Hailing Bangladesh for its economic rise and "unprecedented political stability" in recent years under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Maldivian parliament speaker Mohammed Nasheed termed Dhaka a “tiger economy,” while pointing out its consistent over 7 per cent GDP growth prior to the pandemic.  

“I think journalists and pundits will soon start calling Bangladesh, not just a fast-growing economy, but a tiger economy. The Bengal tiger is out,” Nasheed said in the Maldivian parliament where Hasina made a speech during his first bilateral visit to the Maldives. 

Speaking in parliament, Hasina mentioned the atrocities—mass rape, genocide, and arson among others—committed by the Pakistani forces in 1971 while recalling the struggles of her father and Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and millions of other freedom fighters.

Hasina also got a bit emotional while recalling the tragedy that struck Bangladesh on 15 August 1975—the day when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 17 of her family members, including three of her brothers, were assassinated at their home in a bloody military coup. 

During his visit, Hasina also announced Biman Airlines, Bangladesh’s national carrier, will soon start flights to the Maldives. 

“Our national carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines is going to introduce flights with the Maldives via Chennai. We hope that people-to-people contacts and exchange of tourism cooperation will be increased due to the flight operation (on this route),” Hasina said on Thursday while wrapping up her first bilateral state visit to the archipelago. 

Flight operations by Biman Bangladesh Airlines would further boost connectivity between the two countries that share close cooperation. The year 2021 that has ended with Hasina’s visit to the Maldives has been a “landmark” year for the bilateral ties, said Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih. 

Significantly, speaking on the areas of cooperation, Hasina on Thursday pointed out that two nations have yet to utilize the full potential in trade, connectivity, and investment. Bangladesh, with its growing manufacturing capacity, she said, would be able to provide goods at competitive prices. 

Hasina termed the year a “golden year” for bilateral ties as the two nations exchanged several high-level visits despite challenges.

(SAM)