"The spinning capacity has increased four times in 10 years which is a commendable job," he said adding that the textile industry employs almost 4 million people in Bangladesh and 45 percent of the industrial employment is the result of textile industry.

Dr Momen said they are now aiming at high end value additions and their objective is to secure the high plateaus of the ‘brand ecosystem’ and of ‘brand premium’. 

The Foreign Minister was addressing the inaugural session of the Magical Threads Runway held at a city hotel on Friday night. 

Also read: Bangladesh, India can jointly offer tough race for global competitors in textile business: Shahriar

Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi, Ambassadors and High Commissioners were, among others, present. 

Dr Momen said: “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman could inspire so many millions of unarmed civilians to rise and fight against one of the most well-organised marauding bandits from Pakistan and finally claim our Freedom. 

Because he could successfully engage the power of the mind and the strength of magical threads which weaved the very human stories with one vision – that of Freedom!" he said.

The Foreign Minister remembered Bangabandhu with the deepest respect on his birth centenary and on the eve of the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh.

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Following the footsteps of the Father, his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also woven a vision for the nation, Dr Momen said. 

"Vision 2021 has already been achieved – emerging as a Middle-Income Country with comprehensive Digital Leadership. Now we have Vision 2041 – to emerge as a Developed Nation. Our target is to ensure that our people and indeed people anywhere in the world live with a modicum of dignity and happiness and peace," he said. 

At present, Bangladesh ranks second in the world as the largest apparel producers with a $20 billion business in which 80% is earned by exporting goods. 

Also read: Shut textile mills to be reopened: Minister

Dr Momen said his ministry is particularly tasked with two initiatives – economic diplomacy and of public diplomacy. 

He said the narrative with which Bangladesh is defined – must now reflect the changed realities and the changing circumstances. 

Dr Momen wished that the Magical Threads spread all the magic that it promises to create for the betterment of all the peoples that it claims to represent.