Excellency Secretary General, Singapore Red Cross Society
Chairman, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society
High Commissioners of Bangladesh & Singapore
Honourable Governing Board Member, International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies
My fellow Colleagues
Ladies & Gentlemen

Salam & Good Afternoon.

At the outset, I would like to acknowledge the friendly gestures of Singapore Government and Singapore Red Cross Society which has come to the aid of Bangladesh at a very crucial time. We are all aware that we stand today in a world ravaged by a pandemic where essential medical supplies are not easy to get by. Newer variants of the virus have been threatening lives and millions of people are suffering worldwide. It seems that there is no end to this dark period. Yet, we are optimistic as there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We must extend cooperation to the best of our abilities. Through cooperation we can certainly minimize the sufferings.

I am pleased that today Singapore is donating 50 10L Oxygen Concentrators and 1.5 m surgical masks. At this time, need for oxygen concentrators are very critical and while I thank the Singapore government and Singapore Red Cross Society, I also thank our Ambassador Dr. Tauhedul Islam for arranging this gift at a critical time.

Dear Colleagues
Let me recall with fondness that Singapore was one of the first few countries to recognize Bangladesh as early as in February, 1972 immediately after our victory under the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Since then our bilateral relations with Singapore have expanded in a multi-sectoral context. It is today among the top five sources of FDI in Bangladesh. Bangladesh and Singapore share a significant volume of bilateral trade. Singapore hosts a sizable number of Bangladesh diaspora. We take a common stance in different global forums on cross-cutting issues. I may recall with happiness that Singapore was the first country to send relief to Bhasan Char after Bangladesh Government relocated Rohingya refugees there. We are hopeful that Singapore would come up to invest in the Special economic and Industrial Zones in Bangladesh and make the most out of the special facilities and opportunities Bangladesh Government provides.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As most of you are aware that despite the global economic slowdown, Bangladesh came to achieve more than 5% GDP growth during the last COVID-affected year. This is a proof of resilience for the burgeoning Bangladesh economy under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As we have been observing the Golden Jubilee of independence and have celebrated the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation, we are more determined and motivated to work for the cause of our people and humanity. However, in the recent months, like most other countries of the world we are facing an uphill task of fighting the pandemic. The Government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is keen to maintain a proper balance between life and livelihood in managing Covid. The National COVID response of Bangladesh has been more successful than many other countries considering the fact that Bangladesh is a very densely populated country. Still Bangladesh has been trying to get more healthcare measures in anticipation and is determined to improve the situation through cooperation with friendly countries.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As I mentioned at the beginning of my speech, Bangladesh enjoys close ties with Singapore. From close institutional linkages we have seen robust people to people ties. I firmly believe that in the coming days our leadership, academia, professionals, civil society representatives, and community leaders will take new initiatives which would contribute to the betterment of our two people and bring us even closer. Today’s event marks a new milestone of bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Singapore.

I trust that all stakeholders of this initiative would properly utilize these to the benefit of the people in addressing the COVID-related challenges. Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge the prudence and significance of such well-timed engagements and express sincere thanks to the donors. I would like to put on record my high appreciation to the Singapore Red Cross for its generous support. Your noble gesture would remain a source of inspiration for health workers, service providers as well as service seekers.

Long live Bangladesh-Singapore Friendship –Thank you.