Bangladesh foreign relations

[Bengal_Tiger]

Thread on Bangladesh and its foreign relations.

On this thread I will provide coverage of Bangladesh and its foreign relations rather than multiple threads.




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Dhaka, Algiers sign MoU on consultations


Senior Correspondent, bdnews24.com
Published: 2014-05-29 20:42:59.0 BdST Updated: 2014-05-29 20:42:59.0 BdST






Bangladesh and Algeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on foreign office consultations.





This is the first ever bilateral agreement to have been signed, according to the foreign ministry.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra signed the MoU in the Algerian capital on Thursday.

Ali is in Algiers to attend the 17th Session of the NAM Ministerial Meeting.

The MoU was signed in line with the “present government’s thrust on further broadening and deepening bilateral relations with the African countries”, the ministry said in a media statement.

The foreign minister hoped the deal would “open up opportunities for further strengthening the bilateral relations”.

He said it would create a platform for “exploring new avenues and reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral relations on a periodic basis”.

The foreign ministers recalled the close friendship between Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and President Boumeddin of Algeria, and “expressed their resolve to carry forward their legacy to revitalise the bilateral relations through enhanced interaction and cooperation”.

They also observed that Bangladesh and Algeria enjoyed “excellent cooperation” in all multilateral forums.

“This could further energize the bilateral relations, with particular focus on intensifying trade and investment cooperation,” said the statement.

Bangladesh invited Algeria to explore business opportunities through trade delegations and by organising trade fairs.

The foreign minister also extended an invitation to his Algerian counterpart to visit Bangladesh.

http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2014/05/29/dhaka-algiers-sign-mou-on-consultations

[Bengal_Tiger]

1. Algeria along with a lot of the pro-Soviet/socialist bloc supported Bangladeshi independence and saw the liberation struggle there as similar to their one against the French.


2. Algerian support for Bangladesh is very much welcome because

a: Saudi Arabia is a hostile enemy of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi people. So Algerian support helps to decrease the problems the Saudi regime can cause.
b: Algeria is the 2nd biggest country in the Arab world in terms of population.
c: It has a powerful military, one of the most powerful in Africa and the Arab world.
d: It is resource rich.


3. Many of the leaders of Algeria have been Chaoui "Berbers". I used to have an Algerian friend who was a relative of former Algerian president, Lamine Zeroual (a Chaoui from Batna).

The Chaoui unlike the Kabyle "Berbers" (Imazighen) are comfortable with being both Arabophone and being Amazighi ("Berber").



A Chaoui "Berber" woman.



The legendary and wily Algerian fox, former president of Algeria Houari Boumediene (Abu Madyan). A friend of Mujib, the Bangladeshi leader.



4. Algeria has recently "saved" the Tunisian economy by giving them funds. Tunisia being the country where the "Arab spring" started which engulfed the Arab world causing the fall of Mubarak, fall of Qaddafi and civil war in Syria.

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTP5Dv15g6wiALwZ-nCj_Qg7iNFpjfahnfc0YQXf6deMF7dUFvI

5. Algeria has defeated "Islamist" terrorists. Bangladesh has also defeated "Islamist" terrorists but faces the long-term problem of the Saudi-backed "Jamaat e Islami" terrorist organization active in the country.

[Bengal_Tiger]

BD businessmen expect to double annual trade with Philippines

Talha Bin Habib





Country's businessmen are expecting to double the annual bilateral trade with the Philippines within the next few years considering the potential between the two countries, a joint chamber leader said.

"There is potential to increase annual bilateral trade with the Philippines to US $ 200 million from $ 100 million within the next few years," Rashed Maksud Khan, president of Bangladesh- Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BDPCCI) told the FE Wednesday.

With this end in view the Bangladeshi businessmen will fly to the Philippines at the end of the year. The businessmen of both the countries are maintaining correspondence in this regard.

Mr Khan who was also the former president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) said, "We are corresponding with the Philippines trade bodies' leaders to finalise our trip there. We hope to visit the country in November, this year".

Earlier, commerce minister Tofail Ahmed visited the Philippines from May 21-23, 2014 aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment.

"We will sit with the Filipino traders to identify products aiming to increase export and import between the two countries," Mr Khan mentioned.

He said the two countries have many opportunities to enhance mutual trade. Bangladesh could scale up its export of jute goods, dry fish, textile, ready made garment (RMG), pharmaceuticals, agro products, leather and leather goods and electric cables to the Philippines.

He suggested constant contact between the businessmen of the two countries and exchange of visits regularly for increasing bilateral trade benefits.

Mentioning Bangladesh's trade with Thailand, he said once upon a time the annual trade with Thailand was only $ 50 million, and now it stood at more than $1billion within a few years due mainly to regular contacts and visits between the two countries' businessmen.

He said that if the businessmen of Bangladesh and Philippines visit each other's country regularly and are acquainted with their products then it will be possible to double bilateral trade and investment within the next few years.

He said that they will request the Filipino entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh.

"We will request the Filipino businessmen to invest in the service, healthcare, education and fashion design sectors," he mentioned.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2014/05/29/36588

1. Bangladesh has a population of 160 million approx and the Philippines 99 million approx, so let's say 100 million.

Thus 160+100 million = 260 million.


2. The Philippines is experiencing very rapid economic growth as we can see from the table below.



Source: Office of the President of the Philippines.


3. Bangladesh and the Philippines have good relations. On a personal level one of my relatives studied in Manila for a few years and loved the country and its people.






4. Bangladesh can sell the Philippines:

i: Garments
ii: Pharmaceuticals
iii: Eletronics including TVs, DVD players, mobile phones
iv: Ships


The Philippines can sell Bangladesh:

i: Sugar
ii: Electronic products
iii: Mineral exports
iv: IT components



Manila capital of the Philippines.

[Bengal_Tiger]

German team keen on investment

Senior Correspondent, bdnews24.com

Published: 2014-05-23 22:00:17.0 BdST Updated: 2014-05-23 22:01:03.0 BdST



A high-level German business “fact finding” mission has expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh having found the country’s socio-economic and political conditions favourable for trade and investment.

According to the foreign ministry, the team told foreign minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on Friday that there had been “a negative campaign” against Bangladesh in the international media.

But their visit revealed that “the socio-economic condition and political situation in Bangladesh are very conducive for trade, investment and development”.

A ten-member German business delegation, led by Wilhelm G Clasen, Member of the Board of the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV) and Chairman of OAV Bangladesh Committee is currently in Dhaka.

They called on the foreign minister at the State Guest House Padma. State Minister for foreign affairs Md. Shahriar Alam and German ambassador Albrecht Conze were present at the meeting.

According to the foreign ministry, Clasen assured the foreign minister that they would inform the German stakeholders, including political parties, businessmen and the media that “the overall situation in Bangladesh is very much favorable for trade and investment”.

They expressed their satisfaction with the current development initiatives in Bangladesh.

They also praised the “resilience and determination” of Bangladeshi people, saying that the country was on the right track.

The foreign ministry said the Germans showed interest in investing in railway network expansion and improvement, in-land water transport, water treatment and waste management.

They were eager to invest in a machine parts factory to cater to the regional market and were considering funding a power plant generating electricity from garbage and waste.

The delegation comprised representatives from textile, jute and natural fiber derivatives, water purification and solution, transport and logistics service, secured energy supply as well as policy making and financing sectors.

The foreign ministry said the team wanted to come to Bangladesh last year, but had to reschedule the visit because of political unrest.

Now they were happy that they could come, they said in a media release.

The Foreign Minister told the delegation on the government’s efforts to bring in Foreign Direct Investment by stepping up bilateral cooperation.

He also said that the economy had gathered momentum, exports had grown and foreign investors and importers were showing renewed interest in the country's booming economy.

The foreign minister welcomed their interest in improving Bangladesh's water, railway and road infrastructure, the areas the government was focusing on as well.

He promised them of all out support.

The two-way trade between Bangladesh and Germany had crossed the $ 4 billion mark last year.

Bangladesh goods enjoy duty-free access to the Germany market, just as it does in European Union countries.

http://bdnews24.com/business/2014/05/23/german-team-keen-on-investment

- Germany is the most powerful country in Europe (excluding Russia).

- It has the biggest economy in Europe.

- It is seen as subsidizing poorer European countries like Greece.

- It is an engineering and manufacturing power house producing not only globally recognized cars but also important machines used
for manufacturing in factories.

[Bengal_Tiger]

Bangladesh supports NCP development programs



The Bangladeshi Government will support to develop the North Central Province in many fields and is ready to develop Sri Lankan fishing indjustry as well as textile industry through technology.

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh Mohamed Safeer Rahman at a discussion with the Chief Minister of the North Central Province S.M. Ranjith in Anuradhapura gave the assurance.

Rahman said he was satisfied with the progress achieved by the indigenous medicinal system in the North Central Province and expressed further support to uplift the system in Sri Lanka.

Secretary of the North Central Province H.M.R.B. Herath too participated at the discussion.

http://www.news.lk/news/business/item/981-bangladesh-supports-ncp-development-programs

Bangladesh offers support to develop fishing industry in Sri Lanka's North Central Province

Mon, Jun 2, 2014, 11:55 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.


June 02, Colombo: The Government of Bangladesh has offered its support to develop fishing and textiles industries in Sri Lanka's North Central Province.

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh Mohamed Safeer Rahman at a discussion with the Chief Minister of the North Central Province S.M. Ranjith in Anuradhapura has assured that Bangladeshi government can share its technical knowledge to develop the fishing industry as well as textile industry.

The envoy has also expressed satisfaction with the progress of the indigenous medicinal system in the North Central Province and has offered support to uplift the system in Sri Lanka.

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14A/Jun02_1401690337CH.php

- Bangladesh is willing to provide support to Sri Lanka in different sectors including textiles. This is good for Sri Lanka as Bangladesh is a market leader in garments production with a $20 billion industry.


- It is said that the Sinhalese (majority ethnic group in Sri Lanka) became Buddhist due to Bengali missionaries.

Prior to Islam, east Bengal was mainly Buddhist. Buddhism started in India/Nepal and is now popular in Mongoloid Asia e.g. Burma, Thailand, China etc but before it reached there it had to go through Bengal where it became very strong.

[Bengal_Tiger]

Venezuela learns from Bangladesh

Senior Correspondent, bdnews24.com
Published: 2014-06-03 19:37:20.0 BdST Updated: 2014-06-03 19:37:20.0 BdST



Venezuela has replicated Bangladesh’s health and education programmes that saw successes in the social sectors, its ambassador Milena Santana-Ramirez has said.

The outgoing Venezuelan Ambassador to Bangladesh, resident in New Delhi, called on Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali at his office on Tuesday.

According to the foreign ministry, Santana-Ramirez praised Bangladesh’s social sector successes such as in primary education, women’s empowerment, and child and maternal health during the meeting.

She said, in many cases, Bangladesh’s successes had encouraged Venezuela to replicate the programme there.

The Foreign Minister recalled his recent meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jose Jaua on the sidelines of the just-concluded NAM ministerial meeting in Algiers.

He expressed his happiness at the Venezuelan Minister’s readiness to visit Bangladesh and said that both countries could cooperate in the field of energy.

He also welcomed Venezuelan foreign direct investment in Bangladesh.

The Venezuelan Ambassador also confirmed the support of her government for Bangladesh’s candidature for the re-election of Ambassador Ismat Jahan to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

She also assured to arrange support for Bangladesh’s candidature to the Human Rights Council.

http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2014/06/03/venezuela-learns-from-bangladesh

- Venezuela is an oil rich South American state.

- It is going through some tension now and we wish nuestro queridos amigos del pais de Simon Bolivar buena suerte!

[Toramana]

Bangladeshis a self-respected people that don't need to invent history or an enemy to define themselves. Have high regard for them. They would go ahead and shine.

[Bengal_Tiger]

Bangladeshis a self-respected people that don't need to invent history or an enemy to define themselves. Have high regard for them. They would go ahead and shine.

Thanks.

Some of the reasons why it is useful for a Bangladeshi to be posting in a Pashtun forum include:

1. Bengalis were part of the same state/federation that most Pashtuns are now resident in i.e. Pakistan.

2. Bengalis had problems with the Pakistani centre (despite being the majority) that Pashtuns and others now face.

3. Bengalis like Afghans face covert destabilization of their country by Pakistan, though in Bangladesh it is to a much lesser extent but involves the use of the Jamaat e "Islami" and other groups. Even the very normally reticent Bangladesh army made a thinly veiled reference to Pakistani involvement a year or two ago when it thwarted an attempt to organize a coup within the Bangladesh army.

4. There are also so some cultural and historical similarities and ties with Pashtuns and Afghans.

- Both Bengal and Afghanistan had Farsi as a state language in the not so distant past. In Bangladesh in terms of old land titles and records they are all in Farsi - the Mughal state language.

- There is a Farsi/Mughal influence in both languages and also the culture e.g. in Bengali we have words such as "zindagi", "namaz" etc. Dhaka itself used to be called "Jahangir-nagar" and Sylhet was "Jalalabad".

In Sylhet there is a military base called the "Jalalabad" cantonment.

Quite a few things in Sylhet contain the name "Jalalabad".





A Sylheti newspaper.




- We have had Afghan/Pashtun conquerors in the past including in northern Bangladesh (Mymensingh) and in the south (Chittagong).

There are many other similarities which mean that Pashtuns and Bengalis have more in common with each other than Pashtuns and Malaysians, or Pashtuns and Moroccans. However the average Afghan does not have any particular affinity with Bangladesh and just sees it as a relatively far off country that happens to be Muslim and has an affinity with it as a fellow Muslim state (just like Turkey or Egypt) and it just stops there.

The success of Bangladesh since its freedom from Pakistan is also of relevance to Pashtuns as some Pashtuns (not the majority) would also like to opt out of Pakistan, so Bangladesh is the only place which gives any sort of indication what life after independence and freedom from Pakistan would look like.

[Bengal_Tiger]

Bangladesh's ambassador to the Philippines appears to be a Bangladeshi Christian.



Ambassador John Gomes (left).

He is a retired general of the Bangladeshi military.

[MENTION=3580]asad71[/MENTION]

[asad71]

Our ambassador to Burma is a Buddhist.A retired general from the Chakma tribe. We do have few non-Muslims in the military - may not be more than twenty. Mostly doctors. No non-Muslim in the ranks however.

[Bengal_Tiger]

PACANGEL, a six-day joint exercise between the U.S. Pacific Air Forces and Bangladesh Air Force and Bangladesh Army, is currently taking place in Saidpur, Rangpur and Dinajpur.



Renovation and repair of local schools as part of operation PACANGEL between the U.S. Pacific Air Force and Bangladesh Air Force and Army.



U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Alvin Alana, Operation Pacific Angel mission commander, meets Bangladesh Air Force personnel.

[Bengal_Tiger]

[Bengal_Tiger]

New Trajectory of Bangladesh-Kazakhstan Relations

BY MOSUD MANNAN in OPINIONS on 9 JUNE

SONY DSC

The two countries enjoy cordial diplomatic relations and are working towards strengthening them further. Bangladesh established diplomatic relations with Kazakhstan in February of 1992. Both countries are served by non-resident Embassies, with Kazakhstan’s Embassy in Islamabad being accredited to Bangladesh and Bangladesh’s Embassy in Tashkent is concurrently accredited to Kazakhstan.

The People’s Republic of Bangladesh has joined CICA this year. Bangladesh’s Finance Minister Ama Muhith has visited Astana in April 2014 during the 47th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Development Bank (ADB). Mr. Muhith has stressed the need for coordinated initiatives for stronger economic ties with Kazakhstan. Last year, I was appointed a new ambassador to Tashkent and presented my credentials as a non-resident ambassador in Kazakhstan in October 2013.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister visited Astana in June 2011 to take part in a meeting of OIC Foreign Ministers and again in September 2012 to participate in the 20th Commemorative Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of CICA.

In such multi-lateral flora, Bangladesh and Kazakhstan have a good track record of cooperation, Kazakhstan, for example, supported Bangladesh’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council and membership of the Executive Board of UNESCO in 1999. They have also supported a number of Bangladesh’s proposals in the international arena, including the declaration of 21st February as International Mother Language Day. Bangladesh, in turn, has supported Kazakhstan’s membership of the Executive Board of UNESCO and its candidacy to host Expo 2017.

Bangladesh is closely monitoring these developments and continuously seeking opportunities for new avenues of mutual cooperation between the two countries.

The President of Kazakhstan has made major investments in the infrastructure of his country; the newly constructed city of Astana is his greatest legacy. Bangladesh is considering the possibility of exporting labour to Kazakhstan.

Both governments are actively pursuing the boosting of economic ties. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kazakhstan, for example, has offered to sign a bilateral agreement on cooperation with the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) in order to facilitate trade and economic relations between the business communities of the two countries. A draft contract is currently under active consideration.

Bangladeshi companies, under the auspices of the Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), participated in international trade fairs held in Almaty; most recently at a pharmaceutical trade fair on May 14-16, 2012. In October 2013, a 10-member Trade Delegation, led by commerce secretary Mahbub Ahmed, visited Astana to increase bilateral trade cooperation in the fields of RMGs, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, etc.

Although Bangladesh imports a significant amount of Kazakh products, exports to Kazakhstan are mainly limited to a small quantity of tea, jute, jute products, leather products, leather and garments.

To strengthen trade relations, agreements on trade and economic cooperation, investor protection, avoidance of double taxation and cultural cooperation must be signed. To promote trade and economic relations with Kazakhstan, the Government of Bangladesh through Sonali Bank credited $6.5 million to Turin Bank of Kazakhstan, to facilitate the purchase of various goods from Bangladesh with a guarantee offered by the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Kazakhstan. From the Kazakh side, Turin Bank received the credit fund and amount.

The Bangladesh Embassy for Kazakhstan, with residence in Tashkent, eagerly supports the growth of bilateral ties is working to promote large initiatives between the two countries, especially in trade and commerce.

The author is the ambassador of Bangladesh to Kazakhstan with a residence in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

http://www.astanatimes.com/2014/06/new-trajectory-bangladesh-kazakhstan-relations/

1. Kazakhstan is the largest Muslim country in the world in terms of territory.

2. It is richer than Turkey in terms of GDP per capita, i.e the average Kazakh is richer than the average Turk.



Bangladeshi diplomat in Kazakhstan.



Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

[Bengal_Tiger]

Dhaka, Phnom Penh to sign four deals

Cambodian PM arrives today

Diplomatic Correspondent

Dhaka, Phnom Penh to sign four deals

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen arrives here this morning on a three-day official visit when Dhaka and Phnom Penh are expected to ink four deals to boost bilateral relations.
This is going to be the highest level visit from Cambodia. Hun Sen is coming at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Bangladesh premier visited Cambodia on January 21-23, 2001.
Hun Sen will lead a delegation comprising deputy premier, foreign affairs minister, agriculture minister, forests and fisheries minister, minister of culture and fine arts and senior officials of the Royal government of Cambodia.
The official talks between the two premiers will be held tomorrow, and it will be followed by signing of three agreements and one memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Of the three agreements, one will be on establishing a joint commission for promoting bilateral cooperation, another on the promotion and reciprocal protection of investment and the other on cultural cooperation.
The MoU will be on scientific and technical cooperation in agriculture sector.
According to the programme schedule, Hun Sen will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from Cambodia at 9:50am and Hasina will receive him.
The Cambodian premier will visit National Mausoleum in Savar at 3:10pm to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War. He will also plant a tree at the mausoleum premises.
From there, he will go to Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) where Mohammad Habibur Rahman Khan, chairman of Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), will receive him.
Hun Sen will visit the city's Bouddha Bihar in the evening.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) will host a dinner in honour of the Cambodian PM and members of his delegation at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam will call on Hun Sen separately at Sonargaon Hotel tomorrow morning.
The Cambodian premier will visit Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the city and place wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the same day.
In the afternoon, Hun Sen will have a one-to-one meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
Later the two countries will hold bilateral talks there which will be followed by the signing of four deals.
At the official talks, Dhaka will stress the importance of increasing people-to-people contact apart from seeking for steps to ease visa restrictions for Bangladeshi nationals.
Dhaka is also expected to seek long-term lease of land for contract farming in Cambodia by its nationals.
In the evening, Hasina will host a banquet in honour of her Cambodian counterpart. Hun Sen is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Wednesday morning.

http://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/dhaka-phnom-penh-to-sign-four-deals-28735

- Cambodia is an ASEAN member where labour costs are as cheap (if not cheaper in some ways) as Bangladesh and has the potential to be another Asian tiger economy.

[Bengal_Tiger]

Bangladesh elected to the UN Human Rights Council

Senior Correspondent, bdnews24.com
Published: 2014-10-21 22:37:00.0 BdST Updated: 2014-10-22 01:57:10.0 BdST

Bangladesh has been elected a member to the top UN human-rights forum for 2015-2017 term in what the foreign minister touts as a massive global endorsement of the Sheikh Hasina government amid a barrage of criticism by international human-rights groups.



In the 47-nation UN Human Rights Council’s “highly competitive” elections held in New York on Tuesday, it was pitted against South Asian giant India, Indonesia, Qatar and Thailand in the Asia group.

Bangladesh had been there before, as recently as 2011’ but this time it had to ride over a vicious propaganda where money was poured to snuff out it chances in the balloting.

It was no less a person than Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali – the man who spearheaded the campaign to garner support from far and wide – who first broke the news to bdnews24.com.

India came out on top with most votes in the group followed by Indonesia. Bangladesh secured 149 votes – the third highest votes in the group while Thailand was eliminated.

“This win,” an elated Mahmood Ali declared, “again proves that Bangladesh is absolutely on the right track under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.”

It was “all the more pleasing as it comes after impressive wins by Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury as Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s chair and by Saber Hossain Chowdhury as president of the global parliamentary group”, the country's top diplomat enthused.

Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN AK Abdul Momen termed it a “rare” international honour for Bangladesh having notched these successive victories in the global elections.

He told bdnews24.com that this UN human-rights council election victory proved that international community had confidence in the incumbent administration in Dhaka.

Momen, however, said that some Hong Kong-based organisations had been “aggressively campaigning against Bangladesh so that no one votes for us”.

“They were spending money on the propaganda. But (UN) member states have kept their confidence in the current leadership in Bangladesh and voted us in all elections.”

Officials who closely worked on the campaign told bdnews24.com that they had been worried about the election since Bangladesh was much criticised after the Jan 5 elections and the worst-ever building collapse last year.

“The (foreign) minister took it very seriously. Only for this election, he personally wrote to every ambassador or high commissioner seeking support,” said a senior official.

“Even he sent his deputy (State Minister M Shahriar Alam) to New York during the elections,” added the official who declined to be named.

This victory sent “a strong reaffirmation of the present government’s proactive diplomatic and political contributions and commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights nationally and globally”, the foreign ministry in a statement said.

Bangladesh has tasted victory in this election before.

It had been a member of this UN body for the two successive terms until 2012.

According to the rules, a member is not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms that compelled Dhaka to take a break.

The members of the General Assembly vote in the election through direct and secret ballot.

Bangladesh floated its candidature in mid-2013.

This Human Right Council created in 2006 oversees global human-rights standards, mechanisms and normative deliberations on promotion and protection of human rights.

The Council’s membership is based on equitable geographical distribution. Seats are distributed as 13 each for African States and Asia-Pacific States, eight for Latin American and Caribbean States, seven for Western European and other States, and six for Eastern European States.

http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2014/10/21/bangladesh-elected-to-the-un-human-rights-council