Hasina writes to Suu Kyi for stronger ties

In a fresh diplomatic move to build vibrant relations with neighbouring Myanmar on the backdrop of its changing political situation, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday sent a special envoy to convey how greatly Dhaka values the relations with Nay Pyi Taw.

Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque took a letter of the prime minister to Myanmar's State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday.

The State Counsellor of Myanmar is a position, created this April to allow for a greater role for Aung San Suu Kyi within the government of Myanmar.

Diplomatic sources in Myanmar said the Bangladesh foreign secretary reached the country yesterday, on a five-day visit to discuss with top leaders ways to make the ties stronger in the spirit of peace, non-interference, and friendly approach towards each other.

Foreign Secretary Haque is scheduled to call on Myanmar's commander-in-chief of the armed forces Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Permanent Secretary U Aung Lynn. In the letter, according to official sources, there might be an invitation to Suu Kyi to visit Bangladesh.

Officials at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and foreign ministry said Dhaka was taking special steps to chart a new course in relations with Nay Pyi Taw for socio-economic development of the peoples.

A former ambassador said Bangladesh should give Myanmar special importance under its Look East Policy.