Sirisena eager to work with Bangladesh to combat terrorism

The visiting Sri Lankan President, Maithripala Sirisena, today expressed his eagerness to work with Bangladesh in combating terrorism and violent extremism as he praised Bangladesh's leadership to contain the social menace.

Sirisena expressed his country's willingness when Leader of the Opposition in parliament Raushon Ershad paid a courtesy call on him at his hotel suite here this afternoon.

During the meeting, Raushon discussed various issues of bilateral relations focusing on increasing trade and business and expanding cooperation in various sectors for the betterment of the people of two countries.

Emerging from the meeting, Raushon told reporters that she had requested the Sri Lankan President to work together to combat terrorism for the sake of peace and stability in the region.

In this connection, she mentioned Bangladesh premier's "zero tolerance" policy against all sorts of terrorism and violent extremism.

Raushon said the Sri Lankan President highly praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her firm stand against terrorism to ensure safety and security of the people of Bangladesh towards achieving sustainable development.

The Leader of the opposition said that Sirisena also lauded Sheikh Hasina for her relentless efforts for women empowerment in Bangladesh for the country's future progress.

Whip of Opposition benches in Parliament Tajul Islam was present during the meeting.