Dhaka: Former British Prime Minister David Cameron here on Thursday termed Bangladesh a 'shining example' of progress in the world and laid emphasis on addressing three challenges, including maintaining quality democracy, to reach the next stage of development.

Tagging quality of democracy, eradicating corruption and fight against terrorism and violent extremism as global challenges, Cameron said, "We must face these challenges together."

Highly appreciating Bangladesh's growth over 6.5 percent for the past years and progress made in other areas, Cameron said he feels sorry that he could not manage to come to Bangladesh during his tenure.

"Today, I've come here by own," Cameron was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2016 said amid clapping from the audience when he kept seeking apology for not making it happen before.

The British politician was addressing a select group of audience comprising Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, other political leaders, civil society members, business leaders, university teachers and journalists at Hotel Four Points.

British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Enam Ali also spoke at the event moderated by journalist Zillur Rahman.

At the beginning, he delivered a brief speech on 'Global Challenges in 2017' and later took few questions from the floor except journalists.

Citing the example of Bangladesh's development and utilisation of (foreign) aid, Cameron said those who claim that aid does not work should come and visit Bangladesh to witness extraordinary success in terms of aid utilisation.

To meet Bangladesh's development goals, he said, Bangladesh needs massive investment in energy, infrastructure, education and skill development. "You've great challenges and opportunities ahead."

The British politician laid emphasis on having quality institutions, including college and universities, to help produce skilled professions that required for taking the country forward and reach next stage of development.

Talking about quality of democracy on global perspective, Cameron said governance, the rule of law, accountability and ensuring rights of all and mentioned democracy is not all about elections.

On global common change, the former British Prime Minister urged all to come up with a common narrative to fight against the 'violent ideology' of terrorism and extremism.

"It's not just a fight against violent people; it's a fight against violent ideology. Let's fight against them. We have to have security," Cameron emphasised.

Expressing his optimism, the British politician said if all get united against this ideology and the world will success and grow.

Responding to a question, Cameron said, "We cannot give up the rule of law in combating terrorism."

Responding to another question, Cameron said this is not a clash between civilizations. "It's a clash within a religion. If we believe that (it is a clash within a civilization}, all of our policies will be wrong."

Cameron mentioned that terrorists want all to believe that it is a clash between civilizations. "Their whole narrative is that ultimately we (different religions) can't live together. Their message to young Muslims is that it is impossible. You cannot survive and thrive in a society that is not one along the line of ISIL."

Talking about corruption, he said it needs to be addressed if money is stolen in a poor country but spent in rich country.

On new set of global goals - Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he laid emphasis on joint efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.

Apart from terrorism, he identified 'need of high-quality democracy' and fighting corruption are the other two challenges the world is currently facing.

Earlier, he attended a roundtable discussion with Bangladeshi civil society members, economists and business leaders at hotel Westin in the city.

The roundtable discussion, titled 'Fragility, growth and development: Bangladesh's progress', lasted for over an hour that began at 2:35 pm. The Bangladesh chapter of International Growth Centre (IGC) hosted the roundtable.

Prominent economist Rehman Sobhan, Barrister Sarah Hossain, IGC Bangladesh Country Director Sultan Hafeez Rahman, Country Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, prominent businessman Salahuddin Kasem Khan, Sujan secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar and Head of DFID Bangladesh Jane Edmondson, were, among others, present.

David Cameron is the chair of the Commission on State Fragility, Growth and Development.

The Commission aims to generate innovative ideas to help tackle state fragility and state failure. Promoting inclusive growth in fragile and conflict situations is now a key priority for development.

He arrived here on Wednesday night on a less than 24 hours visit and is scheduled to leave Dhaka by Thursday evening.

He met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and visited DFID-funded project during his short stay in Dhaka.