Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that global leaders got a better picture of Bangladesh's socio-economic development achieved under her leadership as she participated in the BRICS summit last week in Johannesburg.

“Overall, by participating in the 'BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue' meeting, under the leadership of my government, I have been able to present the picture of Bangladesh's socio-economic development to the world,” she said.

The prime minister said this while addressing a press conference on the outcome of her recent visit to South Africa to attend the August 22-24 15th BRICS Summit at the invitation of host South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

On August 22, PM Hasina went to Johannesburg for the summit of the BRICS bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Apart from host president Ramaphosa the summit was attended in person by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the summit through video link.

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Sheikh Hasina said that she informed the international community about the various preparations and activities undertaken by her government to build 'Smart Bangladesh' through the implementation of Vision 2041.

She also called upon the countries of the South to reject the inequality imposed on them in the name of universal rule.

“We are no longer willing to suffer because of artificial decisions imposed on the countries of the South,” she said.

She hoped that the initiative to establish Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism through this conference will be fruitful. “…and the BRICS alliance will play its role properly as an ideal platform in this regard,” she said.

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The prime minister said a new horizon has been opened for Bangladesh through her visit in the time of sanctions and counter-sanctions.

In her written statement, Hasina mentioned that she urged the investors worldwide, particularly from South Africa, to explore the numerous investment prospects within Bangladesh investing in various sectors.

She also urged them to get involved in Bangladesh’s advancement and reach the goal to become a trillion-dollar economy and a fully developed smart nation by 2041.

Later, Hasina also joined a conference of Bangladeshi envoys posted in African nations at her place of residence.

In the conference, PM Hasina asked Bangladeshi envoys to enhance bilateral and trade relations with their host countries aimed at increasing bilateral trade, business and investments following the “Look Africa Policy” taken by her government.

The PM held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President XI at Hotel Hilton,Sandton during the visit.

During the meeting,the Chinese leader said that his country wants a solution to the Rohingya problem and expressed interest to help Bangladesh in energy and renewable energy and infrastructure development of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and China being strategic partners have reiterated their commitment to fulfill their mutual interest.

Hasina also attended a banquet and cultural show with the BRICS leaders and others invited to the BRICS Leaders Dialogue and other guests at Gallagher Estate,Johannesburg.

The prime minister attended the BRICS-Africa Outreach and the BRICS Dialogues and delivered her address there at Sandton Convention Center in the morning.

In her speech, Hasina urged the global leaders to take responsibility for peace, justice and stability around the world.

She also said in the Global South, all should say ‘no’ to artificial choices and divisions being thrown at them.

All must reject attempts to weaponise universal norms and values and need to stop the cycle of sanctions and counter-sanctions,she added.

PM Hasina also said all must speak out against all threats and provocations.

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Sheikh Hasina highlighted Bangladesh’s success in women empowerment to the world leaders.

The PM also held bilateral meetings with a number of world leaders on the side lines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

The leaders include President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Iranian President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi, President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi and President of Tanzania Dr Saima Sulluhu and NDB New Development Bank President Mrs Dilma Vana Roussrff.

During the meetings held at Sandton Convention Center, they discussed issues of bilateral interests as well as various regional and international issues.

Sheikh Hasina also joined a civic reception given by the Bangladeshi community leaders living in South Africa.