Speech by Alhaj Syed Nazibul Bashar Maizvandary from Bangladesh at the International Economic Summit “Russia - Islamic World: Kazan Summit – 2017".
His Excellency, President of Tatarstan Mr Rustam Minnikhanov, high officials of the Republic of Tatarstan, distinguished guests and dignitaries from across the world, a very good evening and As-Salamu Alikum wa rahamtullah.
I would like to start of my address with the quote From Gausel Azam Shikh Abdul Qader Jilani (RA), who is known to be the greatest Sufis of all Sufis. And I quote:
“Look towards that person who looks towards you, love that person that loves you, listen to that person that listens to you and give your hands in his hands that are prepared to grasp it.”
Now, please do allow me to introduce myself in this grand gathering. My Name is Alhaj Syed Nazibul Bashar, Al-Maizvandary, Al hassani wal hussaini. I belong to a renowned Sufi , spiritual family in the largest port city Chittagong, Bangladesh. The Maizvandary ‘Tariqa’ ( which is based on Kaderia tariqa and the spirit of Chater of Madina) was founded by my great-great grandfather Hazrat Syed Ahamedullah Maizvanadary (Rht. Al Hasani waal Hossaini 1826-1906) and Syed Golamur Rahman Maizvandary (Rht. Al Hassani waal Hossani 1865 – 1937) This sufi saints are direct decedents of Gausel Azam Sheikh Abul Qader Jilani (RA) and are carrying the bloodline of the Prophet (SAW). They travelled from Iraq to India and Bangladesh, both of them has established Maizbhandari Tariqa while preaching Islam in Bangladesh.
Besides my Sufi, spiritual role to my community, to our devotees, I happen to be the Chairman of Bangladesh Tariqat Federation ( BTF) , the one and only Sufi Political Party imbued by the spirit of war of liberation and I’m representing here as an elected Member of Parliament of Bangladesh. party BTF was Launched with the determination and aim with strong will to fight uprising of terrorism, extremism in the name of Islam in Bangladesh and around the world.
In the last election, we formed a 14 party alliance with the current ruling party – Awami League under the leadership of honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Although we have 85% Muslim majority in our country but as Bangladesh is a liberal and secular country, people from all religion are freely observing their religion as constitution guarantees it. The Theme of our party as well as Bangladesh Government is – peaceful coexistence with people of all faiths and ensure their freedom and liberty which is absolutely based on the spirit of Charter of Madina.
Now, focusing on this summit – the questions comes naturally, what would be my take on from this summit or how could I add value to this summit?
Moscow as one of our proven friends in the war of liberation in 1971 under the leadership of our great leader and father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman now Bangladesh is a growing economy having its annual GDP at 7%, and due to its strategic geographic location in Southeast Asia, the importance of Bangladesh cannot be ignored.
The bay of Bengal is in its North with a vast sea area rich with marine live and mineral resources, having facility of 2 large sea ports – Chittagong and Mongla paving the international trading a way to outside world , India and Myanmar being its closest neighbor and India’s land-locked 7 states , as well as Bangladesh being a fertile, criss-crossed by rivers with ample man=power could be an ideal place for investment . Be it a labor-intensive heavy industry, or assembling plant or for any ideal industry from where the outreach for trade and commerce could be unique.
Such as:-
1. Energy sector. Bangladesh is vastly growing in energy sector with the 1st nuclear power plant roopuur being build under the joint work of Russia Bangladesh apart from which other works can be taken up such as to build non coal based eco-friendly green power plant as well as machineries and substation could be assembled in Bangladesh
2. Infrastructure work and infrastructural machineries equipment. Bangladesh is booming in terms of economy which need to go hand in hand with infrastructure to keep up with the booming economy for which heavy infrastructure is required such elevated express way, high speed rail way connection, bridges to other infrastructure related work. Russian with its expertise in the vast line of Infrastructure can help or work under joint venture in B2b or B2G to G2G basis
3. Banking sector. A easy smooth transaction of money is required for bilateral businesses to take place. Setting a Russian local bank in Bangladesh or under a joint venture with a local investors from Bangladesh will boost business between both the nations. However Islamic banking is on the rise in Bangladesh and some of the local Islamic banks are the most profitable at this moment. Since this summit has an agenda on Islamic banking sector it could a good chance of having Islamic banking in Bangladesh as well as Russia to boost trade as well.
4. Automobile industries. Bangladesh has a vast demand for heavy-duty trucks, jeeps, trucker, cranes etc. Russia has some of the best automobile company in the world and I believe Tartarstan is the home to some of the best automobile companies. Assembly plants to hiring Bangladeshi agents could be taken up to increase trade between nations
5. Military equipment and weapons. Bangladesh is also a growing market for high quality military & security and non- military equipment due to increase in security and better security markets. This could be explored in the private sector as well the government sector through local Bangladeshi agents.
6. Bangladesh is rich in Jute and jute goods, ternary, handy-crafts and most importantly, growing 100% export oriented garment industry. In the world of garment export, Bangladesh occupies the second position after China in terms of Garment export to the world. Both Russia and Bangladesh could engage in RMG sector in Export and import markets.
7. Bangladesh could also take pride in a longest unbroken sea shore (80 km) along the Bay of Bengal at Cox’s bazaar the northern tourist city and can enhance and explore tourism.
8. Bangladesh has been exporting manpower to Middle East and other countries and Tatarstan or any other states could also explore the labor market, which is plentiful in Bangladesh.
Moreover, I want to express my firm belief in this summit that to bring all like-minded parties through sufi-ism based Islam and all religion under one umbrella to formulate a strong executive body which could work together under the leadership of honorable President Vladimir Putin and establish a powerful network through all-over the world. My party Bangladesh Tariqat Federation will provide all out support and ready to work closely and contribute positively so that the action plans and its implementation become visible and tangible all around the world.
I would like to urge this forum to adopt following resolution & to make a 5 years plan to sustain global peace through a few initiatives:
– To create a fund for less fortunate people of targeted countries
– To establish office in major cities to those targeted countries
– Distribute these funds through NGOs or any foundation of various countries which are related to this forum on specific proposal of work.
– Can open a Joint Venture Islamic bank and reach out to targeted groups
– Can establish Sufi based mosque , libraries and center
– Can create Zakat fund which can be utilized for providing poor people to bring them to mainstream.
– Increase business and tourism tie up with parties involved with forum members & Russian Govt.
Credit: Tatarstan President's Press Service
Before I conclude, I would like to express my vote of thanks to the host, the President of Tatarstan, the Russian government as well as the honorable President Mr Vladimir Putin of Russian Federation for giving me the wonderful opportunity to be at this forum. I hope with the endless possibilities of business venture in Bangladesh and its surroundings this summit will work has a head start in achieving common business goals beneficiary for every nation as international business it is not just about making money but it allows culture and people from across the border to meet.
I wish this business summit all the best for the future and I would be delighted and honored to be able to give my inputs in increasing bilateral trade.
Thank you very much!
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"