DHAKA: Expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis emanating from human trafficking, Bangladesh foreign minister informed ASEAN Regional Forum about his incumbent government’s ‘zero tolerance’ approach to the issue.

The minister was addressing the 22nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Retreat and Plenary Sessions held at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia on August 6, says a press release issued by foreign ministry on Saturday.

In his statement, the foreign minister deeply appreciated the programs and activities being undertaken by the ARF in building confidence among the countries and to take the forum towards its second stage of preventive diplomacy with the ultimate aim of conflict resolution.

Describing Bangladesh’s impressive progress in human development, he sought support of the security forum to address this problem as “there must be some other factors or forces at play beyond Bangladesh’s immediate control that create vulnerability or false incentives for the people to risk their own lives at sea”.

Mahmood Ali is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the 22nd ARF Retreat and Plenary Sessions.

Moreover, emphasizing on the importance of maintaining peace and security, the Bangladesh foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali said that immediately after Bangladesh’s independence, father of nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman underscored the need for peace and stability in Indian sub-continent.

The minister gave an exclusive interview with the BERNAMA, the national news agency of Malaysia, on Bangladesh’s expectation from ASEAN and Bangladesh-Malaysia bilateral relations.

BDST: 1701 HRS, AUG 08, 2015
SR/RR