British Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday praised the progress achieved by Bangladesh in the fields of economy and women development, and assured that they would continue providing assistance to Sheikh Hasina’s government.
He made the remarks during a bilateral meeting between the two premiers at Cameron’s office at 10 Downing Street in London yesterday.
AKM Shamim Chowdhury, the Bangladeshi prime minister’s press secretary, told reporters after the meeting: “British Prime Minister David Cameron profusely praised the progress made by Bangladesh in achieving economic development as well as in protecting the freedom and rights of women.
“He [Cameron] said Bangladesh and the United Kingdom are long-standing friends. The United Kingdom’s support in the socio-economic progress of Bangladesh will continue in the future.”
For the first time since taking office for the second term running, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is currently in London on a three-day visit to attend the Girl Summit.
Cameron and Hasina held talks for more than half an hour around 8:30am local time. Hasina’s sister Sheikh Rehana, Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali and State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroze accompanied the premier during the meeting at Downing Street.
Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haq said: “The meeting took place in a friendly environment and both leaders held sincere talks. David Cameron profusely praised the socio-economic development of Bangladesh; especially the country’s achievement on MDG and the social movement led by the honourable prime minister [Hasina], and this is why he [Cameron] invited her to the Girl Summit.
“He also expressed hopes that Britain would continuously work with Bangladesh on socio-economic development and jointly work towards a better future.”
Yesterday’s meeting was also an expression of the British government’s faith in Sheikh Hasina’s government, Shahidul said.
Cameron also expressed his interest in visiting Bangladesh, the foreign secretary said.
“He said he wanted to see for himself how Bangladesh managed to achieve womens’ development and a continued 6% GDP growth.”
Shahidul quoted Cameron as saying he was also interested in finding out how Bangladesh was tackling the challenge of fundamentalist powers.
Both prime ministers joined the Girl Summit after the meeting at Downing Street. At the summit venue, Hasina also held meetings with Desmond Swayne, the UK minister of state at the Department for International Development, and Unicef Executive Director Anthony Lake.
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali said British Prime Minister David Cameroon told the Bangladesh Prime minister: “Britain will be with the government of Bangladesh for further strengthening bilateral relation for social and economical development of Bangladesh.”
Cameroon said January 5 election was a past thing and Britain is looking forward to future relationship, Mahmood told the Dhaka Tribune.
