Bangladesh carefully observing situation in Afghanistan

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Bangladesh is carefully observing the fast-evolving situation in Afghanistan, which, it believes may have an impact on the region and beyond, a foreign ministry statement said here today.

“Bangladesh believes that a democratic and pluralistic Afghanistan as chosen by its people is the only guarantee of stability and development in the country,” it said.

Bangladesh is urging all stakeholders in Afghanistan to maintain peace and calm ensuring safety and security of all including foreign nationals, said the foreign ministry here.

The statement also said Bangladesh firmly believe that it is upon the people of Afghanistan to rebuild their country and decide the course of the future themselves.

“We wish to see Afghanistan as a peaceful, stable, prosperous, responsible and contributing member of the South Asian region and the global community,” it added.

The foreign ministry said Bangladesh would be happy to continue to work with the people of Afghanistan and the international community for the socio-economic development of the country.

Dhaka is committed to working with Afghanistan for fulfilling the visionary policy of the Bangladesh Prime Minister that the region must grow and prosper together for ensuring sustainable development, said the statement.

In this regard, it said, Bangladesh considers itself a potential development partner and a friend of Afghanistan.

“We stand ready to share our best practices with Afghanistan in a range of areas, such as basic education, community healthcare, sanitation, human resources development, agriculture, climate change adaptation, disaster management, and ICT enabled public service delivery,” said the foreign ministry.

The successful outreach of Bangladeshi NGOs, who have been operating in Afghanistan for the last twenty years, have demonstrated that expertise, it added.

Mentioning that Afghanistan is a fellow member of SAARC and an integral part of South Asia, the statement said, Bangladesh and Afghanistan share historical and cultural linkages.

The foreign ministry said Bangladesh recalls the invaluable support extended by the government and the people of Afghanistan to Bangladesh during our War of Liberation.