Dhaka: The visiting Chief of General Staff of Kuwait Armed Forces Lieutenant General Mohammed Khaled Al Khadher on Thursday highly lauded the professionalism and dedication of the members of Bangladesh Armed Forces.

A total of 6,120 soldiers and officers of Bangladesh Armed Forces are working in Kuwait and they are highly professional and dedicated, he said during a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban.

After the meeting, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told reporters that after exchanging greetings the Prime Minister inquired about the wellbeing of General Khadher as he survived a helicopter accident in Bangladesh yesterday.

General Khadher praised Bangladesh Army for their quick response to begin the rescue operation after the emergency landing of their helicopter in Sreemangal yesterday and evacuate them within five minutes.

‘It proved the capability of Bangladesh Army,’ he said.

He said Bangladesh and Kuwait have strong relations in different areas and his visit would further enhance the relation between the two friendly countries.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister recalled that Kuwaiti Amir and leaders of some Muslim countries arrived in Bangladesh to accompany Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to join OIC conference in 1974 and they also influenced Pakistan to recognise Bangladesh. Kuwaiti armed forces chief praised the steps taken by Bangladesh for giving shelter to the forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens.

Bangladesh has given shelter to the Rohingya people on humanitarian ground, the premier said, adding that Bangladesh is also extending support for their healthcare and education of their children.

Sheikh Hasina also extended her greetings and best wishes to the Kuwaiti Amir and Prime Minister through the Kuwaiti armed forces chief.

Ambassador of Kuwait in Dhaka Adel Mohammed A.H. Hayat, Principal Secretary Najibur Rahman, Senior Secretary Suriya Begum, PSO of Armed Forces Division Lt. Gen. Md. Mahfuzur Rahman and PM’s Military Secretary Major Gen. Mia Md. Zainul Abedin were present.