Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Segunbagicha, Dhaka

Press Release

Dhaka, 2 July 2008

98,000 cleared for foreign employment in June alone: An all-time record, says Adviser

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, who is also in charge of the Ministry of Expatriates’Welfare and Overseas Employment stated that in the month of June, 98,000 Bangladeshi workers have been issued emigration clearance for overseas employment.

“This is an all-time record, and exceeds the previous one of September 2007 when 92000 were cleared”, the Foreign Adviser said.

“While we are phased with these numbers, we are also aware that much remains to be done, particularly in terms of upgrading skills. We already have programmes on hand in that respect”, Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury further stated.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 2 July 2008

SAARC evolving into a new stage of regional cooperation

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, said that SAARC was evolving into a new stage of regional cooperation and the forthcoming summit in Colombo will take the "world's largest regional grouping in terms of population" to higher levels of understandings on issues such as energy, food security, and environment.

He said this while speaking to the media after his meeting with Dr. Sheel Kanta Sharma, the Secretary General of SAARC, who was on his first visit to Bangladesh after the assumption of his responsibilities. The call by the Secretary General on the Foreign Adviser took place at the Foreign Ministry today morning.

Dr. Sharma praised Bangladesh for conceiving the idea of SAARC and said Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury, who has had a very distinguished and illustrious diplomatic career, and had been involved with the birth of SAARC, was well-placed to render fruitful advice on issues connected with SAARC. Dr. Sharma added he had profited enormously from the meeting.

He said his team was committed to a very successful outcome from the forthcoming Colombo Summit.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 1 July 2008

US Ambassador discusses Kosovo with Foreign Adviser: Issue of recognition being mooted

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, received the US envoy Ambassador James F. Moriarty in the Foreign Office this afternoon.

The main purpose of the visit, as Ambassador Moriarty told the media afterwards, was to urge the Foreign Adviser to consider recognition of Kosovo, though they discussed some other bilateral issues as well.

In reply to some questions on the current political issues in Bangladesh, the Ambassador observed that these were mostly matters for Bangladesh to decide.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, told the press that the Foreign Ministry had already issued a statement on Kosovo. The sentiments of the Bangladeshis were overwhelmingly in support of the people of Kosovo for a variety of reasons. It was hoped that a decision in this regard could be taken soon in consultation with others Islamic countries.

"In such cases, perceived national interest is always key," he added.

It may be mentioned that while the US and some European countries have accorded formal recognition to Kosovo, this has been strongly opposed by Russia, to a certain extent by China, and some others. Also the recent meeting of Islamic Foreign Ministers in Uganda failed to reach a consensus on the subject.

The Foreign Adviser also stated that Darfur and Bangladesh' peacekeeping role featured in the talks, and the Ambassador was appreciative of such role in general, though with regard to supply of some specific equipment, such as helicopters, there could be some constraints on the part of Bangladesh.

He further observed that Ambassador Moriarty had informed him of some additional US support for Sidr-affected region.

"Bangladesh and the US are two friendly countries and there is always much to talk about between us," the Foreign Adviser said.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 1 July 2008

Chief Adviser to attend D-8 Summit in Malaysia

The Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed will lead the Bangladesh delegation to the Sixth Summit of the leaders of developing 8, popularly known as D-8 scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on 8 July.

This was announced today by Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, who said: “this would be a significant gathering of the leaders of government of some of the largest Islamic countries – Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, Turkey, Nigeria and Egypt”.

The Foreign Adviser said: “the D-8 was formed with an objective to promote economic and trade cooperation among the eight largest Muslim economies. The group seeks to create new trade opportunities, promote linkages and enhance standards of living among the member states”.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury added: “the group which come into existence in 1997, has a volume of trade among themselves that stand today at US $49 billion, up from US $14.5 billion in 1999”.

The Summit is held every two years, Bangladesh having hosted the second one in 1999. The Secretariat is based in Istanbul.

The Summit will be preceded by a two-day meeting of Foreign Ministers, where Bangladesh will be represented by the Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury. The senior officials called Commissioners in D-8 will meet on 3-4 July.

“We will use this opportunity to strengthen our bilateral cooperation with Malaysia as well. As we all know, Malaysia is a significant destination for our manpower export. While the numbers are large, the challenges are also many. We will meet our appropriate Malaysian counterparts to address some of these issues”, Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury concluded.

The Chief Adviser is expected to depart Dhaka on 7 July and return the following day, 8 July.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 30 June 2008

Diplomatic initiative launched to procure fertilizer: Advisers meet Ambassadors in Foreign Ministry

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, and Dr. C.S. Karim, Agriculture Adviser, jointly met with the envoy of Russia Ambassador Gennady P. Trotsenko and the Moroccan envoy Ambassador Mohammed Houroro in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this afternoon as a part of a massive diplomatic initiative to procure fertilizer for the next 'aman' crop.

It was decided that the government would shortly send delegations to Russia and Morocco to finalize deals for as much fertilizer as can be purchased. Beside, it was decided that procurement would be made from Belarus as well.

Speaking to the media afterwards the Foreign Adviser said: "The boro yield of 17.6 million tons was a great success story in our food security. We are aiming at 13 million tons for aman. For this inputs such as fertilizer are prerequisite and the Foreign Ministry is cooperating closely with the Agriculture Ministry to locate possible sources."

Dr. C.S. Karim explained the current agriculture strategy and said the government would spare no efforts to support the farmers with all essential inputs.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 30 June 2008

Strong local government is an imperative for true democracy: Dr. Iftekhar

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, who is also a member of the Group of Five Advisers holding dialogue with political parties on behalf of the Caretaker Government, stressed that strong local government is an imperative for true and genuine democracy.

He said this while speaking to the media this morning, in the context of the Caretaker Government’s position on the holding of local government elections prior to the parliamentary polls.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury further stated that “governance must be taken to the doorstep of the people, and the only way to do it in modern times is to strengthen and empower local government. This will benefit the common citizen”, he said.

“It will entail a change of mindset and political culture, but this change will not only be a positive one but also necessary and the time for this has surely come”, he added.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 29 June 2008

"Our goal is to make it peoples' SAARC," says Dr. Iftekhar

"Our goal is to make it people's SAARC," said Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, this afternoon while speaking to the media following his meeting with the visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogollagama.

It may be mentioned that the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister had arrived in Dhaka Saturday night and was received at the Airport by the Foreign Adviser. The main purpose of the Sri Lankan Minister's visit was to deliver formal invitations to Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed on behalf of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and to Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury on his own behalf to attend the 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo in August.

The Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, held a meeting with Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, at the State Guest Padma to discuss the contents of the forthcoming SAARC Conference. He handed over to the Foreign Adviser a draft of the Declaration that is proposed to be issued in Colombo following consultations.

Afterwards both spoke to the media. Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury expressed the hope that the Colombo Summit would "lift SAARC from being a forum of governments and experts to one of peoples." Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, said SAARC today was the largest regional organization in the world, comprising one fourth of the total global population.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury later hosted a luncheon at the State Guest House in honour of the distinguished visitor and his delegation.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 29 June 2008

Foreign Adviser greets new Canadian Foreign Minister

Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury has congratulated the newly appointed Canadian Foreign Minister Mr. David Emerson. In a congratulatory message, the Foreign Adviser looked forward to working closely with Mr. Emerson in fostering "a greater degree of cooperation between two friendly countries." The Adviser expressed his confidence that collective efforts would take the existing excellent relations between us to greater heights.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 29 June 2008

Brunei will need Bangladeshi manpower, departing High Commissioner tells Foreign Adviser

The departing High Commissioner of Brunei Mr. Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman Bin Abdul Hamid paid a farewell call at the Foreign Ministry this morning on Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser.

In course of their discussion the Foreign Adviser thanked the High Commissioner for his contribution to the development of Bangladesh-Brunei relationship, which he termed as "strong and growing".

The High Commissioner also informed the Foreign Adviser that Brunei was planning to build an industrial park for which workers would be needed. He hoped that Bangladesh would be able to provide skilled, semi-skilled and low-skilled workers for the construction sector.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury told him that Bangladesh would always be ready to assist brotherly Muslim country "in every way we can."

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Press Release

Dhaka, 29 June 2008

Market for Bangladeshi labour continues to expand, says. Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury: Over 4,64,000 cleared this year so far for foreign employment

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, who is also in charge of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment said today that the market for Bangladeshi workers abroad is continuing to expand, and the government intends to pursue such expansion relentlessly.

He was speaking to the media with some specific information on the subject today.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury said: “This year, so far, we have already cleared 4,64,000 workers for employment abroad. At this rate we should easily surpass 900,000 by year end, which will be an all time record. Last year we had managed to send abroad 8,32,000 workers which was also a record”, he added.

“In terms of remittance, they have transmitted nearly US $4 billion so far. If this trend continues, and there is no reason why it should not, then we are also likely to hit record figures in this respect as well”, the Adviser further stated.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury added: “Of course, in consonance with our 9-point strategy, we will emphasize welfare and upgrading of skills. Problems still exist, but we are preparing to confront and overcome them to the best of our abilities”, he said.

“The search for new markets is on-going. We are also at the final stages of preparing manpower agreements with Bahrain and Jordan”, the Adviser concluded.

“It is my fond hope that this sector will continue to make a significant contribution to the development of Bangladesh’s economy”, Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury said.

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Press Release

Dhaka,14 June 2008

Ex-Ambassadors favour pro-active foreign policy: Foreign Adviser holds dialogue with retired diplomats

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, hosted a dialogue on Foreign Policy with retired Bangladeshi Ambassadors, at the Foreign Ministry today.

The ex-Ambassadors praised the Foreign Adviser for this initiative as this was the first time ever consultations of this nature was held at the Foreign Ministry.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury initiated the discussions by presenting a key-note paper which argued for a pro-active foreign policy, an idea that received very broad support from others.

The speakers made a large number of suggestions, and speaking to the media later, the Foreign Adviser described the discussions on “extremely rich and rewarding”.

He said to the press that foreign policy must be based on “national consensus” and many of the retired Ambassadors can help build the consensus by creating public opinion both within and outside political parties.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 12 June 2008

Dialogue with political parties is a process, not an event, says Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, said that dialogue of the Caretaker Government with the political parties is "a process and not an event" and that very soon it is hoped that all parties and opinions will participate in the same.

The Foreign Adviser said this while speaking to the media following a farewell call on him by Ambassador U. Nyan Lynn of Myanmar.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury, who was one of the four Advisers to meet with Awami League leader and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last night, said meeting was itself a part of the dialogue process in which the Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed had also participated through a telephonic conversation with the released Awami League leader.

The Foreign Adviser added that the Caretaker Government was addressing the issue of the dialogue with both the Awami League and BNP in a "balanced manner", and expressed the hope that since a favourable atmosphere has been created, very soon "the BNP would also come into the process". Endeavors to that end were already under way, he added.

The Foreign Adviser stated that the government would make every genuine effort in conformity with its pronouncements to ensure transfer of power through a free, fair and credible election held in accordance with the announced road map.

On Myanmar, he emphasized the strong interest of Bangladesh to forge greater neighbourly link and resolve all outstanding issues though cordial mutual deliberations.

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Press Release

Dhaka,11 June 2008

Bangladesh – Switzerland relations are warm, says Foreign Adviser

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, received the envoy of Switzerland Ambassador Dora Rapold in his office today.

Ambassador Rapold handed over to the Foreign Adviser a letter from the Swiss Foreign Minister Mrs. Micheline Calmy-Rey.

The letter contained an invitation from the Swiss Minister to her Bangladeshi counterpart to the Review Summit of the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence to be held in Geneva, Switzerland in September this year.

They also discussed the entire gamut of Bangladesh-Switzerland political and economic relations.

Speaking to the media afterwards, the Foreign Adviser said: “Though not a member of the European Union, Switzerland also has very close trade and investment ties with Bangladesh. We both are eager to develop them further”, he added.

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Press Release

Dhaka,11 June 2008

 

Bangladesh wants closer links with Africa, Foreign Adviser tells Ghanaian Ambassador

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, told the visiting High Commissioner from Ghana Ambassador John Bentum that Bangladesh wanted closer links with Africa in general and Ghana in particular.

He said this when the Ghanaian High Commissioner called on him following his Presentation of Credentials to President Iajuddin Ahmed.

The Foreign Adviser recalled his recent visit to Ghana in connection with UNCTAD XII and said that he had observed that there was great scope to expand economic cooperation.

He expressed the hope that the High Commissioner will pursue this objective during his term of office, which the High Commissioner acknowledged that he would be pleased to do.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 11 June 2008

Foreign Policy should be based on national consensus, Foreign Adviser tells officials

The Foreign policy of Bangladesh should be based on national consensus on what is the perceived national interest of the country, so said Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, while addressing mid-level officials of different Ministries at a seminar at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka today.

He said there were two major purposes that Bangladesh foreign policy was devoted to; first, protection of sovereignty and independence and secondly, ensuring flow of external resources for development.

He added that these twin goals could be pursued by following a ten-point strategy. These were: one, stabilizing relations with neighbors; two, fostering relations with multilateral frameworks; three, expanding cooperation with partner countries; four, ensuring duty-free and quota free access of our manufactures to foreign markets; five, exploring new markets for our manpower export and ensuring their welfare; six, attracting foreign investments; seven, negotiating favourable trading arrangements in the WTO; eight, being active in the UN system; nine, supporting peace-keeping operations and finally propagating the richness of our culture abroad to heighten interest in us as a civilizing agent in the global arena.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury added while relations with the US and the European Union remained key, it was also time for a focus on Asia, particularly the Gulf, former Soviet republics, ASEAN, China and Japan, because "the current century belongs to Asia."

The world was changing, he said, and we need to constantly adapt to these changes, or we will lag behind.The Foreign Adviser added that Bangladesh was lucky to have "sufficient intellectual resources that must be employed in the formulation and execution of our external and domestic strategies."

The event was presided over by the Principal of the Academy, Ambassador Shahed Akhter. Other speakers were Ambassador Anwar Hashim, former Principal, Mr. Anisul Haq, President, FBCCI and Mr. Salahdin Imam, a renouned analyst.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 8 June 2008

Remittances from Bangladeshi workers on phenomenal rise, Government to facilitate process, says Foreign Adviser

Remittances from Bangladeshis abroad have registered phenomenal rise in recent months. Last year it reached a record amount of US $6.56 billion. This year from January to May, it has reached to US $3.72 billion, which is another record. This also shows a rise of 43.50% over the same period last year.

“This is very good news indeed. If the flow continues at this rate this year we should be able to reach a figure that will exceed US $8 billion. The important challenge would be to device appropriate strategies in order to facilitate the process”, Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, who is also in charge of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment said.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury added: “Meantime, it seems our 9-point programme is working well. Last year 8,32,000 Bangladeshis found employment abroad. This year so far the figure has already exceeded 3,40,000. New markets such as in Russia, Eastern Europe and Canada are being located. Welfare is a challenge and we are responding to it the best we can”, he concluded.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 8 June 2008

Bangladesh elected to Council of International Sea Bed Authority: Foreign Adviser announces

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, has announced today that Bangladesh has been elected to the Council of the International Sea Bed Authority for a period of four years beginning January 2009.

The election took place in Kingston, Jamaica, during the 14th session of the International Sea Bed Authority, to which the Bangladesh delegation is being led by Mr. M.A.K. Mahmood, Additional Foreign Secretary.

The Council comprises 36 members and is the main organ for executing the activities of the Authority.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury expressed his satisfaction at the election by saying: “This is very good news for Bangladesh. During this period of our membership from 2009 to 2012 several important issues regarding Bangladesh’s relations to Sea Bed Authorities and Maritime Boundaries will need to be resolved”.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 7 June

Bangladesh poised to take off as an economic power: Foreign Adviser


Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, said that Bangladesh was “poised to take off as yet another new emerging Asian economic power.”

He said this while inaugurating a workshop on “Regional Export Competitiveness Strategy for Asia” at a city hotel today, which was jointly sponsored by the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The Foreign Adviser said that the ready-made garments industry in Bangladesh continued to perform well even after the phasing out of the Multi-fibre Agreement. But it was facing non-tariff barriers in exporting to developed country markets.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury said: “such non-tariff barriers are unfair. Our industry should be rewarded for their performance and not punished. We do not want hand-outs from trade partners. We just want a level playing field.”

He also said that the socio-economic backdrops on which economy and trade are situated must also be helpful. The reforms that the Caretaker Government has undertaken are designed to create institutions that will provide our exports and industry exactly that kind of support, he added.

If stability is continued and productivity improved, the Adviser said, there is no reason why Bangladesh cannot in a matter of years be “another huge Singapore.”

Chaired by Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI)President Farook Sobhan the workshop was addressed by the Chairman of Board of Investment Kamaluddin Ahmed and the Head of the Trade Section of the Commonwealth Secretariat Nikhil Treebhoohun.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 6 June 2008

Bumper boro harvest a gift of the peasants to the nation, says Foreign Adviser


The current bumper boro harvest is a gift of the toiling peasants to the nation, said Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser. He made these comments while inaugurating a Lions Clubs International Convention at a city hotel this morning.
The Foreign Adviser said it is a matter of great satisfaction that “we have been able to harvest 17.6 million tons of boro paddy this season.” He said in this process the toiling masses of Bangladesh, including the poor peasants, had a tremendous contribution, for which this nation remains “ever grateful” to them.
Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury also remarked that the current dialogue with the political parties was progressing satisfactorily. He expressed the hope that the process will be successful with the participation of all concerned. He further hoped that the reforms undertaken by the present government will help create social stability.
He urged all to come forward to assist in rendering social service. For this reason he praised the programme of the Lions International and acknowledged their positive role.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 5 June 2008

There is a great scope of Bangladesh-Iran Cooperation in Energy Sector: Ambassador discusses with Foreign Adviser

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, received this morning in his office the envoy of Iran Ambassador Hassan Farazandeh.

The Ambassador handed over to the Foreign Adviser a letter of invitation from the Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki to attend the Non-Aligned Ministerial Conference that will be held in Tehran on 29-30 July.

They also discussed potential of bilateral cooperation. The Iranian envoy evinced keen interest to expand cooperation with Bangladesh in the energy sector for which it was felt there was great potential.

The Ambassador also apprised the Foreign Adviser about the latest package of proposals for comprehensive negotiations with the international community on political, security, economic and nuclear issues.

"Bangladesh's friendship with Iran is deep and traditional, and our relation with Iran reflects our desire to forge greater partnership with the Islamic Ummah," Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury said.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 5 June 2008

Foreign Adviser's diplomatic initiatives succeed: Momin Miah acquitted in Oman

The diplomatic initiatives launched by the Foreign Adviser, Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, succeeded when Oman declared yesterday that their Primary Court had announced the acquittal of Mr. Mohammed Momin Miah and five other Bangladeshis held in that country on charges of murder.

It may be mentioned that Mr Momin Miah was repatriated to Oman as an accused wanted by Omani authorities in December last year. Immediately, thereafter, Oman lifted the 12 years long ban on import of Bangladeshi workers into that country. As a gesture of goodwill, Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury who is also in charge of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment visited Oman last month.

In course of his visit, the Foreign Adviser raised with the Omani government the subject of the release of Mohammed Momin Mia and some others, and was assured that this would be considered favourably. After news of the acquittal yesterday, the Foreign Adviser expressed his satisfaction: "We welcome this announcement. We hope the higher court will endorse the decision."

It is noteworthy that Oman has already become a major source of employment for Bangladeshi labour. Currently there are 1,86,259 Bangladeshi workers in Oman. This year alone 24,126 have gone since the lifting of the ban.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 3 June 2008

Over 90,000 workers employed in Saudi Arabia this year

Already over 90,000 Bangladeshi workers have found employment in Saudi Arabia this year, which is a record.

This is more than 68,000 over the same period last-year in 2007, which was also a record, exceeding 36,000 the previous year that is in 2006.

The statistics were provided by a spokesman of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.

"This is very good news which also contradicts the unfounded rumours that the Saudi labour market is shrinking for Bangladeshis in fact the figures clearly show that it is expanding," the spokesman added.

When asked to comment, the Adviser-in-charge Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury says: "Despite these increasing numbers there are still some welfare issues we are grappling. With hopefully in this, too, we shall succeed," he further stated.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 3 June 2008

Bangladeshis in Bahrain hail visa U-turn

Bangladeshis in Bahrain have hailed the U-turn in the decision of authorities on visas for workers from Bangladesh, reported the Gulf Daily News today.

The news said that the Bahraini Interior Ministry has announced on Sunday that only labourers who applied for work visa after May 27 would be affected by the ban.

Also Bangladeshi residents and their families already there would be exempt from the ban.

It would not also apply to professionals, skilled workers, or visit visas.

The paper quoted a Bangladesh, Ms Shammi, as saying "We are very happy with the decision."

It may be noted that the Bangladesh authorities in general and the Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury in particular lobbied very strongly diplomatically with the Bahraini government to have the ban turned down or reversed.

"This is a good first-step. We hope eventually the ban will be lifted totally," Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury said speaking to the media.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 2 June 2008

Foreign Adviser condemns bomb blast in Pakistan

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, expressed his deep shock at the loss of lives due to a bomb blast near the Danish Embassy in the Pakistani capital today. He also condemned the incident.

The Foreign Adviser said: "We condemn this mindless act of terrorism in the strongest term. Our hearts go out to the families of the bereaved, and we pray for the salvation of those who died in the incident."

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Press Release

Dhaka, 2 June 2008

Tackling global food crisis: “Your ideas are welcome”, Ban Ki-Moon writes Iftekhar

In a letter dated 30 May, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon stated that the ideas offered by Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury in the tackling of the global food crisis were “welcome”.

It may be noted that during the recent UNCTAD Conference at Accra, Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury had proposed to the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon that a Task Force be set up by him to address this growing crisis. The Secretary-General had accepted this proposal and set up the body.

Now in the current letter, the Secretary-General said: “Your ideas are welcome, for example, for the High Level Task Force to look at the global stocks of food grains, possible financing mechanism, and more long term and systemic issues, in order to avert future crisis of a similar nature in consultation with Member States”.

The Secretary-General further stated: “I will ensure that a key member of the support team for the Task Force will be in touch with you in particular”.

Speaking to the media later, Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury said: “I am so glad the Secretary-General has acted so promptly on the issue. It calls for UN involvement at the highest level. We will naturally continue to cooperate with him in this respect. Bangladesh’s example should also be studied by the Task Force”, he concluded.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 2 June 2008

Participation in Sangri-La Dialogue enhanced Bangladesh’s image: Dr. Iftekhar

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, upon his return from a 2-day Conference entitled Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore yesterday, said that the talks were “fruitful, and that the participation enhanced Bangladesh’s regional and international image”. The dialogue has been organized annually for the past seven years by the Singapore Defence Ministry and the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies.

It may be noted that this is the first time Bangladesh participated in this Ministerial Dialogue. This time there were 27 Foreign and Defence Ministers from the Asia-Pacific Region, besides the US, the UK and France, and over 250 academics, scientists and experts.

“In the wake of natural disasters in Myanmar and China, naturally the dialogue focused on them. The Ministers generally agreed that if required, foreign aid should be facilitated in disaster-hit countries, with agreement from and under supervision of, host nations”, Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury said, giving his assessment to the media.

“There was also a lot of interest in Climate Change and how it relates to security. I was one of the key note speakers at a session and made five proposals. These included emphasis on climate change adaptation, depoliticizing the debate and rewarding those who polluted least, making transfer of appropriate eco-friendly technology to Least Developed Countries easier, the need for the UN to provide strong leadership, and the setting up of an International Food Fund. These were all well-received”, he added.

The Foreign Adviser further stated: “Singapore is a modern Asian country which can be a model for us. Naturally, I took advantage of the visit to hold separate bilateral talks with their Foreign Minister George Yeo, and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean. We discussed how Singapore can assist us with dredging our rivers and ports, and about the scope of greater Bangladeshi skilled employers in Singapore”.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury added: “I also participated at working lunches with US Defence Secretary Gates, Japanese Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohita Bogollogama. I had a separate bilateral with the British Defence Minister Des Browne. I explained to them that Bangladesh was now most peaceful country in the South Asian region. They also appreciated how well we handled our post Cyclone Sidr relief and rehabilitation operations. This was important because how a country handled humanitarian crisis became a factor in judging their capacities”.

He concluded: “it is good that we are attending such international conferences for the first time now. It is giving Bangladesh a more positive international profile and the world is beginning to pay us attention”.

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Press Release

Singapore 1 June 2008

Bangladeshi – UK relations are strategic: Foreign Adviser

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury Foreign Adviser described the relationship between Bangladesh and the UK as “close and strategic”.

He said this following his meeting with the UK Minister of Defence, Des Browne on the sidelines of the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore.

They discussed the ways and means of cooperating on defence training and security issues between the two countries.

The British Minister appreciated the modernizing values of Bangladesh and thought that methodologies should be devised to reach this “narrative” to the Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK.

He also thought the Bangladeshi community in the UK should soon play a positive and constructive role in British politics.

Meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister

Earlier Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser held a meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart Rohitha Bogollagama in Singapore.

They discussed the agenda of the upcoming SAARC Summit in Colombo and agreed that the discussions in Colombo should focus on ‘partnership’, building on the previous theme of ‘connectivity’.

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Press Release

Singapore 31 May 2008.

Dr. Iftekhar propose Five point strategy to address security concerns: Singapore Ministry discuss climate change and Asia Pacific Security

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, proposed a five point strategy to address climate change and security concerns of the Asia Pacific Region. He was addressing a conference on the subject currently being held in Singapore attended by Foreign and Defense Ministers of the region, as well as of the UK and USA.

He said non-traditional security concerns such as those incurred by poverty, disease, climate change and food scarcity are often overlooked and need to be stressed more.

The Foreign Adviser elaborated five imperatives : first, a balanced approach to climate change debate emphasizing both mitigation and adaptation aspects; secondly, ‘depoliticizing’ the climate change discussions and rewarding those who pollute less or not at all; thirdly, the setting up of a ‘technology transfer board’ in any Post-Kyoto Agreement to facilitate eco-friendly policies by least developed countries; fourthly, strong leadership by the UN including the creation of the post of High Representative for Climate Change; and finally, the establishment of an International Food Fund with ‘special drawing rights’ for needy countries.

Today he attended a luncheon given in honour of the participating Ministers by the Singaporean Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury visited the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday and called on Foreign Minister George Yeo. He also made a formal call on Singapore Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean. Tomorrow he is scheduled to meet the UK Defense Minister Des Browne, and the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohita Bogollogama.

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Press Release

Singapore 30 May.

Singapore, a good destination for skills & semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers: Dr. Iftekhar says after meeting Singapore Foreign Minister

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, said that Singapore was a good destination for skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers. He said this today speaking to the media after a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Singapore, George Yeo.

The two Ministers expressed satisfaction over increasing trade and investment relations between the two countries. Singapore currently is the third largest source of imports for Bangladesh and fourteenth destinations for exports.

“The balance of trade is right now in Singapore’s favour, but there is a great scope on Singapore for our manufacturers such as pharmaceuticals which can help redress it. Also today we have nearly US 1 billion of investments from Singapore. I have said we would welcome more, over this relationship will be mutually beneficially. The Singapore Foreign Minister has noted the fact that Bangladesh is the most peaceful country of South Asia”,Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury further added.

Both the Foreign Adviser and his Singaporean counterpart underscored the need to strengthen bilateral political and security relations, and agreed to hold at an early date in Dhaka the second consultations between the two Foreign Ministries.

“Singapore is a great model for rapid economic development, one that is appropriate for Bangladesh to follow. Bangladeshis have great intellectual potentials and the many others common elements between the two countries are encouraging signs”, Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury also remarked.

He encouraged Singapore to be interested in the dredging of Bangladeshi rivers and ports, an area on which the island-state has great expertise.

The Bangladesh Foreign Adviser arrived in Singapore earlier today for a 2 day visit in connection with a regional conference on Security and Environment.

Calls on Defence Minister

Upon his arrival in Singapore today, Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, called on his Singapore Minister of Defence, Teo Chee Hean. They discussed bilateral and regional security issues and ways and means to expand cooperation between Bangladesh & Singapore in this respects.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 29 May 2008

Lifting of ban on work permit for Bangladeshis in Bahrain: Diplomatic efforts continuing

In order to lift the ban on work permits for Bangladeshi workers in Bahrain, efforts at diplomatic levels are continuing. It may be recalled that the ban was imposed following the murder of a Bahraini citizen by a Bangladeshi worker.

As a part of this effort the Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury who is also in Charge of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment addressed personal letters to the Bahraini Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Social Affairs and Interior expressing his regret at the incident but hoping that "the entire Bangladeshi community should not suffer for the misdeed of one person."

Earlier, the Adviser had also made a telephone call to the Bahraini State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Nizar Sadeq Al Babarna who had visited Bangladesh and is known to be a friend of this country, seeking his assistance in lifting the ban.

Under instructions of the Foreign Adviser, the CDA in Bahrain is also holding meeting with Bahrain ministers, politicians and with the Bangladeshi community.

It is believed that Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury will raise the issue with his Bahraini counterpart during the meeting of Islamic Foreign Ministers scheduled to be held in Kampala next month.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 28 May 2008

Bangladeshis stand by China at the time of distress, says Foreign Adviser

Referring to the dispatch of a plane-load of relief goods that left for China today to assist the victims of the recent earthquake, Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser said:

“Bangladeshis stand by China at their time of distress. This dispatch of relief material is symbolic of that. We also want to record our appreciation for the skilful manner the Chinese authorities are handling the relief operations. It is truly praiseworthy”.

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Press Release

Dhaka, 28 May 2008

Market for skilled workers opening up in Canada, Poland; Attempts ongoing for export to Russia, Dr. Iftekhar says

It has been learnt that opportunities for employment of skilled Bangladeshi workers are opening up in North American and European countries such as Canada, Poland and Russia.

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Adviser, who is also in charge of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare & Overseas Employment expressed his happiness at the news: “We are pleased, because this is in line with our 9-Point labour-export policy. These numbers for Canada, Poland and Russia are as yet small, but still a new beginning has been made”, the Adviser observed.

As of now 1156 skilled workers has been pre-selected for recruitment for Poland, Two Engineers have already been selected and some other recruitment is expected by BOESL. Currently a high power delegation is visiting Russia to explore market opening.

Already so far this year, 365000-emigration clearance has been issued for overseas employment. At this rate, the number could even reach a million. Ministry officials are hopeful. During the past year 832,000 workers found employment cleared, which was an all-time record.

Remittance received last year was US$ 6.56 billion,