Sheikh Hasina greets new Malaysian premier

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DHAKA, March 1, 2020 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today extended her heartiest congratulations to Muhyiddin Yassin on his assumption of office as the prime minister of Malaysia.

“The Bangladesh prime minister in a felicitation message extended the congratulations to Muhyiddin Yassin who was sworn-in as the new Malaysian premier on Sunday,” PM’s Assistant Press Secretary ABM Sarwar-e-Alam Sarkar said.

“I’m delighted to congratulate you on your assumption of office as the prime minister of Malaysia. Your appointment is a true recognition of your dedication and commitment as a leader in public service,” Sheikh Hasina said.

She said: “The confidence that your people have reposed in you throughout your political career is exemplary. As you take over, I am extremely happy to convey you the fullest support of the people and government of Bangladesh.”

The premier said since independence in 1971, Bangladesh has found Malaysia as a trusted partner and stakeholder in a wide range of issues “that matter to us in our foreign relations”.

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that the two countries have taken a common stance in the past on cross-cutting issues in different regional and global forums.

“Both of our countries are committed to good governance, rule of law, secularism, press freedom, women empowerment, minority rights, and inclusive development,” she said.

The prime minister said the similarities in our political processes and institutions, leaderships and peoples’ expectations, have historically paved the way for forging deeper ties and people-to-people connectivity.

She said Bangladesh is extremely thankful to Malaysia for providing employment opportunities to a huge number of skilled and semi-skilled workers from Bangladesh.

“We’re grateful to Malaysia for standing beside the persecuted Rohingyas,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh hopes that Malaysia would continue its political pressure on Myanmar so that the latter creates a conducive environment in the Northern Rakhine state facilitating full repatriation of the Rohingyas at the earliest.

“We trust that we shall find ample scope to work together and take full advantage of the complementarities in our relations,” she said.

The prime minister invited her Malaysian counterpart to visit Bangladesh during the Mujib Year, marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.