Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – October 10, 1995

We had a press interview. The questions were normal. Mr. [Fidel] Ramos, [President of the Philippines], came to negotiate and say goodbye. The negotiations were repetitive. At noon, we flew to Dhaka. Lunch, prayer and rest were on the way. We arrived at half past three in the afternoon - Bangladesh time - late due to the delay of the companion plane. Four fighter jets had come to welcome us from the border.

Mrs. [Khaleda Zia], the Prime Minister - unlike usual - had come to the airport; To show the importance of the guest. In the streets of Dhaka, people gave a wide welcome. It is a surprise to us and to them. Kilometers on both sides of the streets were full of people and many of them had the Iranian flag and my photo and were chanting slogans. Unlike usual, I sat in the front seat so I could see people and they could see me. At several points, I got out of the car and responded to people's feelings. We had never seen such a welcome in any of our foreign trips; It was like our own cities.

Many photos of me were plastered on the walls, signs and lights, which is wasteful and disgusting; I protested. Later, the president and the prime minister were surprised that I got off and sat in front of the car, and their security guards expressed concern.

A welcome ceremony was held at the presidential palace. There are differences with other ceremonies. Then, in the hall, the ceremony of introduction of the personalities, ministers and heads of judges and parliamentarians and resident and military officers was performed by the President and Mrs. Prime Minister. Then we had a negotiation meeting with [Mr. Abdul Rahman Biswas], the president. It was ceremonial. He talked more about the importance of Iran.

Efat and other family members also joined us. Mrs. President was also there. We went to the residence. After Maghrib prayer, Mrs. Khaleda Zia Begum, Prime Minister came. We had a half-hour discussion on the benefits of cooperation.

I have diarrhea. Dr. [Hadi] Manafi came and prescribed pills and powder. I took it cautiously so that I wouldn't have any problems during the dinner meeting at night; It was effective. We went to the presidential palace for dinner. He was also the prime minister. There were also chastity and children. The introduction and handshake with the characters was done again, which was repetitive and boring.

Sarmiz Sham, I asked many questions about their situation. Usually - both of them - did not know about important statistics and figures such as the number of students, the amount of energy production, the amount of consumption and the like, which is strange and sometimes they give incorrect statistics and then correct them. The accompanying minister is also the energy minister; His information is especially good in the energy sector. They raised their problem, which is about the river water distribution issue, and asked us to mediate. At the end of the night, we returned to the residence. It is strange that many people remained in the streets to see the delegation.