Myanmar could learn many things from Bangladesh: Suu Kyi

"The programmes Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken for the poor, especially the women and children, are an inspiration for me," she said.

Suu Kyi, Chairman of the National League for Democracy and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Rule of Law and Tranquility, made the remarks when the visiting Bangladesh Prime
Minister met her at her parliament office here this afternoon.

After the meeting, PM's Special Assistant Mahbubul Hoque Shakil briefed reporters.

Suu Kyi said both she and Sheikh Hasina have crossed a long way in the struggle for establishing democracy in their respective countries.

The Myanmar opposition leader highly appreciated Sheikh Hasina's ceaseless stride for development of the lot of the people of Bangladesh, especially for women's empowerment.

In this connection, she mentioned "Ekti Bari, Ekti Khamar" and "Ghore Fera" progrmmaes as well as distribution of free textbooks up to the secondary level and stipends among the students. "Any country could follow these programmes," she said.

In this regard, the Prime Minister said her government has put emphasis on increasing savings of the rural women. "We have taken a number of steps to make rural women self-reliant economically," she mentioned.

Suu Kyi said she also introduced "savings box" for the children so that they could be savings-minded.

Earlier, the Myanmar opposition leader warmly received the Prime Minister at the Parliament Building by embracing her.

Later, Sheikh Hasina introduced her entourage and family members to Suu Kyi.

The Prime Minister later met Speaker of Myanmar Parliament Shwe Mann.

They discussed the issue of strengthening democracy of both countries.

Sheikh Hasina is now in Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw on a two-day official visit to attend the third BIMSTEC Summit.