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PM Sheikh Hasina Stresses Mutual Benefits in Bangladesh-Maldives-Nepal Tourism Cooperation
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the importance of cooperation among Bangladesh, Nepal, and Maldives to promote tourism and achieve mutual benefits. During a meeting with the outgoing Maldives High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Shiruzimath Sameer, discussions centered on fostering collaboration in the tourism sector.
The Prime Minister extended her regards to the newly elected Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. Sheikh Hasina highlighted Bangladesh’s significant tourism potential, particularly in Cox’s Bazar, home to the world’s longest sandy sea beach. Acknowledging the contribution of Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives, she emphasized their positive impact on both countries’ economies.
The Maldives envoy expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s unwavering support during her tenure, noting that bilateral relations between Maldives and Bangladesh had reached new heights. Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and PM’s Principal Secretary M. Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present during the meeting.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud presented the prestigious ‘Asia Climate Mobility Champion Leader Award’ to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence, Ganabhaban, in the morning. The award was initially received on behalf of the Prime Minister by Dr. Hasan Mahmud and the Head of the Bangladesh delegation during the high-level segment of COP28.
Acknowledging Prime Minister Hasina’s exemplary leadership in championing climate actions and advocating for vulnerable communities globally, the Global Centre for Climate Mobility, supported by IOM and the UN system, conferred the award during a significant high-level panel on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai on December 1. The event, co-hosted by the President of the UN General Assembly, Ambassador Dennis Francis, and the Director General of IOM, Amy Pope, highlighted the urgency of climate-forced migration and displacement.
During the UNGA78 Climate Mobility Summit, Prime Minister Hasina emphasized the critical issue of climate-induced migration. The recognition through this award is a testament to her continuous efforts and Bangladesh’s advocacy in addressing climate mobility challenges.
In addition to Prime Minister Hasina, other countries such as Botswana, Suriname, and Palau were also honored, representing Africa and the Pacific. The Global Centre for Climate Mobility actively collaborates with the United Nations system, regional intergovernmental organizations, and development finance institutions to find cooperative and comprehensive solutions for climate mobility.
The award ceremony is part of a series initiated during COP27, where five African Heads of State and Government were honored as Climate Mobility Champion Leaders.
Bangladesh has emerged victorious in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) council election 2023 in category C, securing 128 votes out of the 175-member council. This marks the first time Bangladesh has won in the highly competitive category C of the IMO, as reported by the Bangladesh mission in London.
Following the election results, Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK and Permanent Representative to the IMO, Saida Muna Tasneem, expressed gratitude to IMO members for electing Bangladesh as a Council member. She reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to the IMO’s charter of actions for dealing with maritime affairs. Tasneem extended thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Shipping in Bangladesh, specifically acknowledging Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her decision to participate in the IMO council election in 2023.
“Bangladesh’s election to the International Maritime Organisation’s elite 40-member council is a testimony of the confidence and trust that the IMO member states and the International Maritime Community place in Bangladesh’s leadership as a maritime nation, led by the prudent leadership of our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” stated the Bangladesh envoy.
Previously, Tasneem was elected by consensus as the Vice President of the 33rd assembly of the IMO during which the election took place.
The IMO, as the only UN specialized body, regulates global shipping standards that impact ship-operating flag states, seafarers, and maritime safety, security, and marine pollution.
Bangladesh, heavily reliant on international trade, with 90 percent conducted via the sea, aims to address key issues such as the transition of maritime ports into green and digitalized entities and compliance with the Hong Kong convention on ship recycling and the use of greener fuels. These matters will be on Dhaka’s negotiation agenda at the IMO council during the term 2024-25.
On Saturday, (02 December), morning, various regions of the country, including the capital, experienced the impact of a 5.6 magnitude earthquake.
The tremors were felt in areas such as Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Rangpur, Chuadanga, Noakhali, Kushtia, and other parts of the country. Rabiul Haque, the officer-in-charge of the Meteorological Office, indicated that the earthquake originated in Ramganj.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the epicenter of the earthquake to be 8 km east-northeast of Ramganj upazila in Laxmipur district. The quake prompted fear, leading many individuals to evacuate their homes. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
