Foreign Secretary Md Jasim Uddin today said: “Dhaka looks to the next year with hopes, expectations and aspirations for a better Bangladesh.”
"Let us work hard for a better Bangladesh, for an improved version of Bangladesh which will be a tribute to those who laid down their lives," he added.
The foreign secretary said this while speaking at an inaugural ceremony of the daylong Foreign Office Spouses' Association (FOSA) International Charity Bazaar 2024 at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.
He said: “Bangladesh has witnessed great sacrifice and bloodshed this year.”
"We lost many young lives who are not with us anymore but whose heroism we remember and celebrate. Let us work for them," the foreign secretary added.
On global affairs, Jasim Uddin said: “The world at large had its share of noise and chaos, death and destruction, irrationality and insanity, unfairness and injustice.”
"In the coming year, we can't hope to see miracles but a part of us sees hope in times of despair and destruction. So we hope we will see a better version of our world and for that we need to work," he continued.
Regarding FOSA, he said: “It has a representational aspect as it showcases Bangladesh's rich history and culture. It (FOSA) has the role of a connector
as it connects our friends across cultures and it has a humane side as it works in the space of charity."
Bangladesh Law Commission Chairman Justice Zinat Ara inaugurated the charity fair as the chief guest.
Several diplomats stationed in Dhaka and business leaders joined the daylong event.
FOSA was established in 1971 after the country's Independence War and emerged as a volunteer, not for profit and non-political organization that is well
known for its philanthropic work.