#thenewscompany – Describing formation of the Saudi-led Islamic alliance against terrorism and violent extremism as a time-befitting initiative, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said Bangladesh is ready to provide all kinds of assistance, even military support, for the security of the two holy mosques of Saudi Arabia.
“I think the initiative Saudi Arabia has taken to fight terrorism and violent extremism is a very time-befitting step and Bangladesh instantly responded to the call to combat the twin monsters,” she told a crowded press conference here this afternoon.
The press conference was convened at the official Ganobhaban residence of the Prime Minister to brief about the outcome of her recent visits to Bulgaria, Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Sheikh Hasina said during her bilateral official talks, she told the (Saudi) King that Bangladesh will always extend support to fight terrorism and violent extremism. “We’re ready to provide all kinds of assistance, even military support, for the security of two holy mosques of Saudi Arabia,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said that some 40 countries have so far joined the Saudi-led Islamic alliance to express their stance against terrorism and extremism.
“Bangladesh could now take a supportive stance in any field with any country and all would have to keep this in mind,” she said, adding the Muslims in Bangladesh considers Saudi Arabia in a different way, as the two holy mosques are there alongside the Rowza of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).
Asked whether there was any specific development regarding sending of manpower to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the Premier said a big change has taken place in the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia relations.
“It has been visible as Saudi Arabia is not only keen to recruit manpower from Bangladesh, but they are also interested to invest in Bangladesh ….I’ve also invited them to invest in Bangladesh and they will invest in Bangladesh,” she said.
The Prime Minister said she apprised the Saudi investors and entrepreneurs that land could be provided to them in the Special Economic Zones where they could set up industries and could also export their products from here to other countries.
She said from now onwards, Bangladesh would not only be able to send skilled workers, but also manpower from various sectors like doctors, engineers, technicians and nurses.
Sheikh Hasina said that a big qualitative change was evident this time as the Bangladeshi female workers willing to work as domestic help could now take along with them their husband or father to Saudi Arabia.