President Abdul Hamid reiterated Bangladesh's unwavering commitment to realizing the rights of the Palestinian people to an independent homeland and a sovereign state.
He made the pledge in a virtual speech at the closing session of the second OIC summit at Nur Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan, on Wednesday (June 16).
Abdul Hamid said that while the world is going through a terrible pandemic, which has caused unprecedented loss of life and livelihood, the brothers and sisters of Palestine are expecting concerted efforts and united action from us in the face of man-made disasters.
In addition, the President mentioned the Rohingya issue which is a matter of constant concern for Bangladesh, the OIC and the world.
"As you all know, the CFM resolution enables the Myanmar government to take the Rohingya to the International Court of Justice in 2019 for human rights violations under the OIC Genocide Convention, which has unanimously ruled against Myanmar’s atrocities," he said.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the President of Gambia and the OIC Secretary General issued a joint letter in July 2020 urging all member states to contribute to the voluntary fund to bear the legal costs of the long-term process of the case. The President called on the OIC as well as the international community to take steps to ensure that the Rohingya community can return to their homeland with security and dignity.
On science and technology, President Hamid said Bangladesh is placing special emphasis on scientific research, sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies, food and agriculture, health, power, human resource development, blue economy and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The President said Bangladesh has already entered the elite nuclear club by constructing a 2400 MW nuclear power plant at Rooppur.
Mentioning that Bangladesh has a proud tradition of science, technology and innovation through its unique innovation and adaptability to change technology, Abdul Hamid said the goal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh is to advance technologically advanced 'Digital Bangladesh'.
He further said that our developing pharmaceutical industry and alternative medicine Bangladesh has made enviable progress in the field of health sciences, Bangladesh has sent Bangabandhu Satellite in orbit.
President thanked the Kazakh government and the OIC Secretary General for their tireless efforts in organizing the conference in the Covid-19 pandemic and for their valuable contributions to the organization.
The President said Bangladesh has been enjoying excellent relations with the OIC since the participation of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the OIC Summit held in Lahore in 1974.
Kazakh President Qasim Jomrat Tokayev, OIC Secretary General. Yusuf al-Othaimeen and heads of state and government of many countries attended the summit, among others.
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has taken over as the new president at the inaugural session of the second OIC Science Conference.
Science and Technology Minister Architect Yafes Osman, Secretary of the Ministry Anwar Hossain, Secretary to the President's Office Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam, Press Secretary Joynal Abedin and Secretary (Attached) Wahidul Islam were present at Bangabhaban at the time.