Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday (Mar 3) said that the situation arising out of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is now under control in Bangladesh.
“The Covid-19 situation is under our control,” she said when newly appointed High Commissioner of Australia to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruer paid a courtesy call on her at her official Ganabhaban residence in the capital. PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the media after the meeting, local media reported.
The PM said that they have brought the Covid-19 situation under control by engaging all the government agencies such as the local administration, armed forces, police and BGB, and leaders and workers of her party – Bangladesh Awami League – alongside taking other timely measures.
The Australian envoy, too, appreciated Bangladesh’s success in controlling the Covid-19 situation. “Bangladesh is ahead of Australia regarding vaccination,” Karim quoted the envoy as saying.
Jeremy Bruer informed the PM that he along with other foreign diplomats took the first dose of vaccine in Dhaka.
The PM once again sought cooperation from the international community to take effective measures to resolve the Rohingya crisis permanently. “We are continuing talks with Myanmar regarding repatriation of Rohingyas,” she said.
Emphasising on strengthening economic development and cooperation, the Australian high commissioner said they want to keep up the economic cooperation.
The premier recalled Australia’s contribution to the Liberation War and said that Australia was one of the first nations to recognise Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.
The Australian envoy expressed his eagerness to take part in the Bay cruise with their ships marking the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh and Birth Centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Bruer informed the PM that the Australian cricket team will visit Bangladesh this year to play Twenty20 series and appreciated Bangladesh’s cricket. On this issue, the premier said that Bangladesh has got cooperation from Australia for development of its cricket.
PM’s Principal Secretary Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus was present during the meeting.
