Vice President of two holy mosques in Mecca and Madina Dr Mohammad Bin Nasser Bin Mohammad Al Khuzaim yesterday lauded the role of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for further deepening the ties between Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, saying his country would continue to work with Bangladesh for promotion and spread of Islam.

The mosques are -- Al-Masjid al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque) in Mecca and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque) in Madina.

Dr Mohammad said this when he along with Imam and Preacher of  the Prophet's Mosque Abdulmehsin bin Mohammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Qasim called on the prime minister at her office.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said in the meeting the vice president of the two holy mosques reiterated Saudi commitment to provide assistance for building mosque-Islamic cultural centres in all upazilas of the country.

Praising the development initiatives of Bangladesh over the last eight years, Dr Mohammad said, "Our perception regarding Bangladesh has now totally changed and it is now very good."

Welcoming the duo, Hasina said, "We're very much delighted as you've come here. Mecca and Madina are the two holy places and they've special place in our heart."

Highlighting her government's initiative to preach and spread Islam, Hasina said the government is going to construct mosque-cum-Islamic cultural centres in every upazilas. 

The premier said Bangladesh is eagerly waiting to receive Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. In reply Dr Mohammad said the Saudi king accepted the invitation and discussion is going on to fix the schedule.

The vice president of the holy mosques also appreciated the present government's steps for the promotion and spread of Islam. Hasina has done a lot for the Muslims and the people of Bangladesh, he said.

As the premier expressed her grave concern over the terrorism and militant activities across the world, Dr Mohammad said Saudi Arabia is also fighting against terrorism.

Sheikh Hasina hoped that all the Muslims of the world would live in peace and she wants that the people of all faiths in Bangladesh would live in peace with fulfillment of their basic needs.

Regarding the vast number of expatriate Bangladeshi workers employed in Saudi Arabia, the premier said the workers are contributing to the economies of the both countries.

Hasina noted that Bangladesh has a historic relationship with Saudi Arabia. The relationship would be further broadened and strengthened in the days to come, she hoped.

Terming Islam the religion of peace, humanity and solidarity, Hasina said terrorists are maligning the reputation of this religion through their various subversive activities.

 The two imams are scheduled to attend a gathering of Bangladeshi Islamic scholars and clerics in  Suhrawardy Udyan today marking 42nd founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Islamic Foundation.