PM seeks deeper global engagement through trade, investment and cooperation
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh’s foreign policy would be pragmatic and sustainable, guided by friendship to all based on mutual interests, trust, and sovereignty.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (6 March) sought deeper engagement with the international community through partnerships rooted in expanded trade and investment, technology transfer, cultural and educational exchanges, and stronger people-to-people ties.
"We believe prosperity today is built through cooperation and connectivity, not isolation," he said before an iftar programme hosted in honour of diplomats stationed in Dhaka held at the State Guest House Jamuna.
In his speech, Tarique said the gathering was not merely a formal event but also a reminder of the importance of mutual respect, compassion and unity among people of different nations, religions and cultures.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"These values form the foundation of building a peaceful and tolerant society," he said.
The prime minister said his government would pursue prudent deregulation, improve the ease of doing business and create a competitive environment that attracts responsible investment.
"Our goal is to unlock the full potential of our people and private sector," he said, adding that Bangladesh aims to build a diversified, technology-driven and sustainable economy that creates jobs for young people, empowers women and encourages entrepreneurship.
He said the government would focus on maintaining law and order, ensuring macroeconomic stability and strengthening human resource development through training, upskilling and capacity enhancement.
The government also plans to strengthen technical and vocational education, introduce a third language in the national curriculum and expand preventive healthcare services in rural areas, he said.
Tarique said his government remains committed to strengthening democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law and ensuring transparency and accountability, while taking firm measures to combat corruption.
"We are equally committed to safeguarding human rights, protecting freedom of expression and fostering a culture of tolerance and pluralism," he said.
He added that the government has already taken initiatives to gradually introduce Family Card and Farmers' Card to provide targeted social and economic support to women in families and to agricultural communities.
On foreign policy, the prime minister said Bangladesh would pursue a pragmatic and sustainable approach guided by friendship with all based on mutual interests, trust and sovereignty.
He also urged diplomats to support Bangladesh's candidate for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman.
Turning to environmental issues, he said Bangladesh, as a climate-vulnerable nation, remains committed to working with global partners to advance climate resilience and sustainable development.
Among those who joined the prime minister at the same table were Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, Nepalese Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari, Bhutanese Ambassador Dasho Karma Hamu Dorjee, Pakistani High Commissioner Imran Haider, and Sri Lankan Ambassador Dharmapala Weerakkody.
Ambassadors and diplomats from the United States, United Kingdom, China, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Palestine, Russia, Thailand, Qatar and Oman, among others, also attended the event.
