The speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament, Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, stressed that the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Bangladesh represents a milestone in close relations between the two friendly countries, which extend to 50 years.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Chaudhury said the visit of His Highness the Amir will be a landmark in the path of strengthening ties between the two countries and will step up the existing bilateral cooperation and open new areas, including parliamentary affairs.

"Bangladesh and Qatar have been enjoying excellent bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974. We are delighted that we are welcoming His Highness the Amir at a time when the two friendly countries are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties," she said..

"As the bilateral relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect, shared values, common religious ground, shared culture and tradition, the parliament will boost these shared values; the upcoming visit of His Highness the Amir is expected to contribute towards further accelerating the pace of cooperation between the two legislatures as well," she added.

Chaudhury pointed out that bilateral relations had progressed remarkably in recent years, thanks to the bilateral visits, including that of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed's two visits to Doha in 2023. 

This gave a impetus to the existing friendly relations, she said adding the growing number of Bangladeshi workforce in Qatar, convergent stances on regional and international issues, and close cooperation to promote global peace, stability and development also helped boost ties.

"We are gradually advancing to increase bilateral trade and investments by identifying sectors where we have comparative advantage. We are encouraging private sectors, businessmen from both countries to increase their business contacts and thus explore areas whether they can do business or invest," she said.

Chaudhury highlighted the keenness of the Bangladesh parliament to develop and strengthen relations with Qatar by enacting legislation and laws that facilitate communication and cooperation between the two nations.

"The constitution of Bangladesh gives the parliament powers to enact laws. To elevate the bilateral relations between the two countries to a newer heights and to strengthen people to people contact, the parliament may adopt laws which facilitates such achievements," Chaudhury said.

More interaction and visits between lawmakers of both countries will pave the way for a better understanding of the existing bilateral relations, she said adding multi-level contacts between policy makers would bear positive impacts on boosting people-to-people relations.

Qatar and Bangladesh consider each other as friendly countries and important development partners in materialising their future visions; it's high time that they can formulate a mechanism to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of parliamentary affairs, Chaudhury said.

She added the two countries should aim to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this field to achieve tangible outcomes through activities such as thematic conferences and cooperation on topics and issues of interest to the parliament of Bangladesh and Qatar's Shura Council.

She highlighted the importance of launching a joint committee for parliamentary affairs to enhance appropriate coordination both at regional and international forums between the two institutions in light of both countries' mutual interest in achieving global peace, transparency and development.

She indicated that the cooperation between the two countries have witnessed progress in the fields of culture and sports, as well as in energy and defence.

Doha and Dhaka continue to cooperate in several areas at the level of multilateral relations, she pointed out.

Conducting regular seminars, conferences in areas of mutual interest and regular bilateral visits under a concrete framework will eventually create regular and trusted channels for new communications between the two countries, she added.

Chaudhury pointed to the parliamentary cooperation between the two nations at the international level in light of their common vision of global issues. "Bangladesh believes in peaceful settlement of international disputes, supporting the right of people to self-determination, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, and cooperation with peace-loving nations," she said, stressing the paramount role of the parliament in these issues.

She highlighted Bangladesh's deep commitment to the UN charter and the principles of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in their common pursuit of peace, development, and justice in the world.

Chaudhury called for a just international position on the issues of Palestine and Rohingya, stressing that Bangladesh and Qatar have convergent views on terrorism and militancy, climate change, disarmament and proliferation, gender parity and welfare of the Muslim nation.

Chaudhury congratulated Qatar for its nomination as Vice President of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) for 2024-2025.

She said that with the strong leadership of Qatar, APA can play a more effective role in international platforms, being the second largest parliamentary group in the world after the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

She urged the APA to advocate the rule of law and judicial empowerment, harmonious development through democracy and shoulder its responsibilities in battling challenges facing Asia.

Chaudhury pointed out that Bangladesh believes that under the leadership of Qatar, APA would concentrate on addressing issues regarding climate change, corruption, and crimes against humanity in various regions in Asia, as is the case in Gaza, Myanmar, and other volatile areas, as well as continue working on promoting and for the protection of rights of migrant workers in Asia, poverty eradication, and green finance.

Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to the impact of climate change and has been a forerunner in climate change adaptation and disaster risk preparedness, she said adding "the Bangladesh parliament had passed a motion declaring a "planetary emergency" and calling for quick action by the international community, including the United Nations, to tackle the effects of climate change."

Chaudhury underscored the role of parliamentarians in facing political, economic, security, and climate global challenges, adding she believes that the role of the parliamentarians is extremely crucial to ensure peace and stability globally.

She urged parliaments across Asia to take a strong stand on addressing existing challenges unequivocally and advocate for tangible action against climate change poverty, terrorism, international financial instability, political interference, drugs, and human trafficking among other challenges plaguing the continent.

Source: Gulf-Times

BDST: 1318 HRS, APR 23, 2024
MN