PM Hasina fulfils wish of child with special needs

Mamija Rahman Raya, a girl with special needs, has always had one wish – to talk to the prime minister of Bangladesh.

When the clock struck 5pm on Thursday, that wish became a reality as she got to speak with prime minister Sheikh Hasina via video call.

The child’s desire was posted on social media as a video message recently, which finally hit home as the PM video called her on WhatsApp on Thursday afternoon.

Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary, ABM Sarwar-E-Alam Sarker, confirmed the development to reporters after the conversation. 

Raya had posted the video message on a Facebook platform, “Autism Management Centre,” expressing her wish to talk to the prime minister.

“Responding to the girl’s wish, the PM called and wanted to hear her and inquire about her well-being, and the conversation continued for quite a few minutes,” he said.

After several media outlets published reports about the heartwarming story, it has been circulating the internet.

Overwhelmed by the prime minister’s response, Raya thanked Hasina, saying: “I’m very very very happy. Thank you, Sheikh Hasina. I love you, Sheikh Hasina. I want to meet you, Sheikh Hasina.”

Raya sang the national anthem for the prime minister while she joined in.

Raya’s mother told BTV that the prime minister’s gesture was unbelievable for both her daughter and herself.

“Always saw her as a Prime Minister and a politician. What I witnessed today, the warm, caring, and affectionate nature, it cannot be expressed in words. And I also cannot explain how much happiness this [gesture] brought to my daughter,” she said.