PM seeks neighbours\\\' joint efforts to curb smuggling

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina has underlined the importance of joint efforts and mutual cooperation by the neighbouring countries to curb arms and drug smuggling alongside tackling smuggling of goods, and women and child trafficking, reports UNB.

"We'll have to reduce further arms and drug smuggling for which there is a need for mutual cooperation with the neighbouring countries," she said on Thursday.

Then PM said this in her introductory speech at her first meeting after taking office for the third time at the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Hasina said that it is not possible for any single country to combat smuggling, drug smuggling, women and child trafficking, for which there is a need for joint initiatives.

She also said that socioeconomic development would surely be ensured if there is a good relationship among the neighbouring countries.

State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, PM's Principal Secretary Abdus Sobhan Shikder, PMO Secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad, Home Secretary CQK Mustak Ahmed and the chiefs of various organisations under the Ministry and other high officials of it attended the meeting.

Terming poverty the main enemy of this region, the premier said, "We'll have to fight against poverty and save people."

Hasina reaffirmed her resolve to take the country ahead with coordinated efforts of all. "Whatever the successes we've attained over the last few years, we'll have to maintain that."

She said Bangladesh now does not lag behind in any fields. "The country is moving ahead and we'll have to maintain this continuity. There might be various obstacles. We've to face many natural disasters for our geographical location. Besides, we had to face various manmade disasters like on May 5 last year, and during the months of October, November and December last year (political unrest)."

Hasina went on saying, "I do believe since we have people's mandate, we'll be able to turn our country into a prosperous and rich one if we could move keeping our goal unmoved."

Taking a swipe at the BNP-Jamaat for their unbridled corruption, patronising militancy and terrorism during their tenure, the PM said Bangladesh has now been able to come out from the black list of terrorism, militancy and corruption. "Bangladesh is now a role model of development."