foreign-affairs
Foreign Minister discusses visa issuance and air connectivity with Bahrain’s ambassador-designate
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has discussed the reissuance of visas for Bangladeshi expatriates' family members stranded in Bangladesh due to the Covid-19 pandemic, seeking Bahrain's cooperation to reunite them with their families in Bahrain.
This discussion took place on Wednesday, during a meeting with Bahrain's new Ambassador-designate to Bangladesh, Abdul Rahman Mohamed Al Gaoud, who is based in New Delhi.
The Ambassador highlighted the contributions of Bangladeshi expatriates in Bahrain, acknowledging their diligence and positive impact on various sectors, notwithstanding minor legal infractions by a few individuals.
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Ambassador Al Gaoud is poised to present his credentials to the President, symbolising the commencement of his diplomatic tenure in Bangladesh.
A significant topic during the conversation was the potential enhancement of direct air connectivity between Chattogram, Bangladesh, and Manama, Bahrain.
The Foreign Minister proposed that Gulf Airlines could operate additional flights between these cities to foster stronger people-to-people ties. The Ambassador-designate welcomed this suggestion and requested further assistance to increase flight frequencies.
Describing the relationship between Bangladesh and Bahrain as excellent, the Foreign Minister expressed optimism for expanding cooperation across various sectors, including trade, manpower employment, culture, and education, during Al Gaoud's tenure. He also extended gratitude to Bahrain for accommodating numerous Bangladeshi workers, who play a vital role in the economic development of both nations.
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Ambassador-designate Al Gaoud reciprocated the sentiments, expressing eagerness to deepen economic ties and bilateral relations between Bahrain and Bangladesh. The discussions also touched upon enhancing trade and investment avenues.
In a move signaling Bahrain's intent to bolster business and cultural exchanges, the Ambassador informed the Minister about Bahrain's plans to establish a diplomatic mission in Dhaka.
Additionally, Ambassador Al Gaoud met with Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen to further discuss bilateral interests and collaborative opportunities.
PM Hasina likely to travel to India and China in first bilateral visits since forming new govt
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to embark on bilateral visits to New Delhi and Beijing within the next three months, marking her first such engagements after the January 7 national election. These visits are aimed at deepening Bangladesh's connections with India and China, Asia's two leading economic powers.
Following the formation of the new government, Prime Minister Hasina attended the Munich Security Conference in Germany in February, highlighting her active engagement on the global stage.
Diplomatic sources indicate that PM Hasina's visit to India is planned after the conclusion of the neighbouring country’s national election, which is the world's largest democratic exercise, spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the vote count set for June 4.
Read more: Foreign Minister discusses visa issuance and air connectivity with Bahrain’s ambassador-designate
Pre-election surveys suggest a strong showing for the coalition led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is widely anticipated to secure re-election.
"Prime Minister's (Sheikh Hasina) India visit will definitely take place. However, it will take place after the election in India," Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said.
He said it is not yet discussed at the official level when the visit will exactly take place.
In January, Prime Minister Modi extended warm congratulations to PM Hasina on her electoral victory, expressing hopes for the continued strengthening of the historically close ties between India and Bangladesh.
The last bilateral engagement between PM Modi and PM Hasina occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023, where Bangladesh was the guest country.
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PM Modi is expected to extend invitations to South Asian and BIMSTEC country leaders for his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Additionally, PM Hasina's forthcoming visit to China in July was underscored during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, who reiterated China's commitment to boosting investment in Bangladesh and enhancing bilateral relations.
Ambassador Yao emphasised the significance of the visit in promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchange, aligning with Bangladesh's aspirations for "Vision 2041" and the realisation of a "Smart Bangladesh."
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Hasan Mahmud seeks Portugal’s support in securing EU’s GSP+ trade preferences beyond 2029
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has sought Portugal’s support in securing European Union's (EU’s) GSP+ trade preferences for Bangladesh beyond 2029.
He made the request when new Ambassador-designate of Portugal to Bangladesh (resident in New Delhi) Joao Ribeiro de Almeida met him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Portuguese Ambassador-designate assured his government’s support in this regard and proposed direct maritime connectivity between Chattogram Port of Bangladesh and Leixoes Port of Portugal for further promoting bilateral trade between the two countries.
The Foreign Minister conveyed that Bangladesh government plans to generate 40% of its electricity from renewable sources and encouraged Portuguese investment and expertise in renewable energy sector, particularly generation of electricity from solar, wind and waves.
Brazilian FM to visit Bangladesh on April 7-8; 4 cooperation documents likely to be signed
The Portuese Ambassador-designate informed that major share of their electricity comes from renewable sources, mainly solar and wind, and it would reach the target of 80% by 2030.
He expressed Portugal’s interest in exploring collaboration with Bangladesh in renewable energy sector.
The Portuguese Ambassador-designate highly praised the Bangladesh community living in Portugal and acknowledged their active contribution to their economy.
The Foreign Minister encouraged opening of a full-fledged diplomatic mission of Portugal in Dhaka to further promote businesses and people-to-people connectivity.
He further suggested strengthening of ties by concluding an instrument on migration and mobility between the two governments.
The Portuguese Ambassador-designate agreed to explore opening a consulate in Dhaka at an early date and start discussion on a bilateral migration and mobility instrument to facilitate skilled migration from Bangladesh to Portugal.
Unlocking Chinese Heritage: Foreign Journalists in China experience art of seal cutting
Foreign journalists from the Asia-Pacific, Eurasia, Arab, Central, and Eastern Europe regions gained hands-on experience with Chinese seal cutting, a unique form of Chinese art.
Originated in China and later spreading across East Asia, seal cutting, also known as seal engraving refers to cutting a design into the bottom face of the seal.
China International Press Communication Centre, an initiative of the China Public Diplomacy Association, organised a programme 'Introduction to the Traditional Culture' in Beijing.
In 2009, Chinese seal cutting was inscribed on the list of world intangible cultural heritage.
Chanthey Roeurn, a Combodian journalist who is the Editor in chief of Economic and Business of DAP news, told UNB that he had no experience in this field, but he found the activity so enjoyable.
Brazilian FM to visit Bangladesh on April 7-8; 4 cooperation documents likely to be signed
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on April 7-8 to further strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday confirmed the visit of his Brazilian counterpart.
He said there is a possibility of signing an agreement on technical assistance and three MoUs on sports, agriculture, and defence during the visit of the Brazilian Foreign Minister.
Hasan described the visit of the Foreign Minister of Brazil as very significant.
He said a large business delegation of 24 members will accompany the Foreign Minister.
"Our FBCCI will meet with them. We import edible oil and other products from Brazil. Our exports to South America remain largely unexplored," he said.
Hasan said Brazil is a big country, and their purchasing power is also high. "So there is a great opportunity to increase trade relations with them."
During the visit, the Brazilian Foreign Minister will have a courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan.
The government of Brazil earlier congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her recent election victory.
Brazil expressed its willingness to continue deepening relations with Bangladesh, in favour of the development of both countries, the promotion of South-South cooperation, and the fight against poverty, hunger, and climate crisis.
Brazil-Bangladesh diplomatic relations, established in 1972, have strengthened in recent years.
In 2023, President Lula and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in South Africa.
Last year, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Brazil reached the US$2.3 billion mark.
In letter to Mahmoud Abbas, PM Hasina pledges continued support for Palestine's UN membership and sovereignty
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has written to President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas and reiterated her pledge to support his endeavors in obtaining full membership of Palestine in the United Nations through advocacy in all international forums and beyond.
"I restate our call for a long term ceasefire and urge all concerned to exercise restraint to protect civilian lives and infrastructure," PM Hasina said in her recent letter.
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Upholding justice, peace and harmony is a core teaching of Islam and all great religions, Hasina said, adding that it is what Bangladesh considers an antidote to all conflicts and sufferings.
She conveyed her sincerest condolences to the government and the people of Palestine for the tragic loss of innocent lives including children, women and men during Israel's unabated genocide in Gaza since October 2023.
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"I acknowledge the receipt of your letter addressed to me delivered through your envoy and General Secretary of Fatah Central Committee on 19 March 2024. I am aware of the Israeli Prime Minister's ‘Day After’ post war plan for Gaza and endorse your grave concerns over it," Hasina said.
The plan is in contempt of the rights of the Palestinian people and violates the International Law and Accords, the letter reads.
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"It is disappointing to see that the plan fails to provide any tangible pathway to this protracted conflict. Rather, it aims at suppressing the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians in Gaza while perpetuating Israeli control over the land," Hasina said in her letter.
In this context, she reiterated Bangladesh’s firm position that it is dead against any Israeli plan for reoccupation of any part of Gaza. No expulsion of the Gazans from their own territory, no reduction of the Gaza territory, no restriction on UNRWA's ability to implement its mandate, and no rejection of Palestinian rights to a separate and independent state alongside Israel, the letter says.
"We also hold that military means are not a solution to this conflict. Building on the UN Security Council Resolutions and the International Court of Justice order, it is time to implement a credible process to resolve the ongoing crisis, which could only be achieved through a two-state solution with Palestinians and Israelites living side by side," the letter reads.
As a nation which has suffered occupation, and genocide, Hasina said, Bangladesh truly feels the plight of the occupied and persecuted Palestinians.
"Thus, we extend our full solidarity with the people of Palestine on international platforms, condemning the Israeli occupation and advocating for a just resolution based on international law," the Prime Minister said.
"As Muslim brothers, we would continue to remain committed and steadfast in our support to your legitimate aspiration for independent statehood along 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital," she added.
Dhaka, Beijing exchange feasibility study reports on FTA; negotiations to begin soon: Ambassador Yao Wen
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today said Bangladesh and China have exchanged the feasibility study reports on free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries last week, which he sees as a major development in Dhaka-Beijing economic and trade cooperation.
"We are committed to concluding the feasibility study reports as early as possible within this year, and will officially launch the negotiations soon afterwards," he said.
The Chinese Ambassador was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of 2024 Chinese government training programs at the Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday evening.
Ambassador Yao said under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh successfully held the general election as scheduled.
"It’s my conviction that under the strong and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh will be stronger, more united, more prosperous and more resilient in the next five years, which will also guarantee the continuous improvement and upgrading of China-Bangladesh cooperation," he said.
Both China and Bangladesh are at a critical stage of development and revitalization. On the road to modernization, China has been and will always be Bangladesh's most reliable partner and trustworthy friend, the envoy said. China and Bangladesh have set a good example of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, he added.
"As the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, I am pleased to see that China has deeply participated and played an important role in Bangladesh's economic and social development," he said.
The two countries have also seen significant progress in many mega projects.
The Installation of Single Point Mooring with Double Pipe Line Project and the Bhanga-Rupdia Section of Padma Bridge Rail Link Project have been successfully put into trial operation, said the envoy.
Cox’s Bazar Wind Power Project, S. Alam Coal Fired Power Plant and Barishal Power Plant have started generating electricity.
Construction of the Waste to Energy Power Plant Project in North Dhaka, Rajshahi Surface Water Treatment Plant and the China-Aid Project of Burn Unit of Chittagong Medical College Hospital will all start this year.
"It is expected that Bangladeshi mangoes will be exported to China this year. Luban Workshop, a model of international cooperation in China's vocational education, is expected to be set up in Bangladesh this year," he said.
More direct flights from Dhaka to Beijing will start very soon, Ambassador Yao said.
Last week, he said, the Center for China Studies of Dhaka University was launched, which will promote the academic circles of the two countries in conducting joint study and exploration of bilateral, regional, and global affairs, strengthening people-to-people exchange.
Last August, President Xi Jinping of China and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg.
The two leaders reached a consensus that the two countries need to strengthen personnel exchanges and deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, which has injected vigor and vitality into the development of bilateral relations.
Bangladeshi officials at all levels, experts and scholars from all circles play a vital role in this process.
"It is my firm conviction that the prospect of China and Bangladesh relations will be even brighter with your participation and dedication. May you all be outstanding ambassadors of China-Bangladesh friendship," Ambassador Yao said.
Md. Anwar Hossain, Additional Secretary, Wing Chief of ERD, Ministry of Finance and Md. Hasan Sarwar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, also spoke at the event at the Chinese Embassy.
The Chinese government training programs are important platforms for China-Bangladesh economic and social development cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, which have trained more than 5,500 government officials and experts for Bangladesh so far.
The training programs have tremendously supported the practical cooperation between China and Bangladesh and achieved the goal of mutual learning and enhancing the expertise and capacities of those trainees.
This year, with support from the Chinese government, the number of training programs and personnel provided by the Chinese government to Bangladesh has reached a new high, with the total number of trainees exceeding 500.
The number of bilateral seminars reaches 19, ranking first in the world, covering such areas as financial cooperation, investment promotion, exhibition organization, agricultural product processing, customs on-site supervision, water project and railway construction, Chinese language teaching, sports and media, etc.
Among them, two bilateral seminars, emergency rescue and information telecommunication, will be held in April. "It is expected that all training programs will be completed by the end of October. I believe that with the joint efforts of all departments of the Bangladeshi government present here, we will surely be able to wrap up this year's training programs successfully," said Ambassador Yao.
New Zealand eyes increased engagement with South Asia: Envoy tells Hasan Mahmud
High Commissioner of New Zealand to Bangladesh (resident in New Delhi) David Pine on Wednesday said the new government of New Zealand (NZ) has identified the South Asian region to increase its engagement in future.
During his meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the High Commissioner also said the government of New Zealand is going to shift the accreditation of its non-resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh from New Delhi to Colombo from next month which will enable him to closely work with Bangladesh from Colombo in different sectors.
The envoy showed interest of NZ to import mangoes from Bangladesh and informed that the Ministry of Agriculture of Bangladesh is working on it.
The Foreign Minister welcomed High Commissioner Pine and acknowledged New Zealand as one of the few first countries that recognised Bangladesh soon after the independence in 1971.
He thanked New Zealand for providing duty free market access to Bangladesh since 2001.
The Foreign Minister said there is potential of expanding the existing bilateral trade of US$ 513 by diversifying the export basket.
He suggested that New Zealand may think of investing in Bangladesh’s livestock sector for milk and dairy products, IT and agriculture sector.
The Foreign Minister emphasised on the IT sector where NZ can invest and reexport the products to widen the trade volume.
High Commissioner Pine appreciated the rise of Bangladesh economy which is doing well now a days.
He expressed his satisfaction to see how Bangladesh has bounced back from covid stronger than any other country in the world.
The Foreign Minister said repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar may not be possible without joint international pressure.
As a friendly country, Bangladesh seeks New Zealand’s solid support for international accountability for repatriation, he said.
The two sides also highlighted the importance of high-level visits to boost the existing bilateral relations.
High Commissioner Pine invited the Foreign Minister to visit New Zealand at a convenient time this year.
China pledges increased investment and support for Bangladesh's development goals
On Wednesday, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen affirmed China's commitment to fostering greater investment by Chinese companies in Bangladesh and enhancing bilateral relations.
In discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban in Dhaka, Ambassador Yao stressed the importance of bolstering people-to-people exchanges and aiding Bangladesh's increased involvement in international and regional arenas.
This support aims to accelerate Bangladesh's journey towards realizing its "Vision 2041" and achieving a "Smart Bangladesh."
The Chinese Ambassador also addressed various mutual concerns, including global issues and the repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, highlighting the deepening strategic partnership and practical cooperation between China and Bangladesh across multiple sectors. These collaborative efforts have yielded substantial benefits for the citizens of both nations.
Ambassador Yao underscored the pivotal juncture at which both China and Bangladesh stand in their respective quests for development and revitalization.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by the current international climate and expressed China's readiness to share governance experiences and further consolidate comprehensive cooperation with Bangladesh.
The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka cited the Ambassador as reiterating the continuous enrichment of the China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation under the guidance and encouragement of both countries' leaders, leading to significant and beneficial outcomes in diverse areas of collaboration.
Realising the right to health for all means creating conditions where everyone, everywhere can access high quality health facilities: Saima Wazed
Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia Region, Saima Wazed, has said to fulfill the right to health, both health services and the underlying determinants should be available, accessible, acceptable and of adequate quality.
“Realising the right to health for all means creating conditions where everyone, everywhere can access high quality health facilities, services and goods that prioritize people’s needs, understanding and dignity,” she said in a statement ahead of the World Health Day.
It also means a full set of rights that enable people to live healthily, such as education, safe water and food, nutritious food, adequate housing, good working and environmental conditions and information—or the underlying determinants of health, Saima said.
The right to the highest attainable standard of mental and physical health—or, the right to health has been core to WHO’s mission, globally and in the region. It is enshrined in WHO’s constitution, according to a message received from New Delhi on Wednesday.
On World Health Day, celebrated on April 7 to mark the foundation of the World Health Organization, the spotlight this year is on ‘My Health, My Right’, as in a world witnessing multiple crises, from diseases to disasters to conflicts and climate change, realising people’s right to health is now more important than ever.
As WHO marks its seventy-sixth year on April 7, the South-East Asia Region has seen many gains and has much to celebrate with regard to the right to health.
The Universal Health Coverage service coverage index has improved from 47 in 2010 to 62 in 2021.
The average density of medical doctors, nurses and midwives in the region stands at 28.05 per 10,000 population, up by 30.5% since 2015.
The region achieved a 68.5% reduction in the maternal mortality ratio between 2000 and 2020. Under-five mortality rate declined significantly from 84 per 1000 live births in 2000 to 29 per 1000 live births in 2021 and the neonatal mortality rate from 41 per 1000 live births in 2000 to 17 per 1000 live births in 2021. Between 2015 and 2021 new HIV infections declined by 25% and malaria incidence by 62%.
“However, despite progress, we still have a considerable way to go to make the right to health a reality for all in the WHO South-East Asia Region,” the Regional Director said.
Despite global commitments to the right to health, nearly 40% of the region’s people lack coverage by essential health services. Investment in health by national governments, which is the foundation of advancing the right to health, is unacceptably low, which has resulted in high out-of-pocket expenditure.
The proportion of households experiencing financial hardship in accessing basic health care has been rising.
TB mortality rate in the Region increased by 8.6% in 2021 compared to 2015.
The probability of death between the ages of 30 and 70 years from four major diseases - cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases - is still unacceptably high at 21.6%.
The poorest and groups with vulnerabilities face the greatest barriers in accessing needed healthcare, often with catastrophic consequences for their health and wellbeing.
Poor quality care accounts for more disease and deaths than lack of access to care.
The Regional Director said gender inequality affects equitable access to diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable health conditions.
For example, compared with men, a higher proportion of women with raised blood glucose go untreated. This diagnosis and treatment gap is also seen for hypertension.
Violence against women and girls—a violation of their human rights and a priority public health issue—remains pervasive.
More than one in every three women in the region have experienced intimate partner violence at least once in their lifetime, with rural and uneducated women and those from the poorest households facing a significantly higher risk, she said.
Too many still face stigma related to certain health conditions, such as TB, HIV/AIDS, disability or mental ill-heath.
They also face discrimination in the health system based on their gender, class, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or other characteristics, the Regional Director said.
Equality and non-discrimination are core to a human rights-based approach to health.
A human rights-based approach also entails adherence to the principle of participation: for example, by ensuring that those most affected by certain health conditions or health policies and decisions have a say in how these decisions are made, Saima said.
Accountability is also integral to a human rights-based approach: for example, reporting back to affected groups and communities about the performance of the health system or health programmes to address their needs, she said.
All governments and other duty-bearers have the obligation to respect, protect and fulfil the right to health and other human rights and to ensure their progressive realization.
Governments need to increase investments in health—especially to advance universal health coverage grounded in the primary healthcare approach, she said.
Good laws can lay the foundation for more effective tobacco control, environmental protection, better nutrition, control of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, fair and equal working conditions, and much more. Health services need to be made more available, accessible acceptable and of better quality for all, Saima said.
WHO is committed to advancing the right to health and other human rights. “Let’s make the right to health a reality for all,” the Regional Director said.