Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering support for the rights of Palestinian people to their self-determination and independence.

"Bangladesh always supports the cause of Palestine and it’ll continue to do so," she said when Palestinian Foreign Minister Dr Riad NA Malki met her at her official residence Ganobhaban in the evening.

Sheikh Hasina also said there is a special place in the hearts of people in Bangladesh for Palestinians.  

PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

The Palestinian foreign minister lauded Bangladesh's strong support to Palestine, saying, "You (Hasina) are always vocal against Israeli atrocities in our country. We're happy Bangladesh always extends strong support to us."

The Prime Minister said she always raised voice when Palestinian women and children were killed by Israeli occupation forces.  

During the meeting, Dr Malki presented some copies of the book -- Unfinished Memoirs of Bangabandhu -- translated into Arabic to the Prime Minister.
He said they have published the book in Arabic and are distributing its copies to other Arab countries. "We've also requested other Arab nations to publish the book. If necessary, we could supply the books," he said.

Hasina handed over a book with her autograph to the Palestinian foreign minister for their President Mahmud Abbas. She also presented a book with autograph to Dr Malki.

The Palestinian foreign minister paid rich tributes to Bangabandhu, saying the people of his country hold the great leader in high esteem. "What Bangabandhu did for his people is unique," he said.

He also recalled Bangabandhu's special friendship with Palestinian legendary leader Yasir Arafat. "It was special friendship and now it's our responsibility to take care and protect this relationship," he said.

Remembering her maiden meeting with Yasir Arafat at a conference, the Prime Minister said the Palestinian leader had told her at that time: "You’re the daughter of Sheikh Mujib."  

The Palestinian foreign minister laid emphasis on cooperation between the two countries in agriculture.

He also highly appreciated the training being provided to the Palestinian armed forces personnel in Bangladesh. "It's very good and standard training," he said.

PM's Military Secretary Major General Mia Mohammad Jainul Abedin and PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum were present.