foreign-affairs
US seeks equitable treatment of all businesses in Bangladesh
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller on Thursday laid emphasis on increased transparency in government tenders, fair and equitable treatment of all businesses.
He also stressed the importance of adherence to laws guiding business activities and protecting against the excesses which undermine the social good.
“AmCham and the (US) Embassy share a goal of an improved business climate to encourage investment and development,” Ambassador Miller said.
The US envoy was addressing a function marking the 25th anniversary of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham Bangladesh) at a city hotel.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Prime Minister’s Private Sector Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman and AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed also spoke at the event.
Ambassador Miller said the value of total trade between the United States and Bangladesh was US$ 7.9 billion in 2020 and 25 years ago it was $1.6 billion.
“That’s a 500 percent increase,” he said, adding that 25 years ago, the trade between the United States and Bangladesh was principally readymade garments going to the US and agricultural products and machinery coming back.
Bangladesh still sends the United States plenty of garments, and the US does robust trade in agricultural goods, Miller said.
The products coming now from the United States also includes locomotives, commercial aircraft, power generation equipment, and river dredges, in addition to start-up investments for dynamic Bangladeshi tech companies, financial services powering online shopping, and social media connecting Bangladesh to the world.
US exports to Bangladesh were worth $2.3 billion in 2019, a value which took a hit in 2020 due to Covid.
“But the two-way trade is again growing, with total value in the first nine months of this year 33 percent greater than that same period last year,” said the US envoy.
Miller said holding in person the US Trade Show in March will be another important signal of their return to normality. The Embassy will be a partner with AmCham in this event.
“We believe international trade is not only an economic driver, it also expands cultural understanding and a peaceful, secure coexistence,” said the US envoy.
He said AmCham offers what Bangladesh needs - a clear and impartial voice advocating for an improved business environment, transparent decision making, and a level playing field where success is built on the merit of an idea, not insider connections.
Bangladesh 6th largest migrant sending country: IOM
Bangladesh is the 6th largest migrant sending country and the 8th largest remittance receiving country, globally, says the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The IOM launched its flagship World Migration Report 2022 on Wednesday which revealed a dramatic increase in internal displacement due to disaster, conflict, and violence at a time when global mobility ground to a halt due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
According to the report, there were around 281 million international migrants in the world in 2020.
Read: IOM seeks focus on perilous journeys by Bangladeshis to migrate
The report focuses on developments in migration over the last two-year period, with an emphasis on providing analysis that takes into account historical and contemporary factors.
"We are witnessing a paradox not seen before in human history,” said IOM's Director General Antonio Vitorino. “While billions of people have been effectively grounded by COVID-19, tens of millions of displacement events have forced many others from their homes."
The number of air passengers globally dropped 60 per cent in 2020 to 1.8 billion (down from 4.5 billion in 2019) while at the same time internal displacement due to disaster, conflict and violence rose to 40.5 million (up from 31.5 million in 2019).
Bangladesh seeks US investment in diversified areas
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday sought investment from US companies in diversified areas as Bangladesh offers plenty of opportunities for foreign investors.
“Here is a place to make money through investment, you’re most welcome to make investment in Bangladesh,” he said.
Dr Momen described the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States “very strong” which will be much stronger in the days to come.
Read: Bangladesh removed from India’s "red list": FM
The Foreign Minister said the US can diversify its investment in Bangladesh and renewable energy is an area for the US companies to invest.
He said there are huge potentials for closer cooperation as the two countries have a very strong relationship. “There’s a scope for improving our investment and trade relations. We’ll be doing much better in the coming days.”
Dr Momen was addressing a function marking the 25th anniversary of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham Bangladesh) at a city hotel.
Prime Minister’s Private Sector Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller and AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.
Border killing a tragedy; it must stop: Doraiswami
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram K Doraiswami has reiterated his country’s position regarding the killings along the Bangladesh-India border stating that it is a tragedy but it needs to be defined correctly.
“We repeatedly said border killing is a tragedy and it must stop. But we need to define it correctly,” he said, explaining that the people who get hurt or killed on the border are from both sides.
The High Commissioner said nobody wants anyone to get hurt on the border and both sides need to have much stronger efforts to address the complex issue looking at why people are carrying out illegal activities, including human trafficking, and find ways for closer cooperation.
Doraiswami was addressing a dialogue titled “50 Years of Bangladesh-India Partnership: Towards a Journey in the Next 50 Years” as the guest of honour on Wednesday evening.
The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) organised the dialogue in collaboration with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), India.
The High Commissioner laid emphasis on closer cooperation to make the border a core area of prosperity with more border haats, more cross-border economic activities which would be a huge opportunity to change the situation and solve the problem.
Read: Deal with border killing as per international law: BNP
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam spoke at the dialogue as the chief guest which was chaired by Prof Rehman Sobhan.
Kazi Nabil Ahmed, MP, CPD Distinguished Fellows Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya and Prof Mustafizur Rahman, former Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri, Executive Director, SANEM, Bangladesh Dr Selim Raihan, among others, spoke at the dialogue.
CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun moderated the session while Director General, RIS, India Dr Sachin Chaturvedi delivered the introductory remarks.
Talking about future cooperation between the two countries, Doraiswami said they have a huge opportunity to look at young people as future drivers of business.
He laid emphasis on the simplification of the payment system and addressing the challenges on the logistics front and highlighted the opportunities through rail-based, land-based and river-based trade. “We’re more than ready (to work and make logistics simpler).”
'Bongokonnar Tantprem' premiered to promote local fabrics, heritage
HerNet TV, the first television channel in Asia on women's wellbeing and welfare, recently premiered a fashion film on Bangladesh's handloom and apparel.
The film "Bongokonnar Tantprem" presents local fabric to the world and shows how it is perceived and promoted by leading women and designers of the country.
Fifty iconic women participated in the film wearing dresses designed by 25 talented local fashion designers.
HerNet Magazine was also launched at the event.
Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni attended the film screening and magazine launching programme as chief guest in the capital.
Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam and State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Md Murad Hassan were also present.
Dhaka-Delhi ties “crucial for greater regional stability”
Bilateral issues with India need to be resolved amicably with fairness and justice as the Bangladesh-India relations are crucial for greater regional stability and development, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam.
“The past 50 years are a testimony, with ample evidence, how crucial Bangladesh-India relations are not only for bilateral partnership and peace, but also for greater regional stability and the development of the subcontinent,” he said while addressing a dialogue on Wednesday as the chief guest.
To alleviate the sufferings and save the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on the Teesta River basin, Alam said, it is necessary that Bangladesh receives its fair share of the Teesta waters based on the draft agreement which has already been agreed upon by both the governments in January 2011.
Read: Bangladesh-India relations scale newer heights: Hasina
He said Bangladesh believes in India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts to conclude this agreement at the earliest.
Likewise, the State Minister mentioned, it is necessary that an equitable comprehensive water-sharing agreement on common rivers such as Gumti, Khowai, Kushiyara, Teesta, Feni and Muhuri needs to be concluded so that the people of Bangladesh can perceive that India will be attentive and fair to their needs.
He said the past 50 years will guide them to navigate the course of the next 50 years in the evolving scenario of the regional and global context, where the friendship and partnership would be deeper and more consolidated.
“As we march forward to turn the dream of Sonar Bangla of Bangabandhu into a reality, the partnership and friendship with India signifies a metamorphological transition to transform the region as a role model of peace, prosperity, and development,” he said highlighting the historic transformative journey of shared prosperity.
The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) organised the dialogue titled “50 Years of Bangladesh-India Partnership: Towards a Journey in the Next 50 Years” in collaboration with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), India.
KOICA celebrates 25 years of its presence in Bangladesh
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has celebrated 25 years of its operations in Bangladesh recalling how KOICA's projects helped the country grow and establish the pillars of Digital Bangladesh.
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun, Country Director, KOICA Bangladesh Office Young-Ah Doh, Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky and Representative of the World Food Programme Richard Ragan spoke at the function held on Tuesday night in a city hotel.
Read:KOICA for enhancing treatment of neurodevelopmental disabilities for children in Bangladesh
The occasion showcased KOICA’s successful projects and milestones in its 25 years of journey in priority sectors of ICT governance, health and education aligned with KOICA’s three programs, namely, Enhance Efficiency of Public Service by establishing Digital Public System, Enhance Public health by providing Quality of Health and Medical Service and Develop Skillful Human Resource for Sustainable Development.
Speaking on the occasion, State Minister Palak recalled KOICA's projects in the ICT sector since its operation which helped Bangladesh to establish the pillars of Digital Bangladesh.
Ambassador Lee emphasized on how the Korean government recognizes Bangladesh as an important partner and endeavors to increase exchanges between the two countries.
Taliban-ruled Afghanistan stares at major humanitarian crisis: speakers
The situation in Afghanistan remains fluid and Bangladesh should exercise “extreme caution” especially in regard to countering violent extremism, speakers have said at a discussion
With 100 days of the Taliban in power, Afghanistan seems to be on the brink of yet another major humanitarian crisis having implications on regional countries, they said, adding that the ripple effect of the Taliban takeover will be felt all across the region, including Bangladesh.
The Taliban took over Afghanistan in mid-August sparked tensions regarding the possible implications regional nations will face, they observed.
Read: US spl envoy discusses Afghanistan with top Indian officials
The aforementioned sentiments were echoed by Major General ANM Muniruzzaman, President of Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) and Zafar Sobhan, Editor of Dhaka Tribune in their opening remarks at the BIPS-Dhaka Tribune Roundtable titled, 'Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan: Regional and International Implications.'
The discussion, held in a city hotel on Tuesday, was attended by ambassadors, scholars, security experts, and youth representatives from various disciplines.
Muniruzzaman emphasized the dire situation in Kabul with the ongoing economic meltdown.
He said, “The coming winter months are going to be the toughest with a high chance of mass starvation, among other complications.”
Zafar Sohban said it had been 100 days since the Taliban took over in Afghanistan, and it was important to take a deeper look at the impact of this situation, including how it may affect Bangladesh.
Muniruzzaman discussed how a failed Afghanistan state will bear consequences not just for the region but international security as well.
“Therefore, an economically stable Kabul is in the best interest of the region,” he added.
When discussing the effect of the takeover for Bangladesh, Muniruzzaman discussed how the Afghan Taliban’s influence is very prominent in the violent extremism in Bangladesh and that the new takeover has inspired a new wave of people in the country, especially the youth.
The first keynote speaker, Major General Muhammed Firdaus Mian (retd), former chairman of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), laid emphasis on impact on violent extremism and its possible spillovers for the region.
Joy vows to build Bangabandhu’s Sonar Bangla together
Prime Minister's ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy on Wednesday urged all to join hands in building “Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal)” envisioned by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“In this month of victory, let us channel all our thoughts and actions towards the same vision of building the Golden Bengal envisioned by Bangabandhu,” he said in a message shared on his verified Facebook page.
Read:Khaleda freed assassins of Bangabandhu, 4 leaders and made them ambassadors: Joy
As the month of victory rolls on, Joy said, it reminds the nation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bengali ever on the planet, and the three million martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
“We also pay tribute to the four national leaders whose dynamic leadership and uncompromising stance drove out even the last soldier of the heinous Pakistani Army and thus paved the path for hoisting the red and green flag of Bangladesh,” said Joy, son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He said December imbues their hearts with pride. “From the deepest core of my heart, I commemorate all the freedom fighters - the best souls of our nation - whose boundless sacrifice blessed us with free and sovereign Bangladesh.”
Read: Sajeeb Wazed Joy bags leadership award in IT
Joy said this 50th year of victory marks another landmark and they have transitioned from the lower-income status to the middle-income one.
“Awami League has already delivered on its promise to build Digital Bangladesh by the year 2021. We have another milestone to reach - joining the league of developed countries by the year 2041,” he said.
Avoid unnecessary travel, Dhaka urges expats in Africa
The government on Wednesday urged Bangladeshi expatriates in Africa to avoid unnecessary travel to their home country, amid a global scare over the new Omicron variant of coronavirus.
"In case of any emergency, they can come to Bangladesh. But we suggest them to defer their travel by a few days If there’s no emergency," Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said.
Read: Govt decides to administer Covid booster dose to above-60 citizens
Dr Momen, however, made it clear that all returnees will have to undergo a 14-day mandatory institutional quarantine as part of the government measures to deal with the new African variant.
He was responding to a question at a media briefing on the World Peace Conference to be held in Dhaka from December 4-5.
Dr Momen said that a message has also been sent to the country's missions in South Africa and its neighbouring countries to discourage Bangladeshi expats from travelling abroad.
Read: Global Covid cases near 263 million
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were also present at the event.
President Abdul Hamid will inaugurate the World Peace Conference virtually, while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will attend the closing ceremony as the chief guest.