Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina building a knowledge-based country

Industrious Bangladesh is rapidly moving toward the highway of development at an inexorable pace. (AFP file)
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Updated 26 March 2021
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Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina building a knowledge-based country

On this occasion of the 50th Independence Day of Bangladesh, I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to all Bangladeshis living both at home and abroad.

This year we celebrate not only the golden jubilee of our independence but also the centenary of the birth of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. These are momentous occasions in our history.

On this auspicious day, I recall with profound reverence the greatest Bengali of all time, the father of our nation. Under his dynamic, courageous and charismatic leadership, the people of this territory brought the red sun of independence. I pay my profound homage to the 3 million martyrs and 200,000 mothers and sisters whose supreme sacrifices and suffering ushered the dawn of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh.




FM A.K. Abdul Momen

I respectfully salute all our freedom fighters, including the wounded war heroes. I pay my profound gratitude to the diplomats who, during and after our Liberation War, played a vital role in gaining international recognition for our nation.

The charismatic leadership of the father of our nation united the whole country. Bangabandhu accomplished the formidable tasks of rehabilitation and rebuilding the nation just in three and a half years. Conspirators and enemies committed the heinous crime of his assassination on Aug. 15, 1975 to thwart our advancement.

Following the guided path of Bangabandhu, his able daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is determined to build a knowledge-based and prosperous country. As a result of various pragmatic initiatives launched by the government, Bangladesh has been transformed into an economic miracle, achieving sustained high levels of growth in the past 12 years.

With its pro-investment policies, huge domestic market, strategically important geopolitical location, political stability, and a hard-working, skilled labor force, Bangladesh has become a lucrative destination for foreign investment.

Under the able leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has done a remarkable job in tackling the global COVID-19 pandemic, while keeping our economy at almost full functionality.

I hope that all Bangladeshi expatriates will support and participate in the government’s ongoing advancement of the country. I thank all the members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our missions abroad, which have been working with deep commitment to uphold our national interests across nations.

Joi Bangla, Joi Bangabandhu.

May Bangladesh Live Forever.

Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen
Minister of foreign affairs


KSrelief to host 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum in February 2025

Updated 20 min 40 sec ago
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KSrelief to host 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum in February 2025

  • Themed “Navigating the Future of Humanitarian Response,” the forum will coincide with KSrelief’s 10th anniversary

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center will host the fourth Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum on Feb. 24-25 next year, under the patronage of King Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Themed “Navigating the Future of Humanitarian Response,” the forum will coincide with KSrelief’s 10th anniversary and is being organized in partnership with UN humanitarian agencies.

It will bring together global leaders, donors, humanitarian workers, and experts to address pressing challenges in humanitarian aid.

The event will also feature high-level panel discussions with renowned researchers and specialists from Saudi Arabia and around the world.

Topics will include the role of humanitarian diplomacy in mitigating conflicts and disasters, strategies for effective delivery of aid and relief supplies, and addressing displacement amid escalating conflicts and natural disasters, SPA added.

KSrelief, Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian arm, continues to play a pivotal role in addressing crises and supporting vulnerable communities worldwide, and the forum underscores its commitment to fostering dialogue and innovation in the humanitarian sector.

The previous edition of the forum in 2023 concluded with recommendations to minimize funding gaps in relief aid and leverage science and innovation for quicker response and improved coordination in humanitarian efforts.


Muslim World League chief meets Pope Francis in Vatican City

Updated 23 December 2024
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Muslim World League chief meets Pope Francis in Vatican City

  • During his visit to Italy, Al-Issa received an honorary fellowship in post-doctoral law studies from the University of Bologna

RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, met Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, in the Vatican to discuss mutual cooperation and shared interests.

During his visit to Italy, Al-Issa received an honorary fellowship in post-doctoral law studies from the University of Bologna.

The ceremony was attended by the university’s president, the law faculty’s dean, academics, and religious leaders from both Islamic and Catholic communities.

The honor recognized Al-Issa’s efforts in advancing the goals of the UN Charter, promoting peace, reducing cultural tensions, and fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among communities.

The MWL chief emphasized that the reasons for awarding him the post-doctoral fellowship in law from one of the most prestigious Western universities “reflect our Islamic values, which we must clarify to everyone.”

As part of his visit, Al-Issa launched the Islamic Studies and Arabic Language Award at the Catholic University of Milan.

The event was attended by high-level Vatican officials, marking the launch of a groundbreaking initiative to promote the teaching of the Arabic language and Islamic studies in Europe.

Islamic leaders described the award as a long-awaited step on an influential platform within Christian communities. The award includes categories that clarify Islamic concepts and promote the beauty and importance of the Arabic language.


Saudi wildlife center releases 66 endangered animals in King Khalid Royal Reserve

Updated 23 December 2024
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Saudi wildlife center releases 66 endangered animals in King Khalid Royal Reserve

  • 40 rhim gazelles, 10 Arabian oryx, 10 houbara bustards and 6 idmi gazelles released as part of wider initiative to enhance biodiversity and restore ecological balance
  • Solar-powered tracking devices fitted to some of the animals to monitor patterns of movement, behaviors and how they adapt to their environment 

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has released 66 endangered native animals into the King Khalid Royal Reserve in Al-Thumamah region of northeastern Riyadh.

Forty rhim gazelles, 10 Arabian oryx, 10 houbara bustards and six idmi gazelles were released as part of a wider ongoing initiative, in partnership with the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, that aims to enhance biodiversity, restore ecological balance, promote sustainability, and support eco-tourism in the reserve, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“This release is a significant step toward maintaining ecological systems and promoting biodiversity,” said Mohammed Qurban, the CEO of the wildlife center.

The stated aim of organization is to become a global leader in wildlife protection, by focusing on breeding endangered species and reintroducing them into natural ecosystems in line with international conservation standards.

Qurban said the center is dedicated to conducting research on endangered species and monitoring biodiversity in protected areas using advanced technologies that track animal populations and collect data that is critical in efforts to address conservation challenges and opportunities.

Talal Al-Harigi, CEO of the development authority, said solar-powered tracking devices have been fitted to some of the released animals. These will enable researchers to monitor them via satellite to gain valuable insights into their patterns of movement, behaviors and how they adapt to their environment.

The initiative also helps to support efforts to restore ecological balance and increase vegetation cover in the reserve, which essential to help species adapt to natural habitats, he added.


City governor launches $160m first phase of Madinah Gate project

Updated 23 December 2024
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City governor launches $160m first phase of Madinah Gate project

  • Development will comprise apartments, hotel, retail units, bus station

MADINAH: Madinah governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz on Monday launched the $160 million first phase of the Madinah Gate project.

The mixed-use development will comprise a 325-bedroom DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, 80 shops, 44 restaurants, apartments, recreational facilities and a bus station, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It will also have a direct connection to the Haramain High-Speed Railway, which links Madinah with Makkah.

Madinah Gate — the first two phases of which will span 37,000 sq. meters — is being developed as a collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways and developer Knowledge Economic City Co., with support from the city’s authorities.

Amin Shaker, chairman of the development company, said the project — its first in southern Madinah — would help strengthen the city’s status as a global visitor destination.


New partnership set to drive Kingdom’s architecture industry

Updated 23 December 2024
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New partnership set to drive Kingdom’s architecture industry

  • Deal will help promote local talent, foster innovation

RIYADH: The Architecture and Design Commission has signed a strategic partnership with contracting firm Nesma & Partners to promote the Kingdom’s architecture and design industry.

The commission’s CEO Sumayah Al-Solaiman and Nesma’s Managing Director Rami Al-Turki on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a framework for collaboration in professional development and industry innovation.

The partnership aims to prepare a new generation of Saudi professionals to compete on the world stage and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for architecture and design excellence.

“The initiative aims to empower architects and designers to develop their skills and enhance their capabilities, creating an environment that nurtures Saudi talent while fostering innovation and creativity in the sector,” Al-Solaiman said.

It would also help to advance the commission’s mission to forge strategic alliances with industry leaders, she said.

Under the deal, the two sides will cooperate in areas such as industry best practice, knowledge exchange and professional workshops. It will also involve the joint sponsorship of competitions, awards and conferences.

“As a leading Saudi contractor, we are committed to providing training and creating employment opportunities for Saudi architects,” Al-Turki said.

“Our strategic partnership with the commission reflects our values of innovation, excellence and social responsibility.”

The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for sector development, focusing on building a sustainable ecosystem for architecture and design professionals.

The commission emphasized its commitment to advancing scientific research and creating an integrated environment that supports the sector’s creative community.