-"We take great inspiration from the Korean development model—known widely as the Han River miracle": Bangladesh Amb. Rahman
Bilateral exchanges between Korea & Bangladesh were no more than short-term one-time character's volunteer service Corps. in the past, but from now on, those exchanges
are being transforming to middle-longterm society construction support such as preservation of health & medical
treatment, and ICT governance etc.
Such remarks mentioned by Minister of Health & Welfare Chung Chin-youb during the 46th Bangladesh Independence reception reveals well today's shape
of bilateral ties between Korea & Bangladesh. Minister Chung added that he sincerely
hopes Korea's development process experiences will be served as a great help for
Bangladesh's balanced sustainable development.
Bangladesh Amb. Md. Zulfiqur Rahman (center) is being surrounded by envoys to commemorate his country's 46th Independence in a reception held in a hotel Seoul. |
Against such backdrop of these remarks, Bangladesh Amb. Md. Zulfiqur Rahman
touched upon his country's Vision 2021, saying that under the dynamic and courageous
leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is marching forward towards materialising
its Vision 2021 i.e., to become a middle-income country by the 50th anniversary of our independence.
Rahman emphasized that we also visualise Bangladesh as a developed country by 2041,
adding we take great inspiration from the Korean development model—known widely
as the Han River miracle.
Mrs. Shameem Akhter, spouse of Bangladesh Amb. Rahman (fourth from left) is being surrounded by wives of ambassadors in an opening ceremony to commemorate Bangladesh 46th National Day. |
According to Rahman, Bangladesh is also the 2nd biggest recipient of Korean ODA(offical development assistance)—aligned to Bangladesh’s development plans, a unique and distinct feature of Korean development
cooperation.
So Korea has been a major partner in our infrastructure development as well—be it in
road or railway network, or in developing it health or ICT infrastructure, he explained.
Korea’s participation in two of the biggest multi-purpose bridge construction projects in Bangladesh; or establishment of post-graduate nursing institute; or building a 1000-bed specialised hospital are just few testimonies of the two countries’ expanding
horizon of cooperation, according to Bangladesh Amb. speech.
Bangladesh community poses with Amb. Rahman (third from right) during the fete. |
On the other hand, thousands of Bangladeshi workers are working here with great
satisfaction, and contributing to the economic development of both Bangladesh and
Korea. Hundreds of Bangladeshi students are also doing higher studies in Korean
universities. These students will learn from Korea’s development model and apply their knowledge in Bangladesh’s socio-economic and technological development, Rahman said.
Since his arrival as Bangladesh top envoy one year & ten monghs ago, Bangladesh
envoy said that he has been studying Korean language personally, delivering his speech
actually with his fluent Korean language during about 5 minutes regarding cultural
front, & Bangladesh's touristic attractions, to name just a few.
No wonder the Korean wave or Hallyu has reached even the far-flanged parts of Bangladesh, Rahman said. Popular Korean TV dramas are now watched
by millions of people in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi youths are great fans of K-Pop stars
like Psy for his epic song Gangnam Style. Personally, I am great fan of Korean drama,
Rahman added.
Cultural performance of Bangladesh diplomats family during the function. |
Last but not least, he didn't forget to mention many touristic attractions on offer in
Bangladesh. Some rarest and most ancient Buddhist monasteries and relics are just a
few among many tourist attractions Bangladesh boasts about. Cox’s Bazaar—the 120 km-long soft-sand sea beach, is the longest unbroken sea beach in the world. Sundarban (beautiful
forest) is the largest mangrove forest in the world where the majestic Royal Bengal
Tiger roams around and draws eco-tourists from all over the world. Amb. Rahman wrapped up his speech, saying: "I invite
our Korean friends to visit Bangladesh, and enjoy the world-famous hospitality of the people of Bangladesh".