Bangladesh needs strong support from friends: FM

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali has said Bangladesh needs strong support from its friends and partners, including the United States, to achieve specific economic goals to become a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed country by 2041.
"Of course, we need strong supports from our friends and partners including the United States to pursue these goals," he said while addressing a function at a city hotel on Tuesday evening celebrating the 239th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America.
US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat also spoke on the occasion.
The minister reiterated government's commitment to create a stronger, more durable and ever flourishing friendship between two nations.
He also appreciated 'extraordinary efforts' led by Bernicat and her wonderful team in US Embassy here to advance relations both in depth and dimensions.
Mahmood Ali said the new budget placed by Finance Minister AMA Muhith, which was the largest in the country’s history, has set specific goals in line with the Prime Minister's vision of becoming a middle income country 2021 and developed country by 2041.
"Certainly, these are difficult tasks but we are confident of our potentials and promises."
Ministers, political leaders, diplomats from various countries stationed in Dhaka, editors, civil society representatives, cultural activists were present.