The Singapore government has named an orchid after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, making her visit to the country a memorable one.

Hasina yesterday unveiled the flower named “Dendrobium Sheikh Hasina” at the National Orchid Garden of Singapore Botanical Garden, a Unesco world heritage site.

The premier, who is currently on a 4-day state visit to Singapore, received the flower from Dr Nigel Taylor C Hort, group director of Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Her nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, along with his wife and two children were also present.

The hybrid orchid was produced by the Manager of National Orchid Garden David Lim by crossing two varieties of seed.

He said the Orchid garden has so far produced 250 hybrid orchids since 1957 and many of them were named after the heads of states and government and kings of different countries marking their visit to Singapore.

"Dendrobium Sheikh Hasina" is a strong and free flowering antelope, which produces upright inflorescences up to 25-cm long each bearing about 15 well-arranged flowers. Each flower measures about 5cm in width.

The gracefully twisted petals are mahogany while the sepals are light brown and lined with a fine white margin. They are beautifully complemented with a prominent dark maroon lip with purple ridges.

On Sunday, the prime minister arrived in Singapore at the invitation of her Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsein Loong.

Talking to reporters, the prime minister said it is great honour for Bangladesh. "I dedicate this honour to the people of Bangladesh."