Dhaka offers Male its consular services
Maldives seeks Bangladesh help
to resolve its political impasse
wrote on 20-9-10
for the Independent
Anis Alamgir
Bangladesh is likely to engage further with another South Asian nation- the Maldives by enhancing its political and diplomatic ties with the Indian Ocean Island neighbour.
Apart from the south Asian identity, both the countries share close ties for their Muslim majority and climate vulnerability. A large number of Bangladeshis are also working in different sectors in the Island nation, mainly in fishing and tourism sectors.
On climate issue, both the countries are working together for their survival at different international conferences, being vocal on the issue.
However, in a recent development, Bangladesh thought that it could play a role of an 'Independent broker' in the Maldives to mediate in helping to resolve the differences among the political parties in the tiny island.
The Maldivian Parliament, or Majlis, consists of 77 MPs, of whom about 43 are from parties opposed to President Mohamed Nasheed.
Few months back the entire Cabinet of Maldives resigned following differences with the President Nasheed. Later he appointed 13 ministers in the wake of mediation efforts orchestrated by close neighbour, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa. But the crisis has not yet been resolved.
A top diplomat of Maldives met his Bangladeshi counterpart in Dhaka last month seeking Bangladesh assistance as an international mediator to help resolve the present political stalemate in his country. The Bangladeshi diplomat requested to talk to all political parties in the Island with whom he has confidence and access.
A number of Bangladeshi diplomats had a great access in Maldives government, as well as political players for their long association with the country.
Present Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes is also considered a 'close friend' of Maldives in his own capacity. He was Bangladesh High Commissioner to Maldives in the recent past and had been in touch with the Maldivian diplomats in Geneva and other stations.
On the other hand, Bangladesh is also interested to extend it diplomatic service, rendering assistance/outlet for the Maldives in some of Bangladesh Missions abroad, for instance, in a place like Moscow to arrange the negotiations.
presently Maldives has only 13 missions abroad- London, Beijing, Tokyo, Riyadh, New Delhi, Islamabad, Dhaka, Colombo, Brussels, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and its permanent missions in New York and Geneva. On the other hand Bangladesh has 58 missions abroad covering all important capitals.
Foreign ministry sources said, Foreign Secretary himself has been drafting a concept paper on how to proceed towards the unique diplomatic assistance role of Bangladesh in Maldives.
The end
my book
Cover of my book on Iraq War. “Iraq Ranaggone”—In Iraq war field, pages from a war reporter’s diary.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Climate gets focus at SAARC summit beginning today
ANIS ALAMGIR, FROM THIMPHU, BHUTAN
The Independent
28-4-2010
Apr 28: South Asian leaders have gathered in the majestic city and meeting Wednesday the capital of the Himalayan Kingdom Bhutan for 16th SAARC Summit beginning tomorrow in the hope of making the region "a green and happy" one.
Along with other declaration, the leaders are expected to give a call from their two-days meeting for taking a joint initiative for tackling the impact of the climate change as well as boosting trade and combating terrorism for the wellbeing of 1.5 billion people of the region.
Climate change is the theme of the Thimpu Summit, as it is not only a threat to the bloc comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka but also to the world at large.
Two agreements - one on environment and the other on trade in services - will be signed during the summit.
All heads of state or government except Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh arrived here for the summit by Tuesday. Manmohan will be here early morning of the summit day. Sri Lankan President and current chairman of the SAARC Mahindra Rajapakse had arrived in Thimphu on Monday while rest of the leaders arrived Tuesday including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who will lead 56 members delegation in the summit.
A red carpet was rolled out as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in the morning at the country's lone Paro International Airport on the outer edge of the capital Thimphu to join the Summit. Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley received her at the Airport while a contingent of Bhutanese Army gave her guard of honour. Hasina inspected the guard and took salute.
School children and local people stood in line on both sides of the road from Paro to Thimphu to greet Hasina as well as other leaders to the summit.
Ahead of the summit foreign minister of the member countries met Tuesday at the convention centre in Thimphu to finalised the SAARC declaration and agenda of the summit for SAARC leaders.
According to the official programme inaugural session of the summit commences at the grand assembly hall in Thimphu at 2.30 pm local and Bangladesh time too. SAARC chairperson and Sri Lankan president Mahindra Rajapakse will open the summit. After that Bhutan's Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley will assume the SAARC chair of the 16th SAAARC summit.
Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Maldives president Mohammed Naseed, Nepal's Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Gilani, Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address the summit respectively on behalf of their countries.
After that heads of observer delegations will give their statement in the summit. At present Australia, China, Iran, Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, Republic of Korea, the United States and the European Union are the observers of the regional organisation.
SAARC secretary general also deliver his statement in this yearly function.
In this session, the SAARC leaders will inaugurate the permanent secretariat of the SAARC Development Fund. Bhutanese prime minister will make a short statement and untie the ribbon on plaque on behalf of the SAARC leaders.
The opening ceremony will concluded at 5-30pm. The leaders will have joint a banquet hosted by Bhutanese prime minister at Tashichho Dzong.
Bhutan, a founder member of the SAARC, is hosting the summit for the first time within two years of the establishment of a democratically elected government in 2008 ending the 100-year monarchy. Earlier, on three occasions, Bhutan had expressed its inability to host the summit due to lack of infrastructure and logistic support.
The two-day summit will revive outside world interest in the isolated Buddhist country and boost its tourism sector. The whole nation is trying their best to make it a success and significant to their guests.
SAARC had started its journey from Bangladesh in 1985 with a dream of improving the socio-economic condition of people of this area. Initially it was seven members bloc and in 2006 Afghanistan was included in the group.
The Independent
28-4-2010
Apr 28: South Asian leaders have gathered in the majestic city and meeting Wednesday the capital of the Himalayan Kingdom Bhutan for 16th SAARC Summit beginning tomorrow in the hope of making the region "a green and happy" one.
Along with other declaration, the leaders are expected to give a call from their two-days meeting for taking a joint initiative for tackling the impact of the climate change as well as boosting trade and combating terrorism for the wellbeing of 1.5 billion people of the region.
Climate change is the theme of the Thimpu Summit, as it is not only a threat to the bloc comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka but also to the world at large.
Two agreements - one on environment and the other on trade in services - will be signed during the summit.
All heads of state or government except Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh arrived here for the summit by Tuesday. Manmohan will be here early morning of the summit day. Sri Lankan President and current chairman of the SAARC Mahindra Rajapakse had arrived in Thimphu on Monday while rest of the leaders arrived Tuesday including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who will lead 56 members delegation in the summit.
A red carpet was rolled out as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in the morning at the country's lone Paro International Airport on the outer edge of the capital Thimphu to join the Summit. Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley received her at the Airport while a contingent of Bhutanese Army gave her guard of honour. Hasina inspected the guard and took salute.
School children and local people stood in line on both sides of the road from Paro to Thimphu to greet Hasina as well as other leaders to the summit.
Ahead of the summit foreign minister of the member countries met Tuesday at the convention centre in Thimphu to finalised the SAARC declaration and agenda of the summit for SAARC leaders.
According to the official programme inaugural session of the summit commences at the grand assembly hall in Thimphu at 2.30 pm local and Bangladesh time too. SAARC chairperson and Sri Lankan president Mahindra Rajapakse will open the summit. After that Bhutan's Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley will assume the SAARC chair of the 16th SAAARC summit.
Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Maldives president Mohammed Naseed, Nepal's Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Gilani, Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address the summit respectively on behalf of their countries.
After that heads of observer delegations will give their statement in the summit. At present Australia, China, Iran, Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, Republic of Korea, the United States and the European Union are the observers of the regional organisation.
SAARC secretary general also deliver his statement in this yearly function.
In this session, the SAARC leaders will inaugurate the permanent secretariat of the SAARC Development Fund. Bhutanese prime minister will make a short statement and untie the ribbon on plaque on behalf of the SAARC leaders.
The opening ceremony will concluded at 5-30pm. The leaders will have joint a banquet hosted by Bhutanese prime minister at Tashichho Dzong.
Bhutan, a founder member of the SAARC, is hosting the summit for the first time within two years of the establishment of a democratically elected government in 2008 ending the 100-year monarchy. Earlier, on three occasions, Bhutan had expressed its inability to host the summit due to lack of infrastructure and logistic support.
The two-day summit will revive outside world interest in the isolated Buddhist country and boost its tourism sector. The whole nation is trying their best to make it a success and significant to their guests.
SAARC had started its journey from Bangladesh in 1985 with a dream of improving the socio-economic condition of people of this area. Initially it was seven members bloc and in 2006 Afghanistan was included in the group.
Saarc calls for high priority to meet climate challenge
ANIS ALAMGIR FROM THIMPHU
The Independent
30-4-2010
Apr 29: The two-day 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Summit ended this evening in Bhutanese capital Thimphu after adopting the Thimphu Declaration, signing two agreements on regional cooperation and with a joint statement on climate change by the heads of eight member countries.
The summit closed after calling for with high priority for taking collective action to confront climate change, food and energy scarcity in the region as well as the scourge of terrorism.
In the summit declaration, the leaders agreed on the "charter of democracy" for strengthening democracy in the region and collective response on any move of extra-constitutional seizure of state power. They endorsed Bangladesh's proposal for a "Charter of Democracy" for regional cooperation aimed at strengthening good governance. They noted the proposal by Bangladesh to convene an Inter-governmental meeting in Dhaka on the idea of a SAARC Charter of Democracy on which Bangladesh offered to circulate a concept paper.
The heads of state and government of eight SAARC countries agreed on two agreements - SAARC agreement on trade in service (SATIS), and the convention on cooperation on environment, which were signed by the SAARC member countries' foreign ministers.
"I can say with confidence that the decisions we have taken in the past two days have set the stage for SAARC to enter the new era, 25 years after its founding," said Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley in his closing statement.
"The Thimphu statement on climate change that we adopted will provide a strong step to our collaborative efforts to address the issue relating to the climate change at the national, regional and international levels," he added.
The new SAARC chairman also said: "Choice of climate change for the summit was most appropriate. We are able to have in-depth discussion on one of the most challenging issues of our time."
He mentioned that the two agreements signed in the summit -- a decision on south Asian development fund and south Asian university -- would help closer cooperation in the respective area.
"The operationalisation of the SAARC development fund and appointment of its first CEO on Wednesday was an important achievement. Our goal to establish a regional fund for financing regional and sub-regional socio-economic development programmes and projects has now been fully realised'" he said adding: "It is our duty to support the fund so that it can deliver on its important mandate. Bhutan as the host country will provide all possible support to the SDF secretariat."
He said that operationalisation of the South Asia University in New Delhi was another milestone achievement by the summit.
"The university when it opens in August, 2010 is destined to become the centre of excellence for higher learning in south Asia," he added
The Bhutanese prime minister added, "It is you also that we expect to see the establishment of our low carbon research and development institute."
In the closing ceremony Maldives president Mohammed Naseed declared that his country would agree to host the 17 SAARC summit in Male and sought cooperation from the member countries.
According to the Thimphu Statement on Climate Change, the leaders agreed on 16-point action plan.
In the statement the leaders expressed deep concern over the adverse effects of climate change and its impact on the region, particularly on the lives and livelihood of the 1.6 billion people of South Asia.
The leaders expressed their determination to see that South Asia should become a world leader in low-carbon technologies and renewable energy. They were also determined to address the adverse effects of climate change in accordance with the purposes and principles of regional cooperation enshrined in the SAARC Charter.
The statement said they would review the implementation of the Dhaka Declaration and SAARC Action Plan on Climate Change and ensure its timely implementation'
The leaders underlined that an agreed outcome of the global negotiations must emerge from an inclusive, transparent, open and democratic process of negotiations;
Besides the statement on climate change, the SAARC leaders approved the 37-point Thimphu Declaration titled "Towards a Green and Happy South Asia."
The Thimphu Declaration said: "In this Silver Jubilee Year of SAARC, the leaders emphasised the need to develop a 'Vision Statement'. They agreed to form a 'South Asia Forum' for the generation of debate, discussion and the exchange of ideas on South Asia and its future development. The Forum will consist of eminent personalities of diverse background, including from all SAARC member states. The Forum would provide inputs, based on a comprehensive understanding, for charting out the future course of SAARC in the medium and long run and recommend, if required, the necessary improvements required in the existing mechanisms. Such a forum could function on public-private partnership lines, and allow for multiple inputs beyond governments into the consideration of the future of SAARC."
It said: "In order to commemorate the 25th anniversary, the leaders laid emphasis on effective communications and public diplomacy. They drew attention in this regard to the need to reach out to different sections of the South Asian community, particularly its students and youth, private media, private sector, think tanks, civil society, and institutions of economic development."
The leaders resolved that the Silver Jubilee Year should be commemorated by making SAARC truly action oriented by fulfilling commitments, implementing declarations and decisions and operationalising instruments and living up to the hopes and aspirations of one-fifth of humanity.
The declaration said: "The leaders, while appreciating that all the member states had evolved into multi-party democracies, underlined the challenges faced by them in ensuring effective, efficient, transparent and accountable governments. In this regard, they emphasised the need for regional cooperation to strengthen good governance through sharing of experiences, best-practices and establishing institutional linkages.
"The leaders recognised the need to draw on the democratic and participatory tradition collectively represented by the parliamentarians of South Asia for the progress of SAARC. In this context, the leaders recommended the convening of a "Conclave of SAARC Parliamentarians" in line with the SAARC Charter and directed the SAARC Secretariat to convene a working group, comprising nominees of the member states, to work out the modalities for the establishment of such a Conclave," said the declaration.
The Independent
30-4-2010
Apr 29: The two-day 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Summit ended this evening in Bhutanese capital Thimphu after adopting the Thimphu Declaration, signing two agreements on regional cooperation and with a joint statement on climate change by the heads of eight member countries.
The summit closed after calling for with high priority for taking collective action to confront climate change, food and energy scarcity in the region as well as the scourge of terrorism.
In the summit declaration, the leaders agreed on the "charter of democracy" for strengthening democracy in the region and collective response on any move of extra-constitutional seizure of state power. They endorsed Bangladesh's proposal for a "Charter of Democracy" for regional cooperation aimed at strengthening good governance. They noted the proposal by Bangladesh to convene an Inter-governmental meeting in Dhaka on the idea of a SAARC Charter of Democracy on which Bangladesh offered to circulate a concept paper.
The heads of state and government of eight SAARC countries agreed on two agreements - SAARC agreement on trade in service (SATIS), and the convention on cooperation on environment, which were signed by the SAARC member countries' foreign ministers.
"I can say with confidence that the decisions we have taken in the past two days have set the stage for SAARC to enter the new era, 25 years after its founding," said Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley in his closing statement.
"The Thimphu statement on climate change that we adopted will provide a strong step to our collaborative efforts to address the issue relating to the climate change at the national, regional and international levels," he added.
The new SAARC chairman also said: "Choice of climate change for the summit was most appropriate. We are able to have in-depth discussion on one of the most challenging issues of our time."
He mentioned that the two agreements signed in the summit -- a decision on south Asian development fund and south Asian university -- would help closer cooperation in the respective area.
"The operationalisation of the SAARC development fund and appointment of its first CEO on Wednesday was an important achievement. Our goal to establish a regional fund for financing regional and sub-regional socio-economic development programmes and projects has now been fully realised'" he said adding: "It is our duty to support the fund so that it can deliver on its important mandate. Bhutan as the host country will provide all possible support to the SDF secretariat."
He said that operationalisation of the South Asia University in New Delhi was another milestone achievement by the summit.
"The university when it opens in August, 2010 is destined to become the centre of excellence for higher learning in south Asia," he added
The Bhutanese prime minister added, "It is you also that we expect to see the establishment of our low carbon research and development institute."
In the closing ceremony Maldives president Mohammed Naseed declared that his country would agree to host the 17 SAARC summit in Male and sought cooperation from the member countries.
According to the Thimphu Statement on Climate Change, the leaders agreed on 16-point action plan.
In the statement the leaders expressed deep concern over the adverse effects of climate change and its impact on the region, particularly on the lives and livelihood of the 1.6 billion people of South Asia.
The leaders expressed their determination to see that South Asia should become a world leader in low-carbon technologies and renewable energy. They were also determined to address the adverse effects of climate change in accordance with the purposes and principles of regional cooperation enshrined in the SAARC Charter.
The statement said they would review the implementation of the Dhaka Declaration and SAARC Action Plan on Climate Change and ensure its timely implementation'
The leaders underlined that an agreed outcome of the global negotiations must emerge from an inclusive, transparent, open and democratic process of negotiations;
Besides the statement on climate change, the SAARC leaders approved the 37-point Thimphu Declaration titled "Towards a Green and Happy South Asia."
The Thimphu Declaration said: "In this Silver Jubilee Year of SAARC, the leaders emphasised the need to develop a 'Vision Statement'. They agreed to form a 'South Asia Forum' for the generation of debate, discussion and the exchange of ideas on South Asia and its future development. The Forum will consist of eminent personalities of diverse background, including from all SAARC member states. The Forum would provide inputs, based on a comprehensive understanding, for charting out the future course of SAARC in the medium and long run and recommend, if required, the necessary improvements required in the existing mechanisms. Such a forum could function on public-private partnership lines, and allow for multiple inputs beyond governments into the consideration of the future of SAARC."
It said: "In order to commemorate the 25th anniversary, the leaders laid emphasis on effective communications and public diplomacy. They drew attention in this regard to the need to reach out to different sections of the South Asian community, particularly its students and youth, private media, private sector, think tanks, civil society, and institutions of economic development."
The leaders resolved that the Silver Jubilee Year should be commemorated by making SAARC truly action oriented by fulfilling commitments, implementing declarations and decisions and operationalising instruments and living up to the hopes and aspirations of one-fifth of humanity.
The declaration said: "The leaders, while appreciating that all the member states had evolved into multi-party democracies, underlined the challenges faced by them in ensuring effective, efficient, transparent and accountable governments. In this regard, they emphasised the need for regional cooperation to strengthen good governance through sharing of experiences, best-practices and establishing institutional linkages.
"The leaders recognised the need to draw on the democratic and participatory tradition collectively represented by the parliamentarians of South Asia for the progress of SAARC. In this context, the leaders recommended the convening of a "Conclave of SAARC Parliamentarians" in line with the SAARC Charter and directed the SAARC Secretariat to convene a working group, comprising nominees of the member states, to work out the modalities for the establishment of such a Conclave," said the declaration.
PM tables twin points to combat climate change fallout
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT, FROM THIMPHU, BHUTAN
The Independent
29-4-2010
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday presented two innovative proposals - setting up Himalayan Council on the model of the Artic Council to help the climate-victim nations in South Asia and an International Adaptation and Research Centre (IARC) in Bangladesh to recommend measures to cope with the impacts of climate change.
Hasina made the proposals while delivering her statement at the opening session of the 16th SAARC summit at the Grand Assembly Hall as the 'Climate Change' is the centrepiece of the Thimphu summit that began in the capital of the Himalayan kingdom Wednesday afternoon.
The prime minister said the proposed IARC could facilitate exchange of scientific data, eco-friendly technologies, experience in renewable energy and assist the relevant SAARC Regional Centres to realise their mandates.
It could also help implement the SAARC Convention on Cooperation on Environment to be signed at the summit.
"Global warming and climate change have already impacted our nations with melting of the Himalayan glaciers, rising sea level, erratic precipitation, land degradation, desertification and salinity," she told the summit of the leaders of the eight South Asian countries.
As Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country to the global warming, Hasina said the adverse geophysical changes with increasing frequency of cyclones and floods have been retarding the economic growth, poverty alleviation efforts, and millennium development goals (MDGs).
"To face these challenges, I believe, a holistic approach is imperative at regional and global levels," she told the summiteers.
Hasina, who played a key role at the Copenhagen climate change summit last November, said at global level, COP-15 at Copenhagen had given hope of a comprehensive, long-term programme.
She said there was now need to lock in the key global players in COP-16 at Mexico City later this year for concrete commitments covering greenhouse gas emission cuts, and guaranteeing fund and technology.
The prime minister observed that at the regional level, a unified approach was of essence, and called for the SAARC to establish a Himalayan Council on the model of the Artic Council for assisting the affected countries in the region.
Hasina told the summiteers that to meet the challenges of the climate change, Bangladesh had adopted 134 action plans under the National Adaptation Programme of Action, and the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. The authorities have been designated for Clean Development Mechanism.
She said a plan in progress was dredging of rivers to hold more water, restrict flooding and reclaim inundated land, while river banks were being raised with excavated silt to contain rising water, create green belts and provide homesteads for the displaced.
Moreover, 14,000 cyclone shelters had been constructed with more on the way, she added.
To reduce greenhouse gas, the prime minister said a low carbon path to development was being followed by her government.
"Our plans also include creation of a large carbon sink through social forestry and green belts, use of clean coal technology, nuclear power and renewable energy," she said. "To meet the costs, we've set up a Climate Change Fund with our own resources," she added
In her speech the prime minister also stressed the creation of a regional power grid to utilise the potentials of renewable sources of energy that include hydro-electricity, solar, wind and biofuels.
She said the member countries faced increasing energy needs as the economies were growing.
"Recent trends indicate immediate need for cooperation at bilateral, sub-regional, and regional levels to harness each other's capacities and resources," she added.
Hasina said: "This includes developing a regional power-grid, harnessing renewable energy sources like hydropower, solar, biofuel, wind, and reducing dependence on fossil fuel."
The prime minister proposed a regional grid of power as the SAARC members have the potential to produce hundreds of megawatts of hydroelectricity by using mountainous rivers in India, Bhutan and Nepal.
On the impact on the agriculture sector, Hasina said climate change was also responsible for declining agricultural land, thereby threatening food security. "An answer here is high yielding seeds, resistant to pest attacks and climate variations for enhancing productivity."
She stressed the need for a SAARC Seed Bank with necessary legal framework for quality seed production, harmonised seed testing, certification, seed trade, and exchange of germ-plasm and plant genetic resources.
On the economic scenario, she noted that the South Asian economies had shown remarkable resilience in the face of recent global meltdown. Still, they had suffered from economic slowdown, soaring oil and food prices, and climate change.
The prime minister said tariff liberalisation under SAFTA, operation of SAARC Development Fund (SDF), and now SAARC Agreement on Trade in Service (SATIS), and other trade facilitation measures over the last 25 years had enabled the SAARC to cross significant milestones.
Nevertheless, she deplored that intra-regional trade among the SAARC countries measures up to a low single digit percentage of global trade of the region.
Hasina said though sensitive lists of trade items were being reduced, greater efforts were needed to make SAFTA and SATIS meaningful.
She hoped that once the South Asian Regional Standards Organisation (SARSO) was established, it would efficiently work in harmonising the standards to facilitate trade.
On the vital issue of connectivity, she said South Asian countries had displayed increasing focus on regional connectivity, and on a greater sense of regional identity.
"Success here is possible through enhanced people-to-people contact by means of easy communication, and education services," she said, adding that it is, indeed, high time to agree on equivalence of education standards and mutual recognition of degrees.
The prime minister noted that a productive start could be prioritising disciplines that may initially include science and technology, engineering, medical, law, and financial management.
Inauguration of the South Asian University could prove to be a successful vehicle in achieving this objective, she said.
She said that SDF, whose secretariat was inaugurated Wednesday, could play its role in generating funds from within and outside the region for projects on energy production.
On SAARC strivings to intensify connectivity to draw member states closer for mutual gains, the prime minister said: "Certain wrong-doers and terrorists are out to undo our good intentions and the growing trust among ourselves."
She said Bangladesh, a nation committed to peace and involved in UN peacekeeping efforts, was firmly opposed to terrorism, insurgency, organised crimes and religious extremism.
"We categorically reject claims of those who cloak themselves in the rhetoric of Islam, or any other faith to justify violence. We are also committed against the use of Bangladesh territory for launching terrorism elsewhere."
Hasina said SAARC's success lies in building bridges among the peoples of South Asia, which is possible through close and free interaction of the peoples from all walks of life.
Stressing that tourism could play a catalytic role, she said this would mean free movements and while there was rationale for immigration control, a reasonable balance could be worked out.
She said that through SAARC, "we could forge greater trust and confidence among ourselves, help each other in the spirit of collective self-reliance, and move towards a prosperous, progressive, integrated South Asia."
In her statement, the prime minister referred to the harsh reality facing the people in South Asia, saying: "let us take a moment to ponder on the plight of our 1.5 billion people and an awesome majority of them live in poverty craving for food and other basic necessities."
Reminding the South Asian leaders of their responsibility towards peoples of the region, she said: "Is it not fair that we, as their entrusted leaders, consider seriously their dilemma, determinedly rise above all our differences, and plunge with fixated resolve to change their life?"
She added: "I firmly believe we can, and do so we will, with some bold decisions here. I am convinced that this maiden Summit of the Kingdom of Bhutan under its Chair, would lead us across the threshold to a new era of peace and prosperity of our peoples."
Referring to the fresh wind of democracy blowing across the region, Hasina said: "It is heartening to see all eight states of the SAARC gathered here today are democracies represented by elected leaders. This is an historic development emanating from our experience that only democracy can achieve aspirations of our peoples."
She added: "Indeed, our democracies now need to be cherished, protected, and allowed to mature. I believe these sentiments need to be recorded in a SAARC 'Charter for Democracy'."
The Independent
29-4-2010
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday presented two innovative proposals - setting up Himalayan Council on the model of the Artic Council to help the climate-victim nations in South Asia and an International Adaptation and Research Centre (IARC) in Bangladesh to recommend measures to cope with the impacts of climate change.
Hasina made the proposals while delivering her statement at the opening session of the 16th SAARC summit at the Grand Assembly Hall as the 'Climate Change' is the centrepiece of the Thimphu summit that began in the capital of the Himalayan kingdom Wednesday afternoon.
The prime minister said the proposed IARC could facilitate exchange of scientific data, eco-friendly technologies, experience in renewable energy and assist the relevant SAARC Regional Centres to realise their mandates.
It could also help implement the SAARC Convention on Cooperation on Environment to be signed at the summit.
"Global warming and climate change have already impacted our nations with melting of the Himalayan glaciers, rising sea level, erratic precipitation, land degradation, desertification and salinity," she told the summit of the leaders of the eight South Asian countries.
As Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country to the global warming, Hasina said the adverse geophysical changes with increasing frequency of cyclones and floods have been retarding the economic growth, poverty alleviation efforts, and millennium development goals (MDGs).
"To face these challenges, I believe, a holistic approach is imperative at regional and global levels," she told the summiteers.
Hasina, who played a key role at the Copenhagen climate change summit last November, said at global level, COP-15 at Copenhagen had given hope of a comprehensive, long-term programme.
She said there was now need to lock in the key global players in COP-16 at Mexico City later this year for concrete commitments covering greenhouse gas emission cuts, and guaranteeing fund and technology.
The prime minister observed that at the regional level, a unified approach was of essence, and called for the SAARC to establish a Himalayan Council on the model of the Artic Council for assisting the affected countries in the region.
Hasina told the summiteers that to meet the challenges of the climate change, Bangladesh had adopted 134 action plans under the National Adaptation Programme of Action, and the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. The authorities have been designated for Clean Development Mechanism.
She said a plan in progress was dredging of rivers to hold more water, restrict flooding and reclaim inundated land, while river banks were being raised with excavated silt to contain rising water, create green belts and provide homesteads for the displaced.
Moreover, 14,000 cyclone shelters had been constructed with more on the way, she added.
To reduce greenhouse gas, the prime minister said a low carbon path to development was being followed by her government.
"Our plans also include creation of a large carbon sink through social forestry and green belts, use of clean coal technology, nuclear power and renewable energy," she said. "To meet the costs, we've set up a Climate Change Fund with our own resources," she added
In her speech the prime minister also stressed the creation of a regional power grid to utilise the potentials of renewable sources of energy that include hydro-electricity, solar, wind and biofuels.
She said the member countries faced increasing energy needs as the economies were growing.
"Recent trends indicate immediate need for cooperation at bilateral, sub-regional, and regional levels to harness each other's capacities and resources," she added.
Hasina said: "This includes developing a regional power-grid, harnessing renewable energy sources like hydropower, solar, biofuel, wind, and reducing dependence on fossil fuel."
The prime minister proposed a regional grid of power as the SAARC members have the potential to produce hundreds of megawatts of hydroelectricity by using mountainous rivers in India, Bhutan and Nepal.
On the impact on the agriculture sector, Hasina said climate change was also responsible for declining agricultural land, thereby threatening food security. "An answer here is high yielding seeds, resistant to pest attacks and climate variations for enhancing productivity."
She stressed the need for a SAARC Seed Bank with necessary legal framework for quality seed production, harmonised seed testing, certification, seed trade, and exchange of germ-plasm and plant genetic resources.
On the economic scenario, she noted that the South Asian economies had shown remarkable resilience in the face of recent global meltdown. Still, they had suffered from economic slowdown, soaring oil and food prices, and climate change.
The prime minister said tariff liberalisation under SAFTA, operation of SAARC Development Fund (SDF), and now SAARC Agreement on Trade in Service (SATIS), and other trade facilitation measures over the last 25 years had enabled the SAARC to cross significant milestones.
Nevertheless, she deplored that intra-regional trade among the SAARC countries measures up to a low single digit percentage of global trade of the region.
Hasina said though sensitive lists of trade items were being reduced, greater efforts were needed to make SAFTA and SATIS meaningful.
She hoped that once the South Asian Regional Standards Organisation (SARSO) was established, it would efficiently work in harmonising the standards to facilitate trade.
On the vital issue of connectivity, she said South Asian countries had displayed increasing focus on regional connectivity, and on a greater sense of regional identity.
"Success here is possible through enhanced people-to-people contact by means of easy communication, and education services," she said, adding that it is, indeed, high time to agree on equivalence of education standards and mutual recognition of degrees.
The prime minister noted that a productive start could be prioritising disciplines that may initially include science and technology, engineering, medical, law, and financial management.
Inauguration of the South Asian University could prove to be a successful vehicle in achieving this objective, she said.
She said that SDF, whose secretariat was inaugurated Wednesday, could play its role in generating funds from within and outside the region for projects on energy production.
On SAARC strivings to intensify connectivity to draw member states closer for mutual gains, the prime minister said: "Certain wrong-doers and terrorists are out to undo our good intentions and the growing trust among ourselves."
She said Bangladesh, a nation committed to peace and involved in UN peacekeeping efforts, was firmly opposed to terrorism, insurgency, organised crimes and religious extremism.
"We categorically reject claims of those who cloak themselves in the rhetoric of Islam, or any other faith to justify violence. We are also committed against the use of Bangladesh territory for launching terrorism elsewhere."
Hasina said SAARC's success lies in building bridges among the peoples of South Asia, which is possible through close and free interaction of the peoples from all walks of life.
Stressing that tourism could play a catalytic role, she said this would mean free movements and while there was rationale for immigration control, a reasonable balance could be worked out.
She said that through SAARC, "we could forge greater trust and confidence among ourselves, help each other in the spirit of collective self-reliance, and move towards a prosperous, progressive, integrated South Asia."
In her statement, the prime minister referred to the harsh reality facing the people in South Asia, saying: "let us take a moment to ponder on the plight of our 1.5 billion people and an awesome majority of them live in poverty craving for food and other basic necessities."
Reminding the South Asian leaders of their responsibility towards peoples of the region, she said: "Is it not fair that we, as their entrusted leaders, consider seriously their dilemma, determinedly rise above all our differences, and plunge with fixated resolve to change their life?"
She added: "I firmly believe we can, and do so we will, with some bold decisions here. I am convinced that this maiden Summit of the Kingdom of Bhutan under its Chair, would lead us across the threshold to a new era of peace and prosperity of our peoples."
Referring to the fresh wind of democracy blowing across the region, Hasina said: "It is heartening to see all eight states of the SAARC gathered here today are democracies represented by elected leaders. This is an historic development emanating from our experience that only democracy can achieve aspirations of our peoples."
She added: "Indeed, our democracies now need to be cherished, protected, and allowed to mature. I believe these sentiments need to be recorded in a SAARC 'Charter for Democracy'."
Spotlight on climate change, terrorism/ SAARC summit opens
Spotlight on climate change, terrorism
SAARC summit opens
ANIS ALAMGIR, THIMPHU
The leaders of South Asia called for fighting the climate change together when April 28, the 16th SAARC summit opened here yesterday as the region is most vulnerable to natural disasters related to climate change.
The concern over the climate change dominated the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit as speaker after speaker in the opening session underscored the need to fight climate change unitedly, alongside securing food, water and energy, fighting terrorism for the betterment of over 150 crore people of the SAARC comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
"Global warming and climate change have already impacted our nations with the melting of the Himalayan glaciers, rising sea level, erratic precipitation, land degradation, desertification and salinity," said Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina in her speech at the opening session of the summit, adding:…"To face these challenges, a historic approach is imperative at the regional and global levels."
Most half of her speech focused on the climate change issue. Indian's prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh said: "There is perhaps no region more vulnerable to the effects of climate change that ours." He announced that India was setting up an 'Indian Endowment for Climate Change in South Asia' to help member states in meeting urgent adaptation and capacity building needs. "I will also propose the setting up of Climate Innovation Centre in South Asia to develop sustainable energy technologies based on indigenous resource endowments", Singh added.
Pakistan's prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said: "The theme of the summit reflects our common concern on global warming, with all its attendant and multifaceted challenges."
He said: "We must focus on sharing best practices and pool our resources to adopt region-wise mitigation and adaptation measures."
In his speech Bhutanese prime minister Jigme Y. Thinley said his country had a national forest cover of 72 per cent, dedicated 50 per cent of the land area as natural reserve and took up a programme to promote Bhutan as an organic band. Urging other south Asian countries to follow Bhutan's eco-supporting policies and steps to mitigate climate challenges the Bhutanese premier said: "Through such measures, we hope to preserve our fragile Himalayan ecology and remain for ever a carbon neutral country as pledged at the COP 15 summit in Copenhagen."
Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa said: "The impact of climate change is acute and is the common concern for all of us in the region, from the snow-capped mountain of Nepal and Bhutan to the sandy beaches of Maldives and Sri Lanka."
The summit was also overshadowed by the issue of terrorism and the leaders said a united fight was needed against violence if the region was to develop.
Terming extremism and terrorism as the biggest threats to peace and prosperity in the region, Afghan President Hamid Karzai urged all to set aside differences so that SAARC could decisively defeat terrorism. "The most challenging threats we all face are those of terrorism, extremism, narcotics, and organised crime. Our collaboration under SAARC can yield tangible and concrete solution to the problems of poverty, human suffering and deprivation in our region," said Hamid Karzai when Afghanistan battles a resurgent Taliban and its effects singe Pakistan's western borders.
"Terrorism has affected our region and impacted each one of us. Against the forces of extremism and intolerance, we need to forge a common front, based on tolerance, on respect for human dignity and universal values," Pakistan's prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said.
He hoped that the forthcoming meeting of the SAARC home ministers in Islamabad would help strengthen cooperation in this vital area. India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousaf Raza Gilani are due to meet on Thursday evening on the sidelines of the conference to try and salvage the peace process.
Perhaps, this is for the first time that Indo-Pak conflict has not hijacked the attention of the summit from broader and more complex issues involving this nearly 25-year-old regional grouping. This is also for the first time the SAARC summit has started when governments of the member states are enjoying almost stable position in their home. This year's SAARC summit theme is "Conservation of environment and climate".
The opening session of the two-day summit started at the grand assembly hall in Thimphu in the afternoon with SAARC chairperson and president of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa in the chair. After that host Bhutan's Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley presented his address of welcome and soon after assumed the SAARC chair for the next one year. India's prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Maldives president Mohammed Naseed, Nepal's prime minister Madhav Kumar Gilani, Pakistan's prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, Afghanistan's president Hamid Karzai and Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina spoke on behalf of their respective countries.
Observers from Australia, China, Iran, Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, the Republic of Korea, the United States and the European Union also spoke at the grand gathering of south Asia giving assurance to work together with SAARC on climate change. Bob McMullam, MP, Parliamentary secretary for international division assistance of Australia, Wang Guangya, vice foreign minister of China, Manouchehr Mottaki, foreign minister of Iran, Chinami Nishimura, parliamentary vice minister for foreign affairs of Japan, V Neethalia Win, Second secretary New Delhi High Commission of Mauritius, Nyan Win, minister for foreign minister of Myanmar, Yong-Joon Lee, deputy minister of foreign affairs and trade of South Korea, Robert Orris Blake, assistant secretary of state of the USA, and on behalf of the European Union, Jose Luis Garcia-Galan, deputy director for Asia of the Spanish ministry of foreign affairs, represented their government and organisations at the summit. SAARC secretary general Dr Sheel Kant Sharma also delivered his statement.
The SAARC leaders inaugurated the permanent secretariat of the SAARC Development Fund (SDF). Bhutanese prime minister made a short statement and cut the ribbon on plaque on behalf of the SAARC leaders. The SDF will serve as the umbrella financial institution for all SAARC projects and solve the problems arising from the proliferation of financing mechanisms under the SAARC. Donors and member countries will be contributing various amounts for it.
The opening ceremony concluded in the evening. The leaders attended a banquet hosted by Bhutanese prime minister at Tashichho Dzong. Bhutanese prime minister and newly elected SAARC chairperson Jigme Y. Thinley will address the press on Thursday.
Bhutan, a founder member of the SAARC, is hosting the summit for the first time within two years of the establishment of a democratically elected government in 2008 ending the 100-year monarchy. The Thimphu summit also coincides with the 25th birthday of the organisation created in December 8, 1985 in Dhaka. The two-day summit will end on Thursday evening after adopting the Thimphu Declaration and signing agreements on regional cooperation. Two agreements - one on environment and the other on trade in services-are ready to be signed by the foreign ministers of eight member countries in the presence of summit leaders. Before that the SAARC leaders will have joint royal audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
The leaders will go for the Summit Retreat at Bhutan House at the SAARC village in Thimphu.
;
the independent
29-4-2010
SAARC summit opens
ANIS ALAMGIR, THIMPHU
The leaders of South Asia called for fighting the climate change together when April 28, the 16th SAARC summit opened here yesterday as the region is most vulnerable to natural disasters related to climate change.
The concern over the climate change dominated the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit as speaker after speaker in the opening session underscored the need to fight climate change unitedly, alongside securing food, water and energy, fighting terrorism for the betterment of over 150 crore people of the SAARC comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
"Global warming and climate change have already impacted our nations with the melting of the Himalayan glaciers, rising sea level, erratic precipitation, land degradation, desertification and salinity," said Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina in her speech at the opening session of the summit, adding:…"To face these challenges, a historic approach is imperative at the regional and global levels."
Most half of her speech focused on the climate change issue. Indian's prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh said: "There is perhaps no region more vulnerable to the effects of climate change that ours." He announced that India was setting up an 'Indian Endowment for Climate Change in South Asia' to help member states in meeting urgent adaptation and capacity building needs. "I will also propose the setting up of Climate Innovation Centre in South Asia to develop sustainable energy technologies based on indigenous resource endowments", Singh added.
Pakistan's prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said: "The theme of the summit reflects our common concern on global warming, with all its attendant and multifaceted challenges."
He said: "We must focus on sharing best practices and pool our resources to adopt region-wise mitigation and adaptation measures."
In his speech Bhutanese prime minister Jigme Y. Thinley said his country had a national forest cover of 72 per cent, dedicated 50 per cent of the land area as natural reserve and took up a programme to promote Bhutan as an organic band. Urging other south Asian countries to follow Bhutan's eco-supporting policies and steps to mitigate climate challenges the Bhutanese premier said: "Through such measures, we hope to preserve our fragile Himalayan ecology and remain for ever a carbon neutral country as pledged at the COP 15 summit in Copenhagen."
Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa said: "The impact of climate change is acute and is the common concern for all of us in the region, from the snow-capped mountain of Nepal and Bhutan to the sandy beaches of Maldives and Sri Lanka."
The summit was also overshadowed by the issue of terrorism and the leaders said a united fight was needed against violence if the region was to develop.
Terming extremism and terrorism as the biggest threats to peace and prosperity in the region, Afghan President Hamid Karzai urged all to set aside differences so that SAARC could decisively defeat terrorism. "The most challenging threats we all face are those of terrorism, extremism, narcotics, and organised crime. Our collaboration under SAARC can yield tangible and concrete solution to the problems of poverty, human suffering and deprivation in our region," said Hamid Karzai when Afghanistan battles a resurgent Taliban and its effects singe Pakistan's western borders.
"Terrorism has affected our region and impacted each one of us. Against the forces of extremism and intolerance, we need to forge a common front, based on tolerance, on respect for human dignity and universal values," Pakistan's prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said.
He hoped that the forthcoming meeting of the SAARC home ministers in Islamabad would help strengthen cooperation in this vital area. India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousaf Raza Gilani are due to meet on Thursday evening on the sidelines of the conference to try and salvage the peace process.
Perhaps, this is for the first time that Indo-Pak conflict has not hijacked the attention of the summit from broader and more complex issues involving this nearly 25-year-old regional grouping. This is also for the first time the SAARC summit has started when governments of the member states are enjoying almost stable position in their home. This year's SAARC summit theme is "Conservation of environment and climate".
The opening session of the two-day summit started at the grand assembly hall in Thimphu in the afternoon with SAARC chairperson and president of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa in the chair. After that host Bhutan's Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley presented his address of welcome and soon after assumed the SAARC chair for the next one year. India's prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Maldives president Mohammed Naseed, Nepal's prime minister Madhav Kumar Gilani, Pakistan's prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, Afghanistan's president Hamid Karzai and Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina spoke on behalf of their respective countries.
Observers from Australia, China, Iran, Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, the Republic of Korea, the United States and the European Union also spoke at the grand gathering of south Asia giving assurance to work together with SAARC on climate change. Bob McMullam, MP, Parliamentary secretary for international division assistance of Australia, Wang Guangya, vice foreign minister of China, Manouchehr Mottaki, foreign minister of Iran, Chinami Nishimura, parliamentary vice minister for foreign affairs of Japan, V Neethalia Win, Second secretary New Delhi High Commission of Mauritius, Nyan Win, minister for foreign minister of Myanmar, Yong-Joon Lee, deputy minister of foreign affairs and trade of South Korea, Robert Orris Blake, assistant secretary of state of the USA, and on behalf of the European Union, Jose Luis Garcia-Galan, deputy director for Asia of the Spanish ministry of foreign affairs, represented their government and organisations at the summit. SAARC secretary general Dr Sheel Kant Sharma also delivered his statement.
The SAARC leaders inaugurated the permanent secretariat of the SAARC Development Fund (SDF). Bhutanese prime minister made a short statement and cut the ribbon on plaque on behalf of the SAARC leaders. The SDF will serve as the umbrella financial institution for all SAARC projects and solve the problems arising from the proliferation of financing mechanisms under the SAARC. Donors and member countries will be contributing various amounts for it.
The opening ceremony concluded in the evening. The leaders attended a banquet hosted by Bhutanese prime minister at Tashichho Dzong. Bhutanese prime minister and newly elected SAARC chairperson Jigme Y. Thinley will address the press on Thursday.
Bhutan, a founder member of the SAARC, is hosting the summit for the first time within two years of the establishment of a democratically elected government in 2008 ending the 100-year monarchy. The Thimphu summit also coincides with the 25th birthday of the organisation created in December 8, 1985 in Dhaka. The two-day summit will end on Thursday evening after adopting the Thimphu Declaration and signing agreements on regional cooperation. Two agreements - one on environment and the other on trade in services-are ready to be signed by the foreign ministers of eight member countries in the presence of summit leaders. Before that the SAARC leaders will have joint royal audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
The leaders will go for the Summit Retreat at Bhutan House at the SAARC village in Thimphu.
;
the independent
29-4-2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Cargo transit pact with Nepal on cards
The Independent
Thursday, 21 October 2010
ANIS ALAMGIR
The government plans to sign a deal on ‘Operation Modalities for Carriage of Transit Cargo’ both via rail and road with Nepal soon.
The five-year agreement will authorise Nepal’s cargo vehicles to carry imported or exported goods for transit through the territory of Bangladesh to or from Nepal, excluding goods in thenegative list as fixed by the two countries. The draft agreement said that transit cargo vehicle/vehicles could move single/in a convoy of maximum 25 vehicles under the protection of Bangladesh government.
Three routes have been selected by the two sides for transit as entry and exit points. The first one is Banglabandha-Panchagarh-Thakurgaon-Sayedpur-Rangpur-Bogra-Natore-Dasuria-Pakshcy-Kushtia-Jhenaidah-Jessore-Khulna-Mongla route, the second one is Biral-Parbatipur-Abdulpur-lshardee-Jessore-Khulna-Mongla route, and the third one running through Rohanpur-Rajshahi-Abdulpur-lshwardy-Khulna will be the route for rail cargo.
However, according to the draft, the transshipment point would be Santahar, and the entry and exit points for any particular cargo vehicle would be the same, unless specified otherwise.
It has been stated in the draft agreement that items, like firearms and ammunition, Hazardous cargo, gold and silver, goods prohibited for protecting human, animal and plant lives, antiques and similar other objects, narcotics and psychotropic substances and any other goods as restricted or prohibited by the Bangladesh government, would be treated as included in the negative list, and therefore, would not be allowed for transit through Bangladesh.
Thursday, 21 October 2010
ANIS ALAMGIR
The government plans to sign a deal on ‘Operation Modalities for Carriage of Transit Cargo’ both via rail and road with Nepal soon.
The five-year agreement will authorise Nepal’s cargo vehicles to carry imported or exported goods for transit through the territory of Bangladesh to or from Nepal, excluding goods in thenegative list as fixed by the two countries. The draft agreement said that transit cargo vehicle/vehicles could move single/in a convoy of maximum 25 vehicles under the protection of Bangladesh government.
Three routes have been selected by the two sides for transit as entry and exit points. The first one is Banglabandha-Panchagarh-Thakurgaon-Sayedpur-Rangpur-Bogra-Natore-Dasuria-Pakshcy-Kushtia-Jhenaidah-Jessore-Khulna-Mongla route, the second one is Biral-Parbatipur-Abdulpur-lshardee-Jessore-Khulna-Mongla route, and the third one running through Rohanpur-Rajshahi-Abdulpur-lshwardy-Khulna will be the route for rail cargo.
However, according to the draft, the transshipment point would be Santahar, and the entry and exit points for any particular cargo vehicle would be the same, unless specified otherwise.
It has been stated in the draft agreement that items, like firearms and ammunition, Hazardous cargo, gold and silver, goods prohibited for protecting human, animal and plant lives, antiques and similar other objects, narcotics and psychotropic substances and any other goods as restricted or prohibited by the Bangladesh government, would be treated as included in the negative list, and therefore, would not be allowed for transit through Bangladesh.
Dhaka for settling 3 prickly issues
Dhaka for settling 3 prickly issues
Foreign secy level / talks with Pakistan
Thursday, 28 October 2010
The Independent
ANIS ALAMGIR
Dhaka likes to end three pronged historic hassle with Islamabad which has always dominated the agenda for their bilateral meetings since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 from Pakistan after a nine-month long war.
A top foreign ministry official yesterday said, repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, sharing of common assets, and unconditional apology from Pakistan for its atrocities in 1971- are the three issues which would be given most emphasis from Bangladesh side at the next foreign secretary level meeting between the two countries.
The fifth annual consultation meeting will be held in Islamabad on next November 1 and 2, after a gap of three years to ease and expedite the bilateral relations. Last such meeting was held in Dhaka in 2007.
Ahead of that meeting, an inter-ministerial meeting was held Tuesday at the foreign ministry with its secretary Mijarul Quayes in the chair. Officials from liberation war, disaster management, commerce and foreign ministries attended the meeting.
The meeting sources said, besides historical issues, some others common bilateral issues would also come up at the next month’s meeting.
Sources said, both the countries were interested in establishing direct shipping link between Chittagong and Karachi, which had remained disrupted after the war. They are also interested in increasing flights on Dhaka- Karachi route. Presently five PIA and three Biman flights are flying on the route.
Dhaka will also demand duty-free access for some Bangladeshi goods, reduction of jute export duty and lessening of negative list of Bangladeshi products for Pakistani market.
After the war, Bangladesh claimed that it deserved a share of the US$4 billion worth of pre-independence foreign exchange, bank credit, and movable assets protected in West Pakistan during the war.
In a 1975 agreement, Bangladesh accepted half of Pakistan’s pre-1971 external debts, but asset sharing issues remained unresolved.
The second issue concerning the emigration of large numbers of people, mostly Biharis (non-Bengali Muslims), to Pakistan. After the war, the International Red Cross registered nearly 540,000 people who wanted to emigrate to Pakistan. During Nawaz Sharif’s regime a few thousand Biharis had been repatriated, leaving behind about 250,000 people.
Pakistan government rejected Bangladesh demand for apology over 1971 atrocities asking Dhaka to move ahead with ties instead of getting 'frozen in time' though its civil society still stands beside Bangladesh.
Foreign secy level / talks with Pakistan
Thursday, 28 October 2010
The Independent
ANIS ALAMGIR
Dhaka likes to end three pronged historic hassle with Islamabad which has always dominated the agenda for their bilateral meetings since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 from Pakistan after a nine-month long war.
A top foreign ministry official yesterday said, repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, sharing of common assets, and unconditional apology from Pakistan for its atrocities in 1971- are the three issues which would be given most emphasis from Bangladesh side at the next foreign secretary level meeting between the two countries.
The fifth annual consultation meeting will be held in Islamabad on next November 1 and 2, after a gap of three years to ease and expedite the bilateral relations. Last such meeting was held in Dhaka in 2007.
Ahead of that meeting, an inter-ministerial meeting was held Tuesday at the foreign ministry with its secretary Mijarul Quayes in the chair. Officials from liberation war, disaster management, commerce and foreign ministries attended the meeting.
The meeting sources said, besides historical issues, some others common bilateral issues would also come up at the next month’s meeting.
Sources said, both the countries were interested in establishing direct shipping link between Chittagong and Karachi, which had remained disrupted after the war. They are also interested in increasing flights on Dhaka- Karachi route. Presently five PIA and three Biman flights are flying on the route.
Dhaka will also demand duty-free access for some Bangladeshi goods, reduction of jute export duty and lessening of negative list of Bangladeshi products for Pakistani market.
After the war, Bangladesh claimed that it deserved a share of the US$4 billion worth of pre-independence foreign exchange, bank credit, and movable assets protected in West Pakistan during the war.
In a 1975 agreement, Bangladesh accepted half of Pakistan’s pre-1971 external debts, but asset sharing issues remained unresolved.
The second issue concerning the emigration of large numbers of people, mostly Biharis (non-Bengali Muslims), to Pakistan. After the war, the International Red Cross registered nearly 540,000 people who wanted to emigrate to Pakistan. During Nawaz Sharif’s regime a few thousand Biharis had been repatriated, leaving behind about 250,000 people.
Pakistan government rejected Bangladesh demand for apology over 1971 atrocities asking Dhaka to move ahead with ties instead of getting 'frozen in time' though its civil society still stands beside Bangladesh.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
4pc jump in tax collections
The Independent
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Anis Alamgir
A record number of tax payers have submitted their tax returns for the financial year 2010-2011 amounting to Tk. 9.72 billion. Last year the total tax collections stood at Tk 8.5 billion for the financial year 2009-10.
This is almost 4 per cent jump in tax collections over last year.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) sources say, around 9.25 lakh people submitted their returns till the last day of the submission on Oct 7. Around 8. 25 lakh tax payers submitted their returns last time.
The NBR directed the concerned department to take tough action against those who fail to submit their return on time.
However, anyone can submit his/her tax return with a 10 per cent fine- a minimum of Tk. 1000, during the whole year.
Top sources say the tax collection operations will be carried out even at the Upazila level.
Talking to the Independent NBR member Bashir Uddin Ahmed said this is the first time such a large number of people submitted their returns. Ahmed expects that the number of returnees will go up further since a number of tax payers will be filing their returns throughout the year.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Anis Alamgir
A record number of tax payers have submitted their tax returns for the financial year 2010-2011 amounting to Tk. 9.72 billion. Last year the total tax collections stood at Tk 8.5 billion for the financial year 2009-10.
This is almost 4 per cent jump in tax collections over last year.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) sources say, around 9.25 lakh people submitted their returns till the last day of the submission on Oct 7. Around 8. 25 lakh tax payers submitted their returns last time.
The NBR directed the concerned department to take tough action against those who fail to submit their return on time.
However, anyone can submit his/her tax return with a 10 per cent fine- a minimum of Tk. 1000, during the whole year.
Top sources say the tax collection operations will be carried out even at the Upazila level.
Talking to the Independent NBR member Bashir Uddin Ahmed said this is the first time such a large number of people submitted their returns. Ahmed expects that the number of returnees will go up further since a number of tax payers will be filing their returns throughout the year.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
South Asia Forum in December
A first- SAARC Govt backed non-state forum
ANIS ALAMGIR
The Independent, Dhaka,10-10-10
SAARC group of countries are all set to launch a new organisation- South Asian Forum- essentially comprising non-state actors in Goa, India in December this year.
The proposed forum will focus on developing a 'vision for the next 25 years' for SAARC.
Recommendations of the Forum would be fed into the SAARC process in the lead to the 17th SAARC Summit in Male in 2011.
The forum will comprise leading industrialists, leaders and intellectuals, NGO’s and other civil society groups who will debate, discuss and exchange ideas on South Asia and its future development.
“Bangladesh is keen on the forum as such a forum could function on public-private partnership lines, and allow for multiple inputs other than Government to flow into a collective vision of the future of SAARC,” said a foreign ministry official.
The idea was mooted at the Sixteenth SAARC Summit held in Thimphu, in april this year.
According to Foreign ministry officials, the forum could work towards the larger objective of a South Asian Community and the idea of a South Asian Economic Union.
It would also focus on inclusive and equitable development and reinforce cooperation in areas like environment, infrastructure, natural resources and human resource development.
Although Track-II meetings involving some SAARC countries have been held in the past, there has been no precedent of a regional forum endorsed by the Heads of State and the Government’s of the SAARC member states.
The Forum could eventually be modeled on existing successful initiatives of a similar nature such as the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Asia Pacific Roundtable (APR).
ANIS ALAMGIR
The Independent, Dhaka,10-10-10
SAARC group of countries are all set to launch a new organisation- South Asian Forum- essentially comprising non-state actors in Goa, India in December this year.
The proposed forum will focus on developing a 'vision for the next 25 years' for SAARC.
Recommendations of the Forum would be fed into the SAARC process in the lead to the 17th SAARC Summit in Male in 2011.
The forum will comprise leading industrialists, leaders and intellectuals, NGO’s and other civil society groups who will debate, discuss and exchange ideas on South Asia and its future development.
“Bangladesh is keen on the forum as such a forum could function on public-private partnership lines, and allow for multiple inputs other than Government to flow into a collective vision of the future of SAARC,” said a foreign ministry official.
The idea was mooted at the Sixteenth SAARC Summit held in Thimphu, in april this year.
According to Foreign ministry officials, the forum could work towards the larger objective of a South Asian Community and the idea of a South Asian Economic Union.
It would also focus on inclusive and equitable development and reinforce cooperation in areas like environment, infrastructure, natural resources and human resource development.
Although Track-II meetings involving some SAARC countries have been held in the past, there has been no precedent of a regional forum endorsed by the Heads of State and the Government’s of the SAARC member states.
The Forum could eventually be modeled on existing successful initiatives of a similar nature such as the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Asia Pacific Roundtable (APR).
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
SAARC Charter to stop grabbing of power finalised
Monday, 06 September 2010
Diplomatic Correspondent
Representatives of eight SAARC member-states have finalised the draft of ‘SAARC Charter of Democracy’ which underlines the centrality of democracy for the preservation of development and human rights. The draft was finalised at the end of a two-day inter-governmental meeting in the capital on Sunday.
According to a decision of the last SAARC summit in Thimpu, Bangladesh hosted the meeting to formulate the charter to strengthen democracy in the SAARC region and forge a collective response to the extra-constitutional seizure of state power.
The official sources say, this is the first time the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation has adopted such a political decision.
The draft now will go to the SAARC standing committee meeting scheduled to be held in December in Thimpu. “It can even be placed before the council of ministers (foreign ministers) meeting, if there is an agreement then the draft
proposal will go straight to
the SAARC summit meeting in the Maldives,” the official added.
“The charter may not bear immediate results but it is significant for protecting and strengthening democracy at the national and regional level in the future,” the official observed.
He said if the charter is adopted, SAARC would at least create pressure on the rulers in the event of usurpation of state power. Two of its members - Pakistan and Bangladesh have been at the receiving end for the last several decades.
However, sources say, the member states have decided not to make public the draft charter before December’s meeting keeping in mind the sensitivities of the two of the eight members of the multilateral body.
Meanwhile, foreign secretary Mijarul Quayes told reporters that the proposed charter would strengthen SAARC in the future as development and democratic governance were closely linked.
“Today, we have built an excellent foundation of democratic commitment in the South Asian region. We have adopted a clean draft of the charter on democracy,” Quayes, who chaired the meet, told journalists at a city hotel.
Declining to elaborate on the draft charter Quayes said that issues such as military takeover, human rights, freedom, secularism and other relevant matters have been included in the final draft.
Justifying the charter of democracy, Director General (SAARC) of Bangladesh foreign ministry Sufiur Rahman said democracy and development are closely linked with the vision of SAARC as it was
created with the aim of improving the quality of lives of its people.
Diplomatic Correspondent
Representatives of eight SAARC member-states have finalised the draft of ‘SAARC Charter of Democracy’ which underlines the centrality of democracy for the preservation of development and human rights. The draft was finalised at the end of a two-day inter-governmental meeting in the capital on Sunday.
According to a decision of the last SAARC summit in Thimpu, Bangladesh hosted the meeting to formulate the charter to strengthen democracy in the SAARC region and forge a collective response to the extra-constitutional seizure of state power.
The official sources say, this is the first time the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation has adopted such a political decision.
The draft now will go to the SAARC standing committee meeting scheduled to be held in December in Thimpu. “It can even be placed before the council of ministers (foreign ministers) meeting, if there is an agreement then the draft
proposal will go straight to
the SAARC summit meeting in the Maldives,” the official added.
“The charter may not bear immediate results but it is significant for protecting and strengthening democracy at the national and regional level in the future,” the official observed.
He said if the charter is adopted, SAARC would at least create pressure on the rulers in the event of usurpation of state power. Two of its members - Pakistan and Bangladesh have been at the receiving end for the last several decades.
However, sources say, the member states have decided not to make public the draft charter before December’s meeting keeping in mind the sensitivities of the two of the eight members of the multilateral body.
Meanwhile, foreign secretary Mijarul Quayes told reporters that the proposed charter would strengthen SAARC in the future as development and democratic governance were closely linked.
“Today, we have built an excellent foundation of democratic commitment in the South Asian region. We have adopted a clean draft of the charter on democracy,” Quayes, who chaired the meet, told journalists at a city hotel.
Declining to elaborate on the draft charter Quayes said that issues such as military takeover, human rights, freedom, secularism and other relevant matters have been included in the final draft.
Justifying the charter of democracy, Director General (SAARC) of Bangladesh foreign ministry Sufiur Rahman said democracy and development are closely linked with the vision of SAARC as it was
created with the aim of improving the quality of lives of its people.
Friday, September 3, 2010
One-stop service for income tax from Sept 15 Two centres in Dhaka, Chittagong under way
Thursday, 02 September 2010/ The Independent
Anis Alamgir
Nearly 7 lakh tax payers in Dhaka and Chittagong, two of the country’s largest cities have reasons to cheer.
The Government is all set to launch two Service Centres in Dhaka and Chittagong for collecting Income Tax (IT) returns from the 15th September. The proposed tax paying system cuts down on paper work and sets up a one stop shop where the tax payers can file their annual returns hassle free.
Once the old tax paying system is refurbished through digitalization officials hope more and more people come within the purview of the tax net. Presently there are about 25 lakh tax payers, of whom only 9 lakh pay their taxes regularly.
However the new system does not apply to the nearly 60,000 private corporations who will continue to file their tax returns as per the old system- for the time being at least.
All Income Tax territorial Zones in Dhaka and Chittagong will execute the plan. Respective territorial zones will open their counters in the centres for receiving tax returns. Tax officers will assist the taxpayers in filling in their tax returns.
The move initiated by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is part of the Government’s larger policy of digitalizing all its operations – both to optimize revenue collections as well as to make the system customer friendly.
The large scale changes are being planned with help from the Indian government.
Already a ten member delegation from the NBR headed by the Secretary, Internal Resources Division of Finance Ministry and the NBR Chairman has just recently returned from India after viewing the functioning of digitalized tax collection by the Revenue Department of the Government of India.
Coming back to the proposed new tax payment system in Dhaka and Chittagong, the Government owned Sonali Bank/ Janata Bank will open their temporary booth at Service Centre for collection of challans and issuance of pay order.
For convenience of the tax payer photocopier service, caféteria, toilets and other facilities make available at the centres.
According to the digitalization plan all application software for the three wings of NBR and relevant databases would be made operational at the earliest with establishment of a centralized Data Centre for NBR and networking-NBRNET-for moving ahead with the above mentioned recommendations, an official told this newspaper.
Separate teams from Customs, Income Tax and VAT are planning to visit India to take a closer look. Indian experts would also be invited to assist NBR in preparing a road map of implementation.
The Government is also likely to send study teams to Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand to understand how taxes are paid outside South Asia.
The delegation has also suggested a number of recommendations for the NBR including reforms of administrative structure so as to expedite the revenue collections.
According to the digitalization plans, the NBR also proposes opening a Call Centre with hunting line by January next. A dedicated workforce will perform as operator at call centre and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available in its Computer.
The NBR will open a Central Processing Centre (CPC) as a Central Data Centre of the organisation for the purpose of centrally processing the IT Returns (both manual and digital). Manually submitted Returns would be in machine readable forms for easy digitization of data. It will be launched by July 2011.
The NBR and all income tax territorial zones will open a Taxpayer Service Centre (Help Desk) from this month. This service centre will perform as a window for the respective zones. IT Returns and all kinds of IT forms and circulars shall be readily available at the Service Centre. The centre can also issue TIN certificate and certified copies.
The NBR is also planned to open centres for collection of salary tax returns centrally in Dhaka and Chittagong by July next year. System will process the IT return and assessment order and to be dispatched to the taxpayer by postal mail. Refund voucher also to be sent with signature of the Tax Officer by postal mail.
Strengthening of BCS Taxation Training Academy, development of NBR website, and the Development of Systematic and Dynamic Risk Management System (RMS) for Customs including Valuation Database with alerts for sensitive items are also on the list of NBR's development plans.
Anis Alamgir
Nearly 7 lakh tax payers in Dhaka and Chittagong, two of the country’s largest cities have reasons to cheer.
The Government is all set to launch two Service Centres in Dhaka and Chittagong for collecting Income Tax (IT) returns from the 15th September. The proposed tax paying system cuts down on paper work and sets up a one stop shop where the tax payers can file their annual returns hassle free.
Once the old tax paying system is refurbished through digitalization officials hope more and more people come within the purview of the tax net. Presently there are about 25 lakh tax payers, of whom only 9 lakh pay their taxes regularly.
However the new system does not apply to the nearly 60,000 private corporations who will continue to file their tax returns as per the old system- for the time being at least.
All Income Tax territorial Zones in Dhaka and Chittagong will execute the plan. Respective territorial zones will open their counters in the centres for receiving tax returns. Tax officers will assist the taxpayers in filling in their tax returns.
The move initiated by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is part of the Government’s larger policy of digitalizing all its operations – both to optimize revenue collections as well as to make the system customer friendly.
The large scale changes are being planned with help from the Indian government.
Already a ten member delegation from the NBR headed by the Secretary, Internal Resources Division of Finance Ministry and the NBR Chairman has just recently returned from India after viewing the functioning of digitalized tax collection by the Revenue Department of the Government of India.
Coming back to the proposed new tax payment system in Dhaka and Chittagong, the Government owned Sonali Bank/ Janata Bank will open their temporary booth at Service Centre for collection of challans and issuance of pay order.
For convenience of the tax payer photocopier service, caféteria, toilets and other facilities make available at the centres.
According to the digitalization plan all application software for the three wings of NBR and relevant databases would be made operational at the earliest with establishment of a centralized Data Centre for NBR and networking-NBRNET-for moving ahead with the above mentioned recommendations, an official told this newspaper.
Separate teams from Customs, Income Tax and VAT are planning to visit India to take a closer look. Indian experts would also be invited to assist NBR in preparing a road map of implementation.
The Government is also likely to send study teams to Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand to understand how taxes are paid outside South Asia.
The delegation has also suggested a number of recommendations for the NBR including reforms of administrative structure so as to expedite the revenue collections.
According to the digitalization plans, the NBR also proposes opening a Call Centre with hunting line by January next. A dedicated workforce will perform as operator at call centre and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available in its Computer.
The NBR will open a Central Processing Centre (CPC) as a Central Data Centre of the organisation for the purpose of centrally processing the IT Returns (both manual and digital). Manually submitted Returns would be in machine readable forms for easy digitization of data. It will be launched by July 2011.
The NBR and all income tax territorial zones will open a Taxpayer Service Centre (Help Desk) from this month. This service centre will perform as a window for the respective zones. IT Returns and all kinds of IT forms and circulars shall be readily available at the Service Centre. The centre can also issue TIN certificate and certified copies.
The NBR is also planned to open centres for collection of salary tax returns centrally in Dhaka and Chittagong by July next year. System will process the IT return and assessment order and to be dispatched to the taxpayer by postal mail. Refund voucher also to be sent with signature of the Tax Officer by postal mail.
Strengthening of BCS Taxation Training Academy, development of NBR website, and the Development of Systematic and Dynamic Risk Management System (RMS) for Customs including Valuation Database with alerts for sensitive items are also on the list of NBR's development plans.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Seismic survey in gas block going on
ANIS ALAMGIR /February 23, 2010/TI
Petrobangla is hopeful of tapping substantial amount of gas from the south Sangu gas field in Block 16 after receiving primary data from the international oil company Cairn which is conducting 3D seismic survey there.
"We are hopeful to add a substantial volume of gas within one year from Sangu and Magnama after completion of present survey," said a senior official of Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation.
The Scotland-based energy company started its recent 3D seismic survey at the block in the Bay of Bangal on February 11 this year. M/S Geokinetics is conducting the survey on behalf of the joint venture partners of Block 16 PSC (production sharing contract).
The survey company already completed 5 per cent of the high-tech survey in the block and hoped that by April it will be finished.
But both Petrobangla and Cairn are more or less convinced that desired level of gas could not be tapped from the area.
One official of the Pertobangla said that they were planning to attach two fields before exploring gas from there for national pine-line. For that they need to sign a new contract with the energy company. However, insider of the Cairn hinted that there was no necessity to sign a new contract as it can be covered by the existing deal.
Petrobangla is hopeful of tapping substantial amount of gas from the south Sangu gas field in Block 16 after receiving primary data from the international oil company Cairn which is conducting 3D seismic survey there.
"We are hopeful to add a substantial volume of gas within one year from Sangu and Magnama after completion of present survey," said a senior official of Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation.
The Scotland-based energy company started its recent 3D seismic survey at the block in the Bay of Bangal on February 11 this year. M/S Geokinetics is conducting the survey on behalf of the joint venture partners of Block 16 PSC (production sharing contract).
The survey company already completed 5 per cent of the high-tech survey in the block and hoped that by April it will be finished.
But both Petrobangla and Cairn are more or less convinced that desired level of gas could not be tapped from the area.
One official of the Pertobangla said that they were planning to attach two fields before exploring gas from there for national pine-line. For that they need to sign a new contract with the energy company. However, insider of the Cairn hinted that there was no necessity to sign a new contract as it can be covered by the existing deal.
Chittagong-Yunnan links top on Chinese Governor’s agenda
Diplomatic Correspondent
The Governor of China’s south-western province of Yunnan, Qin Guangrong will arrive in Dhaka this morning on a two-day visit in a bid to establish direct links between Yunnan and the port city of Chittagong.
Four other memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in the fields of agriculture, energy, education and tourism are also expected to be inked during his visit.
But the highlight is likely to be a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Yunnan and Chittagong, a first its kind with any country, will be signed during this visit.
Bangladesh had proposed setting up a 1,700-km Chittagong-Kunming trans-border road and railway route, running through Myanmar during Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Beijing earlier this year when she had visited Kunming, the capital of Yunnan.
Hasina had suggested a greater role for the Yunnan Government, saying, “Yunnan province authorities also have a significant role to set up direct links with Bangladesh.”
She had invited Governor Qin at the time to expedite the process of connecting the two countries.
The Yunnan Governor will be the second high-ranking leader to visit Bangladesh. Earlier, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping visited Bangladesh in June.
As per his itinerary, Qin Guangrong will arrive at 9 am at the Hajrat Shahjalal International Airport. From there he will go to prime minister’s office to pay a visit to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In the afternoon, the Governor will meet the Communication Minister Sayed Abul Hossain and Civil Aviation Minister Ghulam Muhammad Quader, separately. The Communication Minister will host a dinner in his honour.
On Monday, the governor will visit the Confucius Institute of the North South University. He will attend a launch host by the Chinese ambassador in Dhaka before leaving for home later in the day.
29-8-10, INDEPENDENT
The Governor of China’s south-western province of Yunnan, Qin Guangrong will arrive in Dhaka this morning on a two-day visit in a bid to establish direct links between Yunnan and the port city of Chittagong.
Four other memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in the fields of agriculture, energy, education and tourism are also expected to be inked during his visit.
But the highlight is likely to be a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Yunnan and Chittagong, a first its kind with any country, will be signed during this visit.
Bangladesh had proposed setting up a 1,700-km Chittagong-Kunming trans-border road and railway route, running through Myanmar during Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Beijing earlier this year when she had visited Kunming, the capital of Yunnan.
Hasina had suggested a greater role for the Yunnan Government, saying, “Yunnan province authorities also have a significant role to set up direct links with Bangladesh.”
She had invited Governor Qin at the time to expedite the process of connecting the two countries.
The Yunnan Governor will be the second high-ranking leader to visit Bangladesh. Earlier, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping visited Bangladesh in June.
As per his itinerary, Qin Guangrong will arrive at 9 am at the Hajrat Shahjalal International Airport. From there he will go to prime minister’s office to pay a visit to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In the afternoon, the Governor will meet the Communication Minister Sayed Abul Hossain and Civil Aviation Minister Ghulam Muhammad Quader, separately. The Communication Minister will host a dinner in his honour.
On Monday, the governor will visit the Confucius Institute of the North South University. He will attend a launch host by the Chinese ambassador in Dhaka before leaving for home later in the day.
29-8-10, INDEPENDENT
Chinese governor arrives on Sunday
Anis Alamgir
Governor of south-western Chinese province Yunnan Qin Guangrong will arrive in Dhaka on Sunday for a two-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Since Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China in March this year, Yunnan governor will be the second high-ranking leader to visit Bangladesh. Earlier, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping visited Bangladesh in June.
Yunnan is the Chinese province nearest to Bangladesh and it can connect the two countries through trans-border road and railway routes running through Myanmar.
During Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Beijing and Kunming, she had emphasised the role of the Yunnan government, saying, “Yunnan province authorities also have a significant role to set up direct link with Bangladesh.” She invited Governor Qin at that very time to expedite the process of connecting the two countries.
The Yunnan governor is the second highest ranking political position in Yunnan after the chief secretary of the Communist Party of China in Yunnan. He is responsible for all matters concerning economics, politics, personnel, and environment and foreign affairs in the province.
As per his itinerary, Qin Guangrong will arrive at 9 am at the Hajrat Shahjalal International Airport. From there he will go to prime minister’s office to pay a visit to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Thereafter, the Chinese leader will go to Sonargaon Hotel for a break, where he will stay during his visit. In the afternoon, the governor will meet Communication Minister Sayed Abul Hossain and Civil Aviation Minister Ghulam Muhammad Quader, separately. Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni will host a dinner in his honour at her official residence.
The next morning, the governor will visit the Confucius Institute of the North South University. Before leaving Dhaka in the afternoon, he will attend a launch host by the Chinese ambassador in Dhaka.
Five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in the fields of agriculture, energy, education, tourism and establishing comprehensive people-to-people contact with Yunnan and Chittagong region are expected to be signed during his visit.
Sources said regional connectivity through rail, road and air will be discussed during his visit. To establish friendship between Kunming and Chittagong regions, the government is going to sign a unique MoU, the first its kind with any country. The draft of the MoU states that both Yunnan and Chittagong would help with each other for development in the areas of trade, economy, culture, sports and tourism.
Bangladesh’s proposal for setting up 1,700-km Chittagong-Kunming trans-border road and railway routes, which will also run through Myanmar, will also be one of the main agendas during Qin Guangrong’s talks with the prime minister and other officials here.
published on 27-8-10
Governor of south-western Chinese province Yunnan Qin Guangrong will arrive in Dhaka on Sunday for a two-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Since Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China in March this year, Yunnan governor will be the second high-ranking leader to visit Bangladesh. Earlier, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping visited Bangladesh in June.
Yunnan is the Chinese province nearest to Bangladesh and it can connect the two countries through trans-border road and railway routes running through Myanmar.
During Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Beijing and Kunming, she had emphasised the role of the Yunnan government, saying, “Yunnan province authorities also have a significant role to set up direct link with Bangladesh.” She invited Governor Qin at that very time to expedite the process of connecting the two countries.
The Yunnan governor is the second highest ranking political position in Yunnan after the chief secretary of the Communist Party of China in Yunnan. He is responsible for all matters concerning economics, politics, personnel, and environment and foreign affairs in the province.
As per his itinerary, Qin Guangrong will arrive at 9 am at the Hajrat Shahjalal International Airport. From there he will go to prime minister’s office to pay a visit to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Thereafter, the Chinese leader will go to Sonargaon Hotel for a break, where he will stay during his visit. In the afternoon, the governor will meet Communication Minister Sayed Abul Hossain and Civil Aviation Minister Ghulam Muhammad Quader, separately. Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni will host a dinner in his honour at her official residence.
The next morning, the governor will visit the Confucius Institute of the North South University. Before leaving Dhaka in the afternoon, he will attend a launch host by the Chinese ambassador in Dhaka.
Five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in the fields of agriculture, energy, education, tourism and establishing comprehensive people-to-people contact with Yunnan and Chittagong region are expected to be signed during his visit.
Sources said regional connectivity through rail, road and air will be discussed during his visit. To establish friendship between Kunming and Chittagong regions, the government is going to sign a unique MoU, the first its kind with any country. The draft of the MoU states that both Yunnan and Chittagong would help with each other for development in the areas of trade, economy, culture, sports and tourism.
Bangladesh’s proposal for setting up 1,700-km Chittagong-Kunming trans-border road and railway routes, which will also run through Myanmar, will also be one of the main agendas during Qin Guangrong’s talks with the prime minister and other officials here.
published on 27-8-10
Thursday, August 26, 2010
ME nations’ assurances to PM remain on paper
ANIS ALAMGIR
Despite assuring Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of an early resolution of certain issues like transfer of ‘Iqamas’ by three Middle East (ME) countries — Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, they are yet to take any effective step in this regard.
An inter-ministerial meeting held in the foreign ministry recently listed over 80 points, which were agreed upon during the PM’s visits to boost bilateral ties with eight countries, including the three ME states. The meeting expressed extreme dissatisfaction over the tardy progress on the part of the countries concerned towards resolving the issues agreed upon. It was decided that the ministries concerned and the various related departments of the government would make coordinated efforts to ensure speedy settlement of the issues.
During her almost one-and-a-half year rule, the prime minister has visited the three Middle East (ME) countries for better ties with them. She also tried to work out about a dozen mutually beneficial agendas with these countries. But the three Kingdoms, despite assuring her of early action on transfer of Iqamas (residence permits) and more jobs for Bangladeshi expatriate workers there, are yet to take effective steps to realise their promises.
It may be mentioned that the issue of Iqama affects as many as three millions Bangladeshis residing in the three ME countries.
A senior official in the Prime Minister Office (PMO) said, “We are eager for an early implementation of the agreed decisions during the PM’s bilateral visits. All ministries concerned were working on this under the PMO’s supervision.”
With special reference to Saudi Arabia, the official said that during the PM’s visit to the country in April 2009, three decisions were agreed upon — transfer of Iqama or residence permits for the expatriate Bangladeshi living in the Kingdom, avoidance of double taxation, and promotion and protection of investment reciprocity. But even now no concrete outcome is visible on the said decisions.
Surprisingly, the ‘Saudi Gazette’, a local newspaper, reported on March 25 this year that Saudi Labor Ministry had made it mandatory for the expatriates living in the Kingdom – seeking transfer of their Iqamas (residence permits) to other sponsors – to complete two years in the service of their current employers.
However, on the issue of double taxation and investment protection agreements, the National Board of Revenue or NBR finalised the two agreements and these will be signed during the commerce minister’s visit to KSA, soon.
As part of follow-up action on agreed decisions during her Qatar visit in October 2009, a ministerial-level delegation visited Bangladesh last March to consider its request for Qatari assistance in different priority sectors. The delegation expressed its interest to assist in projects in the fields of river dredging, infrastructure, energy, nursing and vocational training, in establishing food and cyclone centres, and tourism. They also expressed willingness to export fertiliser and LNG from Qatar to Bangladesh.
Economic Relations Division (ERD) and all ministries concerned are working on the proposals, with already some progress in importing LNG and fertiliser.
During the visit, Qatar requested for allowing its airlines to operate under the ‘Open Sky Policy’. Thereupon, Bangladesh responded to Qatari request and an agreement on this matter is expected to be signed between the two sides very soon. Responding to another request to Qatar, Bangladesh allotted a piece of land in Gulshan for Qatar Embassy in Dhaka on a token price on reciprocal basis.
During PM’s Kuwait visit in February this year, four agreements on cooperation in economic and technical fields, tourism, culture and arts, and joint commission for bilateral cooperation were signed between the two countries. But none of the agreements have fructified as of now.
The Kuwaiti government had assured that the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) gave financial assistance for some priority projects here. Accordingly, the ERD sent a formal request to Kuwait embassy in Dhaka for providing dredgers and necessary details and technical specifications were also forwarded to the embassy to realise the assurances.
ERD also sent a proposal of Shikalbah 225MW power Plant to Kuwait and accordingly, KFAED has planned to send a team to Bangladesh this very month.
However, any progress is yet to happen on the resumption of manpower from Bangladesh, regularising payment of salary to Bangladesh expats and Iqama transfer, which the Kuwaiti government had assured to the prime minister.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh embassy in Riyadh informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here that Iqama transfer was allowed on a case-to-case basis and that restriction on Iqama for the expats’ children crossing 18 years of age had been relaxed.
filed on 12-6-2010
Despite assuring Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of an early resolution of certain issues like transfer of ‘Iqamas’ by three Middle East (ME) countries — Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, they are yet to take any effective step in this regard.
An inter-ministerial meeting held in the foreign ministry recently listed over 80 points, which were agreed upon during the PM’s visits to boost bilateral ties with eight countries, including the three ME states. The meeting expressed extreme dissatisfaction over the tardy progress on the part of the countries concerned towards resolving the issues agreed upon. It was decided that the ministries concerned and the various related departments of the government would make coordinated efforts to ensure speedy settlement of the issues.
During her almost one-and-a-half year rule, the prime minister has visited the three Middle East (ME) countries for better ties with them. She also tried to work out about a dozen mutually beneficial agendas with these countries. But the three Kingdoms, despite assuring her of early action on transfer of Iqamas (residence permits) and more jobs for Bangladeshi expatriate workers there, are yet to take effective steps to realise their promises.
It may be mentioned that the issue of Iqama affects as many as three millions Bangladeshis residing in the three ME countries.
A senior official in the Prime Minister Office (PMO) said, “We are eager for an early implementation of the agreed decisions during the PM’s bilateral visits. All ministries concerned were working on this under the PMO’s supervision.”
With special reference to Saudi Arabia, the official said that during the PM’s visit to the country in April 2009, three decisions were agreed upon — transfer of Iqama or residence permits for the expatriate Bangladeshi living in the Kingdom, avoidance of double taxation, and promotion and protection of investment reciprocity. But even now no concrete outcome is visible on the said decisions.
Surprisingly, the ‘Saudi Gazette’, a local newspaper, reported on March 25 this year that Saudi Labor Ministry had made it mandatory for the expatriates living in the Kingdom – seeking transfer of their Iqamas (residence permits) to other sponsors – to complete two years in the service of their current employers.
However, on the issue of double taxation and investment protection agreements, the National Board of Revenue or NBR finalised the two agreements and these will be signed during the commerce minister’s visit to KSA, soon.
As part of follow-up action on agreed decisions during her Qatar visit in October 2009, a ministerial-level delegation visited Bangladesh last March to consider its request for Qatari assistance in different priority sectors. The delegation expressed its interest to assist in projects in the fields of river dredging, infrastructure, energy, nursing and vocational training, in establishing food and cyclone centres, and tourism. They also expressed willingness to export fertiliser and LNG from Qatar to Bangladesh.
Economic Relations Division (ERD) and all ministries concerned are working on the proposals, with already some progress in importing LNG and fertiliser.
During the visit, Qatar requested for allowing its airlines to operate under the ‘Open Sky Policy’. Thereupon, Bangladesh responded to Qatari request and an agreement on this matter is expected to be signed between the two sides very soon. Responding to another request to Qatar, Bangladesh allotted a piece of land in Gulshan for Qatar Embassy in Dhaka on a token price on reciprocal basis.
During PM’s Kuwait visit in February this year, four agreements on cooperation in economic and technical fields, tourism, culture and arts, and joint commission for bilateral cooperation were signed between the two countries. But none of the agreements have fructified as of now.
The Kuwaiti government had assured that the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) gave financial assistance for some priority projects here. Accordingly, the ERD sent a formal request to Kuwait embassy in Dhaka for providing dredgers and necessary details and technical specifications were also forwarded to the embassy to realise the assurances.
ERD also sent a proposal of Shikalbah 225MW power Plant to Kuwait and accordingly, KFAED has planned to send a team to Bangladesh this very month.
However, any progress is yet to happen on the resumption of manpower from Bangladesh, regularising payment of salary to Bangladesh expats and Iqama transfer, which the Kuwaiti government had assured to the prime minister.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh embassy in Riyadh informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here that Iqama transfer was allowed on a case-to-case basis and that restriction on Iqama for the expats’ children crossing 18 years of age had been relaxed.
filed on 12-6-2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Kosovo recognition after Hasina's Moscow visit
ANIS ALAMGIR
Bangladesh has decided in principle to recognise the new European country Kosovo, but not willing to announce it before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's proposed visit to Russia in the latter part of this year. "Before the Prime Minister's Russia visit, taking a decision to recognise Kosovo would send the wrong signals to the Russians with whom the government has planned cooperation on many issues, including the Ruppur nuclear power project," Foreign Secretary Mizarul Quayes explained to high officials of his ministry at a recent meeting.
Kosovo declared its independence in February 2008 after long a fight with Serbia and till date out of 192 UN member states, 69 have already recognised Kosovo's independence, including the USA, almost all EU countries and NATO members, the A non-UN member Republic of China (Taiwan), has also extended its support to Kosovo.
The UN Security Council is unable to take a unified position as the US, Britain and France are in favour of Kosovo's recognition but China and Russia are opposed to it. Russia is campaigning against Kosovo. On the other hand, Washington is making all-out hectic diplomatic efforts to impress upon Dhaka to recognise Kosovo.
However, Dhaka was trying to exercise restraint on the issue as its close ally-Moscow-still considers the newly-born country as a part of the Serbian province. In fact, all Dhaka is trying to do is to maintain the stance the US has done vis-à-vis recognition to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which Washington still considers as parts of Georgia.
"Basically, Russia is not happy with the American position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia, in the same way as America is not happy with the Russian stance on Kosovo. Bangladesh doesn't want to get into all this…," said a top Bangladeshi diplomat.
During his meeting with the officials, the Foreign Secretary also said that the US government had been pressing Bangladesh to extend recognition to Kosovo, in particular after the ICJ (International Court of Justice) ruling in July last.
On October 8, 2008, upon the request of Serbia, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution asking the ICJ for an advisory opinion on the issue of Kosovo's declaration of independence. On July 22, 2010, the ICJ ruled that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate international law.
The foreign secretary said that a wide range of factors needed to be considered while taking a decision on such an issue.
Quayes stressed that Bangladesh understood the urge of Kosovars for wider recognition. Bangladesh had sympathy for the Kosovars.
“In the days after our own liberation, we craved for world recognition. Our people recall until today those countries which recognised our new nation after 1971. We have this in mind when actively considering the US request for recognising Kosovo,” he added.
Quayes informed the officers that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had scheduled a visit to Russia in the latter part of this year. Before her Russia visit, taking a decision to recognise Kosovo would send wrong signals to the Russians with whom the government had planned cooperation on many issues, including the long-awaited Ruppur nuclear power project.
Sources said that Serbia wanted to send a special envoy to Bangladesh and the Kosovo government wished to meet Bangladesh government leaders on many occasions.
However, Dhaka is discreetly asking Serbia not to send its envoy to Bangladesh at the moment, the Foreign Secretary added.
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Bangladesh has decided in principle to recognise the new European country Kosovo, but not willing to announce it before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's proposed visit to Russia in the latter part of this year. "Before the Prime Minister's Russia visit, taking a decision to recognise Kosovo would send the wrong signals to the Russians with whom the government has planned cooperation on many issues, including the Ruppur nuclear power project," Foreign Secretary Mizarul Quayes explained to high officials of his ministry at a recent meeting.
Kosovo declared its independence in February 2008 after long a fight with Serbia and till date out of 192 UN member states, 69 have already recognised Kosovo's independence, including the USA, almost all EU countries and NATO members, the A non-UN member Republic of China (Taiwan), has also extended its support to Kosovo.
The UN Security Council is unable to take a unified position as the US, Britain and France are in favour of Kosovo's recognition but China and Russia are opposed to it. Russia is campaigning against Kosovo. On the other hand, Washington is making all-out hectic diplomatic efforts to impress upon Dhaka to recognise Kosovo.
However, Dhaka was trying to exercise restraint on the issue as its close ally-Moscow-still considers the newly-born country as a part of the Serbian province. In fact, all Dhaka is trying to do is to maintain the stance the US has done vis-à-vis recognition to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which Washington still considers as parts of Georgia.
"Basically, Russia is not happy with the American position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia, in the same way as America is not happy with the Russian stance on Kosovo. Bangladesh doesn't want to get into all this…," said a top Bangladeshi diplomat.
During his meeting with the officials, the Foreign Secretary also said that the US government had been pressing Bangladesh to extend recognition to Kosovo, in particular after the ICJ (International Court of Justice) ruling in July last.
On October 8, 2008, upon the request of Serbia, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution asking the ICJ for an advisory opinion on the issue of Kosovo's declaration of independence. On July 22, 2010, the ICJ ruled that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate international law.
The foreign secretary said that a wide range of factors needed to be considered while taking a decision on such an issue.
Quayes stressed that Bangladesh understood the urge of Kosovars for wider recognition. Bangladesh had sympathy for the Kosovars.
“In the days after our own liberation, we craved for world recognition. Our people recall until today those countries which recognised our new nation after 1971. We have this in mind when actively considering the US request for recognising Kosovo,” he added.
Quayes informed the officers that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had scheduled a visit to Russia in the latter part of this year. Before her Russia visit, taking a decision to recognise Kosovo would send wrong signals to the Russians with whom the government had planned cooperation on many issues, including the long-awaited Ruppur nuclear power project.
Sources said that Serbia wanted to send a special envoy to Bangladesh and the Kosovo government wished to meet Bangladesh government leaders on many occasions.
However, Dhaka is discreetly asking Serbia not to send its envoy to Bangladesh at the moment, the Foreign Secretary added.
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
US voices support to Bangladesh Dipu Moni, Hillary hold talks on democracy, counter-terrorism
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
The United States has assured Dhaka of its total support for continued success of democracy in Bangladesh and said Washington would like to see good governance to continue in the South Asian nation.
Assurance came when Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni held talks with US Secretary State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday at the Capitol Hill in Washington DC during a bilateral meeting.
Secretary Clinton congratulated Dipu Moni at their first bilateral meeting and praised the people of Bangladesh for their efforts to return to democracy.
Meeting sources told The Independent that on the whole the meeting took place at a very cordial set up.
After the meeting both Dr. Moni and Mrs. Clinton appeared at a joint press briefing at the State Department.
"Bangladesh attaches great importance to relations with the United States," the Foreign Minister said, adding the last general election in December, 2008, set a high standard not only for Bangladesh, but also for other democratic countries in South Asia and elsewhere.
She appreciated the consistent support received by Bangladesh from the United States in the transition to democracy.
Dipu Moni in her talks with her US counterpart discussed the whole range of bilateral and other issues of common concern. She particularly stressed on the duty free and quota free entry of Bangladeshi products to the US market, continuation of GSP facilities to Bangladesh and debt relief. She also sought US help for deportation of self-confessed killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, some of whom had reportedly been living in America, meeting sources said.
About the planned war crime trial in Bangladesh, the Foreign Minister assured US that the trial would be done in conformity with the International laws as far as possible. She also sought Clinton's help to include Bangladesh for the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), a multi-billion dollar US fund set up to support developing countries which are committed to fight corruption and promote democracy.
State department sources said, the meeting covered also a range of regional and global issues, including efforts to combat violent extremism, provide peacekeeping forces in trouble spots around the world, enhance food security and global health and address the threat of climate change, which is especially important for Bangladesh's survival.
"The foreign minister and I discussed the possibility of a bilateral trade and investment framework agreement. That would make it easier for U.S. companies and investors to expand their activities in Bangladesh and increase trade," Mrs. Clinton said.
She said Bangladeshi Americans have "contributed so much to the culture and prosperity of our country, and I know they are eager to do more of their - for their country of origin."
Replying to a question on duty-free access of Bangladeshi products, Clinton said "we have a vibrant trade relationship now, and it has been growing, and we look forward to continuing to grow that trade." She said they specifically talked about the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.
The US Secretary said, Bangladesh currently receives preferential tariff treatment for hundreds of products through the generalized system of preferences. She Washington will work to see how Bangladesh can diversify its exports based on what already exists.Clinton expressed her happiness to see Bangladesh's good relations with her neighbours. She also congratulated Dr. Moni for her recent successful visit to New Delhi.
Hillary Clinton stated that Bangladesh was a model of empowerment of women and its innovative ideas of social empowerment. The US would continue to give support in its efforts of democratic institution building, counter-terrorism efforts, and improvement of skills of its police and military, she added.
bdnews24.com adds from Washington: Dipu Moni's meeting with her US counterpart, which was her first official bilateral talks, appeared rich in symbolism and poor in substance.
Appearing jointly at a news briefing at the historic Treaty Room of the State Department, both Moni and Clinton expressed high hopes about strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States in the coming years.
When asked in what way the relationship could be strengthened and whether there would be any metrics to measure the progress in coming years, the foreign ministers declined to explain in concrete terms how they planned to go ahead.
It turned out that Bangladesh, during the meeting, received no firm commitment from the United States about the two critical issues that Dhaka has been pursuing for years-duty free access to the American market and inclusion in the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA).
Secretary Clinton said in order to qualify for the fund the recipient countries must fulfill certain conditions like embracing democracy wholeheartedly, respect for human rights and tackle corruption vigorously.
There are still some issues that need to be settled, she said, before Bangladesh could qualify for the MCA.
Although she didn't say it loud and clear, the corruption issue still appears to be a major hurdle for Bangladesh to be considered for the MCA fund. The recent reports of widespread hooliganism by ruling party supporters in tender biddings and other government contracts could further dim Bangladesh's prospects.
As for the other major issue of duty-free access to the U.S. market, Secretary Clinton was equivocal, saying it would take more time to resolve the matter.
Some U.S. officials said the matter cannot be resolved without the backing of the Congress even if the American government was serious about acceding to Bangladesh's request.
About Dipu Moni's request to hand over the confessed killers of father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, they said the request also didn't receive any firm commitment from her counterpart, ostensibly because the US government cannot influence the judicial process.
The joint briefing by Clinton and Moni was attended by only two reporters including this correspondent. The other reporter present was from the AFP news agency. And the only question he asked had nothing to do with US-Bangladesh relations; he sought Clinton's views on the new Japanese government.
For her part though, Dipu Moni seemed to make a good impression with US officials. Clad in a deep green sari and matching full sleeve blouse, she appeared relaxed but confident. Her impeccable English was also impressive.
;;AFP adds: Clinton hailed December's election-in which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won the latest rematch against arch-foe Khaleda Zia-as "the freest and fairest in the country's history."
"Bangladeshis now have the opportunity to build on this success," Clinton said.
US President Barack Obama has made reaching out to the Islamic world a signature policy, including through a June 4 speech in Cairo. Sheikh Hasina's Awami League is strongly critical of radical Islam.
"As a country with a strong secular and democratic heritage, a record of respect for women and a Muslim-majority population, Bangladesh embodies the promise that President Obama spoke of in Cairo," Clinton said.
Moni said Bangladesh attaches "great importance to our relations with the United States."
"We consider the US as our close friend and partner," she said.
sep 2009, (maybe 17), the Independent
Hasina to visit Bhutan in Nov
Hasina to visit Bhutan in Nov
Bangladesh wants inclusion of Nepal, Bhutan in transit with India, she tells Bhutanese minister
Diplomatic Correspondent
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina will visit Bhutan from November 6 to 9 in her first tour of the South Asian country since her taking office in January.
An inter-ministerial meeting was held in this regard yesterday at the foreign ministry with the secretary, Mijarul Kayes, in the chair.
Confirming the date of her visit, the foreign ministry top official said itinerary of the tour would be finalised later.
Bhutan is the first country to recognise Bangladesh immediately after its emergence as an independent country under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1971.
During her visit, Sheikh Hasina will meet Bhutanese Prime Minister whom she had met on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Sharm-El-Sheikh of Egypt in July.
Issues of mutual interests, including further expansion of bilateral trade and commerce, facing global warming and climate change, use of Mongla Port for Bhutan and Bhutanese hydro-electric power for Bangladesh, will get focus during their talks, the official said.
Earlier in April, Hasina had visited Saudi Arabia on her first foreign visit as the prime minister of the Awami League-led grand alliance government. Apart from performing Umrah, she held bilateral talks with Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud on relaxation of restrictions by Saudi Arabia on import of manpower from Bangladesh and increasing trade and investment between the two countries.
BSS adds: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Bangladesh wants to include Nepal and Bhutan alongside India on sharing transit facilities with each other.
Bangladesh always requests India to include Nepal and Bhutan in this important issue keeping in mind that this will benefit all the sides, Hasina said when visiting Economic Affairs Minister of Bhutan Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk called on her at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in the morning.
The prime minister informed the Bhutanese minister that Bangladesh had raised the issue of Nepal and Bhutan's inclusion in the transit during talks with India on different occasions.
During the meeting, Hasina and Lyonpo discussed issues on bilateral interests, including further expansion of trade and business, facing global warming and climate change, and expansion of people-to-people contact between the two countries, said press secretary to the prime minister Abul Kalam Azad.
Hasina said Bangladesh attaches importance to its relationship with Bhutan as the South Asian neighbour was the first country to give recognition to Bangladesh after its independence in 1971 under the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Referring to her meeting with US president Barack Obama on the sidelines of the UNGA session in New York, Hasina informed the Bhutanese minister that she had brought the issue of climate change to the meet for which the developing countries are not responsible.
About the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to Bhutan, Lyonpo said the people of the country are eagerly waiting for warmly welcoming the Bangladesh premier in their country on November 6.
The Bhutanese minister informed the Prime Minister that Bhutan is going to set up a medical college where Bangladeshi doctors would be recruited.
Bhutanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Dasho Bap Kesang, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister MA Karim, Secretary of the PMO Mollah Waheeduzzaman and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad were present on the occasion.
5-10-2009, the independent
Bangladesh wants inclusion of Nepal, Bhutan in transit with India, she tells Bhutanese minister
Diplomatic Correspondent
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina will visit Bhutan from November 6 to 9 in her first tour of the South Asian country since her taking office in January.
An inter-ministerial meeting was held in this regard yesterday at the foreign ministry with the secretary, Mijarul Kayes, in the chair.
Confirming the date of her visit, the foreign ministry top official said itinerary of the tour would be finalised later.
Bhutan is the first country to recognise Bangladesh immediately after its emergence as an independent country under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1971.
During her visit, Sheikh Hasina will meet Bhutanese Prime Minister whom she had met on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Sharm-El-Sheikh of Egypt in July.
Issues of mutual interests, including further expansion of bilateral trade and commerce, facing global warming and climate change, use of Mongla Port for Bhutan and Bhutanese hydro-electric power for Bangladesh, will get focus during their talks, the official said.
Earlier in April, Hasina had visited Saudi Arabia on her first foreign visit as the prime minister of the Awami League-led grand alliance government. Apart from performing Umrah, she held bilateral talks with Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud on relaxation of restrictions by Saudi Arabia on import of manpower from Bangladesh and increasing trade and investment between the two countries.
BSS adds: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Bangladesh wants to include Nepal and Bhutan alongside India on sharing transit facilities with each other.
Bangladesh always requests India to include Nepal and Bhutan in this important issue keeping in mind that this will benefit all the sides, Hasina said when visiting Economic Affairs Minister of Bhutan Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk called on her at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in the morning.
The prime minister informed the Bhutanese minister that Bangladesh had raised the issue of Nepal and Bhutan's inclusion in the transit during talks with India on different occasions.
During the meeting, Hasina and Lyonpo discussed issues on bilateral interests, including further expansion of trade and business, facing global warming and climate change, and expansion of people-to-people contact between the two countries, said press secretary to the prime minister Abul Kalam Azad.
Hasina said Bangladesh attaches importance to its relationship with Bhutan as the South Asian neighbour was the first country to give recognition to Bangladesh after its independence in 1971 under the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Referring to her meeting with US president Barack Obama on the sidelines of the UNGA session in New York, Hasina informed the Bhutanese minister that she had brought the issue of climate change to the meet for which the developing countries are not responsible.
About the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to Bhutan, Lyonpo said the people of the country are eagerly waiting for warmly welcoming the Bangladesh premier in their country on November 6.
The Bhutanese minister informed the Prime Minister that Bhutan is going to set up a medical college where Bangladeshi doctors would be recruited.
Bhutanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Dasho Bap Kesang, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister MA Karim, Secretary of the PMO Mollah Waheeduzzaman and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad were present on the occasion.
5-10-2009, the independent
Hasina to visit Sweden, Qatar next week
ANIS ALAMGIR
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to leave Dhaka on October 20 on a week-long visit to Sweden and Qatar.
Sources at the foreign ministry said the Prime Minister will be in Sweden from October 21 to 25 during which she will attend a three-day European Development Days (EDD) conference to be opened in Stockholm on October 22.
Besides attending the opening and other sessions, Sheikh Hasina is due to address the plenary session on 'The Climate Change: Road to Copenhagen' on 24 October.
On her way back the Prime Minister will pay a one-day visit to Qatar on October 26 for talks with Qatari authorities.
During her week-long sojourn, Sheikh Hasina will lead a 40-member official team. State minister for Envioranment Hasan Mahmud, BNP MP and Chairman parliamentary standing committee on environment Abdul Momin Talukdar will accompany her, among others. At the EDD confrence in Stockholm, Grammen Bank founder Dr Muhammad Yunus and Editor of the Daily Star Mahfuz Anam are also scheduled to attend. A galaxy of world leaders, including Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, President of Burkina Faso, Prime Minister of Haiti, President of Liberia, President of Sierra Leone, Prime Minister of Kenya will attend the conference. It will be hosted by host Prime Minister Reinfeldt Fredrik of Sweden.
Sources said the upcoming Stockholm summit will be part of the international efforts to address the global pressing climate change issue ahead of the long-awaited United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. The Copenhagen meeting is expected to produce a new, comprehensive and effective international response to climate change threatening the world.
Prime Minister Hasina is also scheduled to attend the Copenhagen Conference in December to press home Dhaka's demand for compensation to mitigate the climate change loss to Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasian is expected to return home on October 27 night from Qatar where she will call on Amir of Qatar and hold meeting with the expatriate Bangladeshis.
;
published 14-10-2009, the independent
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to leave Dhaka on October 20 on a week-long visit to Sweden and Qatar.
Sources at the foreign ministry said the Prime Minister will be in Sweden from October 21 to 25 during which she will attend a three-day European Development Days (EDD) conference to be opened in Stockholm on October 22.
Besides attending the opening and other sessions, Sheikh Hasina is due to address the plenary session on 'The Climate Change: Road to Copenhagen' on 24 October.
On her way back the Prime Minister will pay a one-day visit to Qatar on October 26 for talks with Qatari authorities.
During her week-long sojourn, Sheikh Hasina will lead a 40-member official team. State minister for Envioranment Hasan Mahmud, BNP MP and Chairman parliamentary standing committee on environment Abdul Momin Talukdar will accompany her, among others. At the EDD confrence in Stockholm, Grammen Bank founder Dr Muhammad Yunus and Editor of the Daily Star Mahfuz Anam are also scheduled to attend. A galaxy of world leaders, including Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, President of Burkina Faso, Prime Minister of Haiti, President of Liberia, President of Sierra Leone, Prime Minister of Kenya will attend the conference. It will be hosted by host Prime Minister Reinfeldt Fredrik of Sweden.
Sources said the upcoming Stockholm summit will be part of the international efforts to address the global pressing climate change issue ahead of the long-awaited United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. The Copenhagen meeting is expected to produce a new, comprehensive and effective international response to climate change threatening the world.
Prime Minister Hasina is also scheduled to attend the Copenhagen Conference in December to press home Dhaka's demand for compensation to mitigate the climate change loss to Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasian is expected to return home on October 27 night from Qatar where she will call on Amir of Qatar and hold meeting with the expatriate Bangladeshis.
;
published 14-10-2009, the independent
Dipu Moni to seek US help to bring back Mujib killers
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
US Ambassador to Bangladesh James F Moriarty said yesterday that Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, climate change, Bangladesh's role in South Asia and food security will figure during the talks the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh will hold in the USA on September 16.
"So far as I know, Dhaka will seek cooperation to bring back the killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from the USA and seek duty-free market access for Bangladesh's readymade garments to the US and more American investment, specially in the energy sector", he said when asked about Dhaka's agenda.
Six convicted persons in the Bangabandhu murder case were absconding abroad and it is believed that two or three of them are living in North America.
Talking to this correspondent, the US Ambassador said: Washington would raise the issues of cooperation in mitigating climate change, Bangladesh's role in combating human trafficking and terrorism in South Asia, upholding human rights, extension of trade relations, oil and gas exploration and investment in power generation.
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni leaves Dhaka for Washington today to meet US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington. This will be her first official trip to the US since she took office as Foreign Minister. Dipu Moni will also attend an iftar party to be hosted by Hillary Clinton on September 15 in honour of the Foreign Ministers of Muslims countries.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is also scheduled to leave Dkaha on September 21 for attending the UN general session in New York where she will deliver her address on September 26.
Prior to her address to UNGA, Hasina would also meet US President Barak Obama in New York on September 23. The US President invites heads of top 10 highest contributing countries to the United Nations peacekeeping forces. Hasina has accepted the invitation when the US Ambassador handed over Obama's invitation last Wednesday.
Asked about the American position on the extradition of killers of Bangabandhu hiding in the USA, ambassador Moriarty said; "it absolutely depends on Washington".
The Ambassador hosted iftar party and dinner in a city hotel yesterday in honour of the Alumni of the State Department exchange programme.
September 2009, The Independent
;;
US Ambassador to Bangladesh James F Moriarty said yesterday that Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, climate change, Bangladesh's role in South Asia and food security will figure during the talks the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh will hold in the USA on September 16.
"So far as I know, Dhaka will seek cooperation to bring back the killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from the USA and seek duty-free market access for Bangladesh's readymade garments to the US and more American investment, specially in the energy sector", he said when asked about Dhaka's agenda.
Six convicted persons in the Bangabandhu murder case were absconding abroad and it is believed that two or three of them are living in North America.
Talking to this correspondent, the US Ambassador said: Washington would raise the issues of cooperation in mitigating climate change, Bangladesh's role in combating human trafficking and terrorism in South Asia, upholding human rights, extension of trade relations, oil and gas exploration and investment in power generation.
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni leaves Dhaka for Washington today to meet US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington. This will be her first official trip to the US since she took office as Foreign Minister. Dipu Moni will also attend an iftar party to be hosted by Hillary Clinton on September 15 in honour of the Foreign Ministers of Muslims countries.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is also scheduled to leave Dkaha on September 21 for attending the UN general session in New York where she will deliver her address on September 26.
Prior to her address to UNGA, Hasina would also meet US President Barak Obama in New York on September 23. The US President invites heads of top 10 highest contributing countries to the United Nations peacekeeping forces. Hasina has accepted the invitation when the US Ambassador handed over Obama's invitation last Wednesday.
Asked about the American position on the extradition of killers of Bangabandhu hiding in the USA, ambassador Moriarty said; "it absolutely depends on Washington".
The Ambassador hosted iftar party and dinner in a city hotel yesterday in honour of the Alumni of the State Department exchange programme.
September 2009, The Independent
;;
Dhaka working on MoUs for land link with Nepal, Bhutan
ANIS ALAMGIR
In a bid to establish land connectivity with Nepal and Bhutan through Indian territory, Bangladesh will handover draft copies of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) to India at the end of this month.
Foreign Secretary Mijarul Kayes told The Independent that the ministries concerned were working on drafting the MOUs.
'As soon as the drafts are ready we will handover those to India to get productive results during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's proposed visit to India before the end of the year', he added.
Though Bangladesh has transit facilities with Nepal and Bhutan, India is not allowing vehicles from Bangladesh to use its territory to carry goods to Bhutan and Nepal.
During a recent meeting with a visiting Bhutanes minister in Dhaka, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated Bangladesh's desire to include Bhutan and Nepal together with India in transit facilities.
Sources in the foreign ministry said, on different occasions, Bangladesh requested India to include Nepal and Bhutan in this important move keeping in mind that this would benefit all the sides.
India agreed to facilitate Nepal-Bangladesh and Bhutan-Bangladesh connectivity during foreign minister Dr Dipu Moni's visit to New Delhi from September 7 to 10 this year.
The sources said, besides connectivity with Bhutan and Nepal, Bangladesh wants some positive response from India on long pending issues like agreement on sharing waters of the Teesta River, before Prime minister's visit to India.
During foreign minister's visit, both sides also recognised the need to expedite negotiations with a view to finalising an agreement for sharing Teesta waters. The government is trying to hold a meeting of the Joint Rivers Commission as soon as possible to discuss water sharing of all the joint rivers with India including the Teesta and asked the Indian authorities to give an early date.
This time, Bangladesh will give emphasis on water sharing of the Teesta as both the sides had already agreed to reach an agreement on it. Out of 54 joint rivers, Bangladesh has only Ganges water sharing agreement with India.
Officials said Bangladesh hope India will allow electrification of Dahagram and Angarpota enclaves from its main land as a humanitarian gesture before Sheikh Hasina's visit to India. Both the countries expressed their intent to resolve outstanding issues relating to Dahagram and Angarpota enclaves and the Tin Bigha Corridor during Dipu Moni's official visit.
In response to the Indian gesture, Bangladesh is ready to provide access to Ashuganj Port to facilitate the transportation of the Over Dimensional Consignments for the Palatana Power Project in Tripura.
published on 11-10-2009, The Independent
In a bid to establish land connectivity with Nepal and Bhutan through Indian territory, Bangladesh will handover draft copies of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) to India at the end of this month.
Foreign Secretary Mijarul Kayes told The Independent that the ministries concerned were working on drafting the MOUs.
'As soon as the drafts are ready we will handover those to India to get productive results during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's proposed visit to India before the end of the year', he added.
Though Bangladesh has transit facilities with Nepal and Bhutan, India is not allowing vehicles from Bangladesh to use its territory to carry goods to Bhutan and Nepal.
During a recent meeting with a visiting Bhutanes minister in Dhaka, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated Bangladesh's desire to include Bhutan and Nepal together with India in transit facilities.
Sources in the foreign ministry said, on different occasions, Bangladesh requested India to include Nepal and Bhutan in this important move keeping in mind that this would benefit all the sides.
India agreed to facilitate Nepal-Bangladesh and Bhutan-Bangladesh connectivity during foreign minister Dr Dipu Moni's visit to New Delhi from September 7 to 10 this year.
The sources said, besides connectivity with Bhutan and Nepal, Bangladesh wants some positive response from India on long pending issues like agreement on sharing waters of the Teesta River, before Prime minister's visit to India.
During foreign minister's visit, both sides also recognised the need to expedite negotiations with a view to finalising an agreement for sharing Teesta waters. The government is trying to hold a meeting of the Joint Rivers Commission as soon as possible to discuss water sharing of all the joint rivers with India including the Teesta and asked the Indian authorities to give an early date.
This time, Bangladesh will give emphasis on water sharing of the Teesta as both the sides had already agreed to reach an agreement on it. Out of 54 joint rivers, Bangladesh has only Ganges water sharing agreement with India.
Officials said Bangladesh hope India will allow electrification of Dahagram and Angarpota enclaves from its main land as a humanitarian gesture before Sheikh Hasina's visit to India. Both the countries expressed their intent to resolve outstanding issues relating to Dahagram and Angarpota enclaves and the Tin Bigha Corridor during Dipu Moni's official visit.
In response to the Indian gesture, Bangladesh is ready to provide access to Ashuganj Port to facilitate the transportation of the Over Dimensional Consignments for the Palatana Power Project in Tripura.
published on 11-10-2009, The Independent
Donors warn only experienced bidders should apply Padma project
ANIS ALAMGIR
Donors are warning that the company selected to build the Padma Bridge - set to be Bangladesh's longest - demonstrate past experience working with donors. The demand is aimed at preventing nepotism in a country often cited for corruption in awarding contracts.
The massive 6.1 km long Padma Bridge will cost US$2.4 billion, with international aid agencies and development banks pitching in $2.25 billion. Funding sources include the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
The winning consultancy firm will appoint at least 200 consultants for the project. Five companies have been shortlisted for the job - AECOM New Zealand, High Point Rendel, UK, Halcrow Group, UK; Snc-lavalin International, Canada; and Oriental Consultants, Japan.
International donors recently wrote a letter to the government saying that the winning bidder and the consultants appointed by the companies would need to demonstrate a track record in bridge-building and working with donor agencies.
Official sources said the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, the executive agency for the project, had worked with donor agencies to draft the due diligence policies. The mega project will take about three and a half years to build and will spur development in southwestern Bangladesh, providing better links to the port of Mongla.
"We don't want to see that the cousin or brother of some powerful person gets the job without experience", a World Bank official said on condition of anonymity.
Official said consultants will need 25 years of experience including 10 years working on infrastructure development financed by the World Bank, the ADB and the JICA.
The project director of the Padma Bridge, Rafiqul Islam told The Independent that they are nearly finished the policy guidelines for appointing the consultant.
The authority will hold a two-week consultation period after the draft policy is completed.
"Those who are experience in technically, will get the job", he added.
Donors are warning that the company selected to build the Padma Bridge - set to be Bangladesh's longest - demonstrate past experience working with donors. The demand is aimed at preventing nepotism in a country often cited for corruption in awarding contracts.
The massive 6.1 km long Padma Bridge will cost US$2.4 billion, with international aid agencies and development banks pitching in $2.25 billion. Funding sources include the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
The winning consultancy firm will appoint at least 200 consultants for the project. Five companies have been shortlisted for the job - AECOM New Zealand, High Point Rendel, UK, Halcrow Group, UK; Snc-lavalin International, Canada; and Oriental Consultants, Japan.
International donors recently wrote a letter to the government saying that the winning bidder and the consultants appointed by the companies would need to demonstrate a track record in bridge-building and working with donor agencies.
Official sources said the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, the executive agency for the project, had worked with donor agencies to draft the due diligence policies. The mega project will take about three and a half years to build and will spur development in southwestern Bangladesh, providing better links to the port of Mongla.
"We don't want to see that the cousin or brother of some powerful person gets the job without experience", a World Bank official said on condition of anonymity.
Official said consultants will need 25 years of experience including 10 years working on infrastructure development financed by the World Bank, the ADB and the JICA.
The project director of the Padma Bridge, Rafiqul Islam told The Independent that they are nearly finished the policy guidelines for appointing the consultant.
The authority will hold a two-week consultation period after the draft policy is completed.
"Those who are experience in technically, will get the job", he added.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Dipu Moni defends one billion USD loan from India
Diplomatic Correspondent
Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni has reiterated that Bangladesh stands to benefit considerably from the recent one billion USD loan agreement signed with India.
“Those who are against this agreement are opposing it for petty reasons, merely for political gains,” she added.
The Foreign Minister was addressing a round table in a city hotel on Bangladesh-India relations.
The event organized by the Bengali daily ‘Bhorer Kagoj’ was moderated by its editor Shyamal Dutta. It was addressed, among others by the FBCCI president A K Azad, Professor Imtiaz Ahmed of Dhaka University, 'The Sun' editor Syed Anwar Hossain, former foreign secretary Syed Moazzem Ali, communication expert Rahamatullah and journalist Zaghlul Ahmed Chowdhury.
Moni said historically Bangladesh had good relations with India and during our liberation war in 1971 India had hosted nearly one crore Bangladeshi refugees.
“But after the political turmoil in 1975, the relations had become bitter. Now we are trying to recover lost ground and giving shape to a relation based on cooperation,” she added.
She said that during the recent visit of Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee both the Governments had discussed the progress of the joint communiqué signed by the two countries in January this year.
Professor Imtiaz Ahmed said that Bangladesh could benefit by the loan agreement if Bangladeshi businessmen would initiate business moves “aggressively,” with the seven Northeastern states of India.
Prof Imtiaz hoped that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would pay his return visit to Bangladesh very soon. He suggested that it was the Indian Government’s duty to refurbish its image before the proposed visit by signing long-awaited Teesta water sharing agreement, a clear announcement on its intentions about the Tipaimukh Dam, and initiating steps for the peaceful resolution of border disputes.
FBCCI president A K Azad however complained that commodities which Bangladeshi businessmen could export to India had been included in the negative list of 198 items compiled by Delhi.
“On the other hand India is not allowing some of our goods like cement to the exported in the name of quality certification despite the fact that our cement meets BSTI standards, which is an International quality norm,” he added.
FBCCI president, the top leader of the premier umbrella organisation for businessmen, severely criticised the Bangladesh missions abroad for their alleged non-cooperation with the Bangladesh businessmen.
“They are there just to have fun. In the morning they go to the office on their Mercedes and then send it back for use by their family members. They come back from their offices after just reading the daily newspapers,” he alleged.
The Foreign Minister assured the business community that their demands would be addressed.
Syed Moazeem Ali suggested foreign ministry redefine its job profile – from merely making visits abroad to making itself more efficient and work oriented.
“Nowadays, all visits are not essential when communication through e-mail and phone are possible from all over the world”, he added.
published 24, august 2010, the independent
Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni has reiterated that Bangladesh stands to benefit considerably from the recent one billion USD loan agreement signed with India.
“Those who are against this agreement are opposing it for petty reasons, merely for political gains,” she added.
The Foreign Minister was addressing a round table in a city hotel on Bangladesh-India relations.
The event organized by the Bengali daily ‘Bhorer Kagoj’ was moderated by its editor Shyamal Dutta. It was addressed, among others by the FBCCI president A K Azad, Professor Imtiaz Ahmed of Dhaka University, 'The Sun' editor Syed Anwar Hossain, former foreign secretary Syed Moazzem Ali, communication expert Rahamatullah and journalist Zaghlul Ahmed Chowdhury.
Moni said historically Bangladesh had good relations with India and during our liberation war in 1971 India had hosted nearly one crore Bangladeshi refugees.
“But after the political turmoil in 1975, the relations had become bitter. Now we are trying to recover lost ground and giving shape to a relation based on cooperation,” she added.
She said that during the recent visit of Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee both the Governments had discussed the progress of the joint communiqué signed by the two countries in January this year.
Professor Imtiaz Ahmed said that Bangladesh could benefit by the loan agreement if Bangladeshi businessmen would initiate business moves “aggressively,” with the seven Northeastern states of India.
Prof Imtiaz hoped that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would pay his return visit to Bangladesh very soon. He suggested that it was the Indian Government’s duty to refurbish its image before the proposed visit by signing long-awaited Teesta water sharing agreement, a clear announcement on its intentions about the Tipaimukh Dam, and initiating steps for the peaceful resolution of border disputes.
FBCCI president A K Azad however complained that commodities which Bangladeshi businessmen could export to India had been included in the negative list of 198 items compiled by Delhi.
“On the other hand India is not allowing some of our goods like cement to the exported in the name of quality certification despite the fact that our cement meets BSTI standards, which is an International quality norm,” he added.
FBCCI president, the top leader of the premier umbrella organisation for businessmen, severely criticised the Bangladesh missions abroad for their alleged non-cooperation with the Bangladesh businessmen.
“They are there just to have fun. In the morning they go to the office on their Mercedes and then send it back for use by their family members. They come back from their offices after just reading the daily newspapers,” he alleged.
The Foreign Minister assured the business community that their demands would be addressed.
Syed Moazeem Ali suggested foreign ministry redefine its job profile – from merely making visits abroad to making itself more efficient and work oriented.
“Nowadays, all visits are not essential when communication through e-mail and phone are possible from all over the world”, he added.
published 24, august 2010, the independent
100 Foreigners to be honoured, Indira Gandhi will get spl honour
Diplomatic Correspondent
A national committee is expected to finalise a list of some 100 foreigners to be honoured on the occasion of the 40th Independence Day on March 26 next year for their contribution to the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.
The committee met for a third time yesterday with foreign minister Dr Dipu Moni in the chair at the foreign ministry. After the committee’s approval the list will go to the cabinet for final approval.
The heroes will be honoured in Dhaka and those who cannot make it, will be given the honour by the Bangladesh missions abroad.
Talking to the reporters after the meeting, Dipu Moni said that the draft list had been reviewed. The list will however only be finalized in the next meeting.
She said that foreigners, even Pakistanis would be included in the list for their contribution to Bangladesh’s Independence struggle and movement for releasing Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from Pakistani jail in 1971.
The sources participating in the meeting told this reporter that the late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi would be conferred a special honour for her “immense” support to the Liberation war.
“Some 100 foreign nationals of different categories are expected to be ceremonially awarded coinciding with our 40th Independence Day on March 26 next year in Dhaka . . . but Mrs. Gandhi would be conferred with a special honour,” secretary of the Liberation War Ministry Uzzal Bikash Dutta said.
He said a national committee constituted earlier nominated her for the special honour for her “unique” role in “offering training to freedom fighters, refuge to millions of people who fled the country and building world opinion for Bangladesh’s independence”.
At least 41 Indian civilian and military people including current finance minister Pranab Mukherjee were in the draft list. Former US senator Edward Kennedy, singer George Harrison, French author and politician André Malraux, Soviet president Nikolai Podgorny, Cuban leader Fidel Castro, British leaders Edward Heath, BBC journalists Mark Tally and Simon Dring and US daily New York Times were the other prominent figures in the list suggested for the award.
Dutta said people belonging to different categories like foreign statesmen, politicians, diplomats, soldiers, artistes, writers, journalists, rights activists and groups and media like BBC and All India radio have also been chosen for the award.
The Government proposes to invite the recipients or their relatives to receive the awards in Dhaka.
Earlier, the government had formed a committee headed by foreign minister Dr. Dipu Moni to identify foreigners who had backed Bangladesh’s liberation struggle. A joint secretary of the ministry of liberation affairs will act as the member secretary of the committee.
published 23,August 2010, The Independent
A national committee is expected to finalise a list of some 100 foreigners to be honoured on the occasion of the 40th Independence Day on March 26 next year for their contribution to the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.
The committee met for a third time yesterday with foreign minister Dr Dipu Moni in the chair at the foreign ministry. After the committee’s approval the list will go to the cabinet for final approval.
The heroes will be honoured in Dhaka and those who cannot make it, will be given the honour by the Bangladesh missions abroad.
Talking to the reporters after the meeting, Dipu Moni said that the draft list had been reviewed. The list will however only be finalized in the next meeting.
She said that foreigners, even Pakistanis would be included in the list for their contribution to Bangladesh’s Independence struggle and movement for releasing Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from Pakistani jail in 1971.
The sources participating in the meeting told this reporter that the late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi would be conferred a special honour for her “immense” support to the Liberation war.
“Some 100 foreign nationals of different categories are expected to be ceremonially awarded coinciding with our 40th Independence Day on March 26 next year in Dhaka . . . but Mrs. Gandhi would be conferred with a special honour,” secretary of the Liberation War Ministry Uzzal Bikash Dutta said.
He said a national committee constituted earlier nominated her for the special honour for her “unique” role in “offering training to freedom fighters, refuge to millions of people who fled the country and building world opinion for Bangladesh’s independence”.
At least 41 Indian civilian and military people including current finance minister Pranab Mukherjee were in the draft list. Former US senator Edward Kennedy, singer George Harrison, French author and politician André Malraux, Soviet president Nikolai Podgorny, Cuban leader Fidel Castro, British leaders Edward Heath, BBC journalists Mark Tally and Simon Dring and US daily New York Times were the other prominent figures in the list suggested for the award.
Dutta said people belonging to different categories like foreign statesmen, politicians, diplomats, soldiers, artistes, writers, journalists, rights activists and groups and media like BBC and All India radio have also been chosen for the award.
The Government proposes to invite the recipients or their relatives to receive the awards in Dhaka.
Earlier, the government had formed a committee headed by foreign minister Dr. Dipu Moni to identify foreigners who had backed Bangladesh’s liberation struggle. A joint secretary of the ministry of liberation affairs will act as the member secretary of the committee.
published 23,August 2010, The Independent
Ashuganj-Akhaura road development work soon: ONGC’s power project in Tripura
ANIS ALAMGIR
Renovation and development of the 50 kilometre-long Ashuganj-Akhaura road will begin shortly opening the way for carrying 93 heavy consignments of power generation equipment for the upcoming 740 MW power project in Tripura. The development work will include upgrading the existing road, construction of bridges and diversion of roads where necessary.
Bangladesh has agreed in principle to allow India to use its designated waterways and road to transport heavy machines for the Tripura power project. The gas-based project, the biggest ever to be set up by the state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation ( ONGC), is coming up in south Tripura's Palatana, about 60 kilometres from Agartala, the state capital, and is expected to be operational by 2012.
While the ONGC will carry out the work, Bangladesh engineers will supervise it. Talking to The Independent, an official of the ministry of shipping confirmed that the ONGC would appoint all contractors, but Bangladeshi engineers would supervise their work. The Indian Oil and Gas Corporation would award contracts to Indian as well as Bangladeshi contractors to do the construction and repair work on the basis of eligibility.
At a recent meeting, the ministry of shipping prepared a draft memorandum of understanding which will become effective after getting the nod from the Prime Minister's Office.
The ministry also decided to start development work of the Ashuganj port, located in the Meghna river delta, which ultimately will become the main hub of transporting Indian goods. According to the plan, Indian goods will be carried through the new route - Kolkata-Holdia-Raimongal-Mongla-Kaukhali-Barisal-Hizla-Chandpur-Narayangang-Boirabbazar-Ashuganj. From Ashuganj, goods would be carried in Bangladesh trucks and tractor-trailers to the Akhaura-Agartala border.
The fate of the Tripura mega power project had looked gloomy as transportation of heavy machinery, including turbines, by surface through the mountainous northeastern states was extremely difficult. The ONGC now will ship ODCs (Over Dimensional Cargo) from the Haldia port in West Bengal to Ashuganj of Bangladesh by waterway and from there to Pallatana in Tripura state through the Ashuganj-Akhaura road.
According to the Bangladesh-India joint communiqué signed in January, India would make the necessary investment for the purpose of ODCs' transfer. It also mentioned, "Contractors from both countries shall be eligible for the work."
However, till date it is not clear whether India will offer financial assistance for the development of the road or not. The Bangladesh government in the meantime has taken up another 33.82 million US dollar project for upgradation of the road between Sarail to the Akhaura land port as national highway. This money is part of the US$ one billion Indian loan.
India is keen that Bangladesh starts renovation and development works on the Ashuganj-Akhaura road by the end of this monsoon period so that it can send 93 heavy consignments of power generation equipment to Tripura by early November.
published on 23 august the independent
Renovation and development of the 50 kilometre-long Ashuganj-Akhaura road will begin shortly opening the way for carrying 93 heavy consignments of power generation equipment for the upcoming 740 MW power project in Tripura. The development work will include upgrading the existing road, construction of bridges and diversion of roads where necessary.
Bangladesh has agreed in principle to allow India to use its designated waterways and road to transport heavy machines for the Tripura power project. The gas-based project, the biggest ever to be set up by the state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation ( ONGC), is coming up in south Tripura's Palatana, about 60 kilometres from Agartala, the state capital, and is expected to be operational by 2012.
While the ONGC will carry out the work, Bangladesh engineers will supervise it. Talking to The Independent, an official of the ministry of shipping confirmed that the ONGC would appoint all contractors, but Bangladeshi engineers would supervise their work. The Indian Oil and Gas Corporation would award contracts to Indian as well as Bangladeshi contractors to do the construction and repair work on the basis of eligibility.
At a recent meeting, the ministry of shipping prepared a draft memorandum of understanding which will become effective after getting the nod from the Prime Minister's Office.
The ministry also decided to start development work of the Ashuganj port, located in the Meghna river delta, which ultimately will become the main hub of transporting Indian goods. According to the plan, Indian goods will be carried through the new route - Kolkata-Holdia-Raimongal-Mongla-Kaukhali-Barisal-Hizla-Chandpur-Narayangang-Boirabbazar-Ashuganj. From Ashuganj, goods would be carried in Bangladesh trucks and tractor-trailers to the Akhaura-Agartala border.
The fate of the Tripura mega power project had looked gloomy as transportation of heavy machinery, including turbines, by surface through the mountainous northeastern states was extremely difficult. The ONGC now will ship ODCs (Over Dimensional Cargo) from the Haldia port in West Bengal to Ashuganj of Bangladesh by waterway and from there to Pallatana in Tripura state through the Ashuganj-Akhaura road.
According to the Bangladesh-India joint communiqué signed in January, India would make the necessary investment for the purpose of ODCs' transfer. It also mentioned, "Contractors from both countries shall be eligible for the work."
However, till date it is not clear whether India will offer financial assistance for the development of the road or not. The Bangladesh government in the meantime has taken up another 33.82 million US dollar project for upgradation of the road between Sarail to the Akhaura land port as national highway. This money is part of the US$ one billion Indian loan.
India is keen that Bangladesh starts renovation and development works on the Ashuganj-Akhaura road by the end of this monsoon period so that it can send 93 heavy consignments of power generation equipment to Tripura by early November.
published on 23 august the independent
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Basu’s house at Barodi to be converted into a tourist centre
Anis Alamgir
The Bangladesh government is going to honour the veteran Indian Communist leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Late Jyoti Basu by setting up a library and a tourist centre at his ancestral house in Chowdhury Para, Barodi, under Sanargaon Upzila, about 20 Km from the capital.
Following a directive from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to this effect, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs finalised the decision in a recent meeting with its Secretary Hedayetullah al Mamun. The tourism ministry has also given consent to the proposal.
Since the government is now waiting to get a nod from his family members living in Kolkata, the foreign ministry has asked the Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata mission to obtain the permission from his family members, as Bangladesh wants to preserve the house having memories of the veteran Bengali leader.
Jyoti Basu was born on July 8, 1914 in Kolkata in an upper middle-class Bengali family, but his father Nishikanta Basu, a doctor by profession, hailed from the village of Barodi in Narayanganj district of Bangladesh.
Basu, during his last visit to Bangladesh in 1999, had visited his ancestral house and expressed his desire to the Bangladesh government to convert the house into a library. He regularly enquired about the present condition of the house till his death on January 17, 2010.
After his death, during discussion on a condolence motion in the Bangladesh parliament to pay respect to Basu, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had assured to preserve his memories in Bangladesh by setting up a library at his ancestral house.
Among others, Sheikh Hasina had attended the funeral of the CPM leader in Kolkata. He had good relations with Bangladesh's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Hasina had great respect for Basu. As the chief minister of West Bengal, Basu had played a crucial role in reaching an agreement on sharing of water of the river Ganges in 1996 after Hasina came to power.
The Independent, 18 August, 2010
The Bangladesh government is going to honour the veteran Indian Communist leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Late Jyoti Basu by setting up a library and a tourist centre at his ancestral house in Chowdhury Para, Barodi, under Sanargaon Upzila, about 20 Km from the capital.
Following a directive from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to this effect, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs finalised the decision in a recent meeting with its Secretary Hedayetullah al Mamun. The tourism ministry has also given consent to the proposal.
Since the government is now waiting to get a nod from his family members living in Kolkata, the foreign ministry has asked the Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata mission to obtain the permission from his family members, as Bangladesh wants to preserve the house having memories of the veteran Bengali leader.
Jyoti Basu was born on July 8, 1914 in Kolkata in an upper middle-class Bengali family, but his father Nishikanta Basu, a doctor by profession, hailed from the village of Barodi in Narayanganj district of Bangladesh.
Basu, during his last visit to Bangladesh in 1999, had visited his ancestral house and expressed his desire to the Bangladesh government to convert the house into a library. He regularly enquired about the present condition of the house till his death on January 17, 2010.
After his death, during discussion on a condolence motion in the Bangladesh parliament to pay respect to Basu, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had assured to preserve his memories in Bangladesh by setting up a library at his ancestral house.
Among others, Sheikh Hasina had attended the funeral of the CPM leader in Kolkata. He had good relations with Bangladesh's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Hasina had great respect for Basu. As the chief minister of West Bengal, Basu had played a crucial role in reaching an agreement on sharing of water of the river Ganges in 1996 after Hasina came to power.
The Independent, 18 August, 2010
Stranded Pakistanis want to vote
From Anis Alamgir
DHAKA-When Bangladesh is gripped by the post-mayoral elections, several thousand Urdu speaking residents called “stranded Pakistanis” have been glued to events in Pakistan, which they consider their homeland.
The stranded Pakistanis ignored the elections in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka and have been debating how they would possibly be able to join this month’s referendum in Pakistan to determine President General Parvez Musharraf’s tenure in office.
However, the Pakistani High Commission has said that these stranded Pakistanis cannot vote, because they do not have the requisite documents.
This is the first time the Pakistani Government has taken all preparation to open a polling center in Dhaka on the occasion of referendum for Pakistani nationals living in Bangladesh for business, employment and other reasons. With the permission from local government ministry of Bangladesh headed Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general, the mission also requested all Pakistani nationals to cast their vote from 9 am to 7 pm on that day at its premises if they had valid passport or ID card.
Pakistani refugees, who are originally from India’s Bihar state and migrated to the then East Pakistan after the partition of the Indian sub-continent in 1947, are also demanding voting rights.
They have refused Bangladeshi citizenship since the birth of the new nation in 1971 and want to go back to Pakistan. They said as they were Pakistani and submitted their documents to Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, they have every right to cast their vote in the coming referendum.
“If I get the chance of course I will cast my vote. Although we are living in Dhaka, but what’s the problem with it? We are demanding our voting right as Pakistanis as the Pakistan government is arranging voting here”, said Abdul Latif Khan,70, told this correspondent.
At his Geneva camp house in capital Dhaka’s crowded Mohammadpur area, Vice President of the SPGRC, an organisation of Stranded Pakistanis for repatriation to Pakistan, Latif said, “I had come here from Punjab of India in 1947 when I was a 13-year-old boy. Now I can not move very well, but if I get the chance even the day before I die, I want to avail the opportunity to go my homeland — Pakistan.”
Another Pakistani refugee, Raja Mama,45,claimed:”We have submitted our photos and ID cards to the Pakistani High Commission in Dhaka. Why we will not be allowed to vote?” Raja added “I am a refugee like President Musharraf. I came here from Bihar and he went had gone from Delhi to west Pakistan. That is the only difference. If we would have gone to West Pakistan, someone from us might have become President of Pakistan today.”
Some 3,200 refugee families comprising 20,000 people now live in the Geneva camp in Dhaka city. They live in inhuman conditions in a 6/6-foot makeshift homes on an average with 8 to 12 people in each. The refugee are not Bangladeshi, although they are living here for decades and neither Pakistani. The Pakistani government has no time to see their problems. From their birth they have only one dream to return to their dreamland — Pakistan.
Like Geneva camp, about 20 camps exist in Dhaka. At least 66 more are based in Khulna, Saiyedpur and other parts of Bangladesh.
There are 234,440 Pakistani refugees are living in Bangladesh, according to a joint survey conducted by Saudi-based NGO, Rabita, Pakistan HC in Dhaka and Government of Bangladesh in 1992. They are getting per head three-kilograms wheat every three-month from the government.
A portrait of General Pervez Musharraf hangs along with that of General Ziaul Haque in the offices of the Stranded Pakistanis General repatriation Committee (SPGRC) in a small room at the Geneva camp. A fluttering Pakistani flag on the roof top of the office catches the eye of any visitor.
SPGRC President Mr. Abdul Zabbar Khan is little critical about Musharraf.
“When he came to power he promised that he would fight corruption and poverty, besides recovering the ill-gotten wealth of the politicians, but he has done nothing,” Zabbar Khan said, adding “he is completely mum on our repatriation issue.”
Zabbar said MQM and Muslim League (Nawaz Sharif) gave only lip-service to the issue. In this regard we have no complain against Benazir Bhutto as she did not hide her stand against our repatriation.
Zabbar Khan recalled comments made by Pakistani Minister Omar Asghar when he visited the Geneva camp. The minister said Pakistan government was doing wrong against stranded Pakistani. His father Asghar Khan also visited this camp and showed his sympathy to the stranded Pakistanis. But when we wrote a latter to Mr. Omar after he became a member of Musharraf’s cabinet, he did not reply.
Stranded Pakistanis regretted that they have never been invited by Pakistan HC, although they observe important national days of Pakistan, including 23 March at their camp.
However, when contracted an official of Pakistan HC said, “as they don’t have any legal documents, we cannot allow them to vote. On the other hand what documents they have submitted to us, that is only for repatriation purposes. They have nothing to do with the voting.”
published 29 April 2002, The Nation, Pakistan
DHAKA-When Bangladesh is gripped by the post-mayoral elections, several thousand Urdu speaking residents called “stranded Pakistanis” have been glued to events in Pakistan, which they consider their homeland.
The stranded Pakistanis ignored the elections in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka and have been debating how they would possibly be able to join this month’s referendum in Pakistan to determine President General Parvez Musharraf’s tenure in office.
However, the Pakistani High Commission has said that these stranded Pakistanis cannot vote, because they do not have the requisite documents.
This is the first time the Pakistani Government has taken all preparation to open a polling center in Dhaka on the occasion of referendum for Pakistani nationals living in Bangladesh for business, employment and other reasons. With the permission from local government ministry of Bangladesh headed Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general, the mission also requested all Pakistani nationals to cast their vote from 9 am to 7 pm on that day at its premises if they had valid passport or ID card.
Pakistani refugees, who are originally from India’s Bihar state and migrated to the then East Pakistan after the partition of the Indian sub-continent in 1947, are also demanding voting rights.
They have refused Bangladeshi citizenship since the birth of the new nation in 1971 and want to go back to Pakistan. They said as they were Pakistani and submitted their documents to Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, they have every right to cast their vote in the coming referendum.
“If I get the chance of course I will cast my vote. Although we are living in Dhaka, but what’s the problem with it? We are demanding our voting right as Pakistanis as the Pakistan government is arranging voting here”, said Abdul Latif Khan,70, told this correspondent.
At his Geneva camp house in capital Dhaka’s crowded Mohammadpur area, Vice President of the SPGRC, an organisation of Stranded Pakistanis for repatriation to Pakistan, Latif said, “I had come here from Punjab of India in 1947 when I was a 13-year-old boy. Now I can not move very well, but if I get the chance even the day before I die, I want to avail the opportunity to go my homeland — Pakistan.”
Another Pakistani refugee, Raja Mama,45,claimed:”We have submitted our photos and ID cards to the Pakistani High Commission in Dhaka. Why we will not be allowed to vote?” Raja added “I am a refugee like President Musharraf. I came here from Bihar and he went had gone from Delhi to west Pakistan. That is the only difference. If we would have gone to West Pakistan, someone from us might have become President of Pakistan today.”
Some 3,200 refugee families comprising 20,000 people now live in the Geneva camp in Dhaka city. They live in inhuman conditions in a 6/6-foot makeshift homes on an average with 8 to 12 people in each. The refugee are not Bangladeshi, although they are living here for decades and neither Pakistani. The Pakistani government has no time to see their problems. From their birth they have only one dream to return to their dreamland — Pakistan.
Like Geneva camp, about 20 camps exist in Dhaka. At least 66 more are based in Khulna, Saiyedpur and other parts of Bangladesh.
There are 234,440 Pakistani refugees are living in Bangladesh, according to a joint survey conducted by Saudi-based NGO, Rabita, Pakistan HC in Dhaka and Government of Bangladesh in 1992. They are getting per head three-kilograms wheat every three-month from the government.
A portrait of General Pervez Musharraf hangs along with that of General Ziaul Haque in the offices of the Stranded Pakistanis General repatriation Committee (SPGRC) in a small room at the Geneva camp. A fluttering Pakistani flag on the roof top of the office catches the eye of any visitor.
SPGRC President Mr. Abdul Zabbar Khan is little critical about Musharraf.
“When he came to power he promised that he would fight corruption and poverty, besides recovering the ill-gotten wealth of the politicians, but he has done nothing,” Zabbar Khan said, adding “he is completely mum on our repatriation issue.”
Zabbar said MQM and Muslim League (Nawaz Sharif) gave only lip-service to the issue. In this regard we have no complain against Benazir Bhutto as she did not hide her stand against our repatriation.
Zabbar Khan recalled comments made by Pakistani Minister Omar Asghar when he visited the Geneva camp. The minister said Pakistan government was doing wrong against stranded Pakistani. His father Asghar Khan also visited this camp and showed his sympathy to the stranded Pakistanis. But when we wrote a latter to Mr. Omar after he became a member of Musharraf’s cabinet, he did not reply.
Stranded Pakistanis regretted that they have never been invited by Pakistan HC, although they observe important national days of Pakistan, including 23 March at their camp.
However, when contracted an official of Pakistan HC said, “as they don’t have any legal documents, we cannot allow them to vote. On the other hand what documents they have submitted to us, that is only for repatriation purposes. They have nothing to do with the voting.”
published 29 April 2002, The Nation, Pakistan
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Efforts to bring back killers come cropper
ANIS ALAMGIR
Despite best efforts of the government to bring back six convicted killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, it has not been able to produce any substantial result, to date. Moreover, even its efforts to sign extradition treaties with the USA, Canada, Libya and India to facilitate their extradition have not met with success.
To know the whereabouts of the fugitive killers, the government also sought the help of the Interpol, but the outcome is again frustrating.
Of the 12 convicted ex-army men, five had been hanged in the Dhaka central jail January 27 this year. Those sent to the gallows were Sayed Faruk Rahman, Sultan Shahrier Rashid Khan, Mohiuddin Ahmed (Artillery), Bazlul Huda and AKM Mohiuddin Ahmed (lancer). Another killer Aziz Pasha died in Zimbabwe a few years back.
The fugitives are Khandakar Abdur Rashid, Shariful Huque Dalim, AM Rashed Chowdhury, SHMB Nur Chowdhury, Abdul Mazed and Moslem Uddin.
Out of them, the government knows the locations of only AM Rashed Chowdhury and SHMB Nur Chowdhury. Rashed Chowdhury lives in Los Angeles and is seeking asylum in Canada, while Nur Chowdhury lives in Toronto. He has been challenging a Canadian deportation order on the grounds that he will be put to death if returned to Bangladesh.
Canada, which abolished capital punishment in 1976, requires foreign nations to guarantee that any suspect extradited or deported from there would not be awarded death penalty for alleged crimes committed abroad.
In November last year, Bangladesh Law Minister Shafique Ahmed visited Canada and the USA to push for the deportation of those two killers. He met senior leaders of the Canadian and US administrations. He was hopeful to bring the killers back with their help.
Although there is no confirmation, but the government believes that Khandakar Abdur Rashid and Shariful Huque Dalim are living in Libya and Pakistan. On the other hand, Abdul Mazed and Moslem Uddin are said to be hiding in India.
However, the foreign ministry yesterday claimed, “The government is hopeful it will be able to bring back all fugitive killers of Banglabandhu from their present locations and carry out the full judgment by hanging them.”
In a statement, the foreign ministry also said that in this regard, a taskforce headed by the law minister had already been working and foreign ministry was helping the team.
According to sources, there was no progress on the extradition treaty with the USA, Canada, Libya and India. The foreign ministry sources also believed that if the countries concerned were willing to send the self-confessed killers, there was no need for extradition treaties. The USA has set the example by sending one killer in the case, who was later hanged following a verdict to this effect by the Bangladesh’s Supreme Court, along with other killers.
However, the government had able to bring back Bazlul Huda from Thailand through an extradition treaty during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s first regime.
published on 15 august 2010, The Independent
Despite best efforts of the government to bring back six convicted killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, it has not been able to produce any substantial result, to date. Moreover, even its efforts to sign extradition treaties with the USA, Canada, Libya and India to facilitate their extradition have not met with success.
To know the whereabouts of the fugitive killers, the government also sought the help of the Interpol, but the outcome is again frustrating.
Of the 12 convicted ex-army men, five had been hanged in the Dhaka central jail January 27 this year. Those sent to the gallows were Sayed Faruk Rahman, Sultan Shahrier Rashid Khan, Mohiuddin Ahmed (Artillery), Bazlul Huda and AKM Mohiuddin Ahmed (lancer). Another killer Aziz Pasha died in Zimbabwe a few years back.
The fugitives are Khandakar Abdur Rashid, Shariful Huque Dalim, AM Rashed Chowdhury, SHMB Nur Chowdhury, Abdul Mazed and Moslem Uddin.
Out of them, the government knows the locations of only AM Rashed Chowdhury and SHMB Nur Chowdhury. Rashed Chowdhury lives in Los Angeles and is seeking asylum in Canada, while Nur Chowdhury lives in Toronto. He has been challenging a Canadian deportation order on the grounds that he will be put to death if returned to Bangladesh.
Canada, which abolished capital punishment in 1976, requires foreign nations to guarantee that any suspect extradited or deported from there would not be awarded death penalty for alleged crimes committed abroad.
In November last year, Bangladesh Law Minister Shafique Ahmed visited Canada and the USA to push for the deportation of those two killers. He met senior leaders of the Canadian and US administrations. He was hopeful to bring the killers back with their help.
Although there is no confirmation, but the government believes that Khandakar Abdur Rashid and Shariful Huque Dalim are living in Libya and Pakistan. On the other hand, Abdul Mazed and Moslem Uddin are said to be hiding in India.
However, the foreign ministry yesterday claimed, “The government is hopeful it will be able to bring back all fugitive killers of Banglabandhu from their present locations and carry out the full judgment by hanging them.”
In a statement, the foreign ministry also said that in this regard, a taskforce headed by the law minister had already been working and foreign ministry was helping the team.
According to sources, there was no progress on the extradition treaty with the USA, Canada, Libya and India. The foreign ministry sources also believed that if the countries concerned were willing to send the self-confessed killers, there was no need for extradition treaties. The USA has set the example by sending one killer in the case, who was later hanged following a verdict to this effect by the Bangladesh’s Supreme Court, along with other killers.
However, the government had able to bring back Bazlul Huda from Thailand through an extradition treaty during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s first regime.
published on 15 august 2010, The Independent
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