Desk Report
Publish: 27 Sep 2023, 04:56 pm
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen || Photo: Collected
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has described
Bangladesh's relationship with the United States as "outstandingly warm
and cordial," but noted that some quarters are trying to inject bitterness
into this relationship through lies.
The foreign minister said that the United States believes in
democracy and human rights.
"So, there is a similarity in our views and thoughts with
the United States. In principle, the two countries have similarities. However,
some individuals may not appreciate our development," Momen said, calling
upon the Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States to be vigilant.
Govt can't guarantee violence-free election without support
from all: FM Momen
He urged the Bangladeshi diaspora to take a stand,
regardless of their political affiliation, to challenge those who lie about
Bangladesh.
The foreign minister was speaking at a views-exchange
meeting organized by the Bangabandhu Foundation in New York's
Bangladeshi-dominated Jackson Heights on September 26.
The foreign minister said, "We have remarkably friendly
relations with the United States. America believes in the same principles and
values we believe in. Bangladesh is the country where we have fought for
democracy. Although we won the popular vote, we were not allowed to form the
government in 1971. Rather, genocide was unleashed on us, and then Bangabandhu
declared independence."
FM Momen for strengthening trade, and investment ties with
African nations
Momen said Bangladesh declared independence to establish
democracy, justice, and human rights.
"Because of this, we had to sacrifice three million
lives during the Liberation War. Nowhere in the world have so many people
sacrificed themselves for democracy and human rights in such a short period of
time? We are the only nation in the world that has made such great sacrifices
for democracy and human rights," he added.
Referring to the replacement of the Digital Security Act, he
said, the government accepted the suggestions provided by the United States as
a friendly country.
"The United States expects free and fair elections, and
we are also committed to free and fair elections. But there are some people in
our country who want to boycott the elections, they fear elections," the
foreign minister said, referring to the opposition, that they are trying to
thwart the election.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh is now the 35th largest
economy in the world.
"If Bangladesh's current economic development continues,
we will become the 26th largest economy in a few years. We have 17 crore
people, so our own market is huge. That's why many people are interested in our
country because our per capita income has increased 5 times," he said.
Momen said the poverty rate has been reduced by more than
half. "All these have become possible due to the implementation of
goal-oriented measures of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina."
Momen also said, "We are now self-sufficient in food.
We are third in the world in fish and vegetable production. We are fourth in
the world in rice production. Our agricultural land has shrunk, but food
production has quadrupled. This has been possible due to the visionary
leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."
Momen said as Bangladesh is making progress, many people do
not like the development activities of the country.
"We are an independent, sovereign country. Our Father
of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has given us a beautiful
foreign policy. And this principle is 'friendship to all, malice to none.' We
believe in this principle. We follow a balanced foreign policy," said the
foreign minister.
Bangabandhu Foundation United States Unit General Secretary
Abdul Quader Mia was present at the event as a special guest. Other leaders
including Moshiur Malek, Fakir Ilyas, Abdul Khalek Mia, New York Correspondent
of Bangladesh Protidin Lovelu Ansar were present._UNB
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