Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa held bi-lateral discussions at the Prime Minister’s office in Dhaka yesterday.
During the discussions Premier Rajapaksa thanked his counterpart and the Government of Bangladesh for their steadfast support in combatting terrorism in Sri Lanka.In this context, he thanked his host for extending support to Sri Lanka at international fora, including the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and other United Nations bodies and international organisations. “Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed the hope that Bangladesh will continue to stand in solidarity with Sri Lanka at the ongoing 46th Session of the UNHRC in Geneva,” the Foreign Ministry stated in a release.
Before the formal talks, the two leaders also held a tête-à-tête, the Dhaka Tribune reported. Earlier, on arrival of the Sri Lankan Premier at the Prime Minister’s Office, he was received by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Tiger Gate. Premier Rajapaksa invited the Banladeshi PM for a state visit to Sri Lanka.
Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in a number of spheres including training for Bangladeshi nurses and healthcare workers in Sri Lanka, youth development and agricultural research were signed following the talks.
Premier Rajapaksa arrived in Dhaka on Friday morning on a two-day bilateral visit to join the celebrations of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of the country’s independence.
PM Rajapaksa delivered the Bangabandhu Memorial Lecture at the special program at the National Parade Ground, Dhaka on March 19 as the Guest of Honour.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa paid tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his visionary leadership that led to the emergence of a sovereign and independent Bangladesh. He also lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for successfully carrying forward Bangabandhu’s rich legacy in realising his dream of a Sonar Bangla, the ‘Prosperous Golden Bengal’.
He was given a guard of honour by a contingent drawn from Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force at the airport on Friday.
Premier Rajapaksa and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina witnessed the state honour from a makeshift dais while the national anthem of the two countries were played. Ministers, State Ministers, civil and military high officials among others were present at the airport, the Daily Star reported.
He also met President M. D. Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban yesterday evening. The high level Sri Lankan delegation included State Ministers Ajith Nivad Cabraal and Tharaka Balasuriya.