Sheikh Hasina is a global pride: US congresswoman

Ranking member of the US Congress Yvette Diane Clarke has called Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a "global pride" saying she must get support of her countrymen.

"Sheikh Hasina is not only your (Bangladeshis) pride, she also are our pride . . . She is the champion of all of us," she told a reception hosted in Bangladesh premier`s honour on her receiving the UN`s "Champions of Earth Award" in New York on Sunday.

Clarke added: "the Prime Minister (Sheikh Hasina) must have your (Bangladeshis) support."

Awami League`s US chapter hosted the reception at Hotel Hilton while it was joined by expatriate Bangladesh nationals and the prime minister`s entourage members.

The United Nations conferred the Bangladesh premier its highest environmental accolade - "Champions of the Earth" - in recognition of Bangladesh`s far-reaching initiatives to address climate change phenomenon.

"It was her (Sheikh Hasina`s) vision and action to pick her for the very prestigious award . . . it is no surprise to me," Clarke said.

Clarke is a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives from New York while she is currently serving as a ranking member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cyber Security, Science and Technology.

Before entering Congress in 2007, Clarke was a member of the New York City Council, succeeding her mother, Una S. T. Clarke.