Bangladesh grateful to Sheikh Maktoum

Saifur Rahman, who reached Dubai from Dhaka early on the day, met Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the newly appointed vice president and prime minister of UAE and the ruler of Dubai and the members of the Royal family in the afternoon.

During the meeting, the finance minister expressed to him his heartfelt condolences at the sad demise of Sheikh Maktoum.

He said Sheikh Maktoum, the late ruler of Dubai, was literally the father of the Emirate of Dubai. "It was he who transformed Dubai into a very modern and vibrant Emirate."

He also said that Bangladesh is enormously grateful to late Sheikh Maktoum for his compassionate outlook, especially on the employment of a large number of Bangladeshis for the development of Dubai.

Saifur Rahman congratulated Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Moktoum, for his appointment as the vice president and prime minister of UAE and ruler of Dubai.

He extended an invitation to Sheikh Mohammad to visit Bangladesh and handed him a letter from Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

While receiving the letter of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mohammad said Bangladesh and UAE enjoy excellent brotherly and friendly relations, which have steadily grown over the years.

He thanked Saifur Rahman for visiting his family at a time of great distress.

Sheikh Mohammad asked Saifur Rahman to convey his thanks and appreciation to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for her letter and concern at the sad demise of his older brother.

The Finance Minister returned home Saturday morning.