Participation in UNGA brightened BD's image: PM Sheikh Hasina

"Bangladesh has been recognized as an important partner of the international community in countering terrorism and extremism ... Bangladesh started getting back its lost glory, while its name has been uttered as a front-ranking nation in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the inspiration of the achievements of Bangladesh at the UNGA and its high-level events would help take the country ahead further. "I believe that we would move fast on the way of establishing Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Bangabandhu from that inspiration," she said.

In this connection, she sought cooperation of the mass media of the country and hoped that they would stand beside the government in advancing the country further.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a crowded press conference arranged at her official Ganobhaban residence this noon to highlight the outcomes of her just-concluded visit to the United States.

Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, PM's Media Advisor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam were present on the dais, while PM"s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim moderated the press conference.

Sheikh Hasina said the special significance of this year's participation in the UNGA is that leaders of over 180 countries unanimously adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mentioning that she was present as the head of the government, during the endorsement of the MDGs in 2000, she said it's a matter of special pride for her that she was present during the adoption of the SDGs this year.

She said the role of Bangladesh has got a special acclamation and dignity in establishing international peace and rule of law. Besides, she said, the pioneering role of Bangladesh in finalizing the SDGs has been highly praised and the issue of protecting the interest of climate vulnerable countries like Bangladesh was discussed.

Sheikh Hasina said she delivered the country speech on September 30 calling upon all to work together in facing the challenges like terrorism, violent extremism and militancy and climate change.

The Prime Minister mentioned that she urged the comity of nations to renew their collective resolve to achieve a peaceful, stable and prosperous world free from poverty and inequality.

Sheikh Hasina reiterated her stance that Bangladesh would again lead by setting an example in implementation of the SDGs in the light of the experience of its surprising MDG achievements.

The Prime Minister also elaborated her active and leading participation in a number of high-level events on the sidelines of the UNGA meeting.

Sheikh Hasina said she co-chaired the "Leaders Summit on UN Peacekeeping" along with US President Barak Obama, Japanese President Shinzo Abe and heads of state and government of six more countries at the UN Headquarters.

She also delivered a statement at a "High-Level Roundtable on South-South Cooperation" in which the Chinese President and the UN Secretary General co-chaired.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need for strengthening connectivity, financing on development projects and transferring technologies among the countries in the south globe to achieve SDGs.

Besides, she also co-chaired along with the Belgian Prime Minister a high- level meeting on "Fostering Sustainable Economic Growth, Transformation and Promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production".

She also attended a high-level summit on "MDGs to SDGs: A Way Forward" that was organized by Bangladesh at the UN Headquarters in which leaders including the King of the Netherland, Swedish Prime Minister, Prime Minister of Benin and the President of the 70th UNGA spoke.

At the summit, she said, the speakers termed Bangladesh as a development miracle and noted that the strong commitment of the government of Bangladesh towards advancement is a unique example for all developing countries, Sheikh Hasina said.

Besides, she also actively participated in the high-level UN summit on "Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equity and Women's Empowerment: A Commitment to Action".

Apart from these, the Prime Minister said, she held bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Dutch Queen Maxima.

During the meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said they expressed satisfaction over the progress in implementing the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA).

She said the Indian Prime Minister further assured her of his (Modi's) personal initiative for signing the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement.

"We have also agreed that SAARC leaders might frequently hold talks informally on various issues to strengthen cooperation among the member states," she said.

During the meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sheikh Hasina said she urged him to allow quota-free and duty-free access of more Bangladeshi products to the Chinese market.

Sheikh Hasina said during the meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, he invited her to visit his country. "The visit is expected to take place in the first week of next month," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said she also joined a view-exchange meeting with Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) of the US and called upon them to invest in various sectors in Bangladesh.

At the meeting, she said, the Sky Power Global announced to invest 4.3 billion dollars in Bangladesh in next four years to generate 2000 MW solar electricity.

A delegation of US Congressmen also called on her and they highly appreciated Bangladesh's unprecedented development, zero tolerance policy against terrorism, and achieving over 6 percent growth.

During her stay in New York, Sheikh Hasina said she also visited the University of Columbia where she delivered a speech on "Girls Lead the Way" at the global leaders' forum.

The Prime Minister said she received the world's highest environmental accolade - "Champions of the Earth" - and the International Telecommunication Union's "ICT Sustainable Development Award".

Receiving the "Champions of the Earth" award, Sheikh Hasina said it is not possible to face adverse impact of climate change and natural disasters without cooperation of the people.

"I also vowed there to establish Bangladesh as the world's first solar nation," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said four US Congressmen and women called on her and expressed their support to Bangladesh.

Evitt Clark, a US Congresswoman, who joined a civic reception in New York, strongly recommended Bangladesh diaspora and nationals to support the Prime Minister as she is a global leader and as her track record of development and helping the people is very commendable.