Staff correspondent :<\/p>\n
Underlining the secular aspiration of Bangabandhu and his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s continuous efforts to protect rights of all communities; politicians, diplomats and experts said the country’s communal harmony was threatened by evil efforts of some Islamist groups in Bangladesh to fuel communalist tensions.<\/p>\n
They also underscored the need for remaining vigilant against such evil attempts, said a press release received here today.<\/p>\n
“This battle is between secular and non-secular forces. To the United Kingdom, my message is which one do you choose? Of course, [it is obvious],” Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem said adding that “We are pursuing the same values, fostering secular and inclusive societies.”<\/p>\n
She was addressing an event styled ‘Democracy and Human Rights in Bangladesh’ in Attlee and Reid Room, House of Lords under the arrangement of the London-based organisation of Bangladeshi immigrants ‘Study Circle London’ in Attlee and Reid Room, House of Lords.<\/p>\n
A cross-party group of leading politicians, as well as diplomats and community leaders attended the talk titled ‘Democracy and Human Rights in Bangladesh’ held on Monday.<\/p>\n
The event was chaired by Lord Daniel Hannan of Kingsclere, who described himself as a “twin of Bangladesh” and spoke of the many trade opportunities offered by the nation.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s International Affairs Advisor Dr Gowher Rizvi, former chair of Bangladesh National Human Rights Commission Dr Mizanur Rahman and Martyn Day MP also spoke.<\/p>\n
Timothy Loughton MP, representatives from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and well wishes were sent from many Parliamentarians in support of the event attended it.<\/p>\n
Dr Rizvi said: “I want to issue a reminder that there is a lot still wanting, but we are trying to achieve democracy and development [together]. It is not one or the other.”<\/p>\n
Keynote speaker Mizanur Rahman said when opportunistic foreign powers bring extremism into the mainstream that puts Bangladesh democracy in peril.<\/p>\n
Muna Tasneem also emphasised the strong trade relationship between Bangladesh and the UK.<\/p>\n
She also noted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her British counterpart Rishi Sunak’s meeting and prominent moment at the G20 Summit in New Delhi.<\/p>\n
This was the second meeting between the two leaders, who had also met earlier in the year at the Coronation of King Charles III, the high commissioner noted.<\/p>\n
She also said the recent Airbus agreement was of significant importance to the United Kingdom, as Airbus planes are equipped with British Rolls Royce engines.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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