By Twaha Mukiibi

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni during her meeting Sunday with the CJA in London. (PHOTO BY TWAHA MUKIIBI)

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni met the Commonwealth Journalist Association (CJA) members in London Sunday to brief them about the progress her government had made so far since they took office.

In her brief meeting with the CJA at the Bangladesh High Commission in Queens Gate, London, Dr Moni said that her government has fulfilled most of its election pledges such as the promotion of the rule of law, the safeguarding of the commonwealth values, fighting corruption, establishing good and meaningful cooperation with the country’s regional neighbours, the improvement of the country’s environmental programs and the promotion of women in the Bangladesh society. She said six per cent of the country’s members of parliament are women.

On the economy, Dr Moni said that her government has increased the capacity of the country’s electricity supply by over 300 kW which has helped the manufacturing industry to almost double the country’s export. The minister also reported that due to her government’s economic policies, Bangladesh has become a hub of economic activity in the region.

She however pointed out that she had one regret; the failure to establish a meaningful working relationship with the country’s opposition politicians. Dr Moni blamed this on the attitude of the opposition.

On the situation in the Maldives, Dr Moni said that Bangladesh was committed to helping the Maldives to ensure that the democratic values of the commonwealth are respected.