Foreign delegates sing AL's praises
A Chinese delegate stressed the importance of economic development and closer ties while an Indian delegate put emphasis on democratic practices and values as they addressed Awami League's 20th national council in the capital yesterday.
Ministers, lawmakers and political leaders representing governments and parties of nine other countries across the world also made their vibrant presence felt at Suhrawardy Udyan on the first day of the two-day council.
Fifty-four political leaders from 11 countries -- India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Austria, Russia, China, UK, Australia, Italy and Canada -- attended the council.
Fourteen of them, who delivered brief speeches, praised the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the developments taking place in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has achieved, in recent years, economic development, improved people's wellbeing and maintained social stability under the leadership of the Awami League, said Zheng Xiaosong, vice minister, the international department of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The AL has always been pursuing a policy of friendship towards China, he said, adding that the two sides have had close ties.
Based on the principles of independence, complete equality, mutual respect and no interference in each others' internal affairs, the "Communist Party of China stands ready to further elevate its relations with your party by deepening our exchanges and cooperation," said Xiaosong, also the special envoy of the Chinese president.
Vice President of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said, “Democracy for development is our common and shared vision.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been giving highest importance to cordial and harmonious relationship between India and all of its neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh, he said.
Under the leadership of Modi, several issues, including the Land Boundary Agreement, which had long been unresolved, have seen “the light of the day” and now India is working on other unresolved matters, Sahasrabuddhe said.
“The border might be dividing us but there are several factors that unite us. On both sides of the border we see the dream of Amar Sonar Bangla.”
He pointed out that in at least three areas Bangladesh and India have been working together and will have to work together.
“I am happy that Madam Sheikh Hasina has recently reiterated her position, unequivocal position, that she will not allow the land of Bangladesh to be used by any terrorist group,” which was a bold statement, the BJP leader said.
He said he was also aware of the fact that the bonding between India and Bangladesh has been built on “our confidence, our belief, our trust in the principles of spiritual democracy, which is the foundation of our political democracy.
“At the same time, we also share our aspirations for politics of performance, of which Modi is the embodiment. We believe that democracies ultimately will have to deliver. They will have to make a difference. And therefore democracy for development is our common and shared vision.”
Terming Awami league as the largest political party of Bangladesh, the BJP leader said Hasina is the rare leader who can really be described as “Jononetri”.
“I am more than convinced that you are true Jononetri, not only of your country but of the entire sub-continent and the people of the world.”
Remembering Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the liberation war, he said that when East Pakistan had been fighting its war for liberation he was a school student.
“I was in class eight and I used to report to my school gathering at the time of prayer every day about whatever was happening in the East friend. In fact, my headmaster had asked me to prepare a scrapbook of all the news clippings and I remember the very inspiring stories of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
"I must say here Bangabandhu is not only a source of inspiration for the people of Bangladesh but for all those who strive for liberation, humanity, liberty and values of humanity,” Sahasrabuddhe said.
Indian opposition leader in Rajya Sabha, Golam Nabi Azad, praised Hasina's role in fighting terrorism in Bangladesh.
A leader of the Congress Party, he described the relationship between his party and the AL as very strong.
Sergei Zheleznyak, lawmaker of the ruling United Russian Party, spoke in Russian language and an interpreter translated his speech in Bangla.
The Awami League has been playing an important role in establishing stability in the world and in South Asia, he said.
“Our friendship has started since liberation war. Since then the relation between Bangladesh and Russia is based on cooperation and mutual respect.”
The two countries have a great future in business and economic sectors, Zheleznyak said, adding that he was happy to acknowledge that the economic and business ties between the two nations were gradually increasing.
The United Russia's main aim is to ensure sustainable development, the Russian lawmaker said and expressed the hope that the Awami league had a similar goal.
“That's why we consider Awami League as our partner."
Italian ruling party lawmaker Khalid Chaouki thanked the ruling Awami League for “a great job against terrorism” after the terror attacks in July this year.
Chaouki said both the countries had many things to do together, particularly in the new era of Sustainable Development Goals and asked Italians to come and explore Bangladesh.
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