In London, Hasina emphasises connectivity for stability in Asia

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has put emphasis on connectivity and more investment in youth and women to cap inequality and efforts to destabilise Asia.

She spoke at a roundtable of Asian leaders titled, ‘Can Asia Keep Growing?”, organised by the Commonwealth Business Forum in London on Wednesday.   

“The past of the world belonged to Asia, and the future is also destined to belong to Asia,” Hasina announced in the beginning of her speech.

She said Asia achieved ‘much’ in the 70 years and ‘must remain optimistic’.

“However, we must remain cautious optimists – an attitude true to our Asian spirit,” she added.

According her, economic development was bringing prosperity but also creating inequality.

“Terrorism, conflicts, financial shocks and other emerging challenges threaten stability. We have achieved much, but there are enough obstacles and hazards on our way ahead.

“So, what needs to be done?” she asked.

“We need to invest more in the youth, women and our citizens as a whole,” the prime minister answered herself.

She said the Asian countries needed to be more inclusive in their growth – “not just within our nations but across Asian countries”.

“Prosperity and equality within our borders will bring growth and growing together we can create a more peaceful and stable region,” the prime minister said.

“For that, we need to build bridges, strive for connectivity, both hard and soft and aspire for greater people to people exchanges and understanding.

“Indeed,” she added, “We believe stability to be key to the future of Asia.

UK Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire delivered the welcome address. Zarin Daruwala, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, India moderated the event at Guild Hall.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and SDG Affairs Chief Coordinator at the PMO Abul Kalam Azad, among others, were also present.