Momen urges UK to remove Bangladesh from Covid red-list

Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen, who is now in Europe, in a bilateral meeting with his British counterpart Dominic Raab on Monday called upon the UK to review the red-listing travel restrictions on Bangladesh for Covid-19, reports BSS. 

"Given Bangladesh's robust vaccine roll-out and significant reductions in covid infection to 9.82% and sufferings of more than 7000 British-Bangladeshis currently stranded in Bangladesh, the UK should consider removing Bangladesh from the covid red-list countries," he said at the meeting held virtually.

In reply, Raab assured that the UK would review the matter and his government is well aware of decreasing covid infections in Bangladesh, a press release said here today.

"I would like to assure that given the long-standing friendship between our two countries, and based on more frequent genomic sequencing data-uploading by Bangladesh, the British Government will review Bangladesh red list," British foreign secretary of state said.

However, he said, such decisions are reviewed by the Public Health Experts on a regular basis.

During their first official bilateral meeting, the two foreign ministers reaffirmed the historic and value-based relations between Bangladesh and the UK since Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971.

They agreed to jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-UK diplomatic relations through exchange of high-level visits and charting an ambitious and ever-expanding Bangladesh-UK post-Brexit strategic partnership.

Discussing the protracted Rohingya crisis and stalemate in the process of safe and sustainable returns, Momen gave historic references to earlier retaliations of Rohingyas by Myanmar.

He also requested the British minister to exert pressure on Myanmar for immediate repatriation of their Rohingyas from Bangladesh.

Mentioning the concern of the British Government on the current political turmoil in Myanmar, Raab reiterated UK's continued commitment to resolving the Rohingya crisis.

He also said that, together with the ASEAN and fellow G7 countries, UK would put increased pressure on Myanmar for a sustainable resolution of the Rohingya crisis.

Both the ministers expressed deep concern about the current Afghan situation and agreed to work closely to restore regional peace, security and stability.

Dr Momen said that Bangladesh remains deeply committed to maintaining regional peace and security and would continue to stand next to the people of Afghanistan whose voice should be heard for a sustainable future of their country.

On post-Brexit trade relations with the UK, one of the Bangladesh's largest trade and investment partners, Momen sought an extension of the UK's zero-duty GSP facility until 2029, specially given the losses suffered by Bangladesh apparel industry owing to post-pandemic cancellations and non-payments by UK retailers.

Citing countries which have already taken dedicated SEZs in Bangladesh, including Saudi Arabia, Japan, India, China and South Korea, Bangladesh foreign minister offered a dedicated SEZ for British investors.

He invited fresh investments in the IT and green RMG and apparel industry, as well as offshore solar and wind power plants, electric vehicles and batteries, electric public transport and railway sectors.

On climate change, Dr. Momen recalled his recent meeting with COP26 President Alok Sharma and reiterated Bangladesh's request as the CVF President for participation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the CVF-COP26 Leaders Dialogue during the COP26 Leaders Summit in Glasgow.

He also briefed Raab on Bangladesh and CVF's priorities and expectations at the COP26 and praised UK leadership for duly addressing the important issue of loss and damage at Glasgow.

Commending Bangladesh as a climate leader and its proactive CVF Presidency role, the British foreign minister called upon Bangladesh to declare a net-zero by 2050 and a transition to clean energy.

Momen also urged immediate transfer of appropriate technologies, large investments and financing from developed countries, especially the UK, for Bangladesh's transition to a low carbon economy by 2050.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem joined the meeting.