DHAKA, Jan 23, 2019 (BSS) – Newly appointed Afghan Ambassador to
Bangladesh Abdul Qayoom Malikzad today requested Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
to reopen Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission in Kabul to renew the historical
and cultural relations between the two countries.
The ambassador made the request when he made a courtesy call on Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina at Gonobhaban here today, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul
Karim said.
Recalling the long history and close relations between the two countries,
Malikzad said his country is keen to promote trade and business relations
with Bangladesh.
Afghanistan was one of the first countries that recognised Bangladesh after
its independence, he said, appreciating Bangladesh’s economic progress and
graduation from the LDC to the status of developing countries.
Welcoming the newly appointed Afghan Ambassador in Dhaka, Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina stressed strengthening the trade relations between Dhaka and
Kabul. Bangladesh gives value its relations with neighbours, she said.
Bangladesh imports a huge amount of dry foods from Afghanistan every year
and Afghanistan can import high quality medicine from Bangladesh, she said.
Congratulating Sheikh Hasina for her party’s victory in the last general
elections, the Afghan envoy underscored the need for strengthening
cooperation between the two countries. He also put emphasis on close ties
between the chambers of commerce of the two countries.
Sheikh Hasina said people gave vote for Awami League as they get benefitted
when Awami League comes to power.
She said her government is running the country with commitment to meet the
basic needs of the people as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
In this regard, the prime minister highlighted her government’s social
safety net programme for the marginalised people, saying financial support is
being provided for promotion of education of poor families and distressed
people under the programme.
Sheikh Hasina also drew a line on between the economic progress of
Bangladesh and Pakistan after the independence. “After the independence, the
exchange rate of Bangladesh Taka and Pakistani Rupee was 1.56 and 1.00. Now
the rate is 1.00 and 1.66,” she said.
The Afghan envoy informed the prime minister that the two countries are
waiting for signing five memorandums of understanding (MoU).
He also informed the prime minister that democracy in his country is
progressing.
Malikzad said his country is willing to import more pharmaceutical items
from Bangladesh.
Principal Secretary Md Nojibur Rhman and PMO Secretary Sajjadul Hasan were
present.