portugal to open an Embassy in Dhaka or offer periodic consular services in Dhaka from the Portuguese Embassy in New Delhi.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam raised the issue during his meeting with Vice President of the Assembly of Republic of Portugal Adao Jose Fonseca Silva at the Parliament of Portugal in Lisbon on Wednesday.
The idea was welcomed by the Vice President of the Assembly, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
Read: MoU signed with Harvard Kennedy School to develop public admin in Bangladesh
Discussing global issues of mutual concern, the State Minister sought continued support of Portugal on the issue of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals at the international level.
During the talks, the Vice President acknowledged the contribution of Bangladeshi expatriates in Portugal and the robust people-to-people ties existing between the countries.
The State Minister proposed the formation of an Inter-Parliament Friendship Group as a forum to foster contacts and exchanges between the two Parliaments in the near future.
3-day ‘WOW Virtual Bangladesh 2022’ begins celebrating women, girls’ inspiring stories
A three-day programme titled “WOW Virtual Bangladesh 2022”, jointly organized by strategic partners for WOW in Bangladesh, the British Council, CCD Bangladesh and Mongol Deep Foundation, began on Thursday .
With the theme 'Celebrating the Indomitable' in heart, the virtual event is celebrating women and girls while bringing everyone together.
“WOW Virtual Bangladesh 2022” is recognizing girls and women’s courage and commemorating inspiring women and girls by showcasing their stories, performances, activism, music and more to bring people together.
Women and girls showcase a great fighting spirit and dedicated efforts in overcoming daily struggles and challenges, said a media release.
They are defeating the demons of discrimination, injustice and gender-based violence. WOW Virtual Bangladesh 2022 has been celebrated this resilience and provide further support by fostering a safe space for dialogue.
Read: MoU signed with Harvard Kennedy School to develop public admin in Bangladesh
The first day of the event began with a speech by Nahin Idris, Head of Arts, British Council, followed by a dance and song performance by Umme Habiba, Contemporary and Bharatnatyam dancer, and Sushma Das, folk singer and Ekushe Padak winner, respectively.
Besides that, Shirin Akter, former fastest female sprinter of Bangladesh and Bangabandhu Krishi Award winner, Alpana Rani Mistri shared the stories of their journey through WOW Bites.
Through a One-on-One conversation Jenny Sealy, artist director of Graeae, UK and film producer Esha Yousuf, will share their experiences at the event.
The second day will start with a panel discussion under the topic of 'What it actually means to be an ally' with social media influencer Sakib Bin Rashid as moderator and four speakers including, Sharmin Rahman, Head of Corporate Branding and Engagements in Grameenphone; well-known stand-up comedian Naveed Mahbub; Dr Rumana Dowla, Founder of Palliative Care and Supportive Care Foundation; and Sabeena Akhter, Writer and Senior Programmer in WOW Foundation, UK.
The discussion will be followed by a speech by Sriya Sharbojoya, Executive Director, Mongol Deep Foundation, and a drama performance by Tropa Majumdar and Pantha Shahriar.
Read: Queen’s birthday celebrated in city pledging to boost girls’ life chances
During the third day, the festival will begin with a muppet video by Sisimpur on 'Unwanted Touch' followed by a speech by Shahana Parveen, Joint Director, CCD Bangladesh, and a dance performance by Colours of Hill, an indigenous dance group.
Additionally, Sanjiboni, a transwoman working in BRAC Bank and Dr Salma Sultana, listed as one of the top 100 Asian Scientists will share stories through WOW Bites.
Sara Zaker, chairperson of Mongol Deep Foundation and founder of SBK Tech Ventures and SBK Foundation, Sonia Bashir Kabir will attend the event through a One-on-One conversation.
Jude Kelly CBE, the CEO, and Founder of The WOW Foundation, launched WOW in 2010 when she was Artistic Director of Southbank Centre in London.
Queen’s birthday celebrated in city pledging to boost girls’ life chances
British High Commission in Dhaka has celebrated Queen’s birthday party after a gap of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and vowed to boost girls’ life chances allowing them to dream big for the future.
This year, the event held on Wednesday evening had a special significance as Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her platinum jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne.
Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury joined the reception celebrating the birthday party as guest of honour.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson said the Queen has been an “incredible source” of strength for the UK and the Commonwealth through a period of enormous change.
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