State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has urged honorary consuls to become strong ambassadors for Bangladesh's investment potential and help generate new opportunities for trade and business. Speaking at a reception hosted by the Consular Corps in Bangladesh (CCB), she outlined five key expectations for CCB members, emphasizing their crucial role in promoting technology, education, innovation, and skilled employment partnerships. She also stressed the need to expand Bangladesh's engagement with emerging regions, particularly Africa, and strengthen people-to-people connections.
Shama highlighted that honorary consuls should not view their roles as merely ceremonial, but rather as vital contributors to trade, investment, cultural exchanges, education, and humanitarian cooperation. She noted that for a developing country like Bangladesh, their contributions can make a significant difference. The State Minister assured that the Foreign Ministry would remain ready to engage constructively with the CCB, providing necessary guidance and facilitating coordination with relevant ministries and government agencies.
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's "Bangladesh First" foreign policy, Shama emphasized that national interest, sovereignty, security, and people's welfare remain at the heart of the government's international engagement. She outlined Bangladesh's goals of attracting greater foreign investment, widening export markets, acquiring advanced technology, strengthening education and healthcare partnerships, increasing tourism, and fostering practical cooperation on climate resilience.
Shama expressed confidence that honorary consuls could play an important role in advancing these objectives by identifying opportunities, connecting the right partners, and transforming ideas into lasting partnerships. She highlighted Bangladesh's investment potential, pointing to its young and hardworking workforce, dynamic entrepreneurs, expanding manufacturing base, and strategic location connecting South and Southeast Asia. These strengths, she said, make Bangladesh an attractive destination for investment, production, logistics, and regional connectivity.
The reception brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of diplomatic missions, honorary consuls, representatives of international organizations, senior government officials, and business leaders. CCB President and Honorary Consul General of Mongolia Nasreen Fatema Awal reaffirmed the organization's commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations, international cooperation, trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connectivity.
