Statement
by Mr. M. Morshed Khan, M.P., Hon'ble Foreign Minister
of Bangladesh in the AIESEC's Annual Partners' Meet
and Award Ceremony 2005 as Chief Guest at Bangladesh
China Friendship Center, Dhaka, 11 August 2005 at
1930 hrs.
Mr.
Chairperson,
Hon'ble Special Guest.
Members of Business community
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I
am delighted to address AIESEC's Annual Partners'
Meet and Award Ceremony 2005. Young people join AIESEC
to develop their leadership potential and organizational
skills, develop a global network, gain an international
perspective and experience diversity. The vision,
ideals and energies of the young people are vital
factors in the development of our societies. I recall
here the recognition of the UN Secretary General Kofi
Annan, accorded to AIESEC in contribution of their
service as an agent of positive change through education
and cultural exchange. I cannot agree more and I congratulate
AIESEC Bangladesh in playing its role in our society.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Among
these students here, I see our future leaders, an
enabling group to engage in our nation building. It
is AIESEC's mission to mold these vibrant youth through
a process of development where they can grow with
a vision and help us to live it out. Leadership is,
as we understand, is all about having a vision that
is well communicated, building trust among colleagues
and taking effective steps to realize that vision
through inspiring action and investment of energy.
It is important to stress a leader's character and
integrity in building up the trust necessary for the
leadership.
Distinguished
guests,
All
the countries of the world, whether big or small,
have been affected by the process of globalization
particularly through improvement in the field of information
and communication technology (ICT). Increasing globalization
has led to greater specialization, greater mobility
of capital and technical know-how resulting in significant
increase in global trade flow.
Globalization
has opened up new opportunities for countries like
Bangladesh. The increasing integration of national
economies into global markets, if properly carried
out, certainly promises to alter dramatically the
volume and character of our gains from international
trade. Besides, the increasing size, competitiveness
and diffusion of financial markets have the potential
to draw economies of countries like Bangladesh into
the global economic mainstream if we can create the
necessary conditions and also fully exploit our comparative
advantage in specific areas. The phenomenal success
of the RMG sector of Bangladesh is a case in point.
Our
government is determined to fully seize the opportunities
provided by globalization. We have thus, on the one
hand, initiated a comprehensive policy package to
implement an export-led growth strategy for Bangladesh
and also, on the other, investing quite generously
in the field of education so that we can have a human
resource base that can comprehensively carry forward
our development efforts. In the span of three and
a half years that the present government has been
in office, considerable time and energy has been devoted
to the implementation of national programmes aimed,
in particular, in creating an environment of social
and political stability based on a commitment to the
welfare of weaker sections, especially the women and
children. It has ensured communal harmony and imparted
a new sense of hope to the minorities and the weaker
sections of society. The Government has sustained
the process of economic growth with due regard for
equity and social justice.
Education
sector receives the highest allocation from the national
budget of the government. The Government has taken
steps in enhancing the literacy rate as well as making
education free for all children with a special focus
on girl-child. Female students of class VI-X in 460
sub-districts have been awarded with stipends since
1993 to promote female education, empower women and
ensure participation of women in development activities.
According to World Bank report 2004, "Bangladesh
has one of the highest primary school enrollment rates
in the developing world, including enrollment of poor
children". Bangladesh has also achieved gender
parity in enrollment at the primary and lower secondary
level.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The
government of Begum Khaleda Zia is committed to an
inclusive society, a caring polity and a sharing economy.
This is the essence of the development strategy by
the government. Our government has been able to enthuse
people to re-focus their energies on economic development
and social progress. All major economic indicators
are looking up and investors have their faith in our
potential. I believe we must capture this mood of
optimism.
Mr.
Chairperson,
Before
I conclude, I wish to congratulate all the winners,
in different categories, and hope that this recognition
will encourage them to play more active role in the
days to come. I also urge our youths, who are present
here and the millions who are not here, to pay due
attention to their obligations in playing their role
in our nation building endeavours. I sincerely hope
you will make the most effective use of your time
and energy to meet the nation's expectations.
I
thank you all.
