Dhaka: Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikrom, today said France has remained a proven friend of Bangladesh since the War of Liberation and expressed hope that the formation of a France-Bangladesh Parliamentary Caucus would further strengthen bilateral relations. He made the remarks when a French parliamentary delegation paid a courtesy call on him at his office here today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Speaker highlighted France as Bangladesh's second-largest trading destination in Europe, underscoring the importance of enhancing parliamentary ties between the two nations, as noted in a press release from the parliament secretariat. He recalled France's crucial support during Bangladesh's War of Liberation in 1971 and honored the contributions of French citizen Andr© Malraux, recognizing his significant role in supporting Bangladesh's Liberation War.
Hafiz Uddin emphasized the commitment of the Bangladeshi people to democracy, noting their rejection of authoritarian rule and continued respect for democratic values. During discussions, the French parliamentary delegation advocated for the establishment of a France-Bangladesh parliamentary committee and the enhancement of parliamentary diplomacy through friendship groups.
The delegation also highlighted the necessity of boosting French economic investment in Bangladesh, especially in sectors like oil and gas exploration and drilling in the coastal regions of the country. On behalf of the French Senate, the delegation extended an invitation to the Speaker and the Bangladesh parliamentary delegation to visit France.
Present at the meeting were members of the French parliamentary delegation, officials from the French Embassy in Dhaka, and relevant officials from the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat.