Foreign Ministry not a barrier to Ticfa, she says
Ruling out the possibility of discussion at the top political level during the 68th UNGA, Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Thursday said dialogue on internal political issues, especially the national election, must be held at home as Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign country.
“I haven’t heard about any arrangement for top-level discussion. Even I haven’t heard that the opposition leader is going to New York at that time (UNGA). Discussion must be held within the country,” she told a press conference at the Foreign Ministry.
The Foreign Minister said issues like human rights can be held anywhere, but election, especially the national election, must be held within the country. “We’ve an independent and sovereign country. We’re a small country with a huge population, but there’s no crisis for space and healthy environment for any discussion.”
Responding to a question, Dipu Moni said the government’s stance is very clear if the world leaders ask any question about election and the polls will be held as per the Constitution. “Where there’s a scope for discussion, we’re ready to sit for discussion with the opposition.”
In an oblique reference to BNP, Dipu Moni questioned what type of Bangladesh they will build by supporting those who had wanted to kill Bangladesh at the time of its birth?
On Ticfa issue, she said the Foreign Ministry is not a barrier to signing Ticfa (Trade and Investment Cooperation Framework Agreement) and it is ready for signing it.
“We believe, we need Ticfa because we need a platform for discussion on trade and investment issues (with USA). We’ve considered Ticfa with high importance from the very beginning,” the Foreign Minister added.
Apparently responding to Commerce Minister’s claim that Ticfa is not being signed due to the reluctance of the Foreign Ministry, Dipu said, “There’s no room for objection from our part. We just want it in such a way where our interest will be protected well.
Differing with the Commerce Minister, Dipu Moni said if the Commerce Ministry thinks that they are ready to sign Ticfa, they should send a summary to the Prime Minister’s Office following the due process.
She also said when the Cabinet approves anything, there is no scope for anybody to oppose and give objection. “Though it took time, we’ve been able to bring it to the final stage protecting our interest.” ,
On Felani issue, the Foreign Minister said they have been assured of, and are hopeful as the case is being reviewed rejecting the preliminary verdict. “We did what we should have done.”;
Responding to a question, Dipu Moni said the letter (John Kerry) was written to the Prime Minister and if any reply is to be given, it will be done from the Prime Minister’s Office.
She also said she does not know what reply the opposition leader is giving to whom she got letters.
Replying to another query on Abul Hasan Chowdhury, charged by Royal Canadian Mounted Police with Padma Bridge graft, she said the government wanted to know about it and sought information as well.
The Foreign Minister also said no meeting on the sidelines with the US administration and the Indian Prime Minister has been set yet. “If any programme is set, then we’ll let you know.”000
Dipu Moni along with her two colleagues is leaving for New York tonight (Thursday night) to attend the 68th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) while the Prime Minister will leave on September 22. “A business delegation will also be accompanying the Prime Minister,” she said.
Asked about the number of Bangladesh team, Dipu Moni said it would be known after September 22.
In the UNGA, the Prime Minister will reiterate her call for ensuring world peace, the Foreign Minister said adding that Bangladesh’s stronger presence will be visible in the UNGA because of its achievements in MDGs.
Bangladesh’s achievements will be highlighted and the roadmap for future development will get the focus, she said.
Dipu said the Prime Minister will also join a panel discussion during the UNGA with Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who was fatally wounded in a Taliban attack.
Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque, Director General (EP) M Shameem Ahsan and Director General (UN) Saida Muna Tasneem were also present.
Source: UNB Connect
