Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today directed the authorities concerned to take the necessary steps to name a suitable road in Dhaka after former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in recognition of his contributions to Bangladesh-Qatar relations.
The directive came while the Prime Minister was participating in a discussion in the Jatiya Sangsad on a proposal moved by Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman to name a road in the capital after the late Qatari leader.
The Leader of the House said he had already issued verbal instructions to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives.
“I have already verbally instructed the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives on Tuesday to identify a suitable road under the Dhaka City Corporation and name it after the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” the Prime Minister said.
He also thanked the Leader of the Opposition, on behalf of the government, for raising the proposal in Parliament.
Paying tribute to the former Emir, Tarique Rahman said honouring Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was also a way of expressing Bangladesh’s respect and gratitude to the people of Qatar.
“By honouring the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, we are also expressing our respect to the people of Qatar. Qatar is a country that has supported Bangladesh’s development journey in many ways and continues to do so,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that Qatar has become an important partner in Bangladesh’s economic development by providing employment opportunities for millions of Bangladeshi workers.
He also praised Qatar’s role in ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates during periods of regional instability.
“When tensions arose in the Middle East over the Strait of Hormuz and Qatar itself came under various attacks, it took care of millions of Bangladeshi expatriates as if they were its own citizens and ensured their safety,” he said.
Considering these contributions, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh observed state mourning in honour of the late former Emir, with the national flag flown at half-mast across the country.
Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away on Sunday at the age of 74, according to a statement issued by the office of the current Emir of Qatar.
As part of Bangladesh’s official tribute, Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, travelled to Doha to convey the country’s condolences and sympathy.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and played a significant role in strengthening Qatar’s international standing and development.
