Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said that people will continue to support her due to her motherly affection as a leader of the country.

She said, "If you run a country with the affection of a mother, people will extend their support."

Hasina made the remarks at a high-level power panel titled "Redefining the Future for Women" held at the Women's Pavilion in the Dubai Expo 2020 organised on the occasion of International Women's Day.

Hasina said she has won the support and trust of her people and that is her main strength. "People know that if I'm there, they'll be benefited."

But this journey was not easy, she said, adding that almost her entire family was assassinated. Only she and her sister survived as they were abroad at the time.

Hasina recalled that when she returned home, the killers of her family and other war criminals were in power.

The PM said she faced repeated attempts on her life along with smear campaigns. "But I didn't care. All I thought about was continuing my work for the people."

She appreciated her male colleagues for cooperating with her in politics and government.

About the Bangladesh parliament with regard to women empowerment, she said now the Speaker, the Leader of the House, the Leader of Opposition and the Deputy Leader of the House are all women.

She said that when she formed the government in 1996 after the 21-year rule of military dictators, she found no women in power.

She said she then took initiatives for the development and empowerment of women, including ensuring free education up to graduation. She also tried to create job opportunities for them in the higher posts like the judiciary, police and other sectors.

Noting that women had little space during military regimes, she said, "I opened up all avenues for women."

Describing the Father of the Nation as her mentor, the PM said she learned about the country and its problems from him.

"I learned from my father, my mentor. I learned how to harbour compassion and love for the people and the country, as well as how to work for the poor."

UAE President's Diplomatic Adviser Dr Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, UAE State Minister for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimi, UNFPA Executive Director Dr Natalia Kanem, WTO Director General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and President and CEO of Cartier International Cyrille Vigneron also spoke at the panel.

Later, Hasina visited the Bangladesh and UAE pavilions at the Dubai Expo 2020 in the Dubai Exhibition Centre.

The PM reached Dubai yesterday on a five-day official visit at the invitation of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Makdoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai.