Sweden To Increase Postgraduate Scholarships For Bangladeshi Students

Ambassador Annell Linehal Kaney said this during a farewell call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Tejgaon office here today.

During the meeting the Prime Minister and the ambassador focused on the sustainable development of Bangladesh in different areas, PM's Press Secretary AKM Shamim Chowdhury said.

The envoy thanked the Prime Minister for Bangladesh's accomplishment in implementing millennium development goal (MDG) particularly in empowerment of women and reduce maternal and child mortality rate. "International community highly

recommends your role in this success," the envoy added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina underlined Bangladesh's achievements in different areas saying her government has attached importance on education particularly girl education to help them stand on their own and find self employment.

She said the government has introduced public examination system at primary school level along with various support including free textbook, scholarships and allowances to encourage students to continue their studies.

All this government initiatives helped increase students enrollment in schools, the Prime Minister said adding "we are trying to make women understand the necessity of education."

Sheikh Hasina said, sixty percent seats was kept reserved for female candidates in the primary school teaching profession. A large number of women is also working in the Union Information Service Centres (UISC). A provision has been introduced at local government bodies to elect females in reserved seats.

The Prime Minister said, Bangladesh has maintained average six percent growth despite different crisis.

Terming Sweden as a good friend of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said the country remains as a development partner of Bangladesh since its independence.

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Abdus Sobhan Sikder, among others, was present.

-Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)