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Dutch Queen lauds BD’s socio-economic progress

She meets President Abdul Hamid


July 12, 2019 00:00:00


President M Abdul Hamid greeting Dutch Queen Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti with a bouquet upon her arrival at the Bangabhaban to pay a courtesy call on him on Thursday — PID photo

Dutch Queen Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti praised Bangladesh's socio-economic progress and women empowerment when she met President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban on Thursday afternoon, report agencies.

Hamid greeted the Queen with flowers when she arrived.

President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.

"During the meeting, the President mentioned that Bangladesh has an excellent relationship with the Netherlands," Abedin said.

President Hamid highlighted various aspects of socio-economic development, including women's empowerment, and Bangladesh's success in poverty reduction.

He mentioned Delta Plan-2100 and hoped that the Dutch government would cooperate in implementing this plan.

The President told the Dutch Queen that Bangladesh is interested in utilising the experience of the Netherlands in river management.

The Rohingya issue also came up during the meeting. President Hamid said it is a big problem for Bangladesh and sought cooperation of the international community, including the Netherlands, for repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas.

The head of the state highlighted different socio-economic development and women empowerment in Bangladesh in last 10 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

During the meeting, the Queen praised Bangladesh's initiative to end child marriage and the use of information technology, Abedin said.

Dutch Queen Maxima, the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, arrived in Dhaka on July 09.


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