British govt to work with Bangladesh:Daily Sun

British Prime Minister David Cameron welcomes Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at 10 Downing Street in London on Tuesday. AFP Photo LONDON: Voicing his government’s firm confidence in the present Awami League government, British Prime Minister David William Donald Cameron on Tuesday said they would work together with Bangladesh for ensuring its socioeconomic development. Cameron came up with the assur
ance when visiting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a meeting with him at 10 Downing Street in the morning. After the meeting, PM’s Press Secretary AKM Shamim Chowdhury and Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque told reporters that the British government’s confidence in the current AL-led Bangladesh government has been expressed strongly during the talks. Sheikh Hasina is now in the UK on a three-day visit at the invitation of her British counterpart David Cameron and Unicef Executive Director Anthony Lake. This is Sheikh Hasina’s first visit to Europe after the January-5 election. The Press Secretary said the British Prime Minister expressed his high optimism that the UK government would jointly work with the current Bangladesh government for ensuring socioeconomic development of the country and its progress. He said the meeting that began at 8:30am and lasted for almost 45 minutes was held in a very cordial manner as both leaders had open discussions on bilateral issues. The Foreign Secretary said David Cameron highly praised the achievements and successes of Bangladesh in its socioeconomic development, especially in attainment of MDGs under the able leadership of Sheikh Hasina. The British Prime Minister mentioned that Sheikh Hasina has been invited to attend the Girl Summit due to her leadership role both at home and in abroad in the fields of women empowerment, girls education and social movement. Cameron also expressed his desire to visit Bangladesh, especially Sylhet, to physically see for himself the economic development, women’s empowerment and social advancement that Bangladesh has made over the last few years under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. In this connection, Hasina said her government and the people of Bangladesh will warmly welcome him to Bangladesh. Congratulating Sheikh Hasina on her assumption of office for the third time, Cameron highly lauded the role of current Bangladesh Prime Minister for successfully tackling the fundamental force in the country as it was a difficult challenge. Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroze Chumki, PM’s Principal Secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikder, UK Minister for State for International Development Desmond Swayne TD MP and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi were, among others, present at the meeting.