Bangladesh yesterday proposed developing a common platform for flow of remittance in the Saarc region and said Sri Lanka might share its initiative to constitute a financial centre to this end.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came up with the proposal at a meeting with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena in Nagoya city, Japan.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Senior Secretary to the Economic Resources Division M Mejbahuddin said Bangladesh had shown interest in the financial centre being developed in Colombo.

Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque and PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim also briefed reporters about the issues discussed.

The newly built chancery complex of Bangladesh embassy in Tokyo, Japan being inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, yesterday. Photo: PID

Hasina mentioned the sanction of Tk 1 billion for the flood victims saying she would give necessary directives to send necessary relief materials in line with a requirement of the Sri Lankan government, Ihsanul said.

Abul Kalam said the premier urged the Sri Lankan president to import jute goods from Bangladesh along with pharmaceutical items.

Upon request from the Sri Lankan president, Hasina assured him of resuming Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight on Dhaka-Colombo route.

Shahidul said the Sri Lankan president was likely to visit Bangladesh in December.

Both Hasina and Maithripala Sirisena arrived in Nagoya at the invitation of the Japanese prime minister to attend the G7 meeting.

Meanwhile, Hasina yesterday inaugurated the newly built chancery complex of Bangladesh embassy in Tokyo, Japan, reports UNB.

The 714-square metre chancery building was constructed at a cost of Tk 100 crore. The premier laid its foundation stone on November 28, 2010 during her visit to Japan.