DHAKA: Terming her recent Italy visit as successful, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said it will hopefully help to increase pressure on Myanmar on the issue of Rohingya repatriation. 

The premier made the remarks at a press conference on Monday afternoon (February 19) organized on the outcome of her recently-concluded visit to Italy and the Vatican City. 

"Overall, I think my visit to Italy and Vatican City is very successful and fruitful. It is expected that the pressure on Myanmar for Rohingya repatriation will be intensified further", she said.

The premier said she drew global community's support for increased assistance for the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals ahead of the beginning of the upcoming rainy season.
 
Sheikh Hasina said she presented the keynote speech in the meeting of IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) and urged 
IFAD member countries to invest more in the agriculture sector to eradicate poverty.

She recalled after its establishment IFAD took the very first project in Bangladesh and "so far provided grants of 782 million dollars and gave easy- term loans at low interest". 

The premier said her presence at the IFAD governing council meeting and presenting keynote speech has further strengthened Bangladesh's partnership- based ties with IFAD.

BDST: 2010 HRS, FEB 19, 2018
AP