Blair lauds Hasina’s leadership
August 21, 2010
Visiting former British prime minister Tony Blair on Saturday highly praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s strong leadership in consolidating democracy and combating negative impact of the climate change.
Blair made the comment when he, accompanied by his spouse Cherie Blair, met with the prime minister at Ganobhaban.
In response, Hasina said her government has taken initiatives for countering terrorism and has been making efforts for the people’s welfare since taking the office as she believes that without establishing peace in social life, economic development cannot be achieved.
The prime minister said the present government maintains good relations with all neighbouring countries, as the cornerstone of her government’s foreign policy is ‘friendship to all and malice to none’.
Mentioning her government’s friendship policy, she referred to the signing of the Ganges water sharing treaty with India and the Chittagong Hill Tract peace accord during her previous rule.
On climate change issue, Hasina thanked the British government for working with Bangladesh to tackle its adverse impacts.
She reiterated that the international cooperation is essential to face the challenges of global warming.
The prime minister said the government has allocated Tk 700 crore from its own resources to enhance the country’s capacity to adapt to the climate change situation.
On global economy, she said despite economic meltdown Bangladesh maintained an economic growth rate of 6 percent.
On return to democracy in Bangladesh after two years of caretaker government rule, Hasina appreciated the steadfast support of the British government in returning to democracy through general elections.
She also appreciated Blair for establishing the Faith Foundation and its role in harnessing different faiths to establish global peace and harmony.
The prime minister reaffirmed that Bangladesh is an abode of religious harmony and peace.
Hasina said her government has been working relentlessly to strengthen democracy and good governance and institutionalise rule of law, eradicate corruption, alleviate poverty, and ensure food and energy security.
She said the present government is also working hard to promote women empowerment and improve human rights.
Recalling Britain’s active cooperation during the country’s Liberation War, the prime minister said Bangladesh greatly values its relationship with UK and consider it to be a highly dependable trade, development and strategic partner.
She expressed the hope that Bangladeshi expatriates in Britain would be taken best care by the UK government.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Stephen Evans, Ambassador at- large M Ziauddin, Sheikh Rehana’s daughter Rezwan Siddique Tulip, Principal Secretary to PM MA Karim and Secretary to PMO Molla Waheeduzaman were present.
Source: thedailystar.net
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