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.
my book
Cover of my book on Iraq War. “Iraq Ranaggone”—In Iraq war field, pages from a war reporter’s diary.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
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
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Bangladeshis' illegal foray into Iraq raises UAE ire
ANIS ALAMGIR
Recent attempts by Bangladeshi job seekers to enter the war-devastated Iraq through its bordering countries have created a problem for the ministry of foreign affairs and the expatriates' welfare and overseas employment ministry.
Sources at these ministries yesterday said a number of Bangladeshis tried to enter Iraq illegally through neighbouring countries like Kuwait and Iran. This is due to the absence of full-fledged diplomatic missions in Iraq and Bangladesh since the middle of 2003 in the aftermath of the invasion of Iraq by US-led multinational troops.
Expatriates' welfare and overseas employment ministry sources said that the United Arab Emirate deported at least 40 Bangladeshis recently who tried to enter Iraq without proper visa and leaving their passports and travel documents in the UAE. Bangladesh Labour attaché to Dubai was called by the UAE authorities in this regard to express its indignation.
Quoting the UAE authorities, a Bangladesh embassy official in the UAE suggested that the welfare ministry should take proper action in this regard; otherwise it would affect the interests of genuine Bangladeshi visa seekers as well as genuine labourers who are working in the UAE. Expatriates' welfare and overseas employment minister Engineer Khandker Mosharraf Hossain yesterday took up the matter with the foreign ministry and called for quick action.
Bangladesh recently appointed retired diplomat Kamal Uddin, who served as a high commissioner to Malaysia, as ambassador to Iraq but till today Iraq did not respond.
'We are still waiting for the agreemo for Kamal Uddin', said a foreign ministry official yesterday.
Bangladesh had suspended the function of its embassy in Baghdad in late 2003. Since then Bangladesh's consular office in Dubai and the Bangladesh mission in Jordan are looking after Iraq affairs. For the last two years Dhaka has been trying to reopen its mission in Baghdad hoping that it will help to create job fortuities for Bangladeshi labourers and will help get some construction works for Bangladeshi firms in the war-devastated country.
Even during the war, Bangladesh kept its office in Baghdad shifting high officials to the Jordan mission. The Bangladesh Embassy of Baghdad was looted when the whole of Baghdad became a city of burglars just after the American invasion.
Two months after the American occupation, Bangladesh sent one of its junior diplomats to set up a new office and to find out the extent of damage to the Bangladesh embassy there. But the officer was also robbed at his residence where he had stayed for almost two months. The government ordered him to return home shutting down its office.
The Iraqi embassy stopped operation in Dhaka following the US-Iraq war in 2003. However, during the last few years, the two governments reiterated their readiness to reopen their missions in Dhaka and Baghdad.
Iraq has sent a month ago two mid-level diplomats to make its Dhaka mission functional. Iraqi Charge de' Affairs Satie Abdullah is working here from his residence. Iraq is also willing to send an ambassador to Bangladesh after things settle down in Dhaka.
published 30 September 2009, The Independent
Recent attempts by Bangladeshi job seekers to enter the war-devastated Iraq through its bordering countries have created a problem for the ministry of foreign affairs and the expatriates' welfare and overseas employment ministry.
Sources at these ministries yesterday said a number of Bangladeshis tried to enter Iraq illegally through neighbouring countries like Kuwait and Iran. This is due to the absence of full-fledged diplomatic missions in Iraq and Bangladesh since the middle of 2003 in the aftermath of the invasion of Iraq by US-led multinational troops.
Expatriates' welfare and overseas employment ministry sources said that the United Arab Emirate deported at least 40 Bangladeshis recently who tried to enter Iraq without proper visa and leaving their passports and travel documents in the UAE. Bangladesh Labour attaché to Dubai was called by the UAE authorities in this regard to express its indignation.
Quoting the UAE authorities, a Bangladesh embassy official in the UAE suggested that the welfare ministry should take proper action in this regard; otherwise it would affect the interests of genuine Bangladeshi visa seekers as well as genuine labourers who are working in the UAE. Expatriates' welfare and overseas employment minister Engineer Khandker Mosharraf Hossain yesterday took up the matter with the foreign ministry and called for quick action.
Bangladesh recently appointed retired diplomat Kamal Uddin, who served as a high commissioner to Malaysia, as ambassador to Iraq but till today Iraq did not respond.
'We are still waiting for the agreemo for Kamal Uddin', said a foreign ministry official yesterday.
Bangladesh had suspended the function of its embassy in Baghdad in late 2003. Since then Bangladesh's consular office in Dubai and the Bangladesh mission in Jordan are looking after Iraq affairs. For the last two years Dhaka has been trying to reopen its mission in Baghdad hoping that it will help to create job fortuities for Bangladeshi labourers and will help get some construction works for Bangladeshi firms in the war-devastated country.
Even during the war, Bangladesh kept its office in Baghdad shifting high officials to the Jordan mission. The Bangladesh Embassy of Baghdad was looted when the whole of Baghdad became a city of burglars just after the American invasion.
Two months after the American occupation, Bangladesh sent one of its junior diplomats to set up a new office and to find out the extent of damage to the Bangladesh embassy there. But the officer was also robbed at his residence where he had stayed for almost two months. The government ordered him to return home shutting down its office.
The Iraqi embassy stopped operation in Dhaka following the US-Iraq war in 2003. However, during the last few years, the two governments reiterated their readiness to reopen their missions in Dhaka and Baghdad.
Iraq has sent a month ago two mid-level diplomats to make its Dhaka mission functional. Iraqi Charge de' Affairs Satie Abdullah is working here from his residence. Iraq is also willing to send an ambassador to Bangladesh after things settle down in Dhaka.
published 30 September 2009, The Independent
Inept handling of sea rights may harm country: Morshed Khan
ANIS ALAMGIR
Former Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan yesterday apprehended that inept handling of the maritime boundary issue by some government officials might deprive Bangladesh of its maritime interest.
Commenting on the government decision to submit notifications of arbitration to India and Myanmar on Tuesday to their envoys, he told The Independent that the way of approach seemed "as if we are complaining against the two countries on the issue, but in reality, we are going to claim our rights."
Bangladesh, India and Myanmar are parties to compulsory arbitration under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and they are under an obligation to accept the Final Award of the Tribunal, which is expected to take four to five years.
Morshed Khan termed the submission of notifications of arbitration a traditional approach to establish maritime rights.
But he feared the approach would yield little, if the government does not go for follow up actions.
Demanding all-party involvement to resolve the maritime dispute with India and Myanmar, the BNP leader said, "People want to know our position. Foreign minister herself should make it clear to the public."
Urging all to go beyond politics, he said, "It's not an issue for Awami League or BNP. It's a national issue and we should uphold national interest first."
The former foreign minister asked the government to form a national technical committee comprising experts to oversee the issue.
He opposed the appointment of a British jurist Vaughn Lowe QC as the arbitrator of Bangladesh to plead the country's case at the UN body.
He asked, "being a foreign jurist how much does he know about Bangladesh's problem."
"Why former arbitrator Barrister A.K.H Morshed is absent," he questioned the government, saying Barrister Morshed was the chairman of the UNCLOS expert committee.
Bangladesh ratified the 1982 UNCLOS in 2001 with a view to preserving national wealth and sovereign rights in the Bay of Bengal.
Morshed Khan listed the steps taken during the four-party alliance government to resolve the crisis.
After the ratification, we formed a committee comprising representatives from the navy, air force, survey department and other concerned departments.
"We set up a UNCLOS desk at the ministry that carried out survey on maritime boundary," he said.
Six officers have been sent to UN to develop their expertise in this regard. Barrister Kaiser Morshed was the adviser of the desk.
published on 10 October 2009, the independent
Former Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan yesterday apprehended that inept handling of the maritime boundary issue by some government officials might deprive Bangladesh of its maritime interest.
Commenting on the government decision to submit notifications of arbitration to India and Myanmar on Tuesday to their envoys, he told The Independent that the way of approach seemed "as if we are complaining against the two countries on the issue, but in reality, we are going to claim our rights."
Bangladesh, India and Myanmar are parties to compulsory arbitration under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and they are under an obligation to accept the Final Award of the Tribunal, which is expected to take four to five years.
Morshed Khan termed the submission of notifications of arbitration a traditional approach to establish maritime rights.
But he feared the approach would yield little, if the government does not go for follow up actions.
Demanding all-party involvement to resolve the maritime dispute with India and Myanmar, the BNP leader said, "People want to know our position. Foreign minister herself should make it clear to the public."
Urging all to go beyond politics, he said, "It's not an issue for Awami League or BNP. It's a national issue and we should uphold national interest first."
The former foreign minister asked the government to form a national technical committee comprising experts to oversee the issue.
He opposed the appointment of a British jurist Vaughn Lowe QC as the arbitrator of Bangladesh to plead the country's case at the UN body.
He asked, "being a foreign jurist how much does he know about Bangladesh's problem."
"Why former arbitrator Barrister A.K.H Morshed is absent," he questioned the government, saying Barrister Morshed was the chairman of the UNCLOS expert committee.
Bangladesh ratified the 1982 UNCLOS in 2001 with a view to preserving national wealth and sovereign rights in the Bay of Bengal.
Morshed Khan listed the steps taken during the four-party alliance government to resolve the crisis.
After the ratification, we formed a committee comprising representatives from the navy, air force, survey department and other concerned departments.
"We set up a UNCLOS desk at the ministry that carried out survey on maritime boundary," he said.
Six officers have been sent to UN to develop their expertise in this regard. Barrister Kaiser Morshed was the adviser of the desk.
published on 10 October 2009, the independent
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Will Pakistan follow suit?
Anis Alamgir
Bangladesh is still waiting for a formal apology from Pakistan for its atrocities committed in Bangladesh in 1971.
“We have been raising the issue with Pakistan on different occasions but so far no formal expression of apology has been made”, said a top foreign ministry official yesterday when his attention was drawn to Japan’s apology for its war crimes of the 20th century on Tuesday.
However, during their visit to Bangladesh as heads of governments former prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and former President Pervez Musharraf regretted for the role of Pakistan in 1971. But Bangladesh did not consider it as an apology of Pakistan and has been raising the issue on different occasions.
The top foreign ministry official said, Bangladesh wants an apology from Pakistan in line with the tripartite agreement between India, Bangladesh and Pakistan signed in April 9, 1974 in New Delhi. In the agreement, it was mentioned how Pakistan could go ahead with the issue for normalisation of relations in the sub-continent.
Article 13 and 14 of the 16-point agreement had given detailed guideline of Pakistan’s way of tendering apology and Bangladesh’s action in response to it. Dr Kamal Hossain, Minister of Foreign Affairs, government of Bangladesh, Swaran Singh, Minister of External Affairs, government of India and Aziz Ahmed, Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs, government of Pakistan had signed the agreement on behalf of their governments.
The article 13 said: “The question of 195 Pakistani prisoners of war was discussed by the three Ministers, in the context of the earnest desire of the governments for reconciliation, peace and friendship in the sub-continent. The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh stated that the excesses and manifold crimes committed by these prisoners of war constituted, according to the relevant provisions of the U.N. General Assembly Resolutions and International Law, war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, and that there was universal consensus that persons charged with such crimes as the 195 Pakistani prisoners of war should be held to account and subjected to the due process of law. The Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs of the Government of Pakistan said that his Government condemned and deeply regretted any crimes that may have been committed. “
Continuing, article 14 said: “In this connection, the three Ministers noted that the matter should be viewed in the context of the determination of the three countries to continue resolutely to work for reconciliation. The Ministers further noted that following recognition, the Prime Minister of Pakistan had declared that he would visit Bangladesh in response to the invitation of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and appeal to the people of Bangladesh to forgive and forget the mistakes of the past, in order to promote reconciliation. Similarly, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh had declared with regard to the atrocities and destruction committed in Bangladesh in 1971 that he wanted the people to forget the past and to make a fresh start, stating that the people of Bangladesh knew how to forgive.”
However, in accordance with article 14, Pakistan had not done anything, though even just after the agreement Pakistan’s Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto visited Bangladesh for a while. On different times, Pakistani diplomats posted in Bangladesh also tried to establish that Pakistan’s apologised to Bangladesh citing this agreement, which Dhaka was never ready to accept.
In fact, Bangladesh did not get the chance to act in accordance with the agreement to show Pakistan that ‘the people of Bangladesh knew how to forgive’ as per the wish of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
the independent
11-08-10
Bangladesh is still waiting for a formal apology from Pakistan for its atrocities committed in Bangladesh in 1971.
“We have been raising the issue with Pakistan on different occasions but so far no formal expression of apology has been made”, said a top foreign ministry official yesterday when his attention was drawn to Japan’s apology for its war crimes of the 20th century on Tuesday.
However, during their visit to Bangladesh as heads of governments former prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and former President Pervez Musharraf regretted for the role of Pakistan in 1971. But Bangladesh did not consider it as an apology of Pakistan and has been raising the issue on different occasions.
The top foreign ministry official said, Bangladesh wants an apology from Pakistan in line with the tripartite agreement between India, Bangladesh and Pakistan signed in April 9, 1974 in New Delhi. In the agreement, it was mentioned how Pakistan could go ahead with the issue for normalisation of relations in the sub-continent.
Article 13 and 14 of the 16-point agreement had given detailed guideline of Pakistan’s way of tendering apology and Bangladesh’s action in response to it. Dr Kamal Hossain, Minister of Foreign Affairs, government of Bangladesh, Swaran Singh, Minister of External Affairs, government of India and Aziz Ahmed, Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs, government of Pakistan had signed the agreement on behalf of their governments.
The article 13 said: “The question of 195 Pakistani prisoners of war was discussed by the three Ministers, in the context of the earnest desire of the governments for reconciliation, peace and friendship in the sub-continent. The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh stated that the excesses and manifold crimes committed by these prisoners of war constituted, according to the relevant provisions of the U.N. General Assembly Resolutions and International Law, war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, and that there was universal consensus that persons charged with such crimes as the 195 Pakistani prisoners of war should be held to account and subjected to the due process of law. The Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs of the Government of Pakistan said that his Government condemned and deeply regretted any crimes that may have been committed. “
Continuing, article 14 said: “In this connection, the three Ministers noted that the matter should be viewed in the context of the determination of the three countries to continue resolutely to work for reconciliation. The Ministers further noted that following recognition, the Prime Minister of Pakistan had declared that he would visit Bangladesh in response to the invitation of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and appeal to the people of Bangladesh to forgive and forget the mistakes of the past, in order to promote reconciliation. Similarly, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh had declared with regard to the atrocities and destruction committed in Bangladesh in 1971 that he wanted the people to forget the past and to make a fresh start, stating that the people of Bangladesh knew how to forgive.”
However, in accordance with article 14, Pakistan had not done anything, though even just after the agreement Pakistan’s Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto visited Bangladesh for a while. On different times, Pakistani diplomats posted in Bangladesh also tried to establish that Pakistan’s apologised to Bangladesh citing this agreement, which Dhaka was never ready to accept.
In fact, Bangladesh did not get the chance to act in accordance with the agreement to show Pakistan that ‘the people of Bangladesh knew how to forgive’ as per the wish of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
the independent
11-08-10
Monday, August 9, 2010
Projects with Indian aid ‘will benefit us more’ / Dipu Moni’s claim
Monday, 09 August 2010, The independent
Foreign minister Dr Dipu Moni said yesterday that if someone analysed the Dhaka-New Delhi joint communiqué issued during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in January they would find that issues of Bangladesh interests were addressed and going to be implemented more than those of India. She was addressing a press conference yesterday at the ministry of foreign affairs on the just concluded visit of the India's finance minister Pranab Mukherjee.
However, despite repeated questions from reporters she did not cite any acceptable example in support of her claim except mentioning the next date of the joint boundary group meeting to resolve the border dispute between the two nations.
She said the Bangladesh-India Joint Border Working Group would meet in September to address the issues of demarcation of 6.5 km border and exchange of enclaves and lands in adverse possession in a package deal.
The Foreign Minister hoped that an interim agreement on the sharing of waters of the Teesta River would be concluded next year.
"We will be holding two or three more meetings of the JRC in future. Hopefully, we will be in a position to sign an interim deal relating to the Teesta's water sharing," she added.
Replying to question the foreign minister disclosed that India would get access to its landlocked seven northeastern states through Bangladesh with the construction of road and railway connectivity with the US$ one billion Indian credit, which she termed as a 'concessional loan'.
"When we are thinking about transforming Bangladesh as a regional hub and when the entire region will be brought under connectivity, India will have access to its northeastern states," she said, adding "unfettered movement of people and goods will be taking place … Bangladesh had been isolated for long."
Replying to another question the Foreign Minister said not only trucks from Nepal would enter into Banglabandh in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi trucks would also have access to Nepal and Bhutan through India.
She also said Bangladesh would take the initiative as Nepal and Bhutan could use Mongla and Chittagong ports along with India.
"This will be done by exchange of letters and no protocol is required to be signed for this," she added.
In response to a question Moni said the Indian government would give the loan through Exim Bank and the Bangladesh government would fix its priority projects for implementation with the loan.
Dipu Moni disagreed when a correspondent said the projects to be implemented were identified not by the Bangladesh government alone but by both the governments of Bangladesh and India.
When pointed to Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee' statement that the projects were identified by the two governments, Dipu Moni pleaded her ignorance about Pranab's statement.
She was asked whether 14 selected projects, to be implemented with the Indian loan, were intended to serve the purpose of connecting the seven sisters with the western part, the Foreign Minister said one billion dollar Indian credit was taken for Bangladesh's interests. India will too get the benefit.
She said that if connectivity was in place, all would get the benefit. It would be a win-win situation.
The foreign minister criticised the opposition BNP for opposing the one billion loan deal with the Indian bank saying it was completely propaganda to malign the government. "When they are in power, they appease India and when in opposition, they oppose- all are now aware of their tactics."
Dipu Moni advised that one must get out of the negative thinking that India would be benefited if roads and ports are developed. She said if rail communications are improved, Bangladesh will get the benefit as well as India.
Among others, Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes and Director General SAARC and South Asia Sufiur Rahman were present at the briefing.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
India gives $1b for projects facilitating transshipment// Delhi to allow Nepal transit to Bangladesh
Bangladesh signed a one billion US dollar loan agreement with Indian Exim Bank yesterday at state guest house Jamuna in the city for development of its infrastructure projects in areas of road, railway and river dredging mainly aimed at facilitating transit and transshipment of Indian goods to its north-eastern states. Indian finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, who arrived in the city at 3:40pm yesterday on a short working visit, and Finance Ministers of Bangladesh Abul Maal Abdul Muhith witnessed the signing ceremony. The agreement was signed by Economic Relations Division (ERD) secretary Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan and Chairman and Managing Director of Exim Bank of India TCA Ranganathan. Both the finance ministers said, the terms of the loan are 'extremely fabourable' though the country's main opposition BNP opposed the deal for its 1.75 percent interest rate, 0.5 per cent commitment fee and 20 years repayment period (including 5 years' grace period). BNP said, the rate of interest is very high compared to the World Bank and ADB.
After the signing of the agreement, in a joint press briefing at Jamuna, Pranab Mukhajee said that the line of credit for Bangladesh was the single largest credit package of New Delhi for any other country.
On the other hand, Muhith said that till date the credit was double than what India had provided to Bangladesh since its independence in 1971.
Muhith said, the Bangladesh government will utilise the money for implementing development projects, mainly for rail and road communication.
Bangladesh and India in the meantime identified some 14 projects to be implemented under the US$ 1 billion line of credit.
Muhith said Bangladesh would serve as the best transit service-providing country in the South Asian region. He said Bangladesh could provide transit facilities to Bhutan, India, Nepal, Myanmar and China.
The Bangladesh finance minister said the projects will be identified and approved by the Bangladesh government but in his statement his Indian counterpart said, the two countries would identify those.
However, India has facilitated the credit in line with the Indian Prime Minister's announcement during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India on January 10-13. According to the Bangladesh-India joint communiqué, US$ 1 billion credit will be used for a range of projects, including railway infrastructure, supply of BG locomotives and passenger coaches, procurement of buses, and dredging projects.
In his speech, Pranab Mukherjee said New Delhi has decided to export three lakh tonnes of rice and two lakh tonnes of wheat to Bangladesh though India still is continuing its ban on export of food grains.
"We are committed to assisting Bangladesh in addressing its priorities for development and in its immediate requirements and it is in that spirit that we have just agreed to export three lakh tonnes of rice and two lakh tonnes of wheat," Mukherjee said.
Referring to the joint communiqué, the Indian finance minister said, India will allow Nepal to carry its products to and from Bangladesh.
He said his country would remove non-tariff barriers for access of Bangladesh products to the Indian market.
He said, "We will soon have in place arrangements to allow trucks from Nepal to enter the Bangladesh side of the land customs station at Banglabandha". He, however, did not say whether India will allow Nepal and Bhutan to export their products by using Bangladesh ports.
"We have already identified two areas on Meghalaya border to set up border haats," Mukherjee said and added that the proposed haats (market) would start soon.
He said his country has agreed to revive the land customs stations along the Tripura- Mizoram border, build a bridge over the common river Feni at Sabroom-Ramgarh point, and strengthen other border infrastructures.
Replying to a question, Pranab Mukherjee said his country 'deeply appreciates' Bangladesh's efforts to tackle terrorism.
In response to another question, he said his country would remove non-tariff barriers for access of Bangladesh products to the Indian market.
The Indian finance minister had talks with Muhith and foreign minister Dr Dipu Moni at the Jamuna.
He had a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before going back home last night.
Earlier, a red carpet was rolled out at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as Pranab Mukherjee arrived at the airport. A special Indian air force jet carried the influential leader of India's ruling Congress-led government while his Bangladesh counterpart Abul Maal Abdul Muhith received him on the VVIP tarmac at the airport, where a tiny tot presented a bouquet to him.
Later, during his talks with Dr Dipu Moni, Bangladesh and India agreed to implement decisions made during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in January last to ensure equitable benefits for both the neighbours, said a press release of the Foreign Office yesterday.
The foreign ministry press release said, the two ministers discussed overall direction of bilateral relations and in particular reviewed progress in the implementation of the decisions taken during the visit of the Bangladesh Prime Minister to India.
Expressing his happiness at the signing of the Credit Line Agreement, Pranab Mukherjee said this is yet another leap forward in Bangladesh-India relations. Now the challenge is to identify the projects and implement them to bring mutual benefits for the peoples of the two friendly countries, added the Indian finance minister.
Dr Dipu Moni highlighted the imperative to make progress on sharing of the Teesta waters which was appreciated by the visiting minister. She also raised the issue of greater connectivity among the countries in the neighborhood and development of sub-regional projects. She underlined the immense potential of collaboration in the power sector and opined that countries in the region should harness water resources for power.
Dr. Dipu Moni reiterated early resolution of the outstanding land boundary issues in the spirit of the Land Boundary Agreement signed in 1974. The ministers agreed on the immediate holding of meetings to discuss all unresolved boundary issues. This would add momentum to the ongoing process of cooperation, she added.
High Commissioners of the two countries, Acting Foreign Secretary and other senior officials attended the meeting.
published by The Independent on 8 Aug 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Delhi signals changed approach to Dhaka: Pranab arrives today
Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee arrives in Dhaka this afternoon with New Delhi attaching great importance to his trip as a launching-pad for boosting bilateral cooperation to newer heights.
He will witness the signing of one-billion dollar credit facility by Indian private EXIM bank to Bangladesh for infrastructure projects, mainly aimed at facilitating transit and transhipment of Indian goods to north-eastern states. He will be given a special welcome by the Awami League-led grand alliance government amid tight security. This is his second visit to Dhaka during this government. Earlier, in January 2009, the veteran Congress leader visited Bangladesh for conveying New Delhi's good wishes for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government.
Just after his arrival to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the afternoon, the Indian finance minister will directly go to the state guest house Jamuna where he will witness the signing of the US$ 1 billion Line of Credit agreement by the CMD, EXIM Bank of India and the Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD) of Bangladesh.
Mukherjee will also meet the foreign and the finance ministers at state guest house Jamuna and meet the media persons.
He will have a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before going back home tonight.
Diplomatic sources said, he will convey the message of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that India is serious to beef up cooperation with Bangladesh.
He will witness the signing of one-billion dollar credit facility by Indian private EXIM bank to Bangladesh for infrastructure projects, mainly aimed at facilitating transit and transhipment of Indian goods to north-eastern states. He will be given a special welcome by the Awami League-led grand alliance government amid tight security. This is his second visit to Dhaka during this government. Earlier, in January 2009, the veteran Congress leader visited Bangladesh for conveying New Delhi's good wishes for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government.
Just after his arrival to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the afternoon, the Indian finance minister will directly go to the state guest house Jamuna where he will witness the signing of the US$ 1 billion Line of Credit agreement by the CMD, EXIM Bank of India and the Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD) of Bangladesh.
Mukherjee will also meet the foreign and the finance ministers at state guest house Jamuna and meet the media persons.
He will have a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before going back home tonight.
Diplomatic sources said, he will convey the message of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that India is serious to beef up cooperation with Bangladesh.
Experts of both the countries observed that India is yet to reciprocate to implement the joint communiqué and the decisions reached during the Hasina-Manmohan talks in January. There were media criticisms also for India's go-slow policy saying that it frustrates its partners in Dhaka and generates political space for the opponents of Indo-Bangladesh friendship.
Dhaka moved quickly to address Delhi's concerns on cross-border terrorism and connectivity to the north-east.
On the other hand, Dhaka is concerned over Delhi's inability to solve even smaller issues like the Tin Bigha corridor. In the joint communiqué, India had agreed to allow Dhaka to supply electricity to the enclave and promised to construct a flyover across the corridor for exclusive Indian use.
Again, there was no progress on boundary negotiations, Teesta water sharing, lifting of trade barriers that block entry of Bangladeshi goods into India.
Observers said, years after years, Bangladesh is waiting to deal boundary issue as a 'package' agreement including demarcation of the 6.1 km disputed border, enclaves and adverse possession in an all-in-one deal.
Bangladesh submitted a draft agreement on Teesta months ago and has been waiting for another meeting of the joint rivers commission for finalization.
Sources said, the Indian finance minister will announce a gift of three lakh tonnes of rice. He may inform the government that India is ready to schedule a meeting of the joint boundary working group after the Eid.
The Indian Prime Minister had announced a US$ 1 billion credit to Bangladesh for a range of projects, including railway infrastructure, supply of BG locomotives and passenger coaches, procurement of buses, and dredging projects during the visit of Sheikh Hasina to India in January 10-13.
After consultation with India, Bangladesh has finalised 14 development projects, particularly for infrastructure building, including those that will enhance the transit and transhipment of Indian goods to its main land to north-eastern states.
By deputing Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for a day's visit to Dhaka, India has signaled great importance it attaches to bilateral friendship with Bangladesh as its closest neighbour. New Delhi hopes that the visit would help cement the ties between the two countries in multifarious fields of joint cooperation.
India's largest circulated daily - The Times of India felt: "Mukherjee's personal appearance is deemed crucial because PM Manmohan Singh wants to send an important message to its eastern neighbour, that Bangladesh is very high on the priority list."
The message signaled India's response to Bangladesh's reported unhappiness about the tardy Indian response to bilateral matters after the visit of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.
The paper hypothesized that Mukherjee might "announce a gift of 3 lakh tonnes of rice", but much more important, apprise Dhaka that India was to schedule a meeting of the joint boundary working group after the Eid festival.
Quoting a central official, the paper reported that the boundary negotiations would involve a 'package' agreement including demarcation of the 6.1 km disputed border, enclaves and adverse possession in an all-in-one deal. "That means progress is necessarily slow," said an official.
The paper claimed that India might offer a 'draft memorandum of understanding' and 'a set of principles' on matters relating to the joint rivers commission about exchanged ideas on Teesta water sharing with Bangladesh. Quoting sources, the paper said: "Within both documents lay the contours of an agreement". It also noted that both the countries travelled a long distance to agree conducting "dredging on the Ichchamati river as well as build embankments".
The TOI reports, both "Indian officials are most bullish about the prospect of cooperation in the power sector". It felt that Mukherjee would try to convince the leadership (Bangladesh) that 1,320 mw Chittagong thermal power project, to be built by NTPC, a government undertaking, "would be on the lines of the one executed in Sri Lanka recently". Mukherjee was likely to renew a further export of eight million pieces of garments from Bangladesh to India following the completion of earlier identical quota of duty-free garments from Dhaka.
An Indian senior official told the TOI that "We have to hold Bangladesh's hand, and do it publicly," said a senior official. With Mukherjee's visit, India is hoping Bangladesh will understand that India wants to do just that. The paper concluded with observation that "India has only now made the mental changeover to a relationship that is not based on reciprocity, a governing principle for India's neighbourhood diplomacy for all these years."
According to official sources, it was learnt that Mukherjee would leave for Dhaka by a special flight tomorrow around one in the afternoon. He would head an official delegation of the finance ministry and a four-member media team.
According to Mukherjee's itinerary, it was learnt that he would return back New Delhi the same evening to attend the 125th founding anniversary of India's ruling Congress party the very next day.
published on 7 august 2010, the independent
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Dhaka set to launch Mission Africa
ANIS ALAMGIR
'Mission Africa,' the new initiative of the Bangladesh foreign ministry aimed at exploring four major areas in the second largest continent of the world, will set sail from August 23.
The mission seeks to tap the hitherto unexplored areas in manpower exports, sell the country's exportable goods, identify new areas of cooperation and investment in the second modest populous continent, a highly-placed ministry source said yesterday.
Formally named the 'Fact Finding Mission to Africa', the mission will be in two phases, with foreign secretary Mijarul Quayes leading a six- member team, comprising officials from the prime minister's office, ministries of commerce, overseas employment and expatriate welfare and foreign affairs.
The first explorers to Africa start their trip, visiting the African west coast nations of the Ivory Coast, Liberia, Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana from August 23 to September 2.
After Eid-ul-Fitr, the team will also visit some South African countries.
With Bangladesh's engagement with some African nations in connection with the peace-keeping and peace-building under the UN umbrella, Bangladesh has already made its presence strongly felt in the region.
The UN missions have also drawn the attention of the countries in the hitherto unknown continent, enhancing and strengthening bilateral, commercial, and economic relations with the countries, where our peace keepers are serving.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces Division (AFD) has said that the governments of Congo, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sudan and some other African countries have shown interest in strengthening bilateral and economic relations with Bangladesh, seeking in particular, cooperation and assistance from Dhaka.
The AFD has also identified some potential areas for bilateral cooperation, like exporting skilled and unskilled labour, business in the garments sector, pharmaceuticals, agricultural and agro-based industries, education and culture, telecommunication as well as investments in banking and financial institutions, such as leasing firms, insurance companies, etc.
The AFD has also proposed to convene an inter-ministerial meeting to explore and follow up cooperation in these areas.
The governments of African countries have also expressed similar views to the Bangladeshi contingents, who are deployed as UN peacekeepers for a long time.
Similar feelings were also conveyed to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the ministry of defence during its recent visit to Ivory Coast and Congo. The committee also pinpointed on export of manpower and Bangladeshi products, specially pharmaceuticals and ceramics, to the African countries.
Since independence, Bangladesh has been maintaining excellent bilateral relations with some African countries. Out of 56 countries of the continent, Bangladesh has missions only in Libya, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco and Egypt. Unfortunately Bangladesh doesn't have any mission in Middle and West Africa.
"The present government's policy for economic diplomacy focuses on Africa as a new destination for our manpower and exportable goods.
In line with this policy, we need to explore all possible ways for sustainable bilateral relations and tangible trade with the African nations for which we need to find out from the ground the possibilities of future cooperation with these countries," said Wahidur Rahman, director general of the African Wing of the ministry of foreign affairs (MOFA).
Talking to The Independent, Wahid, a member of 'Mission Africa' said: "Since we do not have any resident missions, bilateral relations with many African nations, including Congo, Liberia and Ivory Coast, are being looked after by our permanent mission to the UN in New York."
published on 4 august 2010, the Independent
'Mission Africa,' the new initiative of the Bangladesh foreign ministry aimed at exploring four major areas in the second largest continent of the world, will set sail from August 23.
The mission seeks to tap the hitherto unexplored areas in manpower exports, sell the country's exportable goods, identify new areas of cooperation and investment in the second modest populous continent, a highly-placed ministry source said yesterday.
Formally named the 'Fact Finding Mission to Africa', the mission will be in two phases, with foreign secretary Mijarul Quayes leading a six- member team, comprising officials from the prime minister's office, ministries of commerce, overseas employment and expatriate welfare and foreign affairs.
The first explorers to Africa start their trip, visiting the African west coast nations of the Ivory Coast, Liberia, Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana from August 23 to September 2.
After Eid-ul-Fitr, the team will also visit some South African countries.
With Bangladesh's engagement with some African nations in connection with the peace-keeping and peace-building under the UN umbrella, Bangladesh has already made its presence strongly felt in the region.
The UN missions have also drawn the attention of the countries in the hitherto unknown continent, enhancing and strengthening bilateral, commercial, and economic relations with the countries, where our peace keepers are serving.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces Division (AFD) has said that the governments of Congo, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sudan and some other African countries have shown interest in strengthening bilateral and economic relations with Bangladesh, seeking in particular, cooperation and assistance from Dhaka.
The AFD has also identified some potential areas for bilateral cooperation, like exporting skilled and unskilled labour, business in the garments sector, pharmaceuticals, agricultural and agro-based industries, education and culture, telecommunication as well as investments in banking and financial institutions, such as leasing firms, insurance companies, etc.
The AFD has also proposed to convene an inter-ministerial meeting to explore and follow up cooperation in these areas.
The governments of African countries have also expressed similar views to the Bangladeshi contingents, who are deployed as UN peacekeepers for a long time.
Similar feelings were also conveyed to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the ministry of defence during its recent visit to Ivory Coast and Congo. The committee also pinpointed on export of manpower and Bangladeshi products, specially pharmaceuticals and ceramics, to the African countries.
Since independence, Bangladesh has been maintaining excellent bilateral relations with some African countries. Out of 56 countries of the continent, Bangladesh has missions only in Libya, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco and Egypt. Unfortunately Bangladesh doesn't have any mission in Middle and West Africa.
"The present government's policy for economic diplomacy focuses on Africa as a new destination for our manpower and exportable goods.
In line with this policy, we need to explore all possible ways for sustainable bilateral relations and tangible trade with the African nations for which we need to find out from the ground the possibilities of future cooperation with these countries," said Wahidur Rahman, director general of the African Wing of the ministry of foreign affairs (MOFA).
Talking to The Independent, Wahid, a member of 'Mission Africa' said: "Since we do not have any resident missions, bilateral relations with many African nations, including Congo, Liberia and Ivory Coast, are being looked after by our permanent mission to the UN in New York."
published on 4 august 2010, the Independent
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