PM reiterates call for co-op on regional development

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday stressed the need for regional development and cooperation, reaffirming that Bangladesh follows its policy -- "Friendship to all, malice to none".

"I believe in regional development and cooperation," she said when Indian High Commissioner Vikram Kumar Doraiswami met her at the Gono Bhaban.

PM's Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher briefed reporters after the meeting.

Recalling India's contributions to Bangladesh's glorious War of Liberation in 1971 and also post-war reconstruction of the country, Hasina said as far as Bangladesh is concerned, all Indians are united in their voice, which was exemplified during the ratification of the much-desired Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) in Indian parliament.

At the meeting, the Indian envoy conveyed his government's support to Bangladesh's candidature for the South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) of WHO.

Referring to the ongoing process to deliver 30 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine through Seram Institute to Beximco, Doraiswami said they were also willing to increase the capacity of the Bangladeshi health professionals for an effective delivery of the vaccine.

To establish "Golden Bangladesh" as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Indians are willing to be part of Bangladesh's development journey, he said.

The Indian envoy briefed the premier about the forthcoming activities to commemorate "Mujib Borsho" marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu, 50 years of Bangladesh's independence and establishment of Bangladesh-India diplomatic ties.

He also mentioned that all Indians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, possess good wishes for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and all the Bangladeshis.

The PM thanked and conveyed her regards to her Indian counterpart Modi.

PM's Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus and Military Secretary Maj Gen Naqib Ahmed Chowdhury were present.

PM SEEKS MORE INVESTMENT

Hasina yesterday invited South Korea to invest in Bangladesh, particularly in the Hi-tech Park.

She said this when newly appointed Ambassador of South Korea to Bangladesh Lee Jang-kuen met her at the Gono Bhaban.

During the meeting, the premier sought Korea's continued support to help Bangladesh ensure sustainable and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.

In another meeting with Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard at the Gono Bhaban, Hasina yesterday urged Switzerland to increase its investment in Bangladesh.

Focusing on the immense potential for investment in Bangladesh, the PM said the country has a highly skilled large young generation.

Expressing interest to cooperate with Bangladesh in developing human skill, Nathalie Chuard said Switzerland is ready to extend all sorts of cooperation to the Bangladesh government's efforts for skill development.

She said Switzerland is ready to offer any type of assistance in implementing the Vision-2041 and the Delta Plan-2100 of Bangladesh.

Hasina welcomed the new ambassador and assured her of extending all cooperation during her stay in Dhaka.