& çâÌæÚUæð´ ·¤è ¥ôÚU Îð¹Ùæ ÁæÚUè ÚU¹ð´ ¥ÍæüÌ ¥ÂÙð ÜÿØ ÂÚU ŠØæÙ ÚU¹ð´Ð ãæÚU Ù ×æÙð´, €UØô´ç·¤ ·¤æ× ·¤ÚUÙð âð ¥æÂ·¤ô ©gðàØ ·¤è Âýæç# ãôÌè ãñ ¥õÚU ÁèßÙ ·¤æ ¹æÜèÂÙ ÎêÚU ãôÌæ ãñÐ ÖÜð ãè ÁèßÙ ×ð´ ç·¤ÌÙè Öè ·¤çÆÙæ§ü €UØô´ Ù ¥æ°, çÁ™ææâæ ¥õÚU ©ˆâæã ÕÙæ° ÚU¹ð´Ð ŠØæÙ ÚU¹ð´, ÜÿØ ã×ðàææ ¥æÂ·Ô¤ Âæâ ãôÌð ãñ´ çÁ‹ãð´ ÂæÙð ·Ô¤ çÜ° ÂýØæâ ¥æÂ ·¤Öè Öè àæéM¤ ·¤ÚU â·¤Ìð ãñ´Ð

Bangladesh has very big future: Clinton

Ties with US growing: Hasina

By Diplomatic Correspondent
US President Bill Clinton vesterdav termed Bangladesh as a nation with a "very big future
"Political and economic factors encouraged me to come here. This is a nation that chose to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; a nation that has used its soldiers to go around the world to help others make peace; a nation that 1 believe is committed to democracy. with a vigorous level of political debate inside the country".
Clinton said his visit to Bangladesh marked the beginning of a new chapter In enlarging relations between the two democracies.
"Today is the beginning of a stronger partnership. The Prime Minister and 1 discussed ways to strengthen our economic ties, while ensuring that future prosperity is built upon respect for decent labour practices. the magnificent natural environment of Bangladesh, and a sense of responsibility toward the children who will inherit the future."
The US President made the remarks before foreign and local newsmen on the entrance steps of the International Conference Centre where a special podium was erected for him and
the Bangladesh Prime Minister.
Clinton's remarks were preceded by Sheikh Haslna’s comments. Only four questions, two from local newsmen and two from the White House Press Corps, were accepted in a conducted press opportunity. However, one question, despite being rejected by the conductors, was accepted by the US President for reply. The reporter wanted to know how the US looked at Bangladesh politics.
Clinton, inserting the reply in another question said. I think one of you asked what I thought about local politics. I think the less I say about it. the better, except it certainly seems to be vigorous. And I hope It would be peaceful, because---you may know that 1 have a few opponents back in the United States. We have vigorous political systems; that's what democracies are about. But in the end you have to find constructive ways to resolve your differences and go on."
The US President said that despite many challenges, over the years Bangladesh succeeded In building a nation that has earned "the respect of the world". Clinton said he was proud to announce that he was the first American President to
visit Bangladesh.
But 1 am quite sure L will not be the last", he added with a note of optimism
"Though far apart geographically. our nations grow closer every day—through expanding trade, through the Internet revolution. and through our shared Interest In building a world more peaceful, more tolerant, more prosperous and more
Clinton announced that the US Agency for International Development and the Department of Agriculture would provide 97 million US dollars in food assistance to Bangladesh. The same department would extend another 50 million US dollars to Bangladesh and other nations Io harness clean energy. he said.
Sheikh Hasina in her remarks said it is a matter of satisfaction that the ties between the two countries have grown substantially.
She spoke about her discussions with the US President prior to the press statement. "Talks were held on bilateral trade with the US, our number one export market".
She said both the countries acknowledge the immense potential of the energy sector ’’and have decided to Intensify cooperation." She also mentioned that two production sharing contracts (PSCs) with US companies were signed.
On gas export, she said this could be done after fully meeting domestic requirements and ensuring gas supply for 50 years for use by future generations.