Pandemic Response: Hasina among 3 phenomenal PMs

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been named among the top three inspirational women leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Commonwealth, Bangladesh High Commission in London said in a statement yesterday.

In a special announcement ahead of the International Women's Day 2021, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland QC bracketed Hasina with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley for demonstrating extraordinary leadership during the pandemic.

"For me whilst I am inspired all the time by so many women and girls, I would like to name three phenomenal leaders in our Commonwealth -- Jacinda Arden, the prime minister of New Zealand, Mia Amor Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados and Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister of Bangladesh -- for their leadership during Covid-19 in their roles in their respective countries," the Commonwealth secretary-general said.

"All three leaders alongside so many other women have given me hope for a world that delivers a common future for women and men and serves all of our common good," she added.

Earlier, different countries have lauded Bangladesh for successfully tackling the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Of the total 549,724 coronavirus cases in Bangladesh until March 6, the number of recoveries is 501,966. A total of 8,451 people have died -- one of the low ratios of infections and deaths, though health systems have been affected during the peak months.

Bangladesh's agricultural productivity, as well as foreign remittance, has been robust. The government declared stimulus packages for the people adversely affected by the pandemic.

Bangladesh is one of the first countries that have begun early Covid-19 vaccination campaign and economic recovery.

Referring to Bangladesh's past successes in disaster management, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last week said in view of the country's ranking as a global leader in risk mitigation, he was not surprised to see such an accomplishment.

He expressed admiration for PM Hasina, especially for her strong commitment to the people of Bangladesh.