FM holds meeting with diplomats to discuss pandemic action plan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a virtual meeting with former foreign secretaries and ambassadors – to discuss strategies for overcoming problems as well as outlining Bangladesh's stance during the novel coronavirus pandemic – on Thursday.

"According to geo-political realities, the diplomats focused on taking bilateral, regional and multilateral initiatives," read a press release from the ministry.

Further, the diplomats also recommended short-term, mid-term and long-term planning occur to combat the pandemic. They also discussed the further possible adverse effects of the pandemic on Bangladesh.

The diplomats urged that initiatives be taken so that Bangladesh still enjoys quota-free advantages though it will graduate from least developed country status. They admired the recent quota-free advantages that Bangladesh gained.

They welcomed the initiatives to strengthen bilateral and regional relations with: India, China, the US, countries of European Union (EU) and regional associations.

They also lauded Bangladesh's pledge to help other developing and underdeveloped countries get the Covid-19 vaccine when it is discovered.

The diplomats also praise Bangladesh's participation in Covid-19 fundraising arranged by the EU. Also they highly praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's speech at the Global Vaccination Summit. 

The meeting was presided over by Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen, Foreign State Minister Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen joined from the Foreign Ministry.

Among the former Foreign Secretaries and Ambassadors: M R Osmani, Faruk Sobhan, C M Shafi Sami, Shamser Mobin Chowdhury, A K M Atikur Rahman, Md Shahidul Haque, Md Abdul Hannan, Humayn Kabir, Ahmed Tarik Karim, and Mohsin Ali Khan participated.

The Foreign Minister mentioned that all the recommendations of the diplomats will be considered for future activities of the ministry. He thanked all the skilled and experienced diplomats for supporting the ministry. He also mentioned this kind of discussion will continue in the future.

Earlier, a discussion was held, by video conference, with ambassadors for Bangladesh's foreign missions currently living abroad.