Bangladesh withdraws from UNSC race for Japan

Bangladesh has withdrawn its candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council in favour of Japan.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared this yesterday in a joint press conference after her meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Meeting sources say that Japan had provided Bangladesh with continued support for its economic development since independence, proving itself to be a tried and tested friend. It was in consideration of the support of the people and the government of Japan that Bangladesh took this decision. Bangladesh had twice been elected as non-permanent member to the UN Security Council in the past (1979-80 and 2000-2001). It had been candidate for the 2016-17 UNSC election.

The Japanese Prime Minister arrived in Dhaka yesterday, Saturday, on a two-day visit. He was received at the airport by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Shinzo Abe met with businesspersons and investors of both countries at a meeting organised by the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Forum at a hotel in the city. He called upon the President at Bangabhaban. He also met with BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Leader of the opposition Begum Raushan Ershad. He joined a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The two Prime Ministers has an exclusive 15-minute meeting prior to the official talks yesterday afternoon. After the talks, they took part in a joint press conference. They signed a joint declaration.

The Prime Minister read out written statements at the press briefing but there was no provision for the media to ask questions.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke of the integrated partnership programme and the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG B).