“This is a great event,” she said in a video message marking the twin mega celebrations on the occasion of birth centenary of Bangabandhu and 50 years of Bangladesh’s Independence.
Terming Bangladesh a historical friend of France, the French Senator said at the parliamentary level, they intend to develop the relationships. “I wish strong bilateral relationship continues in the future in the interests of both of our countries.”
The video message was played at the function of the fourth day of the 10-day special programme marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of the country's independence at the National Parade Ground.
Economically speaking, Deromedi said, Bangladesh is continuing its strong development trajectory with the ambitious goal to improve social working conditions and workers’ rights.
Also read: French envoy emphasizes France’s commitment to support Bangladesh
She said she is very honoured to have the opportunity to wish her Bangladeshi friends on 50 years of the Independence of Bangladesh and at the same time the 101st anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
The French Senator said this is an opportunity to say that Bangladesh can rely on the support of France and Bangladesh Parliament can rely on the support of the France Senate especially of their inter-parliamentary friendship group for South East Asia.
She said this is also an important moment to remember that three million people had sacrificed their lives during the War of Independence in 1971.
The French Senator said Bangladesh’s flag commemorates the very terrible moment of Bangladesh history, which symbolises the blood of Bangladeshis killed during the war with Pakistan.
Also read: Birth centenary & Golden Jubilee: 10-day extravaganza begins Wednesday
“This is for me today the occasion to pay homage to those three million people who gave their lives to achieve Bangladesh’s Independence on December 16, 1971,” she said.
The French Senator said 50 years later, she would like to insist on green colour of Bangladesh flag. “In our country, green symbolises hope in a better future and in your country green symbolises vitality used in farmland.”
Two years ago, she said, she was in Dhaka with three of her colleagues, French senators, members of their inter-parliamentary friendship group.
They met the Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament and officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who underlined the importance of democracy in Bangladesh.
She said Bangladesh has many challenges to face with two million young people entering the job market every year.
Also read: France Issue: FM writes his French counterpart
The French Senator laid emphasis on exploring new markets to create more employment and opportunities. “The country also needs to create an enabling environment to increase female labour force’s participation.”
She said their French Development Agency has been working in Bangladesh since to promote green and inclusive growth.
The French Development Agency is there for development of infrastructures, green energy, equipment with safety standards and environment and social performances in the garment industry, she added.