The Jatiya Sangsad today unanimously adopted a motion of thanks to Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman for the success of his official visits to Malaysia and China from June 21 to June 26.
The motion was moved at the outset of the day’s proceedings by LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.Fakhrul praised the prime minister’s leadership, saying that after a long struggle against fascism, the people’s elected leader had established a strong national and international standing.He also highlighted the prime minister’s initiative to end the tradition of lavish receptions for leaders returning from abroad, calling it a new precedent in the country’s political culture.Fakhrul said that during the China visit, 17 MoUs and agreements were signed and lengthy, cordial discussions were held with the Chinese president. He also referred to indications of initiatives to help resolve the Rohingya crisis.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury echoed Fakhrul’s remarks, describing the decision to forgo receptions as a “real change in political culture” and a benchmark for the future of Bangladesh’s politics.He said the visits were guided by Bangladesh’s foreign policy principles of mutual respect, mutual interest, non-interference and strategic autonomy.
Referring to the Malaysia visit, Khosru said the key areas of cooperation focused on labour markets, energy and trade.This visit has set a benchmark not only for Bangladesh’s politics but also for its global relations,” he said.
Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman expressed full support for the motion, stressing that the country belongs to all its citizens and that an independent foreign policy must be implemented in practice.
He assured the government of the opposition’s cooperation, noting that both Malaysia and China are long-standing friends of Bangladesh.
Shafiqur said Bangladesh remains an import-dependent country, with imports far exceeding exports.
He said the country’s two main export sectors are ready-made garments (RMG) and manpower, but there is significant scope for diversification, which requires short-, medium- and long-term planning.
He expressed hope that the prime minister had addressed these issues during his discussions with both countries.
