Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Wednesday said foreign affairs ministry was not aware of textiles minister’s letter to the US envoy in Dhaka.
“The letter wasn’t written on government pad. It’s an email communication. It’s his personal (matter). He personally wrote the letter.” she told in a press conference at the Foreign Ministry, UNB reports.
Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque, Labour Secretary Mikail Shipar and Director General (DG-EP) of the foreign affairs ministry M Shameem Ahsan were also present at the conference.
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 assess 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 affairs 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.”
The foreign minister also urged the opposition to shun the path of violence and requested them to work together for ensuring a peaceful political environment.
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.
