DHAKA, Jan 16, 2022 (BSS) – Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today apprised diplomats of different countries stationed here that the government is pledge-bound to uphold the constitutional obligation.

He reiterated the commitment during the first diplomatic briefing of the year hosted by the Foreign Ministry to exchange New Year’s greetings with the diplomats, said a foreign ministry press release.

Law Minister Anisul Huq, LGRD Minister Md. Tajul Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam, MP, and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were present during the briefing.

Dr Momen said the last year had a special significance for Bangladesh with the twin celebrations of the Birth Centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of the country’s Independence.
 
“Last year was a year of recovery and hope,” the foreign minister said.

Mentioning the spectacular achievements of the country in the areas of poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, infrastructure development, and digitalization, Dr. Momen also highlighted the government’s successful management of the onslaughts of the pandemic and different incentives and packages announced to address its negative impact.

He stated that despite the pandemic, Bangladesh could manage a growth rate of 5.4 percent last year.

Briefly touching on the ongoing local government elections, he informed the diplomats that the country for the first time elected UP Chairmen from the third gender.

Dr. Momen reaffirmed the government’s firm conviction for the development and protection of the rights of the people through their empowerment.

The LGRD Minister briefed the diplomats about the different phases and results of the ongoing local government elections.

He also mentioned that a large number of independent candidates were elected during these elections.

The Law Minister, in his remarks, elaborated on the procedure of the Election Commission formation and the current dialogue of the President with different political parties.

On Digital Security Act, he mentioned the government’s engagement with the relevant UN Offices to understand best practices in this regard.

He also expressed the government’s readiness to address any misuse or abuse of the Act.

The Law Minister also talked about the ongoing initiatives over labor sector reform.

The Ministers clarified the issue of “uncontested elections” which take place in other countries including in the developed parts of the world.

Thanking the trading partners of the country, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs spoke on the initiatives of the government to create an investor-friendly environment in the country.

Around 40 diplomats joined the briefing followed by an interactive session to address different issues including LDC graduation, business, and investment, and Rohingya repatriation.