Sheikh Hasina greets new British PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has extended her heartiest felicitations to new British Premier Theresa May and expressed hope that under her able and dynamic leadership, the existing excellent relations between Bangladesh and the UK would continue to grow. “I have the great pleasure in extending my heartiest felicitations on your appointment as the prime minister of the United Kingdom and on your most deserving election as the leader of the Conservative Party," Sheikh Hasina said in a congratulatory message to the new British premier. “As a female prime minister, it is more heartening for me to see you leading the United Kingdom.” The prime minister said relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom have been mature, strong and enduring, and these are based on shared values of democracy, freedom and human rights, rule of law, secularism as well as on common and mutually beneficial interests. “Bangladesh is proud of the presence and contribution of its vibrant community in the United Kingdom. They have further strengthened our ties,” she said. Sheikh Hasina said she is happy to note that Bangladesh and the UK are working in partnership for strengthening the democratic ethos, empowering the vulnerable, countering terrorism and extremism, addressing the impacts of climate change among other global challenges. “I firmly believe that under your able and dynamic leadership, the existing excellent relations between our two friendly countries would continue to grow with fresh initiatives exploring new areas of cooperation and thereby achieving stronger partnerships in the days ahead,” she said. Sheikh Hasina said the new British premier would agree that there is scope of further development in our bilateral relations through trade, investment, education and knowledge-sharing. Inviting Theresa May to visit Bangladesh in near future at a mutually convenient time, the prime minister said she would be able to see for herself the overall progress made by Bangladesh, particularly through mainstreaming and empowering women. “I am confident that your visit would infuse further impetus to our relations and take them to a greater height,” she said. The prime minister wished Theresa May and her family good health, long life, and happiness, and the warm, friendly people of the United Kingdom peace, progress and prosperity.