Today, 12 February, the Holy Father Francis received in audience, in the Apostolic Palace, the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Her Excellency Ms. Sheikh Hasina, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Msgr. Antoine Camilleri, under-Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, the good bilateral relations were evoked, and satisfaction was expressed for the Holy Father’s recent apostolic trip to Bangladesh and for the keen participation in the event on the part of the population, including many non-Catholics.

Attention then turned to the contribution of the Church in the country, especially in the field of education, and on the effort of the State in promoting the peaceful coexistence of the various religious communities and in the defence of minorities and refugees, expressing appreciation for the reception of the Rohingya and hope for a just and lasting solution to their ordeal.