Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday reiterated Bangladesh's stance not to engage in war with anyone, but will boost its defence forces aiming to protect the independence and sovereignty.
“We will not engage in war with anyone. But we have to attain capability to protect our independence and sovereignty,” she said.
The prime minister said this while addressing the golden jubilee of the enactment of the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act, 1974 by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Hasina said that following the footstep of Bangabandhu the government has formulated Forces Goal 2030 and is implementing it.
“Side by side, as an independent country we will do whatever we need. We are working in that direction,” she said.
The prime minister said that Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act, 1974 is working as an important guideline and in future it will continue to do the same.
She mentioned that the vast maritime areas that Bangladesh attained will contribute a lot to the country’s economy.
The prime minister urged the foreign businesses to invest in Bangladesh utilising its geographical position.
“Please come, invest in Bangladesh. Those who will invest here will be befitted because of our geographical position. There is a vast scope for trade and commerce here,” she said.
Hasina said that Bangladesh will explore marine resources from its vast maritime areas maintaining friendly relations with neighbouring countries to tap potentials of the blue economy for the country's socio-economic advancement.
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"We have to explore and utilise the marine resources from the maritime areas we have gained. I believe the declaration on blue economy will be implemented. We have to use the vast marine resources for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh" she said.
She said that Bangladesh will be cautious in case of extracting marine resources and continue commerce and trade through seaways following country’s foreign policy ‘Friendship to all, malice to none’.