Dhaka firm to curb religious fundamentalism

Member of British House of Lords Lord Sheikh calls on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at PMO in the city yesterday. Photo: PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday reaffirmed her government's stance against terrorism saying that Bangladesh remains resolute in its relentless campaign against international terrorism and extremism.
She expressed the view when member of British House of Lords and Vice Chair of APPG for global action against childhood pneumonia Lord Sheikh met her at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in the morning.
During the meeting, Hasina and Lord Sheikh discussed various issues of development, said PM's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad.
Hasina said Bangladesh is steadfast in its commitment to curb religious fundamentalism in all its manifestations.
She told the British MP that Bangladesh is fully committed to the promotion and protection of human rights for all citizens.
The premier mentioned that the constitution of the country guarantees fundamental rights and privileges to all citizens, irrespective of race, religion and creed, while Bangladesh is a state party to all major international human rights instruments.
Referring to the establishment of National Human Rights Commission in Bangladesh, Hasina said the government is committed to further strengthening the functioning of the commission.
She said her government is also pledge-bound to create a strong culture of corruption-free socioeconomic system that will protect the interests of people.
Hasina appreciated the role of the United Kingdom in ensuring duty- and quota-free access of Bangladeshi goods to the European Union market, and hope that the British government will continue supporting an LDC-friendly 'Rules of origin' requirement and the prevention of erosion of the existing trade preferences.
The British MP lauded Hasina for the success of her government in reducing child mortality rate, which earned the country UN MDG-4 award last year.
Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Sheikh Wahid Uz Zaman and Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad were present.