‘India’s reported message to US good for stability’

Staff Reporter  :
The Foreign Ministry (FM) has acknowledged that if the Indian government chooses to voice its opinions both for its own interests and in favour of regional peace and stability, the region would undoubtedly reap the benefits.

The Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen made the comments when the journalists drew his attention to a report published by Anandabazar Patrika which said that India is not happy with the current role of the US centering the upcoming elections in Bangladesh and New Delhi feels that if Hasina’s government in Bangladesh is weak, it will not be good for either India or America.

This message has also been conveyed to Washington.

“The Indian government is a highly mature government.

They are an extremely powerful democratic country.

They have done what they thought was right. We have nothing to say about them because they are a very mature government.

If they have said anything like this for themselves and for regional peace and stability, it will certainly benefit this region,” Momen said during a curtain raiser at the foreign ministry on Sunday on the occasion of the Prime Minister’s Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS Summit.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Foreign Ministry spokesperson
Seheli Sabrin, among other high officials, were present on the occasion.

To attend the Summit, Prime Minister flanked by Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Private Industry and Investment Salman F. Rahman will leave Dhaka on August 22 and the 14-member entourage will return on August 26.

In response to a question whether Prime Minister will have sidelines meetings with Chinese President Xi Jingpin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi there, Dr Momen said, “We have plans to organise several meetings on the sidelines.

The details of these meetings are still being finalised as they are typically confirmed at the last moment. This process is currently underway.”

Regarding the meeting with Narendra Modi in Johannesburg, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said, “We have requested several states and governments for bilateral meetings.

However, since there is an opportunity for a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G-20 Summit, it might happen in Delhi”
When asked about the opposition BNP’s demand for allowing BNP Chairperson Person Khaleda Zia abroad for better treatment, Dr Momen said, “I don’t know if any country has sent prisoner abroad.

If you (journalists) know inform me. We are providing her with the best medical care in the country.”

When inquired about BNP leader Salauddin, who is currently in Shillong, India, and has yet to return to Bangladesh as his travel pass will expire next month, Foreign Minister Dr. Momen was asked how his repatriation will be managed, considering his conviction in a case.

“Everything will be done as per the rules and regulations of the Home Ministry,” he said.

Asked about Bangladesh’s joining the BRICS, Foreign Minister Momen said, “South African President told our Prime Minister earlier that they want to increase the member of BRICS.

Then Prime Minister welcomed it. But currents members of BRICS need consensus before adding new members.”

The minister, furthermore, said, “It will be good for Bangladesh if we can join BRICS as it will help developing countries like us with funding. We have no hurry about it.”

“In view of the global economic challenges and developmental collaborations, Bangladesh, along with nearly 20 other nations from South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, has expressed interest in joining the BRICS coalition.

Notably, in 2021, Bangladesh secured membership in the New Development Bank of BRICS, signifying its economic dialogue,” he said.

Regarding the forthcoming BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, the minister said, “On August 23, Prime Minister will address the “Bangladesh Trade and Business Summit,” a joint endeavor by the Bangladesh Security and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

Subsequently, she will attend the “Regional Envoys Conference,” where diplomats from Southern African nations will gather.

On the same day, the Prime Minister will engage in discussions with leaders and dignitaries from BRICS member countries and guest nations, including the President of South Africa.

On August 24, Prime Minister Hasina will participate in the BRICS-Africa Outreach and the BRICS Plus Dialogues.

As a representative of the New Development Bank, she will deliver her remarks on behalf of Bangladesh.

Representatives, heads of states and heads of governments from approximately 77 nations across the world are anticipated to be present.