Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland has congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her re-election as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
In a congratulatory letter sent to the Bangladesh prime minister, she wrote, "The (Commonwealth) Secretariat stands ready to support you as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, in continuing your important work."
"It gives me pleasure to write to you after your re-election as Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh," she said, adding, "Please accept my warm congratulations and my best wishes as you begin your new term in office,” she added in the letter.
Mentioning that Bangladesh is a treasured member of the Commonwealth family, Patricia Scotland said, "Our diverse nations are bound by the shared values that are reflected in our Charter, including those of peace, democracy, and sustainable development."
She noted that Bangladesh's active engagement and leadership in the Commonwealth is greatly appreciated by its members, including on issues of oceans stewardship and climate change, digital innovation, trade and investment, youth, gender equality, and mental health.
"We look forward to continuing and building on this collaboration, to support Bangladesh in achieving its full range of priorities during your fifth term in office," she added.
The Commonwealth secretary general said that she is conscious of the historical journey of Bangladesh for freedom, democracy and development.
She went on saying, "I was encouraged by the vision you outlined after assuming office, which emphasised the principles of transparency and accountability."
In this connection, she also recalled the exhortation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, of "friendship to all, malice towards none".
"These values are mirrored in our Commonwealth Charter, which call for tolerance, respect and understanding and delivering the many facets of sustainable development," she added.
The secretary general said that she was pleased to have deployed a Commonwealth Expert Team of independent observers for the recent elections, led by the former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding.
She continued, "I look forward to receiving the Team's report with its findings and recommendations, and to an opportunity to discuss these with you."
Patricia Scotland said that, "I also look forward to welcoming you back to Marlborough House in London, and looking ahead, to meeting you at the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will take place in Samoa in the week of 21 October 2024."
She ended: "I wish you every success."
EIB, CICA greeting
European Investment Bank (EIB) and Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) have congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her reelection as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
In a letter written to the Bangladesh prime minister, EIB President Nadia Calvino said, "On behalf of the European Investment Bank, and on my own behalf, I extend congratulations to you on your election for a fifth term as Prime Minister of Bangladesh."
She said, "The EIB, as the Bank of the European Union, cherishes our relationship with the Government and the people of Bangladesh."
The EIB president went on saying, "It has been a privilege to accompany, with investments amounting to EUR 1 billion, the rapid progress that your country has made in the economic and social sectors over the past several years and to see our ties continually strengthening."
In this connection, she mentioned that the recent signature in Brussels of a EUR 350 million EIB framework loan for green energy generation, complemented by a European EUR 45 million grant, is a fitting example of a growing partnership based on shared climate action objectives.
"At the EIB, we look forward to continuing our support to the longstanding EU-Bangladesh relations as we move into the implementation phase of the renewable energy operation and explore opportunities to deepen our existing cooperation in sectors such as railways and water and sanitation," she added.
Nadia Calvino ended, "Please accept, Honourable Prime Minister, the assurance of my highest consideration."
In another letter, CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay said that "It gives me a great pleasure to congratulate you on being reelected as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh."
He mentioned that Bangladesh has been an active member of CICA, continuously supporting the CICA process and contributing to confidence building measures for the benefit of all CICA countries.
He added, "I am confident that Bangladesh will carry on effectively employing CICA potential to promote its own national and regional interests and policies."
He continued: "I am especially grateful for the latest decision of your government to sign and ratify the 2010 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Secretariat, which is remarkable and timely achievement amidst the ongoing transformation of CICA into a full-fledged international organisation."
The Secretary General also wished Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's good health and every professional success at this honourable and important post.
