Despite setbacks, Bangladesh continues to flourish under Hasina's leadership: Rajapaksa
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today said the inspiring journey that the people of Bangladesh had undertaken from poverty and natural disasters in the past half century is testament to a prosperous nation in the making.
Despite setbacks, Rajapaksa said, Bangladesh continues to flourish under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's able leadership. "That's the best honour in the name of your esteemed father."
He said Bangladesh is considered one of the key emerging economic powerhouses in South Asia.
"It remains an important trading and investment partner for my country," Rajapaksa said, adding that the exchanges between the two countries have continued to grow rapidly during the last few decades.
The Sri Lankan PM made the remarks while addressing the event celebrating the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence at the National Parade Ground as the guest of honor.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also spoke.
Rajapaksa said Hasina's proposal to promote a "Blue Economy" in the Bay of Bengal continues to inspire their approach on maritime affairs.
"The great stride Bangladesh has made in the field of agriculture attracts great attention in Sri Lanka," he said.
In addition to playing an active role through the SAARC Agriculture Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh continues to provide training and capacity building for our institutions, he said seeking Hasina's indulgence to share closer cooperation in this field.
Despite many challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Rajapaksa said he was here in person today with the message of solidarity from the people of Sri Lanka.
He said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a person of principles who dedicated his entire life for the Bengali people, their language and their well-being. "He was determined to continue his freedom struggle until the creation of a new nation of Bangladesh in 1971.
"Unfortunately, he could not live to realise the dreams he nurtured for his beloved country," Rajapaksa said.
He said he understands the agony of the immense loss that occurred on August 15, 1975. "On that day, the nation lost a hero and the father of independence. At the same time, a beloved daughter lost her parents and siblings."
As a tribute to his legacy and in dedication to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Rajapaksa quoted a part of a poem written by Rabindranath Tagore: "Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high, where knowledge is free, into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake."
As a neighbour and a close friend, he said, Sri Lanka stands side by side with Bangladesh to achieve greater freedom and prosperity.
"The geographical locations of our two countries provide ample opportunities for us to enhance closer maritime, shipping, trade and people-to-people contacts," Rajapaksa said.
The Sri Lankan Prime Minister extended his heartfelt compliments and sincere and warm wishes to Hasina, her government, and the people of Bangladesh.
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