Bangladesh never allows terrorism and militancy within its territory: PM Sheikh Hasina

"Shelter is not given to militancy, (international) terrorism and any separatist force in Bangladesh's territory," she told the Jatiya Sangsad during her question-answer session on Wednesday.

Replying to a query from Awami League lawmaker Anwarul Abedin Khan, the Premier said one of the goals of Bangladesh is to boost mutual cooperation with the South Asian countries to combat terrorism, militancy and separatist acts. "Our another aim is to continue international support in this regard," she said.

Pointing out that the main goal of the Awami League government is to ensure development and welfare of the countrymen, Sheikh Hasina said the government's foreign policy and diplomatic activities are conducted as a "supportive force"of the goal.

In line with this, she said, Bangladesh has undertaken various initiatives for further deepening ties with different countries of the world, thus recognized it as a democratic, peaceful, progressive and responsible state in the world.

Due to this, Bangladesh's image and position have been further brightened and consolidated on the world stage, while the welfare of the expatriate Bangladeshis is being ensured.

The Premier said the present government is giving utmost importance to further improving diplomatic ties with Asia, especially South and South-East Asian countries, at bilateral, regional and sub-regional levels and also through various regional bodies.

"As part of that we are continuously working to increase trade and investment, develop intensive communication, raise energy assistance, curb militancy and communalism under the SAARC charter," she said.

Prime minister said Bangladesh as an active member of the regional and sub-regional bodies like BIMSTEC, BCIM-EC and BBIN, among other such organizations, is putting in its best efforts to fulfill the desired objectives, also extending full cooperation towards the initiatives of the United Nations, various other global bodies and countries.

"The objective of the present government 's diplomacy is to ensure sustainable development side by side with strengthening peace and stability in the country by making the best use of knowledge and technology through resources management at bilateral and regional efforts," she said.

In this respect, the Prime Minister referred to her party's election manifesto that had incorporated all these issues and said her government has been maintaining sound diplomatic relations with neighboring as well as other countries for strengthening the regional cooperation.

Replying to a supplementary from the same lawmaker, the Leader of the House said the expatriates Bangladeshis have laid immense contribution to the country's all achievements including the War of Liberation. "They are also making invaluable contribution towards country's economic uplift," she said.

"That's why we have taken various steps for the welfare of the expatriates as we have given three banks to them, ensured investment facilities and removed sufferings in entering the country," she said.