It is becoming increasingly challenging for smaller states to preserve their national interests, especially their energy wealth, as they come under enhanced pressure to sacrifice their future for the present needs of others, reports UNB.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Sabihuddin Ahmed made the observations in his speech at the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) in London Friday at the invitation of the IISS to speak on globalisation and the challenges Bangladesh facing as a result of that.
It is becoming increasingly challenging for smaller states to preserve their national interests, especially their energy wealth, as they come under enhanced pressure to sacrifice their future for the present needs of others, reports UNB.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Sabihuddin Ahmed made the observations in his speech at the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) in London Friday at the invitation of the IISS to speak on globalisation and the challenges Bangladesh facing as a result of that.
The envoy attributed this syndrome to "an increasingly energy-starved world where globalisation has witnessed the emergence of corporate power and the corporate-political nexus."
Pointing out smear campaigns against Bangladesh he said, "Overcoming certain misperceptions about my country and bringing it out of the ugly shadows generated by misinformation sometimes seem the biggest challenge."
The High Commissioner told the London elite "Whatever we as a nation have achieved since independence have come as part of our victories in our persistent struggle against odds on numerous fronts in an increasingly globalised world".
Referring to Bangladesh's outstanding performance in women's empowerment, he said if one wants to see how a traditional Muslim society empowers its women politically, economically and socioculturally, one must study the Bangladesh case.
Quoting a recent Newsweek report he added, "Experts laud microlending for a string of positive side effects. By targeting women…lending schemes have pushed female participation in the labour force to among the highest in the developing world."
About the country's foreign standing, High Commissioner Ahmed pointed out that as the current chair of SAARC and BIMSTEC, Bangladesh is actively pursuing implementation of the SAARC Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement and BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA).
Bangladesh's recent elections to ECOSOC, the UN Human Rights Council and CEDAW are an attestation of the confidence it enjoys with the international community as a leader on socio-economic and women's empowerment fronts.
He told a questioner, "When you live next to each other as neighbours, there are bound to be some problems and issues. Yes, certainly there are some nagging problems in the region. However, we are sure that these will be sorted out through discussions over time."
Speaking on trade, Sabihuddin Ahmed said, "Given our comparative advantage in skilled labour and other services, we believe that the developed markets as well as the markets of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries offer tremendous opportunities for Bangladeshi exports at a very competitive price provided the stronger economies open up their markets."
Energy requirement remains one of the top challenges, he said, for achieving a sustained economic growth of 6-7 per cent, a prerequisite for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Dwelling on this subject, he added that the soaring rise in oil prices on the international market is already placing a tremendous burden on the economy and import bills.
About the demand for gas export by some oil-and gas-exploration companies, the Bangladesh High Commissioner said the issue is of vital national interest and all decisions (in this regard) are being taken in the light of a growing national energy need as against the comparative benefits of exports.
However, he added, despite the many challenges, Bangladesh, with the indomitable spirit of its people and its tested commitment to continued reforms, democracy, interfaith harmony, development and global peace will continue to thrive on.
It was chaired by IISS Director Patrick Cronin, and the audience consisted of representatives from different business and investment organisations and think-tanks based in the British capital.
