Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said sustainable peace and stability in asociety can be ensured through economic development and democracy.

Poor people can get the benefit of economic development in any country if there is a democratic atmosphere, otherwise the fruits of development go to a handful of people who are close to power, she said.

Dipu Moni was addressing an interactive session as the panelist on the second day of Bali Democracy Forum III in Bali Indonesia on Friday.

She said democracy and practice of democratic culture should be nurtured constantly for welfare ofthepeople.

Turning to Bangladesh, she said Bangladesh was by birth a secular democracy after a long struggle for independence under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Although extra-constitutional military took over time and again and disrupted continuation of democracy, they were never able to break the aspirations and resilience of the democracy loving Bangalees, she added.

Referring to the historic peace accord in Chittagong Hill TYacts (CHT) reached under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her previous term, the FM said process of securing long lasting peace in the region is underway.

Inclusion and participation of the

ethnic minorities in the CHT within the political framework and by addressing their concerns and needs ensured the peace process, she said.

Dipu Moni said the “Digital Bangladesh” programme would ensure access to different services for everyone and promote transparency and accountability.

She also talked about women's empowerment programme and their enhanced participation in the political process and decision-making.

The interactive session was participated by ministers and delegates from about 44 countries. The foreign minister also responded to questions tabled by the audience.