DHAKA: In a joint statement, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on Saturday announced to withdraw its candidature for non-permanent member in the UN Security Council (UNSC).

The premier also pledged for all-out support to Japan in the candidacy in the post.

Later, she handed over two photo albums, inscribed Royal Bengal Tigers, to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Shinzo Abe thanked the premier Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh for the support.

Abe also handed over a special coin inscribed the image of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Sheikh Hasina as a memorial.

A closed door meeting between the two leaders started at 4:00pm. Later, they hold a bilateral meeting, reported banglanews correspondent.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Water Resources Minister Barrister Aminul Islam Mahmud, Rail Minister Mujibul Haque and high ups were present in the bilateral meeting.

The support of Bangladesh is crucial for Japan as Dhaka had been campaigning since 2002 for the nonpermanent seat. But only one member state from the Asia-pacific region can win each election.

In 1978, Bangladesh was elected non-permanent member of UNSC defeating Japan.

BDST: 1905 HRS, SEP 06, 2014