FM vows to further strengthen relations with east and west

The newly appointed Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Friday said that in his tenure, he would work to further strengthen Bangladeshs relations with both eastern and western countries.

"The Prime Minister entrusted me with the responsibility of foreign ministry. We will move the country forward and brighten the countrys image, improve relations with the East and the West," he said.

He made the remarks after laying wreaths on the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32 along with the newly formed cabinet members.
Mahmud said under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, they have taken the country forward by facing all the challenges.

"The main motto of our foreign policy is enmity with none but good relations with everyone and with that principle, we will develop closer relations with everyone," he said.

Responding to a question on reactions of others countries regarding Bangladeshs election, he said, all the ambassadors and high commissioners in Dhaka, including those from the US, the UK and the European Union (EU), congratulated the newly elected government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her taking office for the fourth consecutive term.

"Look, yesterday (Thursday) at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected governments cabinet at Bangabhaban, the ambassadors and high Commissioners of almost all countries, including the US, UK and EU envoys, were present. They all went to congratulate the current government," he said.

Replying to another question, the foreign minister said, there is always a kind of satisfaction in facing challenges which does not exist in other areas.

"The Ministry of Information was a challenge. I met that challenge with your help. Its definitely a challenge in the global context and the fact that wars are going on in different parts of the world now," he said.

In the political context, the foreign minister said, "I saw in the newspapers today, BNP broke the lock and entered their office. But they put the lock. They are putting on and they are breaking, that is a drama is being shown."

Hasan said BNP themselves installed this lock and one person has gone for 75 days there.

"The key has been lost on purpose or the key is there, still this is an attempt to mislead people by making a drama of breaking the lock," he said.    —BSS