President Abdul Hamid yesterday said Bangladesh government is committed to fighting out all types of terrorism and violent extremism, reports UNB. “I’m saddened today in the wake of unfortunate deaths of some innocent people in Dhaka who were mercilessly killed by a group of criminals on July 1, 2016.
I would like to reiterate that
we’re not frightened of such cowardly act and our government is committed to fighting against all types of terrorism and violent extremism,” he said.
President Hamid said this while addressing a joint session of Bhutanese parliament.
He said Bangladesh and Bhutan must forge stronger partnership to work for the welfare and economic development of the people of both the countries.
“A remarkable dynamism in bilateral ties has been observed over the years through sustained engagements and exchanges of high-level visits.
This has enabled both the countries to appreciate each other’s views and priorities, identify areas which need further focus; and explore new areas where we can work together for mutual benefit,” he said.
Abdul Hamid said, “Hydropower cooperation is one of the sectors which hold the greatest potential for our bilateral cooperation.
We need to take more target-oriented actions for achieving tangible results in this area.”
Another area that holds huge potential is regional connectivity, said President Hamid adding, “I’m happy to know that the National Assembly of Bhutan, on 21 June 2016, passed the bill related to the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement.
I hope this would go a long way in establishing seamless connectivity in this sub-region.”
President Hamid said the
relationship between Bangladesh and Bhutan is multifaceted,
encompassing a whole range of areas, including hydropower, water resources management,
connectivity, trade and commerce, education, cultural exchange and tourism.
The governments of the two countries are working towards
finalising some other bilateral agreements or MoUs, said the Bangladesh President.
He hoped that the MoUs will fulfill the aspirations the two countries share for specific sectors.
Bhutan’s pioneering concept of Gross National Happiness, a unique philosophy to meet global
challenges, is getting more and more acceptance, observed Abdul Hamid adding,
“If we let this simple concept be our guide, if we pursue the vision described by His Majesty the Fourth King, I have no doubt our future generations will live in a world that would be more prosperous, more secure and peaceful, and more meaningful.”
Earlier, on his arrival at the Bhutanese Parliament, President Hamid was received by Speaker of the National Assembly of
Bhutan Lyonpo Jigme Zangpo and Chairman of National Council Sonam Kinga.
Presiding over the session, Lyonpo Jigme Zangpo hoped that the Bhutan-Bangladesh friendship will be strengthened further in the days to come.
Chairman of National Council Sonam Kinga also addressed the session.
Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay was present.
After the speech, the Bangladesh President exchanged greetings with the members of Parliament of
Bhutan at the Courtyard of the
parliament.