Bangladesh engaged with Canada over repatriation of Nur Chy
Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam on Saturday said Bangladesh is deeply engaged with the Canadian government over the repatriation of Nur Chowdhury, the self-confessed and convicted killer of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“His repatriation would end the culture of impunity in which we both the nations believe in and it would be a major breakthrough in our bilateral relationship,” he said.
The State Minister was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the conclave on ‘Canada-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations: 45 Years of Progress’ in a city hotel marking 45th year of bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Economic Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Mashiur Rahman, Canadian High Commissioner Benoit-Pierre Laramee and Executive Director for South Asia of Global Affairs Canada Robert McDougall were also present.
Shahriar said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman visited Canada in 1973 and after so many decades, the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Montreal in October 2016 at the invitation of Canadian Premier generated a new thrust in bilateral relationship.
“Now we’re discussing wider areas of possible cooperation ranging from education, culture, civil aviation, visa policy to counter terrorism and so on,” he added.
The State Minister said Canada, geographically being a far away country, has always been close to the hearts of Bangladeshis. “We share commonalities in our aspirations, emotions and values.”
He said the two countries have similar understanding on global, social and economic issues like gender equality and women empowerment, climate change, migration and
refugees, democracy and human dignity.
“Beyond the institutional relationship between the two governments, our people to people contact has also been growing strongly,” he observed.
Canada is one of the first few countries to recognise Bangladesh immediately after Bangladesh’s independence.
Shahriar recalled with deep respect and gratitude the unwavering support extended by the late Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, his government, and the people of Canada for the just cause of Bangladesh during our War of Liberation.
“It was a matter of great satisfaction for us to be able to honour him with the ‘Bangladesh
Liberation War Honor’ posthumously last year for his invaluable contribution in 1971.”
He said after independence, as a great friend in need, Canada extended necessary assistance to rebuild this war torn country.
From then on, Canada was robustly involved in our socio-economic development. Over the years, Canada has become our trusted and dependable development partner encouraging inclusive economic growth in the country focusing on development of children and youth,” he added.