UNB, Nay Pyi Taw :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Myanmar’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi-the two leading ladies of the two neighboring countries who are working to give democracy a firm footing in their respective countries-met here Monday.
The political history of the two countries gave the two women a great similarity, but the fate did not give them the chance to meet until yesterday.
Both the ladies lost their fathers to assassins, and they joined politics after the assassination of their fathers. Both fought against military rulers for long to establish democracy in their respective countries. The meeting between Sheikh Hasina and Aung San Suu Kyi was held in the afternoon when the Prime Minister of Bangladesh went to Myanmar’s Parliament building.
Aung San Suu Kyi, the chairperson of the National League for Democracy, welcomed Hasina and showed utmost cordiality to the Prime Minister of the neighboring country.
The two leaders had a half-hour meeting where they discussed many issues of common interest and concern to the two countries. PM’s Special Assistant Mahbubul Hoque Shakil briefed reporters after the meeting.
He said Suu Kyi at the meeting said both of them-Hasina and Suu Kyi-crossed a long path of struggle and movement for democracy.
Suu Kyi mentioned that Bangladesh has been an example in developing the fate of poor people, particularly the rural women and children. In this regard, she said, Myanmar can follow the path Bangladesh achieved in the sector as it now has become a source of inspiration in poverty alleviation.
The democracy icon lauded the role of Sheikh Hasina for the development of women and children and said ‘One House One Firm’, ‘Ghore Fera’ and ‘Asrayan Project’ are some of the remarkable examples of the government of Sheikh Hasina which played a significant role in poverty reduction. Such successful projects are pursuance for any country, she added.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister said her government has emphasised developing the fate of the rural women and children to ensure their economic emancipation.
During the time, Aung Suun Suu Kyi also introduced ‘Saving Box’ programmes in her electoral areas, inspired by Bangladesh’s initiatives. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, Ambassador at-Large M Ziauddin, PMO Secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad, Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque and Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar Anup Kumar Chakma were present on the occasion. Hasina is now in Myanmar to take part in the third Bimstec Summit.
