President Abdul Hamid yesterday called upon global leaders to work together to fight social disparities, human inequalities and the vices of militancy and terrorism to make the world a safe place for living, reports UNB. "Let’s join hands together to fight all sorts of social disparities, human inequalities and the vices of militancy and terrorism to make the world as an abode of mutual compassion and a safe home for living," he said while addressing a banquet speech at Bangabhaban.
President Hamid hosted dinner in honour of delegations of the 136th Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in the capital.  Speaking on the occasion, the President said the 136th IPU Assembly here is indeed a true reflection of tackling the rising economic, political and social inequalities around the globe.
This Assembly is being held at a juncture when global communities are awfully facing the menace of climate change, terrorism and inequalities, which have been appeared among the mankind as grave concerns, he added. About global terrorism, Hamid said terrorism and extremism have emerged not only as a great concern for hindering development and democracy but also as a curse of human civilisation.
He stressed the need for taking appropriate measures and formulating policies to root out this ever-growing threat for the cause of the entire mankind.
"Let’s render our best endeavour to ensure continued prosperity by practising the core values of democratic norms and addressing the growing issues of global climate change, reducing world poverty, empowering women and establishing a just and equitable society," the President said.
Since its birth in 1971, he said, Bangladesh has consistently expressed its solidarity and support for the world peace and harmony.
"We believe in the invincible nature of human hope and dignity. In our efforts to remove poverty and inequalities, and provide a better standard of living for our citizens, we’re inspired by the vision of founding Father of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to transform our country into ‘Sonar Bangla’ (Golden Bengal)," Hamid told his audience.
Highlighting the country's progress, Hamid said Bangladesh has attained sustainable socioeconomic development and notable progress along with empowerment of women, eradication of poverty and constant economic growth over the last eight years despite various hurdles under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The government has also announced its `Vision 2021’ and `Vision 2041’ to transform Bangladesh into a developed one by 2041, he said, adding that the country's journey towards peace, prosperity and development will be further accelerated through using the potential of its abundant workforces.
The President said the journey of IPU over a century has done a lot for accomplishment of democracy and human dignity, believing the IPU has further scope for widening and strengthening its role in institutionalising democracy and building a just society for all.
He hoped that the members of parliament from every country will extend their all-out efforts with their national experiences to tackle social, economic and political inequalities both within and among countries.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Speaker and CPA Chairperson Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, former President HM Ersahd, IPU President Saber Hossain Chowdhury, IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong, Chairperson of Bangladesh National Advisory Committee for Autism and Neurodevelopment Disorders Saima Wazed Hossain, Deputy Speakers and MPs from IPU, ministers, whips and senior civil and military officials, among others, joined the dinner.