Don't know about additional US sanctions, says Bangladesh Foreign Minister Momen in response to report

[Homo Sapiens]

Don't know about additional US sanctions, says Foreign Minister Momen in response to report​

The foreign minister says he is not aware of any additional restrictions the US may impose on Bangladesh​

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 22 May 2023, 01:59 PM
Updated : 22 May 2023, 01:59 PM

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen says he has no information about any additional sanctions on Bangladesh by the US as reported by a newspaper.
“What (sanctions) will come about, I have no idea,” he said when questioned about media reports on the matter. “I don’t know. They have never told us before making such decisions.”
The Bangla daily Kalbela published a report on Sunday stating that the US was ‘readying’ additional sanctions on Bangladesh and the government was taking ‘preparations’.
The foreign minister had not commented on the report of the sanctions at a press conference on Sunday except to object to a segment of the report where it described him as “a lobbyist for a Chinese institution before he became minister.”
Asked why he had only objected to one section of the report, Momen said on Monday: “I don’t know. Kalbela wrote a report based on some information, but we have no idea on the matter.”
“However, there was some false information in the report. False information that is a little demeaning to our country’s government. The false information is that the foreign minister, meaning myself, worked with a Chinese lobby. This is a complete and outright lie.”
He elaborated on his objection, saying, “I felt it was important to point out the lie. I never worked for a Chinese company. I was never a lobbyist for anyone.”
“In fact, you can say that I lived much of my life in America and worked there. I don’t know why they did this. It is very strange that they knowingly gave this false and fabricated information.”
The foreign minister called the report weak, stating, “On the basis that it contained some wrong information and we haven’t heard anything about the claim. So it’s very strange and surprising. And they didn’t give any references either.”
Momen referred to Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzak’s statement on sanctions: “As the agriculture minister said yesterday, there is no reason to impose sanctions on the country.”
“But, it depends on their government. If it is imposed, it is very unfortunate. Still, America is imposing thousands of sanctions. We hope that America will come to its senses and not continue this.”
Referring to recent visits by US State Department officials and their speeches on various forums, he said: “Their speeches were very positive. It was very balanced and unbiased.”
To a question about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s comments on sanctions, the foreign minister said, “You should ask her. But politicians often use statements as warnings for others. How that will be taken literally, I can’t say.”
“We are not a country you can just toss away. We are largely not as poor, needy, or reliant on charity as we used to be. We have pride as a nation. We are proud of our heritage and our position. Despite various adversities, we are a victorious nation and we have our achievements.”
“So if anyone looks at us askance, we are flabbergasted, because we are not like that. This is an indication that Bangladesh is a victorious nation that we will not be intimidated by any kind of temptation, we will not flinch from any adverse environments. We will face challenges and overcome them. We have the capacity. I think that is the statement that has been made.”
TRAVEL WARNING ‘VERY UNFORTUNATE’
The travel warning issued by the US Embassy in Dhaka on the travel of its citizens to Bangladesh is ‘unfortunate’, Momen said.
“It is very unfortunate. The elections are seven to eight months away and already the US Embassy is asking citizens to be cautious. You should ask them why they have done this.”
“There is no wave of murders in our country, people aren’t shot down in the street, no one kills people assembling, the number of killings on our streets are close to zero without prior hostility.”
“And why would people be angry against American citizens? American citizens aren’t doing anything wrong. It is very strange. I don’t know. You should ask them why they have made this decision.”
The foreign minister described the state of law and order in the country as ‘very good’.
“There is no reason for any particular violence in our country for which any advance warning should be given.”
“I don’t know, you should ask them. Rather they should give a warning that you should be careful when you go to malls, bars, and schools in the US. That should be a warning. That would make things more consistent. Anyway, that is their affair. Surely they have their own reasoning, which they can explain more clearly.’

Don't know about additional US sanctions, says Foreign Minister Momen in response to report

bdnews24.com

 

[bluesky]

If no probable new US sanctions, then why should BD’s Hasina imposed sanctions on the USA?

She angrily said that she would not buy from a country that sanctions BD. She has sanctioned America by deciding not tobuyBoeing planes. She will buy Arrobus planes.

 

[Bilal9]

If no probable new US sanctions, then why should BD’s Hasina imposed sanctions on the USA?

She angrily said that she would not buy from a country that sanctions BD. She has sanctioned America by deciding not tobuyBoeing planes. She will buy Arrobus planes.

I see some future US sanctions on Bangladesh myself, Hasina's recent statements point in that direction.

I myself will be happiest if this does not turn out to be true.

But it may.

 

[Bilal9]

Interview with former Ambassador to China and Asif Nazrul

Two more relevant discussions

 

[bluesky]

I see some future US sanctions on Bangladesh myself, Hasina's recent statements point in that direction.

I myself will be happiest if this does not turn out to be true.

But it may.

If it is immediate sanction of BD by America, it may come at a time when Hasina Bibi slaps America by arbitrarily declaring an election date in a way that Major parties boycott it.

For example, a $500 limited export in the first month that comes down by $100 million every month thereafter. Within six months, no export to America.

Hasina will be enjoying this by telling people that she is not worried because her Lathi Bahini will be in streets to keep peace.

Can China supply her money, food, oil, fertilizer and everything to save Hasina? I fully doubt it.

Joy Bangladesh!!

 

[bluesky]

Dear Alga Momen, you see. New American sanctions on the card as declared by Blinken. Once your fascist party fails to declare a CT election time govt, there will be chaos in the country.

People will reject election under the vote-thief Hasina. So, Hasina will be held responsible for the ensuing chaos.

We can see which people will be sanctioned.

 

[leonblack08]

I see some future US sanctions on Bangladesh myself, Hasina's recent statements point in that direction.

I myself will be happiest if this does not turn out to be true.

But it may.

Sanctions on BD govt officials under Magnitsky Act is very much a possibility. In fact it could have been done a long time ago with BAL record of HR violations and political oppression.

US clearly doing this for their own geo political interest, but it may have a positive side effect. Unless, Hasina cuts a deal and gives Uncle what it wants and US looks the other way just as they are doing with Pakistan.

 

[Species]

Sanctions on BD govt officials under Magnitsky Act is very much a possibility. In fact it could have been done a long time ago with BAL record of HR violations and political oppression.

US clearly doing this for their own geo political interest, but it may have a positive side effect. Unless, Hasina cuts a deal and gives Uncle what it wants and US looks the other way just as they are doing with Pakistan.

I guess it's much deeper than that.

I don't think they can manage US only by giving few contracts here and there like they do with India.

There is a clear trend that authoritarian regimes are more likely to be pro-China and are more uncomfortable in dealing with the West. That is probably the biggest concern of the US.

 

[bluesky]

There is a clear trend that authoritarian regimes are more likely to be pro-China and are more uncomfortable in dealing with the West. That is probably the biggest concern of the US.

Pakistan Parliament has been elected in a democratic process and the country was invited by President Biden in the Democratic conference. Both IK and Shaban have been elected by the Parliament members.

Bd Parliament was not democratically elected. Therefore, no comparison between the two.

 

[VikingRaider]

Unless, Hasina cuts a deal and gives Uncle what it wants and US looks the other way just as they are doing with Pakistan.

@leonblack08 bhai , I hear some specialist opinion ( YouTube talk show) ! And I don't think that USA will support Hasina ever , unless she can win a free and fair election! Because selling democracy is the biggest asset of USA!

Specially when Bangladesh declare itself a democracy openly; unlike absolute monarchy like Saudi Arabia and few other countries!

Besides, what Hasina can offer USA that another govt ( a pro west) can't offer?

Also an autocracy will always inclined to China and USA want to prevent it at all cost , since it's the new cold war era ( between China and USA)?

So I think USA will not let BAL continue without a fair election!

And if any fair election happens , BAL is a gone case ; mainly because of 2018 farcical election!

Ps - Some even say that in order to break Myanmar ( excuse is human rights and democracy) USA can't let Bangladesh continue any autocratic regime, as you can't break a country ( Myanmar) using a land of an autocracy country! However not thinking that far now!

Let's assume it as rumor only ( breaking Myanmar through a proxy war against china ) !

 

[fallstuff]

I doubt US took the step before having a word with the BD FM. They would show their hand a little before the official announcement to work things out.
Momen knew very well about the visa ban before it was announced.
PM probably does not care much about the ban given her age, but other BAL folks do as they own properties USA and other Western Nations.
I think the intend is to create pressure on people around her to abandon her.

 

[VikingRaider]

Like many others , Pinaky also believes that visa restrictions should be more useful than sanctions!

As the current trend is sanctioned countries are taking Chinese side!

 

[Tigers]

Sanctions on BD govt officials under Magnitsky Act is very much a possibility. In fact it could have been done a long time ago with BAL record of HR violations and political oppression.

US clearly doing this for their own geo political interest, but it may have a positive side effect. Unless, Hasina cuts a deal and gives Uncle what it wants and US looks the other way just as they are doing with Pakistan.

US has no interest in the state of democracy around the world. Narendra Modi is the poster boy for political violence, media crackdowns and democratic backslide of India. His visa faces no blocks in service of democracy despite the exit of Amnesty International from India and many others.

BAL has undeniably left itself vulnerable with corruption scandals and political repression. All the homes BAL leaders have built in London, Dubai, New York, Singapore didn't fall from the sky. The yanks know it and they will exploit our vulnerabilities for their geopolitical aims.

 

[Species]

Pakistan Parliament has been elected in a democratic process and the country was invited by President Biden in the Democratic conference. Both IK and Shaban have been elected by the Parliament members.

Bd Parliament was not democratically elected. Therefore, no comparison between the two.

Pakistan is far more democratic than Bangladesh despite whatever is happening over there. Most importantly their judiciary is way stronger.

 

[Bilal9]

Comedic statement of the year by a Hasina underling: "We can have our own visa policy too" - says Obaidul Quader​

"The United States has said the new visa policy will be applicable to those responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh. We'll observe whether this visa policy is realistic or blind and deaf," the minister said.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said Bangladesh is not concerned about the new US visa policy.

"We can have our own visa policy as well. We are capable of implementing it too. Just wait and see," he said while briefing the media after observing a 4.5 km section of a BRT project in Tongi.

"The United States has said the new visa policy will be applicable to those responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh. We'll observe whether this visa policy is realistic or blind and deaf," the minister said.

He mentioned that a significant project worth around Tk5,000 crore – aimed at ensuring safer roads – is currently underway in collaboration with the World Bank.

Regarding the BRT project, he said, "This project has progressed quite far considering the timeframe. However, there is a dilemma and doubt surrounding its completion. It would have been better if the project had been thoroughly evaluated before its initiation in Gazipur."

He raised concerns that the road infrastructure projects could exacerbate traffic congestion and adversely affect the entire capital.

Addressing the challenges faced in the transportation sector, the minister stressed maintaining order and discipline.

He acknowledged the obstacles and stated that they must be overcome.

He assured that the entire project is scheduled to be completed by September or October, and preparations are underway for its inauguration.

Furthermore, plans are in motion to construct an elevated expressway to Tejgaon before the upcoming election, he said.

"The Metro Rail project is also progressing, with the goal of reaching Motijheel by September or October," Quader added.