Foreign Adviser Md. TouhidHossain has said anybody can criticise the interim government without fear, and that is the success of this administration.
“Could you criticise the government in power a year back or eight months back as you can do today? If nothing else, this government has at least achieved this one that anyone can freely criticise without fear. This is the essence of democracy,” Hossain said while addressing an Iftar-dinner event marking the 27th anniversary of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at Gulshan Shooting Club Convention Hall on Wednesday evening.
The Foreign adviser said often this government faces criticism about its performance.
Former Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhory, Foreign Secretary MdJashimUddin, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs DrMdNazrul Islam, Bimstec Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and acting envoys CDAs stationed in Dhaka, including Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh PranayVerma, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, European Union (EU) Michael Miller, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander GrigoryevichKhozin, Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi, South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis, Nepalese Ambassador GhanshyamBhandari, German Ambassador AchimTroster, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Switzerland’s Ambassador RetoRenggli, senior journalists, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary AbulKalam Azad Majumder and DCAB Members were present.
DCAB President AKM Moinuddinand General Secretary ArifuzzamanMamun also spoke.
The foreign adviser said Bangladesh is currently passing a very important time in national life. As per the aspirations of the people, the government is trying to do reforms.
He said he can not say that the interim government will be able to fulfil all their aspirations, but it has to devise a pathway that will lead to the ultimate goal of having a really discrimination-free and democratic society.
Some of the reforms have to be made before the elections, and some are to be continued in the following period. The government is trying to do those as quickly as possible so that the elections can be held and power be transferred to the elected government.
DCAB President Moinuddin said for the past 27 years, DCAB has been at the forefront of promoting mutual understanding between Bangladesh and other nations-bilaterally, regionally, and globally-through objective reporting by its members on complex issues.
“As we move forward, DCAB members will continue their role in safeguarding our national interests, upholding objectivity during challenging times, and raising awareness among both the public and policymakers,” he said.
As Bangladesh advances toward a stronger democracy and a more inclusive society, the DCAB president said they are renewing their commitment to enhancing their professional capacity.
“Let us hope for a peaceful and inclusive democratic transition in Bangladesh, which is essential for our nation’s long-term stability and success,” he said.
Hosting an Iftar has long been a cherished tradition for DCAB, and this year, as Ramadan aligns with its anniversary (originally falls on March 16), DCAB combined both occasions on Wednesday evening.
