PM returns home from UAE

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned home tonight wrapping up her five-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG-1302) carrying the prime minister and her entourage members landed at Hazrat Shajalal International Airport at 12.10 am (Saturday midnight)," Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told BSS.

Earlier, the premier and her entourage members departed from Abu Dhabi International Airport at 5.55 pm (local time) today.

A static guard of honor was given to the prime minister on her arrival at the airport. Bangladesh Ambassador to the UAE Md Abu Zafar saw the premier off at the airport.

The premier had been the gulf country on March 7 at the invitation of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

During her visit, Bangladesh and the UAE signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in a bid to boost cooperation between the two countries.

The five instruments were - bilateral cooperation in the field of higher education and scientific research, cooperation between Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), bilateral cooperation in the field of diplomatic training, cooperation between Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) and Dubai International Chamber, and cooperation between the FBCCI and the UAE Chambers to establish a joint business council between the two countries.

A bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai, was held at Dubai Exhibition Centre on March 9.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad, Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Affairs Adviser Salman F Rahman and State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nessa Indira accompanied the prime minister.

During her stay in the UAE, the premier visited Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) on March 8 and also joined a high level panel discussion on the occasion of the International Women Day. Later, she visited Bangladesh Pavilion and UAE Pavilion at the DEC.

On March 9 evening, she attended a dinner hosted by Bangladesh Ambassador to the UAE Md Abu Zafar in honour of the premier.

The prime minister joined the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific in the morning, while business forum in the evening on March 10 jointly organised by UAE and Bangladesh business delegation.

In the last day of her visit on March 11, Sheikh Hasina attended a civic reception accorded to her hosted by expatriate Bangladeshi community.

She also laid foundation stone of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Building of Bangladesh English Private School and College at Ras Al Khaima.

KF/