PM leaves home for UAE

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left here for Abu Dhabi this afternoon on a five-day official visit at the invitation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reports BSS.

"A special aircraft of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Prime Minister and her entourage members departed from the Hazrat Shahjalal international Airport, Dhaka around 4:15 pm today," PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told BSS.

The aircraft is scheduled to land at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, UAE at around 20pm local time.

During her bilateral visit, both the countries are eyeing to elevate the existing relationship to a comprehensive partnership with deeper political engagement.

Trade and commerce, investment, manpower and cooperation in other’s potential areas will be prioritised during this visit.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen yesterday in a media briefing said 4-5 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) are likely to be signed between Bangladesh and the UAE during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to the oil-rich country.

“But, the MoUs are not finalised yet . . .,” he said.

During her stay in the UAE, the premier is scheduled to visit Dubai Expo at Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) on March 8 and also join a high level panel discussion on the occasion of International Women Day. Later, she would visit Bangladesh Pavilion and UAE Pavilion at the DEC.

The Bangladesh prime minister is also expected to meet UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the DEC.

On March 9, Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to hold talks separately with Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan and Mother of the Nation of the UAE Sheikh Fatima bint Mubarak.

At the evening, she would join a dinner to be hosted by Bangladesh Ambassador to the UAE Md Abu Zafar.      

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

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

In addition, she would also lay foundation stone of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Building of Bangladesh English Private School and College at Ras Al Khaima.

On March 12, the premier is scheduled to return home by a VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, BG-1302.