Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged the Muslim community to unite against the genocide in Gaza being perpetrated by Israel.
“This genocide in Gaza is unacceptable. We must all stand united against it,” she stated.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during a courtesy call from Egyptian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Omar Mohie Eldin Ahmed Fahmy, at her office.
Advocacy for Peace and Welfare
PM’s Deputy Press Secretary, KM Shakhawat Moon, briefed journalists after the meeting. Moon reported that the Prime Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s firm stance against the ongoing war. She appealed for reallocating funds used for arms production and warfare towards the welfare of humanity, particularly focusing on women and children.
“It is far more effective to redirect the funds from arms production and wars towards the betterment of mankind,” she emphasized.
Sheikh Hasina noted that she consistently voices her opposition to the genocide in Gaza in every forum she attends.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations with Egypt
The Prime Minister also highlighted the untapped potential in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Egypt, which have not progressed as expected. She mentioned that the total trade volume between the two countries was USD 180.6 million (Export USD 30.1 million and Import USD 150.5 million) in the 2022-23 fiscal year.
She suggested that collaboration in agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and education could be mutually beneficial.
Egyptian Ambassador’s Response
Ambassador Fahmy echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, stating that the Muslim Ummah needs to be more united against the genocide in Palestine. He praised the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, stating, “A leader like you is needed not only in Bangladesh but also across the world.”
Fahmy also mentioned that the Grand Imam of Egypt, whose rank is equivalent to that of a Prime Minister in Egypt’s constitution, wishes to visit Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina responded positively, expressing Bangladesh’s eagerness to welcome him.
Expanding Trade and Friendship
The Egyptian ambassador expressed interest in increasing trade and business between the two countries. He also commended Bangladesh’s friendly relations with all nations and reminisced about the friendship between the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and former Egyptian Prime Minister Anwar Sadaat.
PM’s Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin and Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah were among those present at the meeting.
