Home ›› 20 Jun 2023 ›› Governance
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said Bangladesh will welcome if BRICS invites Bangladesh formally to join the group of five member states – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
"We will surely join once they invite us. We are yet to receive any formal letter (inviting us to join). BRICS leaders are thinking of taking some emerging economies - around eight new countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Bangladesh," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Earlier in Geneva, Momen hinted that Bangladesh is likely to become a member of BRICS in August this year.
BRICS leaders are expected to attend the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa from August 22-24. The Summit will be hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
BRICS leaders will engage with business during the BRICS Business Forum and engage with the New Development Bank, BRICS Business Council and other mechanisms during the Summit.
South Africa will also continue its outreach to leaders from Africa and the global South and hold a BRICS Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue during the 15th BRICS Summit.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen recently joined the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting virtually at the invitation of the Foreign Minister of South Africa Dr Naledi Pandor and said the current global economic crises are inducing countries to cooperate more in regional and multilateral platforms.
Momen referred to the development, economic, environmental and health-related focus of the BRICS nations. He suggested that the BRICS member states transfer their cost-effective technology to the developing partners.
Momen unhappy over Congressmen’s letter
Foreign Minister Momen also expressed displeasure over the misinformation in the six Congressmen's letter regarding Bangladesh's Hindu and Christian.
The ruling Awami League party has been criticising their recent letter for its content, saying that they mimicked nothing but the BNP.
He said that the content regarding the religious minorities in the country does not represent facts.
"It's not true," he told reporters referring to the letter's content that contains what he said was wrong information.
He said such letters need proper verification before sending.
Momen said exchange of such letters is the headache of those who are involved, but people including journalists should question the wrong information.
"For God's sake, don't destroy the country. This country belongs to all," he said referring to political parties that are involved in engaging lobbyists to run smear campaigns against the country. But he did not name any.
Momen advised them to deploy lobbyists for the welfare of the country like how the energy supply can be increased to Bangladesh and how employment opportunities can be boosted.
Regarding the next national election, the Foreign Minister said the government remains very transparent to hold a free and fair election in the country.
He said all political parties need to demonstrate sincerity and commitment to ensure a fair election free from violence.
On chances of US President Joe Biden will host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss Bangladesh issue during their meeting on June 22, Momen said they will discuss what they will feel good about.
Asked about the prime minister’s possible visit to China, he said it is a wrong statement that the prime minister is going to China.
He said the Chinese side invited the prime minister in September, but Bangladesh conveyed that she will be occupied in New York at that time.
Asked about any rescheduling of the visit, Momen said, "I don't know about rescheduling."
Responding to another question, he said he had a very good meeting with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar in India recently. "We have discussed many issues. I am so happy. We are working at the same level. I am very pleased. They have shown much respect to us," he added.
