From BRUNEI: Brunei rolled out a red carpet after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reached Bandar Seri Begawan Sunday (April 21) afternoon on a three-day official visit at the invitation of the kingdom’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

A special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the premier and her entourage members has landed at Brunei International Airport in Bandar Seri Begawan, the Brunei capital around 2.35pm local time.

Crown Prince of Brunei Darussalam Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah has received her at the airport while Bangladeshi High Commissioner Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Mahmud Hussain was present.

A smartly turned out contingent of the Royal Guard gave the premier the guard of honour.

Sheikh Hasina was accompanied by the crown prince took salute from a decorated makeshift dais while the national anthems of the two countries were played.

The premier inspected the guard of honour.

After the official welcome function, a ceremonial motorcade escorted the prime minister to Empire Hotel and Country Club, where she will be staying during her visit.

On the first day of the visit, Sheikh Hasina will join a community reception to be hosted in her honour by the expatriate Bangladeshis in Brunei at Indera Samudera Ballroom of Empire Hotel and Country Club.

On Monday morning, Sheikh Hasina will have a general audience with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Royal family at Cheradi Laila Kenchana at the Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan.

After the audience, the prime minister will hold bilateral talks with the Sultan at Baitul Mesyuarah in Istana Nurul Iman.

The talks will be followed by signing ceremony of memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to leave Brunei for home at 5 pm local time Tuesday (April 23).

During the visit, Bangladesh is likely to sign seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Brunei on various sectors.

BDST: 1521 HRS, APR 21, 2019
SI