DHAKA, Jan 31, 2022 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh
looks forward to elevating existing relations of Bangladesh and Australia to a new
height for the benefit of the people and economies as well as to securing a peaceful
and prosperous Indian Ocean region in the days to come.

   "We look forward to emerging as key partners and elevating our relations to a
new height for the benefit of our people and economies as well as to securing a
peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region in the days to come," said the
Bangladesh premier in a message sent to her Australian counterpart marking the
50th anniversary of diplomatic friendship between the two countries.

    "On this auspicious occasion marking the 50 years of bilateral relations between
Bangladesh and Australia, it is my immense pleasure to convey warmest greetings
on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh and on my own behalf to
the government and friendly people of Australia," said Sheikh Hasina in her
message.

    Recalling with gratitude Australia’s prompt recognition of an independent
Bangladesh in January 1972, she said Australian assistance in the reconstruction of
the war-ravaged Bangladesh and continuous socio-economic support in the
following decades have been immensely valuable to Bangladesh.

    She said Bangladesh has attained remarkable progress over the five decades since
independence and succeeded to a great extent in alleviating poverty, empowering
people, and creating an inclusive society.

    "We seek to consolidate our position in the comity of nations as a prosperous
modern economy, responsible country, practicing democracy, building and keeping
peace, and promoting rules based international order," she said.  

    Australia has been a trusted partner of Bangladesh in its journey towards attaining
socio-economic development, she said, adding that the bilateral relation of
Bangladesh and Australia is based on shared commitment to peace, pluralism, and
dignity of people.

    "It is satisfying that our trade and economic interactions are deepening, and
engagements on education, agriculture, energy and people-to-people contact are
gaining traction," she said.

    The Prime Minister said there is immense opportunity to boost bilateral
engagement on COVID-19 recovery, investment and services, technology and
innovation and to forge meaningful partnership to face regional and global
challenges such as climate change, forced displacement of people and regional
security.