London Will Continue To Work With The Present Government Of Bangladesh: David Cameron

"We would work together with the present Bangladesh government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a beautiful future of the country and as a development partner, our support to Bangladesh would continue," British Prime Minister David Cameron said.

The British Prime Minister made the commitment in a meeting with visiting Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina at 10 Downing Street here this morning.

After the meeting, Bangladesh PM's Press Secretary AKM Shameem Chowdhury briefed reporters. Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque was present.

The press secretary said the meeting that was scheduled for 30 minutes lasted for 45 minutes and talks between the two premiers were held in a warm and cordial environment.

Shameem Chowdhury said the British Prime Minister mentioned that Bangladesh and the UK are long time friends.

He highly appreciated Bangladesh's tremendous development and progress in the field of economy as well as protection of freedom and rights of the women.

Expressing his keen interest to visit Bangladesh, Cameron said he wants to see the progress of women in Bangladesh by making on-the-spot visit.

"Besides, I also want to see how the Bangladesh government tackled the challenges of the fundamentalist forces across the country," he said, adding that it is a very difficult challenge that Sheikh Hasina is facing.

In response, the Bangladesh Premier said the people of her country have been eagerly waiting to welcome the British Prime Minister.

The British Prime Minister congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her assumption of office for the second consecutive term through victory in the January 5 elections.

He also lauded Bangladesh's tremendous success in the socioeconomic uplift, especially achieving MDGs.

Cameron also mentioned that he invited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the first- ever Girl Summit in recognition of massive progress and empowerment of women in Bangladesh.

At the meeting, the foreign secretary thinks, the confidence of the Cameron government in Sheikh Hasina government has been expressed.

He said the British Prime Minister first expressed his desire to visit Bangladesh. "He also wants to go to Sylhet," the foreign secretary said.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroz, UK Minister of State for International Development Desmond Swayne and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert W Gibson were present on the occasion, among others.

On her arrival at the 10 Downing Street around 8:30 am (local time), Cameron received Sheikh Hasina outside his office and then proceeded together.

Later, Sheikh Hasina attended the first-ever Girl Summit at Walworth Academy. UK Minister of State for International Development Desmond Swayne and UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake called on Sheikh Hasina there.