Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Bangladesh’s victory in two global parliamentary forums like the CPA and the IPU was a rare achievement and manifestation of Bangladesh’s growing relations with the international community as well.
She said this in reply to a question from independent member M Rustam Ali Farazi during PM’s question-answer session in the House with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.
Hasina said Bangladesh’s victory in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and Inter-parliamentary Association (IPU) is an example of complete trust of the international community in our continued progress in the areas of democracy, development and good governance.
She said Bangladesh is now considered as a “role model” in the world in establishing democracy and good governance. “With the success of Bangladesh in the two parliamentary forums it has been proved again,” she said.
The prime minister said some quarters have launched an intensive negative propaganda at international level against the government after 10th Jatiya Sangsad election.
But the base of Bangladesh’s friendly relations and mutual cooperation with outside world is gradually gaining a firm footing, she said adding Bangladesh’s continued success in achieving the MDGs, her democratic advancement and stride to uphold human rights are the cornerstone of the country’s image abroad.
Hasina said Bangladesh since formation of the government by Awami League government in 2009, has been making tremendous economic success.
About 50 million people lifted their position to medium income level from extreme poverty, lessening overall poverty by 24.47%. Per capita income of the people has been raised to $1,200.
Foreign reserve of Bangladesh, an indicator of healthy economic growth, now stands at $22.33 billion. The country is the seventh highest remittance-earning nation in the world.
The prime minister said Bangladesh is now a global brand for its success in agriculture. With around 160 million people, she said, the country is now self-sufficient in food production.
Hasina said Bangladesh is playing an active role in all multilateral forums. Bangladesh has also been elected as member and chair in many global forums including different bodies of the UN with a high margin.
She said Bangladesh is now installed in a very dignified position in the global arena. Bangladesh is recognized as a progressive, democratic, secular and effective country aspiring for development, peace and prosperity.
She laid importance on sustaining the country’s progress in all fields particularly in the areas of good governance, upholding human rights and economic development.
