Dhaka:Bangladesh and Kosovo have agreed to explore broader parliamentary cooperation, along with trade and investment opportunities and joint academic and cultural activities. This development came during a meeting where Kosovo's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Lulzim Plana, paid a courtesy call on Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
According to United News of Bangladesh, during the meeting, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad highlighted the shared experiences of independence and cultural ties between Bangladesh and Kosovo. He noted the sacrifices made by the people of Kosovo for their country's independence. The Speaker also criticized the previous Awami League government for undermining democratic rights in Bangladesh, citing enforced disappearances, killings, extrajudicial executions, and vote rigging. He referenced a United Nations fact-finding report that exposed alleged atrocities and brutality during the former regime.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin further stated that the mass uprising in July 2024 ended Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian rule, marking a renewed democratic journey for Bangladesh. He described the 13th parliamentary election as one of the most free, fair, and credible in the country's history. Additionally, he mentioned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people.
Ambassador Plana remarked on the new democratic chapter in Bangladesh, applauding the active participation of lawmakers in parliamentary debates. He emphasized the potential of Bangladesh's young working-age population, suggesting that access to quality education and technology skills could enhance their contributions to the national economy.
The ambassador expressed gratitude to Bangladesh for recognizing Kosovo as an independent state and invited Speaker Hafiz Uddin to visit Kosovo. Both nations emphasized the importance of forming parliamentary friendship groups, expanding trade and investment, and engaging in joint academic, research, sports, and cultural exchanges.
Representatives from the Kosovo Embassy, the secretary of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat, and other senior officials were present at the meeting.