Bangladesh News Bangladesh Foreign Affairs

[Bluetooth]

The reality is, we are still hoping economy would recover. Even though there is a chance it may never does and we may head toward semi Pakistan style economy. It is hard sustain long term growth consistently while maintianing the title of one of the most corrupt countries in the world. (Not to mention, our current economic and GDP per Capita stats are already manipulated by discounting 20 million peoples in census and other irregularities)

Our per capita income is only a little low than india according to imf report.While population is about 175 million. no report says we are going Pakistan way.

 

[Afif]

Our per capita income is only a little low than india according to imf report.While population is about 17.5 million. no report says we are going Pakistan way.

IMF doesn't have any entirely independent measurement process. They do guesstimate based on stats published by BBS. Which are unreliable.

Also,it is well know that government census is 100% manipulated. It is no secret that BD's actual curent population is around 190 millions.

 

[Bluetooth]

IMF doesn't have any entirely independent measurement process. They do guesstimate based on stats published by BBS. Which are unreliable.

Also,it is well know that government census is 100% manipulated. It is no secret that BD's actual curent population is around 190 millions.

Can you give source? U earlier said 20 milion population has been intentonaly reduced.now u are saying it is 190 million.give source.

 

[Afif]

Can you give source? U earlier said 20 milion population has been intentonaly reduced.now u are saying it is 190 million.give source.

You are not comprehending. Current official census is around 170 millions. Actual population is around 190 millions. Do the math.

 

[Bluetooth]

You are not comprehending. Current official census is around 170 millions. Actual population is around 190 millions. Do the math.

The current population of Bangladesh is 174,648,946 based on projections of the latest UN data.i didnt give bbs data as u would not believe it anyway.U can check online to verify.

however u still have not provided any source for ur info that BD population is 190 million and 20 milion is reduced from bbs data. wonder if u did census yourself.

 

[PutinBro]

Bangladesh is on the verge of signing agreements with Japan and Italy regarding the purchase of military equipment.

Bangladesh is soon going to sign an agreement regarding the purchase of military equipment with Japan and Italy with the intention of avoiding single dependence and opening up new fields under the modernization of Bangladesh's armed forces.

Foreign Secretary Masoud Bin Momen said that both the countries have agreed to this in the ceremony organized in two different forums recently.

Japan has already included Bangladesh in their OSA under which 4 petrol vessels will be added for the navy.

Italy is keen to develop strategic military ties with Bangladesh. For this they have offered to sell all advanced weapons including warplanes, warships, submarines, helicopters and drones.

#DTB

 

[Isa Khan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1812153242714878237

 

[Isa Khan]

The US is reportedly in contact with India and other regional countries on recent developments in Bangladesh. A US government spokesperson on August 15 described it as "private diplomatic discussions" on Bangladesh that do not include Bangladesh.

There are many odds in the narratives driving the US-India joint venture on foreign policy vis-à-vis Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh next Afghanistan fallacy

You can't help but wonder whether they get what is happening in Bangladesh in mid-July 2024. Such episodes occur rarely, once in over half a century in our case. The upheaval, steered by Gen Z, was a response to society hitting a combination of walls – economic, social, moral, political – with the path changing momentum coming from the dynamics of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

You cannot understand the ongoing political change simply as an antidote to youth unemployment and economic struggles. Accumulated disaffection to repression of the right to express, vote and protest were as important. It galvanised the students, their parents, and people from many other walks of life against the incumbents. The increasingly restricted democratic and civic space, partisan state institutions, judicial dominance, capture of conventional media, and disinformation in social media fanned public outrage. You had to be blind to not see the evidence of the rampant breach of electoral norms again and again at the national and local levels, election after election, not to speak of political, moral, and financial corruption.

The ruling elites in our big neighbourhood and farthest market decided to go with Hasina. The resident US diplomats overtly expressed concerns about jailing rivals and critics ahead of the election in January 2024. The US threatened visa restrictions on individuals and sanctions on institutions undermining democracy or human rights. Indian officials allegedly demanded that the US tone down its pro-democracy rhetoric! They perceived Bangladesh becoming a breeding ground for Islamist groups posing a threat to both India's national security and US interests.

The existential versus democracy framing equated "existence" with the Hasina regime. Indian foreign policy made strategic partnership with US on the Bangladesh issue assuming the alternative to Hasina is the inevitable advent of religious bigotry and Islamic terrorism. The gullibility of the US and Indian foreign policies to this narrative emboldened Hasina. She understood very well that the US government does not perceive scaling up visa restrictions and sanctions, as propagated, is in its self-interest even though it is posturing. She called their bluff. The Biden administration shied away from further sanctions, convinced that the alternative to the strategy supported by India is to let Bangladesh glide or slide into "next" Afghanistan.

There could be no bigger fallacy. Historically, political and economic institutions in Bangladesh have not posed "existential" threats to Indian or US geopolitical interests. Current floods have in fact reversed the concern vis-à-vis India, albeit not necessarily for the right reasons.

Facing the misses

Policymakers in both New Delhi and Washington appear to be finding it hard to accept that they did not know when to say enough is enough, call a spade a spade and be on the right side of history. The train left well before they made it to the station. Suddenly those you thought you could work with to keep the business of diplomacy going are gone. The unthinkable happened. You were not exactly on the side you can publicly admit you were comfortable with, to say the least.

Grapevines report divisions within the US government over how to handle Bangladesh. Those arguing for a tougher stance retired, not necessarily coincidentally. It is hard to believe the US administration cowed to threats to the safety of US diplomats in Dhaka. They chose not to alienate the autocracy and antagonise India. Values gave way to what was erroneously perceived as "pragmatism" in balancing a "very complicated" number of interests, including their own.

The irrelevance of public sentiment and human rights in the conduct of the foreign policy of our friends is remarkable but not surprising. Alienation of the general public from the government you are dealing with carries no weight in their (mis)calculus. They were not ready to give up finding "constructive" ways to engage with the administration in power. All bet on Hasina, even as she grew defiantly autocratic and massively unpopular. And they are still struggling to grow out of it.

Diplomatic blind spots

The preliminary report by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, released on August 16 shows how distant their foreign policy stances were from reality. The report affirms the "majority of deaths and injuries have been attributed to the security forces and the student wing affiliated with the Awami League".

It nails the tipping points that the security and political intelligence of Indian and US foreign policy completely missed. Demonstrations descended into violence in mid-July, "particularly following senior Government officials' (read the Prime Minister) inflammatory remarks referring to the protesters as "razakars". Subsequently, "the Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader personally made incendiary statements" and unleashed their student wing against the protesters.

The gaslighting was all but done. The rest is history that took a decisive turn with the fall of the government on August 5. Measly expressions of "observing with concern" aside, the silence of the international media and the community against state brutalities was deafening. Not only were the security forces "unnecessarily disproportionate", so were our big friends disproportionately out of touch in gauging the pulse of the Bangladesh society.

False narratives on "communal violence" propagated by the international media, pundits, intellectuals, influencers, and some members of the general public overlook the political identity of those targeted post August 5. Evidence on political targeting is the strongest. This is not to condone reprisals. But the post August 5 violence is what the facts say it is: predominantly political, not communal violence.

The student protesters and many others guarded Hindu temples and neighbourhoods. Fears regarding an alleged Islamist takeover or for that matter US involvement have little merit. It is sad that the US finds the latter "laughable" but not the former.

Geopolitical nearsightedness

How can we explain this failure to read the writing on the walls, not just in Bangladesh but in the entire South Asian region? Absent malicious intent, an inexcusable error of omission of this magnitude, made by the governments, not necessarily the people they work for, perhaps reflects geopolitical nearsightedness. US and Indian foreign policies converge on looking at Bangladesh through a lens made in China. The US strategy since the Obama administration has been to let India have space to meddle as it likes to countervail China.

It's not as if Mody or Biden necessarily admired Hasina's autocracy. Their comfort zone owed to Hasina playing the same tune on the security and business fronts while giving her space for manoeuvring deals with China. When some deals soured the transactional relations, her flip flops were no more than minor distractions in the larger geopolitical game.

South Asia is largely subsumed under the US Indo-Pacific strategy driven by perceived threats to the "liberal" international order from the ambitious China and Russia. The Bangladesh-US relationship, never mind the rhetoric, is subordinate to the India-US partnership.

Disinformation on steroid

Unfortunately, and amazingly, India is awash with different variants of the CIA--ISI joint venture narrative on the game behind the game changer on August 5. They totally disregard the growing and diverse background of the participants and the timeline of the chain of events.

A logical corollary of this theory is Hasina must have been a suicide agent of CIA or ISI. She foolhardily sought to crush what started as a peaceful, logical and straight to handle demands of the students. The absurdity of any proposition that relies on Hasina acting willy-nilly to CIA-ISI provocations to self-destruct is self-evident from the timeline of events leading to August 5.

Some US and Indian officials justifiably and some opportunistically are in the "I told you so" mode. The horsepower bolted the stable when Abu Sayeed and Mughdo took bullets. The cosmic difference between Bangladesh 2.0 and Afghanistan is as stark as the difference between night and day.

Do our friends get it?

South Asia is largely subsumed under the US Indo-Pacific strategy driven by perceived threats to the “liberal” international order from the ambitious China and Russia. The Bangladesh-US relationship, never mind the rhetoric, is subordinate to the India-US partnership

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Isa Khan]

Russia will provide a ship full of potash fertiliser - 30,000 tonnes- for free to Bangladesh, Russian Ambassador Alexander Mantytskiy said during a meeting with Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam today (29 August).

Thanking the ambassador for the offer, the adviser has also requested the ambassador to provide a ship full of wheat to Bangladesh for free during the meeting, according to a press statement issued by the home ministry.

"Ensuring food security in the current flood situation is a big challenge for the government. We are working tirelessly to achieve this goal," Adviser Jahangir said during the meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Stating that Russia is one of the top suppliers of wheat and fertiliser to Bangladesh, the adviser noted that so far, Bangladesh has paid the Eastern European country for 2.6 million tonnes of imported wheat.

"Due to the prevailing economic conditions including floods, the payment of the last shipment of imported wheat was not possible," he said.

The home affairs adviser requested the ambassador to continue the supply of wheat and fertiliser to Bangladesh in the current situation.

The ambassador, in response, requested the Bangladesh government to notify Russia in writing on this matter. and assured consideration in that case.

The Russian ambassador also called for the existing cooperation between the two countries to be taken one step further in the modernisation and capacity building of the cyber security and forensic labs in Bangladesh.

The adviser expressed his agreement and said cooperation in this sector will be increased in the future.

Counsellors of the Russian Embassy in Dhaka, Anton Chernov and Vladimir Mochalov, representatives of the embassy and senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs were present in the meeting.

Russia to give Bangladesh a ship full of potash fertiliser for free

Thanking the ambassador for the offer, the home affairs adviser has also requested the ambassador to provide a ship full of wheat to Bangladesh for free during a meeting

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Isa Khan]

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said that Bangladesh is interested in reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

"While the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was considered as an alternative to SAARC, it has not yet established itself as a functional entity, largely due to the ongoing instability in Myanmar," he said during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the capital today (2 September).

The foreign adviser said Bangladesh never viewed BIMSTEC as a replacement for SAARC.

Addressing the recent strain in relations with India, he said, "If there are some tensions, we must work bilaterally to resolve them. We believe that relationships should be people-centred, and it's crucial for the public to feel that the relationship is positive."

The adviser said that the golden era of relations was during the tenures of both the Modi and Hasina governments.

"We want good relations at the public level with active involvement from people. There were frustrations among the public, and I believe both sides can take appropriate steps to address these concerns."

Regarding the role of the Indian media, Touhid Hossain said, "What happened in the Indian media was completely false and exaggerated. After any revolution, some disorder is expected."

"We have undergone a revolution here, and some disturbances may have occurred. However, the way the Indian media sensationalised these events was not accepted by any impartial global media. I believe we have moved past that stage."

Regarding the chief adviser's upcoming visit to the United Nations General Assembly, he said that a small delegation would accompany him.

"We are not sending a large delegation, and the chief adviser aims to complete his work as efficiently as possible. The entire visit, including travel time, should not exceed one week," he added.

Asked about tensions with India and improving relations with Pakistan, he said that there had been some friction with Pakistan in the past for various reasons.

He added, "If our relationship with Pakistan improves, it should be welcomed by everyone. We want friendship with all. There's no benefit in continuing hostilities with Pakistan."

Bangladesh keen to revive SAARC: Foreign adviser

India-Bangladesh relations should be developed at the public level, he says

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Isa Khan]

High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim today said her country will support Bangladesh's proposal for inclusion in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

She was addressing a lecture on "Bangladesh-Malaysia Relations: Moving Towards Prosperity", organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at their campus auditorium in the capital's Elephant Road.

"We are your trusted friend, as proved from day one of your establishment … We are opening our hands to our Bangladesh friends," she said.

Mentioning her conversation with the chief adviser in regards to Bangladesh's proposal for membership at ASEAN, she said Malaysia will "openly support" the request.

"As per the ASEAN concept, all the 10 countries have equal status, and nobody could rule out any reservation. Having said that, Malaysia, as your friend, could say that the doors will open up one day for you," she added.

Malaysia to 'openly support' Bangladesh's bid for ASEAN membership: high commissioner

High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim today said her country will support Bangladesh's proposal for inclusion in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

www.thedailystar.net

 

[Isa Khan]

A 40-megawatt electricity agreement between Nepal, Bangladesh, and India was signed in the presence of Syeda Rizwana Hassan, adviser for Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, on Thursday.

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) of India signed the tripartite power sales agreement at a ceremony in a Kathmandu hotel.

Under this agreement, 40MW of electricity will flow from Nepal to Bangladesh via India for five months from June to November.

The ceremony was also attended by Nepal’s Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka, Bangladesh’s Water Resources Secretary Nazmul Ahsan, and Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari.

In her address, Syeda Rizwana Hassan emphasized that this agreement marks a significant step forward in expanding regional energy trade.

“This is not just about meeting our immediate energy needs, but also about ensuring the long-term energy security of our nations in an environmentally friendly manner,” she said.

Earlier, the environment advisor met with Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the Singha Darbar, where they discussed matters of bilateral interest.

The environment adviser is on a two-day visit to Nepal to witness the signing of this historic power sales agreement between Bangladesh, Nepal, and India.

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/360698/nepal-bangladesh-india-signs-40mw-power

 

[Isa Khan]

The Saudi government has approved a proposal to send Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims via the sea route, marking a significant shift in how pilgrims may travel to the kingdom.

This announcement came following a bilateral meeting held on Sunday (6 October) at the Hajj and Umrah Ministry in Jeddah.

Bangladesh's Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain met with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, who confirmed the Saudi government's support for the initiative, according to a press release from Bangladesh's Ministry of Religious Affairs issued today (7 October).

While affirming there were no objections to the sea route, Dr Al-Rabiah emphasised the need for further discussions with Saudi port authorities to finalise logistical arrangements.

He also noted that Bangladesh would have to engage with shipping companies to make the necessary travel provisions.

The Bangladesh government is currently considering sending a trial group of 2,000 to 3,000 Hajj pilgrims via ship in 2024, as part of efforts to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.

In addition to supporting the sea route, Dr Al-Rabiah assured Dr Hossain that Saudi Arabia would upgrade biometric systems to enhance the efficiency and experience of Hajj pilgrims.

He also promised to issue multiple-entry visas for the owners and representatives of Hajj agencies to facilitate smoother operations.

Addressing concerns raised about lost luggage incidents affecting Bangladeshi pilgrims under the Route to Makkah programme in 2023 and 2024, the Saudi minister pledged to implement measures to prevent similar issues in the future.

Key officials present at the meeting included Moulana Abdul Hamid Jamaddar, secretary of Religious Affairs, along with representatives from the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh and the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the two nations to improve and streamline the Hajj pilgrimage process.

Saudi Arabia agrees to sea route proposal for Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims

The Bangladesh government is currently considering sending a trial group of 2,000 to 3,000 Hajj pilgrims via ship in 2024

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Isa Khan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1849149567549210829

 

[Isa Khan]

Defense Attaché to Bangladeshi high commission in Islamabad attended Indus Shield-2024.

 

[Isa Khan]

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has said a delegation of 20 ambassadors from European Union countries who are in India’s New Delhi is set to visit Bangladesh to meet him within several days which has never happened before.

The interim government chief also said he had received massive support from global communities after taking the reins of the country.

In his 34-minute-long speech marking the completion of 100 days in office on Sunday, he highlighted the past activities and challenges and his government's initial thoughts on the roadmap of a fresh election.

The chief advisor said, “The ambassadors of 20 EU countries live in New Delhi and seven others in Dhaka. Ambassadors of these 27 countries will visit Dhaka in the next few days to meet me. Such an EU delegation never sat for discussion with the government earlier. Such a large number of ambassadors did not come together before from Delhi as well.”

“The EU wants to express its support and build high-level cooperation in the economic sector through the visit. Envoys from many countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, Finland, Singapore, and Libya have already met me. They agreed to enhance bilateral ties alongside an increase in trade and investment."

Extending his thanks to the world leaders on the occasion of 100 days after assuming power, the chief advisor said almost all of them had extended their support during the critical period of Bangladesh.

“At the United Nations General Assembly in September, I had the opportunity to meet with the heads of government around the globe, including the United States, the European Union, Canada, Italy, Holland, and the secretary-general of the United Nations. They have spontaneously promised their full cooperation to us.”

“I also had a meeting with the heads of government of Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan and several neighbouring countries where I talked about reviving SAARC [South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation]," he continued.

Claiming that the scope of work for Bangladeshis is expanding abroad after the current government took over, Yunus said: "We are working for the welfare of the expatriate workers. The UAE has released 57 convicted Bangladeshis along with others at my request. These migrant workers protested against fascism despite the risk of imprisonment. Bangladeshis have protested in many other countries. We're thankful for them."

“A few days ago in Baku, I met His Highness UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He told me to let him know if Bangladesh needs any support.”

Yunus also said that his government is taking all possible steps for the welfare of the expatriate workers.
“Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently visited Bangladesh. He promised to reopen the doors of Malaysia for 18,000 Bangladeshis who could not go to Malaysia due to mismanagement of the autocratic government despite complying with all the formalities."

Hinting at future economic ties with the Muslim world, he said: “We have applied for ASEAN [the Association of Southeast Asian Nations] membership. The Malaysian premier has assured us that he will actively consider our request. We have received similar assurances from Indonesia.

“The Indonesian side has requested me to pay a state visit to that country. Many countries of the world, including Saudi Arabia, have offered to increase cooperation with us. For the first time, we are appointing a permanent ambassador to the OIC [Organisation of Islamic Cooperation] headquarters.”

20 EU ambassadors to visit Bangladesh from Delhi to extend support, says Yunus

The chief advisor says he has received massive support from global communities

bdnews24.com

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Thursday urged all to remain alert so that no domestic or foreign enemy can disrupt Bangladesh's progress through the use of militancy.

“There is no friendly neighbouring country for Bangladesh. They always try to defame Bangladesh. What happened during 2005 to 2006 has been exaggerated by them”.

Asif Nazrul was speaking as chief guest at a meeting in memory of judges Sohel Ahmed and Jagannath Pandey, who lost their lives in a bomb attack by Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in 2005.

In the past, attempts were made to cause a rise of fundamentalists in Bangladesh and by doing this a particular country was able to convince the international community to set up a controlled government in Bangladesh, Asif Nazrul said.

“As a result, we got a fascist government to rule the country in the last 15 years,” he added.

He said that in order to save the country and its people, Bangladesh must rid itself of militancy and fundamentalism at any cost.

Referring to the tragic death of the two judges in 2005, Asif Nazrul said that militancy and extremism are very dangerous matters. This incident is a great example of how irrational, inhuman and cruel these matters make people, he added.

“Our neighbouring country has also witnessed terrible militancy at different times,” he went on to say.

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/government-affairs/365191/asif-nazrul-no-friendly-neighbouring-country-for

A cargo vessel from Pakistan's Karachi has arrived at Chittagong Port, the first-ever direct maritime link between the two countries.

Carrying a diverse array of goods with an estimated 2,300 TEUs of capacity, the vessel's voyage highlights growing demand for direct trade between the two countries, said a press release issued today (13 November).

Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof termed the direct shipping route a major step forward in enhancing bilateral trade and business ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh besides boosting a more integrated and trade network across the region.

He said the initiative will not only accelerate the existing trade flows but also promote new opportunities for businesses on both sides.

Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Md Omar Faruk told The Business Standard that the Panama-flagged vessel Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan arrived at Chattogram port from Dubai via Karachi on 11 November. The vessel carried 370 TEU containers, which were unloaded. Ot departed Chattogram on 12 November.

According to the Chattogram Port Authority, there is currently no fixed route for direct shipping between Chattogram and Pakistan. The Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan arrived at Chattogram Port through the Dubai-Karachi- Chattogram route.

First direct cargo vessel from Karachi arrives in Ctg port

A cargo vessel from Pakistan's Karachi has arrived at Chittagong Port, the first-ever direct maritime link between the two countries. Carrying a diverse array of goods with an estimated 2,300 TEUs of capacity, the vessel's voyage highlights growing demand for direct trade between the two...

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Isa Khan]

Religious Affairs Adviser A F M Khalid Hossain announced that Nepal has generously allocated 6 acres of land to Bangladesh at no cost. He stated that the site would allow visitors to engage in religious and cultural activities. The Nepalese government has expressed readiness to offer land in areas with Buddhist communities and traditions. Plans include establishing a cultural center and a pagoda at the location.

He shared this information during the ‘Bodhichara’ installation ceremony held today, Friday (January 10), at 11 am at the Buddhist temple in Sector 16, Uttara, Dhaka. Under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and managed by the Buddhist Welfare Trust, Bangladesh’s government aims to develop the cultural center and pagoda in Lumbini, Nepal. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved the project, with a budget of 68 crore BDT, to construct the visually impressive facilities.

Adviser Khalid Hossain highlighted that such initiatives had not been realized in the past. “Previous governments failed to achieve this. However, during the tenure of Professor Dr. Yunus, the grand crematorium for the Buddhist community was inaugurated, marking a significant milestone. I also urge you to submit detailed project proposals outlining your needs, so we can address them through the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Environment,” he added.

Nepal Gives 6 Acres of Land to Bangladesh for Free

Nepal has allocated 6 acres of land to Bangladesh for free, enabling the establishment of a cultural center and pagoda in Lumbini, an area rich in Buddhist heritage. Religious Affairs Adviser A F M Khalid Hossain announced this during the ‘Bodhichara’ ceremony in Uttara. The 68-crore BDT...

tezzfeed.com

 

[Isa Khan]

After a gap of nearly 15 years, Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to hold a foreign secretary-level Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) in Dhaka on Thursday.

Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Wednesday to lead her country’s delegation at the talks, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to BSS on Tuesday.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin will lead the Bangladesh side at the FOC to be held at the state guest house Padma.

The official said that although no specific agenda has been set, both sides are likely to cover all areas of mutual interest during the discussion.

The official said: “After such a long hiatus, it is difficult to prioritize topics in advance, but the talks will be comprehensive.”

Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Md Iqbal Hussain Khan, who is currently in Dhaka to attend the meeting, told BSS that Islamabad is particularly keen to enhance trade ties with Dhaka.

“Pakistan sees potential for boosting exports to Bangladesh, especially if their products are price competitive,” he said, citing cotton as a major item that Pakistan is interested in supplying.

The envoy added that as Pakistan serves as a gateway for goods from Afghanistan and Iran, there is scope for Bangladesh to explore imports via Pakistan, provided transport costs remain low.

On the issue of direct air connectivity, High Commissioner Khan said that apart from Fly Jinnah, another Pakistani private carrier, Air Sial—based in Sialkot—has applied to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) to operate flights to Dhaka.

“Fly Jinnah is currently waiting to expand its fleet before launching Dhaka operations, while Air Sial is expected to begin direct flights within two months of receiving approval,” he said.

The direct air link is anticipated to boost tourism and promote greater people-to-people contact between the two countries, the envoy noted.

When asked about unresolved historical issues between the two nations, the high commissioner said such matters often persist in bilateral relations worldwide but should not hinder current engagement or economic cooperation.

During her stay in Dhaka, Foreign Secretary Baloch is expected to pay courtesy calls on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain following the FOC on Thursday.

Additionally, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Dhaka later this month.

It will be the maiden visit by a Pakistani foreign minister since 2012.

“We are still finalizing the date, but the visit is likely to take place in the last week of April,” the foreign ministry official said.

The last FOC between Bangladesh and Pakistan was held in 2010.

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/378754/dhaka-islamabad-hold-foc-on-thursday-after-15

 

[Isa Khan]

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said Bangladesh wants to enhance and further improve the relations with all the South Asian countries, including with India and Pakistan, while its foreign policy remains pro-Bangladesh.

"Our foreign policy is a pro-Bangladesh one," he told reporters while responding to a question regarding the visit of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar later this month.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Anisuzzaman Chowdhury and Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the briefing on LDC graduation at the Foreign Service Academy.

Referring to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus' repeated calls for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) as a top platform for regional cooperation in South Asia during his conversations at home and abroad, Alam said Bangladesh wants improved relations with the Saarc countries.

"Yunus is seeking improved relations with all in the South Asian family. Pakistan is also part of the South Asian family. We want improved relations with India, Bhutan and Nepal, too," said the Press Secretary.

He said the interim government has taken a decision to set up an economic zone for Nepal and is looking for land in the North Bengal area which is part of efforts to have improved relations with the South Asia family.

Alam said the deputy prime ninister of Pakistan is coming and there will be discussions on all issues of mutual interest.

Before Ishaq Dar's visit, its Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch will visit Dhaka on Wednesday to hold talks with her Bangladesh counterpart Md Jashim Uddin.

Ishaq Dar's upcoming trip to Dhaka will mark the first visit by a Pakistani Foreign Minister since 2012.

On Sunday, National Security Adviser and Chief Adviser's High Representative on the Rohingya issue and priority matters Dr Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh's foreign policy is now entirely its own, no longer reliant on any other country to shape it.

"We are no longer reliant on any country to shape it. This marks a clear reflection of our strategic autonomy," he said while speaking at a seminar.

Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed that Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will pay an official visit this month.

Asked about the issues to be discussed during the visit, Hossain said they will discuss all aspects of the relations.

With pro-Bangladesh foreign policy, Dhaka wants improved ties with South Asian countries

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said Bangladesh wants to enhance and further improve the relations with all the South Asian countries, including with India and Pakistan, while its foreign policy remains pro-Bangladesh. "Our foreign policy is a pro-Bangladesh one," he...

www.tbsnews.net

Bangladesh and Singapore have reiterated their commitment to finalise the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between two countries by 2026.

They also agreed to work towards concluding the agreement on customs cooperation, the revised protocol for the avoidance of double taxation, the treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and the MoU on cooperation in the field of tourism.

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in emerging areas during the Fourth Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Singapore yesterday (14 April), said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and the Singaporean side was led by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Luke Goh.

The consultation reviewed issues covering the entire range of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides held detailed discussions on inter alia, trade and investment, power and energy, connectivity, digital economy, health, agriculture, waste management, tourism and human resource development.
Regional and global issues were also discussed.

The ongoing negotiations on the conclusion of the FTA featured prominently in the discussion.

Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin highlighted Bangladesh's reputation as a reliable source of high-quality and competitively priced products such as ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, leather goods, ceramics, jute products and footwear.

He urged the Singaporean side to encourage the businesspeople to engage more in these sectors so as to achieve a more balanced trade relationship.

Recognising Singapore as one of the top investors in Bangladesh, the Foreign Secretary invited more Singaporean investment, particularly in the energy sector and Economic Zones of Bangladesh.

The discussions also focused on prospective collaboration in agricultural technology, agri-logistics, contract farming, and tourism infrastructure.

Both sides acknowledged the remarkable contributions of Bangladeshi nationals currently working in Singapore and discussed future cooperation in human resource development, including training and skill enhancement initiatives.

The Foreign Secretary also sought Singapore's support in developing a Waste-to-Energy Plant to strengthen sustainable energy generation in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh conveyed its appreciation to Singapore for supporting its bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of Asean and expressed interest in joining the Asean Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Regional issues, including climate change, migration, and developments in South and Southeast Asia also came up for discussion.

At the conclusion of the Consultations, the Foreign Secretary thanked his Singaporean counterpart for the warm welcome to Bangladesh delegation and extended an invitation to him to visit Bangladesh for the next round of foreign office consultation.

Bangladesh, Singapore to finalise FTA by 2026

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in emerging areas during the Fourth Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Singapore yesterday

www.tbsnews.net

Bangladesh has successfully completed humanitarian activities and rescue operations in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March.

After completing the operations, the Bangladeshi team, comprising Army rescue personnel, doctors, nurses and fire-service personnel, left Myanmar yesterday (13 April) by Bangladesh Navy Ship BNS Somudra Avijan and they are scheduled to arrive in Chattogram tomorrow, said a foreign ministry's press release today (14 April).

In addition to the rescue operations, Bangladesh delivered 151.5 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, including food, medicine, tents, drinking water, blankets, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential items after receiving requests from the government of Myanmar.

"As a responsible neighbour and a champion in disaster management, Bangladesh stood beside the earthquake-affected people of Myanmar and responded immediately with humanitarian assistance," said the foreign ministry.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus sent a letter of condolence to his Counterpart of Myanmar Government and offered humanitarian assistance.

The Chief Adviser's Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Armed Forces Division, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Myanmar coordinated relevant humanitarian activities.

From 30 March to 12 April, in three phases, five Bangladeshi aircraft and one Navy Ship carried 151.5 tonnes of assistance including food, medicine, tents, food packets, dry rations, drinking water, blankets, clothing, hygiene products, and other essentials to Myanmar.

In the first phase, two Bangladeshi aircraft (C-130J and CASA C-295) carried 16.5 tonnes of assistance to Yangon on 30 March.

Another three Bangladeshi aircrafts (two C-130J and one CASA C295) carried 15 tonnes of relief and a 55-member rescue and medical team to Nay Pyi Taw in the second phase on 1st April.

The third phase of humanitarian assistance was conducted by the Bangladesh Navy Ship BNS Somudra Avijan, which sailed from Chittagong on April 8 carrying more than 120 metric tons of relief items and landed in Yangon on 11 April.

Bangladesh Ambassador in Myanmar handed over the assistance to Myanmar's authorities in three phases.

Bangladesh Embassy in Myanmar also engaged the expatriate Bangladeshi community members in Myanmar in humanitarian activities in Mandalay city, said the release.

Bangladesh completes rescue mission in Myanmar

In addition to the rescue operations, Bangladesh delivered 151.5 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, including food, medicine, tents, drinking water, blankets, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential items after receiving requests from the government of Myanmar

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Isa Khan]

The Sixth round of Foreign Secretary Level Bilateral Consultations (FSLC) between Bangladesh and Pakistan was held in Dhaka today. The Bangladesh side was led by Ambassador Md. Jashim Uddin, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh and the Pakistan side was led by Ambassador Amna Baloch, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan. The consultations were held in a cordial atmosphere reflecting the existing friendly relations between the two countries. The Foreign Secretary of Pakistan also called on the Hon’ble Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and the Hon’ble Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md. Touhid Hossain.

2. During the consultations the entire spectrum of bilateral relations was discussed. The Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh expressed satisfaction with the recent interactions between the leaders of the two countries on different occasions, particularly the meetings between the Hon’ble Chief Adviser of Bangladesh and the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Pakistan on the sidelines of UNGA and D-8 Summit. He also looked forward to the upcoming visit of the Hon’ble Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan to Bangladesh.

3. The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared interests. Potential areas for further cooperation and ways and means to intensify cooperation were discussed, particularly in the areas of trade and commerce, investment, connectivity, agriculture, education, human resource development, climate change, culture and tourism. Possibilities of cooperation in the regional organizations as well as in the UN and other multilateral fora were also discussed. Bangladesh side stressed to working together to fully realize the untapped potential of their strong bilateral ties.

4. The Foreign Secretary emphasized the significance of the economic, trade, and commercial ties between the two countries and recalled the commitment made at the Fifth round of FSLC to intensify efforts to increase the volume of bilateral trade to US$1 billion per annum, which is yet to be realized. He also discussed measures to improve market access, streamline trade processes, and reduce tariff barriers to overcome the existing trade imbalance and enhance the export of Bangladeshi products to the Pakistani market. He stressed that the private sector and the Chambers of Commerce of the two countries have an important role to play in this regard.

5. The Foreign Secretary expressed happiness that 9th meeting of the Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) is going to be held in Islamabad at the soonest. The Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh highlighted the numerous promising sectors in Bangladesh including Jute and Textile Mills for Investment and Joint Venture by the Pakistani investors. He also highlighted the facilities and incentives offered by Bangladesh to the foreign investors.

6. The Foreign Secretary expressed satisfaction with the MoU signed in January 2025 between the two Governments through which Bangladesh will procure rice on a G2G basis from Pakistan. The Foreign Secretary also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors.

7. Cooperation for strengthening connectivity and people-to-people contacts also featured in the discussion. It was noted that progress has been made in simplifying visa processes, improving maritime connectivity through direct shipping between Karachi and Chattogram Ports, and to resume air connectivity.

8. Recognizing the vast untapped potential in the fields of higher education, scientific research and technology transfer, the Foreign Secretary emphasized increased collaboration in these areas. The Foreign Secretary also emphasized on promoting cultural exchanges by facilitating visits of artists, painters, musicians, singers, academics, and writers between the two countries.

9. The Foreign Secretary underscored the importance of working together to strengthen cooperation under SAARC. The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment for promoting the objectives of the OIC Charter and supporting the cause of the Muslim Ummah. While reviewing the current evolving situation in the Middle East, he strongly condemned the ongoing genocidal killings and gross human rights violations being committed by the Israeli Occupying Forces in the Gaza Strip. The Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh emphasized the need for early return of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) to their homeland in Myanmar and sought Pakistan’s support.

10. Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh raised the long outstanding historic issues namely repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, division of assets, transfer of foreign aid that was meant for the cyclone victims of 1970, apology for the genocide committed by the then Pakistan Armed Forces in 1971 and war reparation. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary called for early resolution of historic outstanding issues to create the foundation of sound, solid and robust bilateral relations.

11. The Foreign Secretary of Pakistan extended an invitation to the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh to visit Islamabad for the Seventh round of the Foreign Secretary Level Bilateral Consultations.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh

The Sixth round of Foreign Secretary Level Bilateral Consultations (FSLC) between Bangladesh and Pakistan was held in Dhaka today. The Bangladesh side was led by Ambassador Md. Jashim Uddin, Foreign...

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