PM invites UK students to visit Bangladesh
A group of senior Oxford University students yesterday met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her hotel suite here for an academic discussion on comparative political systems and culture of Bangladesh and Britain.
The prime minister invited the students to visit Bangladesh and sharing their experiences with the students of Bangladesh.
Officials familiar with the meeting told the news agency that the inquisitive final year students of the premier British university also took keen interests in Bangladesh's contemporary history and culture and Sheikh Hasina's own political background.
“A twenty-one year old law student Rachel wanted to know from the premier about her personal tragedy in 1975,” said an official from the discussion.
He said Sheikh Hasina gave a brief description on how and under what situation she had to join politics to lead her Awami League and spearhead a pro-democracy campaign to restore the rule of law after the assassination of her father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, mother, three brothers and two sisters-in-laws.
“I tried to find my family members among the people of my country . . . I decided to accomplish all unfinished tasks of my father who had dedicated his entire life for bringing welfare of the people of Bangladesh,” the official quoted her as saying.
She added: “I saw how Bangabandhu loved people and in response how people loved him . . . this was a tremendous feeling that encouraged me to join the politics.”
The officials said the students were also interested in a comparative analysis of the ruling Awami League and main opposition BNP and their philosophies, structures, goals and background.
“This is an impediment to strengthening parliamentary democracy in our country . . . the opposition should join the parliament to speak for the people of their respective constituencies as people voted them for that,” Sheikh Hasina said while replying to a query.
During the meeting, Sheikh Haskin also highlighted various programmes undertaken by her government for tackling climate change challenges, women empowerment, ensuring rule of law, strengthening parliamentary democracy and various policies of her government.
Regarding foreign policy, she said Bangladesh's foreign policy in international relations is grounded on “friendship towards all and malice towards none.”
Sheikh Hasina's younger sister Sheikh Rehana Siddique, Councillor in Regent's Park Tulip Siddique and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni were present on the occasion.
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