Bangladesh to play 'peace building' role: Quayes
Recalling Bangladesh as the largest troop contributing country in the UN peacekeeping missions, Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes expressed the hope for a “peace building” role of Bangladesh in near future from present “peacekeeping” role.
He said this at a discussion on “Bangladesh Foreign Policy: Challenges and Opportunities” at the Heritage Foundation in Washington DC.
The foreign secretary said Bangladesh foreign policy strives for promotion of democracy, inclusiveness and human rights.
A good number of State Department officials, Capitol Hill staff, members of think-tanks, academia, press and trade and investment executives attended the discussion, said a release of the foreign ministry yesterday.
Quayes said while the government pursues a foreign policy that ascribes equal space for bilateral as well as multilateral diplomacy, Bangladesh 's natural niche has been on the multilateral front.
He said Bangladesh has, over the years, evolved not only as a responsible member in the community of nations, it has earned her place as a “contributing” country.
Quayes touched on the developments in the South Asia region including the prime minister's visit to India.
About the conflicts in South Asia, he stressed the need for action to stem the spread of extremist tendencies.
Elaborating Bangladesh's renewed effort for a regional connectivity, Quayes expressed his satisfaction at the support Bangladesh is receiving regionally as well as globally.
About Bangladesh 's impressive win in the CEDAW election with highest number of vote, the foreign secretary said that Bangladesh 's good works both at bilateral as well as multilateral level, are not going unnoticed.
He assured the audience that Bangladesh shall continue its effort for a peaceful world through active processes and dialogue with the actors at the regional and global level.
Quayes described the existing relations between Bangladesh and the US as “excellent” and commented that there is scope for further cooperation in a host of areas.
He drew attention to the high US tariff on the readymade garment exports to the US market and underscored the need for urgent action to remove such impediments to RMG export.
Quayes elaborated on how 16-32 percent tariff penalty squeeze the space for manufactures for value addition through better wages and incentives.
He argued that any tariff relief will eventually help improving wage structure of the workers in Bangladesh.
Walter Lohman, Director for Heritage's Asia Program moderated the event. Bangladesh Ambassador to USA Akramul Qader and other Embassy officials were also present.
Comments