EVERY HOLIDAY DEAR IN ITS OWN WAY

In December, the peoples of Uzbekistan and Bangladesh mark important national dates. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bangladesh to Uzbekistan, Mosud Mannan, has told about the significance of the public holiday in his country.

Mr. Ambassador, what does the date 16 December mean to the people of Bangladesh?

16 December for Bengalis is the day of the greatest pride and triumph! It is indeed a symbol of freedom. That is the day when the new Bengali nation earned the ultimate victory against occupation forces of Pakistan. On 16 December, 1971, a 9 nine-month sanguinary war, which started after Bangabandhu declared independence on 26 March, 1971, and 24 years of an intense political struggle came to an end. On this glorious day we also pay our deepest homage to the three million martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the cause of independence. This year we are observing the 45th jubilee of the greatest achievement of our Nation!

Starting with the Language movement in 1952, Bangabandhu undeviatingly led the nation to the Victory. He saw the sufferings of his nation, which were neglected by the occupation forces, especially in ensuring economic justice, fair distribution of national wealth and resources, and sharing power between all parts of the country equitably. The overwhelming majority Awami League earned in 1970’s General Elections revealed the aspiration and longing of Bengalis for independence. Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, daughter of the great Bangabadhu, is continuing the path taken by the Father of the Nation to lead Bangladesh to development and prosperity, thereby, reaching the goal of turning the country into a “Golden Bengal”!

The people of Uzbekistan also celebrate a special day in December – the Constitution Day. On this date, a direction for the upcoming year is announced. Particular attention in the government policy will be paid to the development of the announced sphere or dimension of public life. How do you regard such a tradition in Uzbekistan?

I presume the Constitution Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan as one of the greatest milestones in the history of this beautiful and historic country. No successful and prosperous state today can be imagined without a Constitution - the main source of Law. Adoption of Constitution is itself the way for people to express their commitments and aspirations to work for a prosperous present and a bright future of their country within legal norms.

On this special day, the government also announces the direction of the country’s development for the upcoming year. This well-thought initiative of the Honorable Late President of Uzbekistan, H.E. Mr. Islam Abduganievich Karimov helps the government to focus on a particular social sphere, which needs a special attention. The success of this year’s program titled “2016 – the Year of Healthy Mother and Child” has been proven from its efficient outcome. The government has focused on bringing up an intellectual and comprehensively advanced generation, and created favorable conditions for that by providing educational, medical, infrastructural, sporting and other facilities worth 7.5 trillion soums and $194 million from the state’s budget. It is evident that through the announcement of the national program for the year, the government gives more attention to a particular social sphere, development of which becomes an essential step in improving the living standards of the people and leads to the creation of a flourishing nation.

Availing this opportunity, I would like to wish the government and people of Uzbekistan a continuous peace and prosperity on the occasion of the 24th anniversary of the Constitution Day of the Republic.

Speaking about plans for this year, you pointed out earlier that our trade basket needs diversification as now concentration falls onto cotton while there is a range of untapped opportunities. Have any agreements been made?

This year can be marked as a fruitful year for Bangladesh-Uzbekistan relations. A number of initiatives have been taken by bоth countries. The Bangladesh Embassy in Tashkent received proposals from Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to promote jute and jute products in Uzbekistan. Uzbek entrepreneurs approached the Embassy for assistance in promoting locally produced dried fruits, vegetables and beans in Bangladesh. In addition, proposals for cooperation in the sphere of leather goods came early this year. I have also had a discussion on opportunities for cooperation in the field of juice production with local producers of fruit juice. All the proposals have been submitted to the respective sides for consideration and further actions.

Undoubtedly, cotton remains the main item of trade cooperation between our two friendly countries taking into account the demand of Bangladesh textile industry for the high quality cotton produced by Uzbekistan. But the growing export potential and readiness of bоth countries to cooperate allow us to look forward to the positive developments in bilateral relations, which are likely to take place in the upcoming New Year.

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Starting with the Language movement in 1952, Bangabandhu undeviatingly led the nation to the Victory. He saw the sufferings of his nation, which were neglected by the occupation forces, especially in ensuring economic justice, fair distribution of national wealth and resources, and sharing power between all parts of the country equitably. The overwhelming majority Awami League earned in 1970’s General Elections revealed the aspiration and longing of Bengalis for independence.

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In 2015, Bangladesh rose to first place in the volumes of imports of Uzbek cotton – 29% of the total.

Jahon Information Agency