Diplomats and heads of foreign missions in Dhaka have praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her able and prudent leadership in the development of Bangladesh. 

Impressed by the national progress under Hasina, they termed the Bangladesh prime minister as a champion of human security.

Diplomats came up with the remarks while taking part in a webinar, organised by Awami League's International Affairs Sub Committee on Saturday night. 

Marking the birthday (September 28) of Sheikh Hasina, the webinar was moderated by PM's Special Assistant Barrister Shah Ali Farhad with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen as the chief guest.

Acting Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Bishwadip Dey, said: "Bangladesh has consistently grown at a rate of 7 percent and despite the pandemic has clocked the growth rate of 5.2 percent in the last fiscal year -- the progress achieved by Bangladesh in social indicators is also remarkable."

"India is a committed development partner of Bangladesh and we look forward to building a shared and prosperous future on the foundation of our shared history, culture and our deep people to people linkage," said the Indian diplomat.

Terming Sheikh Hasina as a champion of human security, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki said the Bangladesh prime minister has been trying to build a society free from hunger and poverty.

European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Rensje Teerink appreciated Sheikh Hasina's intervention during the recently held UNGA and other sideline events, saying she has expressed some major priorities and values that Bangladesh has been defending on the international scene.

UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Mia Seppo said anyone who meets the prime minister and also has the opportunity to listen to her would be struck by her "incredibly deep knowledge" of Bangladesh.

She praised the Prime Minister's 'tireless efforts' to move the country forward and said she is a role model for incredible hard work, discipline and determination.

Chargé d'affaires at the UAE Embassy in Dhaka Abdulla Ali Al-Hamoudi, credited the leadership of Sheikh Hasina for the current march forward of Bangladesh at a stable pace while pinning hope that the Bangladesh prime minister would be able to turn her country into 'Sonar Bangla'.

Extending his wishes to Sheikh Hasina on her birthday, Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa O. Turan said the Bangladesh prime minister has an outstanding political career with full of major achievements despite the struggles she had to go through.

"She has become a role model for women, not only in her country but also for others around the world," he added. 

State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam; Chairman of International Affairs Sub Committee, Bangladesh Awami League, Ambassador Muhammad Zamir and Secretary of the committee Dr Shammi Ahmed, among others, spoke at the event.

BDST: 1352 HRS, OCT 04, 2020
AP/SMS