President M Abdul Hamid on Saturday called upon the Brunei government to recruit more manpower from Bangladesh for the greater benefit of the two friendly Muslim countries.
The president came up with the call as visiting Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah paid a courtesy call at Bangabhaban in Dhaka.
Noting that there is an investment-friendly environment in Bangladesh, President Hamid also urged the business community of Brunei to come forward for investment.
Welcoming the Brunei sultan, President Hamid said his first visit to Bangladesh would usher in a new chapter of the bilateral ties between the two brotherly countries.
The head of the state said Bangladesh attaches utmost importance to developing relations with Southeast Asian countries and expected Brunei's full support to get Bangladesh's status as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of Asean.
President Hamid thanked the Sultan for providing free Covid-19 vaccines to expatriate Bangladeshis working in Brunei.
He also put emphasis on increasing communication at the public-private levels to increase trade and commerce between the two countries.
Referring to the Rohingya issue, Bangladesh president expressed his gratefulness to the sultan for his support.
Hoping that Brunei’s support would continue in days to come, the president sought the cooperation of the sultan and his government for the safe return of the displaced Rohingyas to the Rakhine state of Myanmar.
Brunei sultan lauded the socio-economic development of Bangladesh and assured of providing necessary support to the country in days to come.
The sultan also signed a “Visitors’ Book” at the Bangabhaban after the meeting.
Dinner Party For Brunei Sultan At Bangabhaban
President M Abdul Hamid hosted a dinner in honour of Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddoulah and his entourages at Bangabhaban on Saturday evening.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, cabinet members and political leaders also attended the dinner, followed by a colourful cultural function at the Durbar Hall of the Bangabhaban.
Earlier on the sultan’s arrival at the Bangabhaban, he was welcomed by the president with a bouquet.
Focus BanglaThe president, Brunei’s sultan and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina jointly also enjoyed the cultural program that lasted for about 25 minutes. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy organized the program.
The Brunei sultan arrived in Dhaka on a two-day state visit to for the first time.
A red carpet reception was arranged at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, to welcome the Brunei sultan.