PM urges decent work atmosphere for Bangladeshis in S’pore

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday urged the Singapore government to provide a decent work atmosphere for Bangladeshi workers as the South-East Asian country continued to be a favourite destination for them. 
She also urged Singapore to pursue Myanmar government being the current chair of ASEAN to take back Rohingyas.
Sheikh Hasina, who arrived in Singapore on Sunday on a four-day official visit, was addressing a luncheon hosted by Singapore prime minister Lee Hsein Loong in her honour at Istana.
‘Singapore continues to be a favourite destination for Bangladeshi workers. I hope that Singapore will continue to provide them with a congenial work atmosphere,’ she said. 
Lee said that his first official meeting with Hasina has created a good opportunity to strengthen partnership between the two countries. 
Hasina said that Bangladesh and Singapore can complement each other in their economic pursuit. ‘In Singapore, you have capital, advanced technology and know-how while in Bangladesh, we have a large workforce,’ she said.
Moreover, a large section of our population is young and educated. These comparative advantages may be harnessed to our mutual benefit, she added.
Recalling the ties between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in February 1972, the prime minister said the friendship between the two countries is deep rooted in common values and shared history and economic cooperation.
Sheikh Hasina hoped that the deals signed between the two countries would usher a new era in economic cooperation between the two countries. 
Singapore-based companies are keen on the growing Bangladeshi market as significant opportunities lay there in energy and port sectors, Singapore PM said. 
Lee said that Sembcorp is one of the largest investors in the energy sector with over $1.1 billion investment in power plants and the Singapore Port Authorities are interested to explore opportunities in Chittagong Port. 
Mentioning that Bangladesh is located in the heart of South Asia and well positioned to interact with ASEAN and it neighbours, he said that the Bay of Bengal links to the Southeast Asia, India, and Sri Lanka.
Lee hoped that the signing of the updated Air Services Agreement between Singapore and Bangladesh would bring the people and businesses of the two countries closer and also help bring bilateral relations to greater heights.
‘We should do more together as the government can facilitate collaboration between our companies and investors,’ he said.
After the official talks, Bangladesh and Singapore singed two Memorandums of Understanding. Prime ministers of the two countries witnessed the signing ceremonies.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net