Russia proposes Bangladesh to using own currency in bilateral trade

Alexander Ignoatov made the proposal during a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Tejgaon office here on Wednesday.

In reply, the Prime Minister assured him of looking into the proposal, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, the press secretary said the Prime Minister laid importance on strengthening inter-governmental commission on trade to boost bilateral trade between the two countries.

Expressing satisfaction over the constant growth of relations with Russian in various sectors, the Prime Minister said trade volume should be expanded to boost up economic relation which now is around US$ one billion.

Russia can import leather goods, quality rice and potato from Bangladesh and come forward to investment in food processing industries, she said.

In the meeting, Sheikh Hasina recalled Russian support to Bangladesh in the War of Liberation and post-war reconstruction, particularly supreme sacrifices of Russian people for clearing mines from the Chittagong port area and installation of power plants across the country after the war.

The envoy expressed condolences for the loss of lives in Gulshan terror attack and showed interest in providing support for security measures if Bangladesh likes.

Recalling Sheikh Hasina's visit to Russia in 2013, the envoy said President Putin was happy to receive the Bangladesh Premier and its subsequent outcome of boosting economic ties.

Alexander Ignoatov informed the Prime Minister about the progress of the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, saying the credit agreement is ready for signing.

He also appreciated quality of readymade garments of Bangladesh and said Russian investors are keen to investment in Bangladesh. The envoy also urged the Prime Minister for import of best-quality wheat produced in his country.

PM's Advisor on International Affairs Dr Gowher Rizvi and Principal Secretary Abul Kalam Azad were present during the meeting.

Later, Thai ambassador to Bangladesh Miss Panpimon Suwannapongse made a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

PM's press secretary said the Thai envoy praised Bangladesh government for beefing up security measures around its embassy in Dhaka after the Gulshan terror attack.

"Thailand stands in solidarity with Bangladesh during this challenging time," the envoy, said adding that "what just happened is a concrete reminder for all of us."

The international community should work harder to prevent this hideous act from occurring again, she said.

Pointing out the progress of the construction of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway by a Thai company, the ambassador said Thai investors still consider Bangladesh as a potential investment destination.

As the envoy showed keen interest to import "Black Bengal Goat" from Bangladesh for milk, the Prime Minister appreciated it, asking the concerned officials to take necessary steps in this regard, the press secretary said.

Sheikh Hasina congratulated Thailand for being elected as the chair of G-77 group in the UN General Assembly annual session for 2016. Bangladesh had withdrawn its candidature on request of Thailand in the election, she pointed out.

Visiting Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Saudi Armed Forces Air Marshal Fayyadh Bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili also made a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office today.

Air Marshal Fayyadh handed over a letter of Saudi defence minister Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud to the Prime Minister.

He informed the Prime Minister of the recent attack near Al-Masjid-e-Nabawi. He said the Gulshan terror attack has hurt the Saudi Arabia. In the meeting, Sheikh Hasina expressed her firm resolve to fight terrorism and militancy and reiterated her government's "zero tolerance" policy against the menace.

She also reiterated that Bangladesh will extend any help to protect the two holy mosques.

PM's Principal Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division Lt General Md Mahfuzur Rahman and Bangladesh ambassador to Saudi Arabia Golam Moshi were present.