Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Wednesday said the government is sincere
about political dialogue and is looking for a peaceful and credible
election with the participation of all parties by resolving the
differences.“The door of dialogue is open. The proposal is already in place. We’ve to
resolve our own problems,” she told a press conference at the Foreign
Ministry.
Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque, Labour Secretary Mikail Shipar and
Director General (DG-EP) of the Foreign Ministry M Shameem Ahsan were also
present.
Dipu Moni alleged that the opposition is trying to create confusion and
they may be trying to avoid polls. “It seems to me they’re trying to create
confusion. They’re creating problems over it.”
She hoped that there will be a meaningful discussion in the coming budget
session on the election-time interim government.
The Foreign Minister urged the opposition to shun the path of violence and
requested them to work together for ensuring a peaceful political
environment.
On GSP issue, Dipu Moni said she got a positive impression from the US
authorities during her discussions with US Secretary of State John Kerry
and US Congressmen.
“Their response seems positive to me,” Dipu Moni claimed when asked whether
the GSP is gone.
The Foreign Minister said she conveyed the steps taken by the government,
including the move to amend the Labour Law. “The sooner the steps will
become visible; the easier it’ll be to make them understand that efforts
are there.”
The Foreign Minister, however, said they still have concerns. “We want
continuation of the GSP facility. GSP is very important for us. We have to
work together (to remove the concerns).
Dipu Moni informed that a delegation of US Congressmen will shortly be
visiting Dhaka to asses the steps taken by the government.
Responding to a question, she said there was no direct discussion on Ticfa
(Trade and Investment Cooperation Framework Agreement) during her
Washington tour.
Asked whether Bangladesh will sign Ticfa, the Foreign Minister said it is
not a decision of the Foreign Ministry alone. “All ministries concerned are
involved. Once approved by the Cabinet, we’ll let you know. I can’t tell
you right now whether Ticfa will be placed in the next Cabinet or not.”
Replying to a question on foreign investment, Dipu Moni said she does not
think that the interest of foreign investment, especially of American
investors, has come down. “There’s no slide in the investment interest. I
think they’re more interested than before. If we look at the flow of
investment, we’ll be able to understand.”
On Textiles Minister’s letter to the US envoy in Dhaka, Dipu Moni said the
Foreign Ministry was not aware of sending the letter beforehand. “It’s his
(Textiles Minister) personal (matter). He personally wrote the letter.”
Asked whether such communication does match with diplomatic norms, she
said, “The letter wasn’t written on government pad. It’s an email
communication.”
Sought comments on Sultana Kamal’s criticism on the Foreign Minister’s
statement that she made at the 16th session of United Nations Human Rights
Council, she said, “It’s very unfortunate.”
The Foreign Minister said she (Sulatana) appreciated her speech and hugged
her on podium after the statement is made. “I don’t know what had happened
after that.”
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has taken initiatives to bring back home
the body of Bangladeshi filmmaker and mountaineer Sajal Khaled from Nepal.
(Source: UNB)
