Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday called for stronger global partnership and cooperation to effectively deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"All countries need to work together. It's essential to have stronger partnership and cooperation among countries to face COVID-19 situation," he said as the chief guest at the 5th episode of Bangabandhu Lecture Series held virtually marking birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Dr Momen said people across the world need to get vaccinated to make the world free from coronavirus. "All countries need to work together to ensure equal access to vaccine," he said.

Also read: Dhaka seeks greater int'l solidarity, cooperation to tackle COVID-19 challenges

Former UN Under Secretary General Ambassador Anwarul K Chowdhury delivered keynote speech on the "Birth of Bangladesh and Its Inspirational Legacy in Global Diplomacy".

The Foreign Minister said they want to establish peace in the world in a sustainable way. Bangabandhu firmly believed that peace is a must for development and laid emphasis on peace and stability throughout his life.

"Bangabandhu and Bangladesh are inseparable," he said, noting that Bangabandhu had turned into a global leader by highlighting the problems faced by the oppressed people in the world. He said Bangabandhu ensured religious harmony in the society.

Also read: Coronavirus & Agenda 2030: Dhaka seeks meaningful global partnership

The Foreign Minister said all young diplomats need to read the speeches of Bangladesh’s founding father. 

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen spoke as special guest. 

Diplomats stationed in Dhaka, Bangladesh envoys abroad, senior journalists and intellectuals joined the programme.