Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said her government wants to maintain friendly relations with all countries in order to continue Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress.

“We want our friendly relations to prevail with all and Bangladesh to march forward through socio-economic development,” she said.

The Prime Minister was addressing the conferment ceremony of Bangabandhu Medal for Diplomatic Excellence, joining it virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen handed over the newly introduced ‘Bangabandhu Medal to two recipients at the Foreign Service Academy in the city.

Read: Navy to get more sophisticated warships, war equipment: Hasina

The recipients are Rear Admiral (retd) Khurshid Alam, Secretary, Maritime Affairs Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Syed Mohammad Al Muhari, former Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina said she believes that the award will encourage Bangladeshi diplomats to be the best performers by discharging their duties with utmost professionalism from their respective positions.

"Besides, the diplomats of our friendly countries will be encouraged to take the relationship between Bangladesh and their respective countries to new heights," she added.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry awarded them with the Bangabandhu Medal 2020 in recognition of their excellent contributions to the diplomatic field.

Khurshid Alam played a significant role in the peaceful solution to maritime disputes with neighbouring India and Myanmar, while Syed Mohammad Al Muhari played an important role in strengthening the bilateral ties with the UAE.

At the event, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam announced the names of the recipients, while the two recipients shared their feelings.

Sharing his feelings, Syed Mohammad Al Muhari dedicated the medal to the people of the UAE and Bangladesh.

At the function, a book titled “Sheikh Hasina: Bimugdho Bishwa” published highlighting the 40-year magical leadership of Sheikh Hasina since 1981 was launched.

Amir Hossain Amu, MP, Abul Hasanat Abdullah, MP and Matia Chowdhury, MP also spoke on the occasion. The foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka were also present.

Read:‘Had a very successful visit to France’, Hasina tells envoy

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh resolved the maritime demarcation disputes with India and Myanmar maintaining friendly relations with them. “This is our diplomatic success."

She said her government has relentlessly been working for the overall development of the country.

“We’re following the policy formulated by the Father of the Nation. We won’t let poor people stay poor anymore in Bangladesh. The people of this country will be hunger-poverty-free and will get developed and prosperous lives,” she said.

The PM said the government has been implementing massive programmes in order to attain the ideology and objectives of the Liberation War.

“The benefits of the victory that achieved in the Liberation War will reach every house of Bangladesh and every individual will get food, education, medical treatment and a better life, which were the goal of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu,” she said, adding that her government has already gone far in attaining the goal.

Hasina renewed her firm conviction to fulfil the dream of Bangabandhu ignoring all sorts of possible difficulties and barriers.

“I’ve no desire [for anything] as I’ve lost my parents, brothers and everything. But I made a decision that the dream, for what my father made this country independent, would have to be fulfilled, no matter how many difficulties, attacks and barriers come in my way,” she said.

“There’ll be nothing called ‘poverty’ and ‘Monga’ (seasonal food crisis) in Bangladesh,” she said, adding that her objective is that every man would live a decent life in the country.