Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka on Sunday (Mar 11) for Singapore on a four-day official visit to the Southeast Asian country at the invitation of her Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong. A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the PM and members of her entourage took off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the morning.
Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, PM's Adviser HT Imam, Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip ASM Feroz and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam were present at the airport to see the premier off. Besides, the cabinet secretary, the chiefs of three services, the inspector general of police, the dean of the diplomatic corps and high civil and military officials were present on the occasion, local media reports said.
The flight is scheduled to reach Changi Airport in Singapore in the noon. From the airport the PM in a ceremonial motorcade will be taken to Shangri-La Hotel where she will be staying during the visit.
On Monday, Hasina will be given a welcome reception by the Singapore government. After the welcome reception, she will pay a courtesy call on Singapore President Halimah Yacob at Istana.
Official talks between Hasina and Lee will take place on Monday. Following the talks, Bangladesh and Singapore are set to sign six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for further enhancing cooperation in different sectors.
On Tuesday, the PM will attend a ceremony where an orchid in Singapore Botanical Garden, also world heritage site, will name after Sheikh Hasina. Later, she will join Singapore-Bangladesh Business Forum and Business Roundtable at Shangri-La Hotel as chief guest.
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid and senior government officials will accompany her during the tour. A high-level business delegation will also accompany the PM.
Sheikh Hasina will attend a lunch to be hosted by Singapore PM in her honour on Monday.
The Bangladesh PM will return home on Mar 14.
