Jamal Bakor Balkhiour, Chowdhury Md. Babul Hassan, Saleh Attia, consul general of Algeria and dean of the consular corps, and Md. Nazmul Islam cut the ceremonial cake to celebrate the 43rd Independence and National Day of Bangladesh in Jeddah, recently. — SG photo by Syeda Amtul Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Bangladesh has now emerged as the fastest growing economies in South Asia despite global economic meltdown, a senior consulate official said here this week. Md. Nazmul Islam, consul general of Bangladesh, said his country has been able to maintain a steady growth of around 6.5 percent in the last decade and looks forward to achieving the same in the coming years. “We have established a tolerant, pluralistic and egalitarian society, a moderate and inclusive democracy. Bangladesh is now a role model for fighting poverty and extremism, empowering women, disaster management and coping with challenges posed by global and climate change,” he said at a function to celebrate his country's 43rd independence and national day. The event was attended by several dignitaries, government officials, diplomats from other countries, local businessmen and prominent members of the Bangladeshi community. Jamal Bakor Balkhiour, representative of the Ministry of Foreign affairs, was the guest of honor. Chowdhury Md. Babul Hassan, secretary in the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh, and former foreign secretary and ambassador Mohsin Ali Khan, were also present. The consul general also spoke about the strong relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. “As one of the largest Muslim countries, Bangladesh enjoys special brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia based on common Islamic values, traditions, faith, culture and mutual respect. We acknowledge the fact gratefully that our Saudi brothers and sisters have always extended their hands of cooperation to Bangladesh particularly in our times of need,” he said. He extended sincere thanks and gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for granting general amnesty to illegal expatriates, thereby enabling 800,000 Bangladeshis to rectify their residency status.
