Berlin, Oct 25 — German chancellor Angela Merkel has said Bangladesh has failed to achieve its expected development even after 40 years of independence due to its long-time military rule.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina at the chancellery in Berlin on Tuesday, she said the civil society of the country should come forth for its development.
Germany will continue its support to Bangladesh, she added.
She had a meeting with Hasina before the press conference, which Hasina said was 'highly fruitful'.
"The visit is a milestone in our existing relations," she added.
Merkel welcomed Hasina when she arrived at the chancellery in the noon (local time).
The Bangladesh prime minister was given red-carpet reception and a guard of honour. At the beginning of the press meet, Merkel remarked on Germany's good relations with Bangladesh and hoped to further it.
Bangladesh's economic conditions are good and things will get better in the days ahead, Merkel said.
"Bangladesh is moving towards poverty alleviation under the strong leadership of Sheikh Hasina," she said.
The chancellor said at the meeting she and Hasina had discussed how Germany could help Bangladesh in battling climate change, improving the standards of primary and secondary education, and stemming the flow of urban migration.
Hasina said Germany was a tested friend of Bangladesh. "Germany has always aided the socio-economic development of Bangladesh," she added.
She thanked Merkel for her creative role in managing the affairs of Germany and European issues amid the global economic turmoil.
INVITATION TO VISIT BANGLADESH
Hasina invited the German chancellor to visit Bangladesh. "I hope you will soon come to visit Bangladesh," she said.
Merkel expressed her interest to visit Bangladesh but said she did not know if it would be possible soon.
Hasina at this point said, "We are both woman leaders. I hope you will accept this invitation from me."
Merkel replied by saying, "I know you are inviting me as a woman leader and I hope to go to Bangladesh as the German chancellor."
When asked whether there had been any discussions on financing the Padma bridge, Merkel said there had been no such discussions.
Hasina said, "We did not discuss Padma bridge. But Germany continues to support Bangladesh in infrastructure development and we hope the support will continue."
HEADING HOME
Hasina started for home from Tegel Airport at around 5pm local time. Bangladeshi ambassador to Berlin Masud Mannan and German foreign ministry officials were there to see her off.
The prime minister is scheduled to return home on Wednesday after a stoppage in Dubai.
From:www.bdnews24.com
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