Diplomatic Correspondent

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday called for cooperation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to transform Bangladesh into a developed, prosperous, and smart country by 2041.

"The AIIB can also play a significant role in the future for the development journey of Bangladesh and the accomplishment of the dream of transforming the country into a developed and prosperous Bangladesh by 2041," she said.

Sheikh Hasina made the remarks when a delegation of the AIIB led by its President Jin Liqun paid a courtesy call on the prime minister at her place of residence in Beijing.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told newsmen while briefing about the outcome of the second day's China visit.

During the meeting, the prime minister sought finance from the AIIB for infrastructure development of Bangladesh, river dredging and building climate resilience to protect the country from the adverse impact of climate change.

Noting that her government has been building climate resilience houses in coastal belts, she sought financial support to this end.

Recalling the contribution of the AIIB to the development of Bangladesh, she said, "The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has played a very important role for Bangladesh in the past."

Sheikh Hasina requested the AIIB to further reduce its loan interest rate for Bangladesh.

In reply, the AIIB president said the bank had earlier given special concessions for Bangladesh and will again consider giving the same benefit.

He continued that Bangladesh is the largest borrower of his bank.

AIIB vice-president and other high officials of the bank accompanied its president.

Finance Minister AH Mahmood Ali, PM's Press Secretary M Nayeemul Islam Khan, and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Abul Kalam Azad were present, among others, during the briefing.