We stand strong against militancy in the name of Islam

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday conveyed the visiting speakers and deputy speakers of national parliaments of different countries her strong stance against terrorism in the name of Islam and told them about her government's initiatives for ensuring public welfare.

United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Speaker Amal Al Qubaisi, Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, and speakers and deputy speakers from 19 IPU member states and UN Assistant Secretary General Gerda Verburg met her at the Gono Bhaban.

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PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meetings.

During his meeting with the PM, UAE Speaker Qubaisi said terrorism and extremism were causing big problems, and referring to the Syrian issue, added that he believed in a peaceful solution through dialogue.

In reply, Hasina said vested quarters were doing arms business with the blood of Muslims.

She also narrated how she and her family were the worst victims of terrorism.

Hasina regretted that some derailed people were engaged in terrorist acts, and said her government involved people from all walks of life, including imams, teachers and guardians, to create awareness against such social menaces.

Qubaisi said Hasina was a role model when it came to women empowerment and development in education and health sectors.

Indian Lok Sabha speaker during her meeting with Hasina narrated that their parliament members were in a festive mood while ratifying the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) and had passed the bill unanimously.

"All members of the Lok Sabha were very happy to support the bill and it was really historic and remarkable," she said.

Welcoming the Lok Sabha speaker, the prime minister extended her gratitude to the people and the government of India for their help during Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971.

During Hasina's meeting with speakers and deputy speakers of national parliaments of 19 countries of the IPU member states and UN Assistant Secretary General Gerda Verburg, Hasina said her government had taken short-, mid- and long-term initiatives for the country's development and was working to ensure people's socio-economic progress.

During the meeting, the delegation members highly appreciated the government of Bangladesh for the successful arrangement of such a large conference of the Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Dhaka and thanked the prime minister for the overwhelming hospitality provided to them.

They also lauded the efforts of the prime minister in taking Bangladesh to a new height in terms of development and prosperity.

During the meeting, Speaker of Mali Moussa Timbine said Bangladesh could be a strategic partner with his country. He said Mali was particularly interested in textile and agriculture sector cooperation.