On Monday, July 28 at 10:30 AM, a courtesy meeting and discussion session took place at the central office of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami between the Honorable Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and the Honorable Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh, Mr. Park Young Sik. The Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Jin-hee Baek, was also present during the meeting. The meeting was held in a warm, cordial, and friendly atmosphere.
Among the Jamaat leaders, party’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Secretary General and former MP Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General and Head of Central Media and Publicity Department Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, Member of Central Executive Council and Secretary of the Central Media and Publicity Department Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, and Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Jamaat Ameer Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan were present on the occasion.
Following the meeting, a short briefing was organized in which Professor Mia Golam Porwar stated that the Honorable Ambassador of Korea had an open and comprehensive discussion with the Jamaat Ameer in a very cordial environment. They discussed bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and the overall situation in the country.
The Jamaat Ameer, referring to Bangladesh’s advancing and developing economy, noted that Bangladesh is a country with great economic potential. There exists both scope and sources here for achieving a sustainable economy. In particular, he highlighted Bangladesh’s prospects as a leading exporter in the global garments industry.
Professor Mia Golam Porwar said that the Honorable Ambassador of Korea expressed optimism about resolving the ongoing issues concerning export tariff regulations in Bangladesh. We also expressed our hope that this issue would soon be resolved in a way that ensures a fair and tolerable rate for Bangladesh.”
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, noted that although Bangladesh is a small country in terms of size, it has a large population and abundant potential. He highlighted the nation’s rich natural resources, green forests, rivers, seas, and the benefits of a vibrant monsoon climate. Jamaat Ameer expressed hope that with honest leadership and through necessary reforms, the upcoming election could pave the way for the building of a well-governed and democratic developing country. If this process succeeds, he said, Bangladesh could be transformed into a corruption-free nation with a sustainable economy.
Professor Porwar added that the Korean Ambassador inquired about the upcoming national election, the political situation, and the state of ongoing reforms. “The Honorable Ameer of Jamaat briefed him based on the information we have,” he said. “We are cooperating with the government to reach consensus on key reform issues. Jamaat’s delegation has been regularly and actively participating in the consensus commission's discussions. We are hopeful that, Insha Allah, a fair and impartial electoral environment based on national consensus will be established soon for the next election.”
When the Ambassador asked about the possible timing of the election, the Jamaat Ameer informed him that Jamaat had earlier proposed holding the election before the month of Ramadan. These matters were discussed openly during the meeting. The Ameer also spoke about the Proportional Representation (PR) system of voting. He informed the Ambassador that most political parties in Bangladesh are in favor of adopting the PR system, which would help prevent the influence of black money, muscle power, and nomination trading. The PR system, he said, is a modern and appropriate mechanism for ensuring a quality parliament and fair voter representation. A private discussion on this topic also took place during the meeting.
During the meeting, both parties expressed optimism that bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and investment between Bangladesh and Korea would be further strengthened in the future.
