UK to work with Bangladesh

British premier David Cameron greets PM Sheikh Hasina outside 10 Downing Street in London yesterday. Photo: AFP

Voicing his government's firm confidence in the present Awami League government, British Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday said they would work together with Bangladesh for ensuring its socioeconomic development.

Cameron made the assurance when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a meeting with him at 10 Downing Street in the morning.

The British government's confidence in the current Bangladesh government has been expressed strongly during the talks, PM's Press Secretary AKM Shamim Chowdhury and Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque told reporters after the meeting.

Hasina is now in the UK on a three-day visit at the invitation of her British counterpart and Unicef Executive Director Anthony Lake. This is her first trip to Europe after the January-5 parliamentary polls.

The press secretary said the 45-minute meeting was held in a very cordial manner as both leaders discussed bilateral issues.

Cameron, said the foreign secretary, highly praised the achievements and successes of Bangladesh, especially the attainment of MDGs under the able leadership of Sheikh Hasina.

The British premier mentioned that Hasina has been invited to attend the Girl Summit due to her leadership role both in the fields of women empowerment, girls' education and social movement.

Cameron also expressed his desire to visit Bangladesh, especially Sylhet, to see for himself the economic development, women's empowerment and social advancement that Bangladesh has made over the last few years.

Hasina said her government and the people of Bangladesh will warmly welcome him to Bangladesh.

Congratulating Hasina on her assumption of office for the third time, Cameron highly lauded the role of the Bangladesh PM for successfully tackling the fundamentalist forces 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 present, among others.