LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman's recent visits to Malaysia and China have opened a new chapter in Bangladesh's diplomacy by strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation and securing support on key issues, including the Rohingya crisis.
Speaking in the National Assembly while moving a motion of thanks on the PM's foreign visits during the parliamentary session on the day, he said the tours have enhanced Bangladesh's international standing and laid the foundation for stronger economic and diplomatic partnerships with the two countries.
The motion was later unanimously adopted by voice vote under the chairmanship of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram.
The minister said the Prime Minister's first overseas visits as head of the new government, following the restoration of democratic continuity, have further consolidated Bangladesh's position in the international arena.
He said the visits have elevated Bangladesh's long-standing friendly relations with Malaysia and China to a new level.
Fakhrul said 17 important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), particularly with China, were signed during the visit. According to the minister, these agreements would play a significant role in expanding future economic and development cooperation between the two countries.
He also said Bangladesh and China held productive discussions on increasing investment, expanding bilateral trade, developing infrastructure and finding a sustainable solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis.
The minister said both Malaysia and China have assured Bangladesh of their continued support in achieving a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis. He added that these assurances would further strengthen the government's diplomatic efforts on the issue.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also said the PM has set a new example of restraint, responsibility and people-centred political practice by avoiding the traditional culture of public receptions before and after foreign visits.
He expressed hope that the implementation of the agreements and decisions reached during the PM's visits would further strengthen Bangladesh's economic growth, attract greater foreign investment, expand regional cooperation and enhance the country's international relations.
