PM in London on way to Trinidad

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in London via Dubai yesterday morning on her long-haul flight to Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2009.

The Emirates flight carrying the prime minister and her entourage touched down at London Gatwick International Airport at 6:30am local time to a warm welcome by her sister and political followers.

Sheikh Rehana, the youngest daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom M Sayeedur Rahman Khan received the Bangladesh premier.

Sheikh Rehana's daughter Tulip Siddique, UK Awami League president Shamsuddin Khan and General Secretary Abul Hashem, UK Awami League vice-president Jalaluddin and UK Jubo League president Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury were also present at the airport.

After a four-hour transit stay at the airport, the prime minister left London for Port of Spain at local time 10:25am.

Earlier, Sheikh Hasina reached Dubai, UAE on Thursday at local time 12:30am by an Emirates flight.

On her arrival at the Dubai International Airport, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Nazmul Quaunine received the prime minister and the Bangladesh delegation accompanying her.