Bangladesh Prime Minister's Foreign Visits

[eastwatch]

The article below highlights the positve points of the PM's recent visit to Bhutan.

The New Nation - Internet Edition

Building a better Bhutan-Bangladesh relationship
Md. Masum Billah

Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has just concluded her four-day official visit to Bhutan, a Sarrc member state. She had the official tour with 28-member delegation highligting mostly commerce and tourism sectors. Still it is not clear to us whether any education expert, engineer who could gather practical knowledge regarding the potential of electricity production and distribution from Bhutan to Bangladesh and any expert in tourism sector was included in the delegation.

If experts had been included in the team, it would have been very practical and useful. According to a 19-point joint statement issued from Dhaka and Thimpu at the end of Prime Minister's visit to Bhutan, both sides also agreed to explore the possibility of land connectivity to promote intra-regional trade and travel. Dhaka and Thimpu also agreed to work together in promoting regional tourism recognizing the potential of developing tourism packages offering visits to the Himalayan mountains in Bhutan and with the golden sandy beaches of Cox's Bazar and the world's largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans, in Bangladesh.

The statement said both the sides emphasized on increasing cultural and student exchange programmes. Responding positively to Bhutanese request, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina agreed to raise the yearly reserve seats for Bhutanese students for MBBS course in Bangladesh's government medical colleges under SAARC quota. These are all positive gestures for two neighbourly countries.

Commerce Minister Faruq Khan and Bhutanese Economic Affairs Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk singed the trade agreement in the presence of the two premiers at the Bhutanese Prime Minister's Office. After signing the deal, the Bhutanese prime minister expressed his gratitude to the government of Bangladesh for allowing tariff-free access of Bhutanese products to Bangladesh.

He said, "The farmers of Bhutan will be significantly benefited by the tariff-free access of 18 more products to Bangladesh market. Under the renewed trade agreement, Tamabil of Banlgadesh has been introduced as new entry point for Bhutan in the protocol to the trade agreement.

Besides, the number of products has been increased to 90 from the previous 74 for trading between Bangladesh and Bhutan. Bhutan has waived all duties on imports from Bangladesh. The Prime Minister announced that Bangladesh would reduce tariff on 18 commodities imported from Bhutan from the existing rate of 15 percent.

The trade agreement between the two countries was first signed in 1980 for ten years and extended for another 10 years automatically as per provision of the deal that means the validity was up to 2000. The trade agreement was signed again in 2003 for five years.

Now the visit of Prime Minister will further enhance and extend the commercial dealings between the two courtiers for another five years. The trade agreement would also pave the way for cooperation in other sectors in the future.

King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wancchuck sought Bangladesh's support for hosting the 16th summit of Saarc as Prime Minsiter Sheikh Hasina had an audience with the monarch discussing ways of bolstering cooperation. She assured the king of providing all possible supports to Bhutan for holding the summit. Yes, as a member since the inception of Saarc we strongly advocate Bhutan's desire to hold 16the Saarc summit.

Whatever, small or poor country she is , she has the right to hold the summit. It will increase the importance of Thimpu, the small gaps among the Sarrc countries will be narrowed and commercially, politically and in respect of international relations, Bhutan will see a broader importance in international forum and arena which we want.

The Bhutanese prime minister thanked Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasian for her strong role in the international forums regarding arranging funds for the climate-victim countries, including Bangladesh and Bhutan.

"We can take joint efforts in tackling the consequences of global warming as both the countries are exposed to worst impacts of the phenomenon." said Hasina. Bhutan like Bangladesh is going to be the worst sufferers of the global warming as glaciers in the Himalayas continued to melt down.

In this context the Bhutanese king said there are 4000 glacier lakes in Bhutan of which 24 are now in a very dangerous situation due to impact of the glacier melting, these can burst anytime and cause serious casualties of life and property.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina proposed that the electric power generated in the Hiamalyan Kingdom of Bhutan could be exported to neighboring countries, including Bangladesh. The tiny mountainous kingdom has the potential to produce up to 30000 MW of hydro electric power, according to estimates of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Indian companies have so far been able to extract 10000 MW from the country most of which goes to India, experts say.

If Bangladesh and Bhutan reach an agreement on power, they must get Indian approval to implement it. The two countries would have to construct distribution lines across 50 kilometers of Indian territory for export of electricity from Bhutan. She called for intensifying cooperation between Bangladesh and Bhutan specifically in establishing small and medium scale industries in both the countries.

Hasina in her meeting with her Bhutanese counterpart proposed that Bangladesh and Bhutan introduce cross-border road communications through three points- Burmari Port, Tamabil and Naoka- to enhance bilateral trade and people to people contact between the two countries. For such regional grid connectivity our two countries could work together. Hasina further called for united efforts for best utilization of the two countries' scenic beauties in the tourism sector.

We could prepare alluring packages combining visits to the snowy White Mountain ranges of the Himalayas with the silvery sandy beaches of Cox's Bazar in southern Bangladesh. We will be happy if we can set up land communications with Bangladesh. The host prime minister said when Hasian met him at his office Gyalong Tsholhang in the capital.

Recognizing that the full potential of the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Bhutan could not be tapped yet, the leaders of the two countries expressed the hope that Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina' visit which should remain as a milestone in the Bangladesh Bhutan relationship, would usher in a new era of cooperation and development.

 

[EjazR]

Hasina to visit India on Dec 18; anti-terror pact on cards - dnaindia.com

Dhaka: Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina will pay a three-day visit to India from December 18, during which the two countries are expected to ink three agreements, including one on combating terrorism and organised crime.

Hasina, who will be in New Delhi on her first visit since assuming office this year, is scheduled to meet prime minister Manmohan Singh on December 19, state-run news agency BSS said quoting officials.

It said she would directly fly to New Delhi on December 18 after attending the climate change summit in Copenhagen.

Foreign secretaries of the two sides met here yesterday to review bilateral issues ahead of the visit and "looked into progress on the understanding reached during foreign minister Dipu Moni's visit to India in September last," officials said.

Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Menon Rao told newsmen she had come here in the "context of preparations for a very significant visit of the Bangladesh premier" to India.

Later at a regular press briefing the Bangladesh foreign secretary Mohamed Mijarul Quayes said the priority issues his country would table at the summit would be sharing of water in common rivers, particularly Teesta, power import, connectivity with Nepal and Bhutan and other border issues.

Quayes said the two countries were expected to ink three agreements -- on mutual legal assistance on criminal matters, transfer of sentenced persons and combating international terrorism, organised crime and illegal drug trafficking.

Quayes said cooperation on dredging in major rivers, and upgradation of railway systems is also expected to come up for discussion.

He evaded a question on the issue of transit, being pursued by India for a long time, but said there should be "a space for negotiations".

He, however, hinted that New Delhi could seek transit to a third country through Bangladesh during the visit.

India has already offered Bangladesh the facility to use its territory to be connected to Nepal and Bhutan and agreed to provide railway transit for goods transportation between Bangladesh and Nepal.

He said dredging of the Ichhamati river, border issues, law and order, and security issues and Ashuganj as a port of call under the existing water transit protocol could be taken up by India.

Foreign minister Moni had earlier said the two countries planned to sign several "landmark treaties" during Hasina's forthcoming India visit as her own tour prepared the grounds for inking the deals.

During Moni's visit, India agreed to facilitate transit facility for Bangladesh to Nepal and Bhutan, provide at least 100 MW power on priority basis, increase trade and communication facilities and resolve other outstanding issues.

The two sides also agreed to settle three major border related issues on enclaves, lands in adverse possession and un-demarcated border lines under a package.

 

[eastwatch]

South Asian Media Net

PM seeks UAE investment
Monday, November 16,2009

DUBAI: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the United Arab Emirates' government to recruit more manpower from Bangladesh side by side investing in the power and energy sectors of the country.

She made the call while holding a meeting with the UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the VIP lounge of the Dubai international Airport.

The Bangladesh premier visited Dubai on an invitation of her UAE counterpart during her stay there on way to Rome to attend the World Summit on Food Security beginning today in the Italian capital.

The UAE PM gave assurance to Hasina of his all-out support to the development of Bangladesh including recruitment of more manpower and investing in the power and energy sectors of Bangladesh, PM's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad told BSS.

During the meeting, issues related to food security, climate change, river dredging, collecting dredgers, health service, development of Chittagong seaport, expansion of trade between Bangladesh and UAE got importance.

Hasina apprised the UAE premier of the present Bangladesh government's various initiatives in developing power and energy sectors and expressed her firm hope that the UAE would assist Bangladesh.

In reply, the UAE ruler assured the Bangladesh premier of providing necessary supports in this regard.

While requesting to recruit more manpower from Bangladesh, Hasina informed the UAE premier that the Bangladesh government has taken initiative to provide sector wise training to the labourers before sending them abroad.

 

[khabib]

Hasina to visit India on Dec 18; anti-terror pact on cards - dnaindia.com


During Moni's visit, India agreed to facilitate transit facility for Bangladesh to Nepal and Bhutan, provide at least 100 MW power on priority basis, increase trade and communication facilities and resolve other outstanding issues.
The two sides also agreed to settle three major border related issues on enclaves, lands in adverse possession and un-demarcated border lines under a package.

We are hearing those staff for last 37 years of solving. We will hear
the bull **** for another 37 years minimum.

 

[Stumper]

We are hearing those staff for last 37 years of solving. We will hear
the bull **** for another 37 years minimum.

So what do you suggest ?
1) War
2) Change in Government
3) Discuss and solve bilateral issue's.

What would you choose?

 

[Skies]

So what do you suggest ?
1) War
2) Change in Government
3) Discuss and solve bilateral issue's.

What would you choose?

Come on! Do u think we can win in war with India? No way!

We can discuss and solve issues. And if we could not reach to any agreement then we can put those issues hanging until we got some essential power when India will must agree with us.

Oh, one thing, do not think us weak at all. We are very emotional and can be dangerous when others want to dominate like we were in 71.

 

[Stumper]

Oh, one thing, do not think us weak at all. We are very emotional and can be dangerous when others want to dominate like we were in 71.

Keep your wet diaper for your pal's. Gives them that feeling of being Super-Man.

Past, as much glorious, as can be, is gone. Move on with life. Thats how world judges you.

 

[Skies]

Keep your wet diaper for your pal's. Gives them that feeling of being Super-Man.

Past, as much glorious, as can be, is gone. Move on with life. Thats how world judges you.

Let, just, boil our young bloods. Then the time will say.

 

[Stumper]

Let, just, boil our young bloods. Then the time will say.

As i said, keep your fan-boy stuff for your kin on this forum. We dont need or care a bit.

We shall keep to the topic in hand, to which you may contribute your wisdom.

 

[eastwatch]

Keep your wet diaper for your pal's. Gives them that feeling of being Super-Man.

Past, as much glorious, as can be, is gone. Move on with life. Thats how world judges you.

It is wiser for India not to test our resolve. It will not only ruin India, it will also ruin our own country. In a situation like that, all those Jihadis will come to the fore front, who would fight against you as well as our progressive establishments. You cannot expect to win over those fanatics.

 

[eastwatch]

South Asian Media Net

Hasina's Delhi visit may win big market
Tuesday, November 17,2009

NEW DELHI: India is set to unveil a package of unilateral concessions to give greater market access to Bangladesh products during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit here. Officials here said Sunday that India is likely to prune the negative list of goods as far as import from Bangladesh is concerned as well as cut duties on certain importables from that country.

India may announce an increase in the quantum of garments to be imported from Bangladesh from 0.8 million pieces a year, as agreed upon earlier.

The concessions on the trade front is going to be the most important development from the point of view of Bangladesh which has over the years been insisting on narrowing the trade imbalance titled heavily in favour of India.

The goods India proposes to take off its negative list for Bangladesh and the duty cuts to be offered are being negotiated by the two countries and they will be without any condition of reciprocity from Bangladesh, Delhi officials say.

The orders for trade concessions as also India's decision to grant transit to Bangladesh's trade with Nepal and Bhutan are understood to have come from the highest quarters in India as officials believe it is for the first time that while Congress is in power in India and Awami League rules Bangladesh at the same time.

There is realisation in the Indian government that given the close contacts between Congress and Awami League since long, this is the proper time that relations between the two countries now ruled by them should be taken to a new height through mutual accommodation.

The imprint of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, an economist of international repute, on the tone and tenor of relations with Bangladesh will be clear particularly with regard to India's unilateral concessions as he has been a passionate votary of India's neighbourhood diplomacy through economics.

 

[eastwatch]

I personally do not believe any effective Indian concessions. The self-centered India will give in one hand and then take away by the other hand. This article failed to mention what big benefits BD will get from India.

 

[eastwatch]

PM calls for global food governance at Rome summit :: Bangladesh :: bdnews24.com ::

PM calls for global food governance at Rome summit
Mon, Nov 16th, 2009 9:14 pm BdST

Dhaka, Nov 16 (bdnews24.com) – Prime minister Sheikh Hasina asked world leaders gathered in Rome on Monday, if trillions of dollars could be spent to save collapsing financial markets, why a similar duty was not felt to feed the world's hungry.

Hasina called on the leaders to adopt sustainable food policies, mobilise global funds and stressed the need for an equitable food governance system to fight world hunger.

She also argued for preferential treatment for LDCs in transfer of technology and fair trade rules, in her address to the World Summit on Food Security.

Brazil's president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told the summit hunger was "the most devastating weapon of mass destruction on our planet".

With the number of hungry people in the world topping 1 billion for the first time, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation called the summit in the hope leaders would commit to raising the share of official aid spent on agriculture to 17 percent of the total (its 1980 level) from 5 percent now.

Declaration disappoints

But the Summit Declaration adopted on Monday included only a general promise to pour more money into agricultural aid, with no target or timeframe for action.

A pledge to eliminate malnutrition by 2025, one of the early aims of the summit, was also missing from the Declaration, which merely stated that world leaders commit to eradicate hunger "at the earliest possible date".

Anti-poverty campaigners were writing the summit off as a missed opportunity, with most G-8 leaders skipping the event.

The sense of scepticism had already taken hold ahead of the gathering as US president Barack Obama and other leaders backed delaying a legally binding climate pact until 2010 or even later.

Meanwhile, the United Nations opened the two-day conference by saying that a climate change deal in Copenhagen next month is crucial to fighting global hunger as rising temperatures threaten farm output in poor countries.

Food, climate link

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said there could be "no food security without climate security".

"Next month in Copenhagen, we need a comprehensive agreement that will provide a firm foundation for a legally binding treaty on climate change," he said.

Africa, Asia and Latin America could see a decline of between 20 and 40 percent in potential agricultural productivity if temperatures rise more than 2 degrees Celsius, the U.N. says.

Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to be the hardest hit from global warming as its agriculture is almost entirely rain-fed.

Pressing issues for Bangladesh

Both climate and food security are immense issues for Bangladesh.

"The threat to food security seems now to be more than ever before, in the backdrop of sudden scarcity of food and its price spiral in 2007-2008, the recent worldwide financial meltdown and the looming impacts of climate change," Hasina said in her address.

"The picture we see now is a cruel one for a world where one-sixth of its population, or over a billion, are faced with the spectre of hunger."

She said the vast majority of these people reside in Least Developed Countries facing food shortage, negation of development gains, and erosion of Millennium Development Goals.

Only production of food alone cannot guarantee food security, said the prime minister.

"Available food must be accessible, particularly to the marginalised and the vulnerable. For which a fair and an equitable food governance system is required at both, national and international level."

Mentioning the Summit Declaration, adopted earlier in the day, Hasina said it provided all scope to strengthen global governance on food security, including enhanced role of the Committee on Food Security.

She stressed provisions for sustainable agricultural policies, transfer of technology, equitable and fair trade rules for food and agricultural products "with special and preferential treatment for LDCs".

'Funds needed'

She said implementing the provisions of the Declaration would require substantial funds.

"If developed countries could provide trillions of dollars to save collapsed financial markets, should they not feel any obligation to feed the starving millions?"

She welcomed a recent G-8 decision to mobilise $20 billion over three years for small farmers in food deficit developing countries. But she said the amount was insufficient.

She said additional funds would be available if only the developed countries fulfilled their ODA commitment of 0.7% of their Gross National Income to developing countries, and 0.2% to the LDCs by 2010, as affirmed in the Brussels Program of Action.

Hasina said food security was also directly related to climate change.

"Bangladesh stands out as a stark example where agricultural production has become hostage to frequent and erratic natural disasters, thereby, adversely affecting food production," sahe said.

"Significantly, the demands for meeting the adverse effects of climate change is diverting funds has also severely affecting sensitive social sectors as health, education, energy etc."

"Shortage of fund has also severely restricted our research efforts in agriculture, particularly in food production."

She said her new government, on assuming power in January, had been confronted with all these challenges.

She said agricultural policies were being put in place again, which helped Bangladesh attain food autarky once before.

These include cutting production costs, striving for fair prices for farmers, and removing bottlenecks in the marketing chain, she said.

It meant resurrecting agricultural research to find flood, drought, and salinity resistant food and cash crops, access for small farmers to sustainable technologies, social entrepreneurship, and financial credit.

'How to feed the world'

FAO has convened the Nov 16-18 Summit in a bid to marshal political will behind increased investment in agriculture and a reinvigorated international effort to combat hunger.

Three important events in October prepared the ground for the Summit, says FAO.

A High-Level Expert Forum on How to Feed the World in 2050 examined policy options that governments should consider adopting to ensure that the world population can be fed when it nears its peak of nearly 9.2 billion people in the middle of this century.

The Committee on World Food Security considered reforms that will enable it to play a much more effective role in the global governance of food security.

The theme of World Food Day (Oct 16) this year was how to ensure food security in times of crisis.

 

[eastwatch]

Hasina returns :: Politics :: bdnews24.com ::
Hasina returns

Thu, Nov 19th, 2009 12:12 pm

Dhaka, Nov 19 (bdnews24.com) – Prime minister Sheikh Hasina returned home Thursday morning from Italy.

She landed at the Zia International Airport at 9:15am and went straight to her official residence.

The prime minister left Dhaka on Nov 15 to join a three-day global food security summit in Rome.

 

[idune]

Sheikh Hasian’s hobby of foreign trips (an well known fact) and using unimportant gatherings as trip voucher. Here is summary of Sheikh Hasian’s foreign trips in last one year and tally of net achievement from these trips. This has been intended for Bangla speaking readers but in few words, net results from her trips are downright dismal and some cases negative.


Amardesh Online Edition