We can improve the fate of S Asian people: PM
Tshering lauds Bangladesh’s achievements: the Pope, Sonia Gandhi congratulates nation
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged political leaders and policymakers of South Asia to work in unison.
"We can easily improve the fate of the people of South Asia by utilising the resources we have been endowed through exhibiting mutual cooperation," she said.
While addressing the auspicious moment of celebrating the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence, Hasina, said, "I call upon the political leaders and policymakers of South Asia to work hand in hand to build a peaceful and prosperous South Asia."
Pointing out that the people of this region possess unbelievable spirit, innovation, and the ability to survive against natural disasters, she said, "If we work together for the betterment of our people, South Asia will surely flourish as one of the most prosperous regions in the world."
Hasina, who chaired the function, noted that South Asia is home to about a quarter of the world population and said as much as there are challenges, there are a lot of possibilities as well in this region.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering joined as the guest of honor on the eighth day of the 10-day grand celebrations at the National Parade Square yesterday afternoon.
Bangabandhu's youngest daughter and the prime minister's younger sister Sheikh Rehana was also present.
At the ceremony, video messages of Pope Francis and Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi were screened.
The Bhutanese premier was the fourth among the world leaders to attend the celebrations.
To mark the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bhutan and Bangladesh, Lotay Tshering handed over commemorative postage stamps to Hasina.
Sitting the next to Hasina, Tshering said a nation was born amid strife and turbulence, and it went on to make a remarkable progress. "I've come here to listen to the story of Bangladesh, that too seated next to Her Excellency Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, an inspiring leader and a mother-like figure to me," he said, report agencies.
"The improvements are so visible each time I visit the country, especially in the last one decade, the strides Bangladesh has made in its economy is highly commendable," he said.
Tshering said despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Bangladesh has been able to retain one of the highest GDP growths in the continent. "We are proud of the progress because a strong economy for Bangladesh will be an impetus for Bhutan and the region."
Terming Bangladesh "his second home", the Bhutanese premier said.
The theme of the celebrations is "The Eternal Mujib", but a separate theme for each day has been selected with yesterday's one being "Bangabandhu: Pioneer of Peace, Freedom and Humanity".
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen delivered the welcome address while eminent political scientist Rounaq Jahan made the keynote presentation on yesterday's theme.
A video presentation by former foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali, MP, on yesterday's theme was also played.
THE POPE, SONIA GANDHI CONGRATULATE BANGLADESH
Pope Francis has offered his heartfelt greetings to Bangladesh leadership and the people of the country, reports UNB.
He conveyed greetings to Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid, PM Hasina and the people of Bangladesh on the occasions. The Pope wished for an abundance of divine blessings for "Golden Bangladesh" and its citizens, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi said India have always had a special relationship with the people of Bangladesh because of the role that Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi played during Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971.
Indira Gandhi had declared full support for Bangladesh's war against Pakistan, sheltering the refugees, training freedom fighters as well as mobilising global support.
In her video message, Sonia said Indira Gandhi and Bangabandhu established deep friendship. "1971 was as much a transformative year for India as for Bangladesh, a year that saw Indira Gandhi in all magnificence a political leader as well as a statesman.
Soon thereafter, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman emerged on the world stage as the leader of the free people," she said.
She said over the five decades, Bangladesh's remarkable achievement in social development, community participation and economic growth and other areas have been very impressive.