PM has ensured country’s dignity, determined posture at global stage: Mahdi Amin

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ensured that the country’s dignity is preserved at the global stage and projected a determined posture for the nation during his first foreign tour since assuming power, said the PM’s Adviser Mahdi Amin on Tuesday.

The PM has upheld the principles of equality, fairness and balance for Bangladesh’s ties with other nations, and received warm receptions from the governments in Malaysia and China, Mahdi Amin added while addressing a press conference hosted in Chinese city of Dalian.

PM Tarique is now attending the World Economic Forum’s “Summer Davos” summit in Dalian. On Thursday, he is set to reach Chinese capital Beijing and launch his first official bilateral visit to the Asian superpower.

Earlier, on 21-22 June, Tarique took part in what officials said was a “highly successful” official visit to Malaysia, which was also the first leg of his debut foreign tour since taking office.

At the press briefing on Tuesday, Mahdi Amin built on the PM’s experiences so far during the foreign trip to highlight the global reception of the BNP chairman and Bangladesh.

Mahdi said, “A high-level delegation of the Chinese government welcomed the Prime Minister with a red-carpet reception on Monday and escorted him to the designated hotel in a motorcade, according the visit the highest level of importance. State protocol and police security were maintained throughout the route.

“The Prime Minister is discussing issues related to Bangladesh’s interests in various multilateral matters during his meetings in China,” said the Prime Minister’s adviser.

Mahdi noted that despite having only a few working hours during his highly successful visit to Malaysia, the Prime Minister held productive discussions with the Malaysian Prime Minister, the King, and other key leaders on issues concerning Bangladesh’s interests.

Mahdi further said that the PM has continued that momentum. Upon arriving in China, the PM has already begun discussions with global leaders on multilateral issues in addition to bilateral relations.

He said that, at the same time, the message that “Bangladesh is open for business” is helping ensure a trustworthy and competitive environment for global investors.

Mahdi Amin also said that World Economic Forum President and CEO Alois Zwinggi paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister. During the meeting, they held detailed discussions on how Bangladesh’s democratic government can attract more investment, create employment opportunities, and accelerate the country’s development. The World Economic Forum also praised various initiatives undertaken by the government.

He said that on Tuesday evening, the Prime Minister addressed a World Economic Forum session titled “Climate Leadership in a Shifting Global Landscape.” The programmes undertaken by the elected government in response to climate change have received international recognition and praise, which led to his invitation to the session. He presented these initiatives before the global audience.

Mahdi Amin said that at the conference, the Prime Minister outlined the government’s election manifesto-based action plan for tackling climate change before world leaders. He highlighted targets including the excavation and re-excavation of 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals over the next five years, improvements in water management in the Padma and Teesta river basins, the planting of 250 million trees, the promotion of green industries through the development of the jute sector and the introduction of environmentally friendly electric vehicles, and increasing the share of renewable energy to 20%.

Mahdi Amin said that as the head of a government elected by the people, the Prime Minister has earned the trust and affection of citizens at home. And now, he also being received abroad with the highest state honours and formalities befitting the leader of a dignified nation.

He said that, as a result of the Prime Minister’s work and leadership, Bangladesh is once again being represented on the global stage by a statesman who effectively upholds the country's interests, sovereignty and the aspirations of its people through a foreign policy based on equality, fairness and balance.

He added that this leadership is helping ensure Bangladesh’s dignity, prestige and strong standing on the world map.

He further said that the Prime Minister’s participation in the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos in Dalian is creating new opportunities for investment and employment for Bangladesh, while also strengthening the country's capabilities through the adoption of best practices from different nations.