The Influx of thousand of Myanmar refugees and aid from the United States will dominate talks between President George Bush and . Bangladesh Prime Minuter Begum Khaleda Zia during her visit to America, officials said.

'Myanmar will figure prominently tn about an hour long talk between the two leaders and Begum Zia will explain the difficulties laced by impoverished Bangladesh In tackling the influx." a Bangladesh Foreign Ministry official said

Begum Zia Is to tell President Bush during the talks scheduled for March 19 that Myanmar's acts against ethnic Rohingyas are a threat to Bangladesh's security and regional stability, the official

said adding that she would also seek American support in solving the Issue.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister leaves Dhaka for Washington today (Sunday) for the five day visit to the United States that begins Tuesday.

The visit will be the first by Begum Zia to the US since her becoming the ftrsi woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh last year

Dhaka Washington ties are now at their best with a democratic government in Bangladesh and the refugee is sue s being linked to the human rights question, the Foreign Office official added

The talks between two leaders will also cover important matters, including bilateral trade, export of the garments and food aid under PL 480.

An agreement between Dhaka and Washington on food aid under PL 480 Is likely to be signed during the visit.

The Prime Minister is also expected to discuss matters of mutual interest with other US officials, Including Defence Minister Dick Chiney. Joint Chief of Staff Collin Powell and Chief of American Task Force in Bangladesh during last years April cyclone General Stackpole.

During the visit Begum Zia would also seek greater aid commitment from the American government, the second largest donor country for Bangladesh after Japan, ahead pf April's Paris Aid Consortium meet, officials said.

'Begum Zia and Bush will also discuss the report of a task force on cyclone prepared by the US government after visits by Marilyn Quayle and General Henry Stykpole." one official said, referring to US Vice President Dan Quayle’s wife. He added she v^lll seek aid to build storm shelters.

In Washington. Begum Zia will also hold separate talks with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, besides officials of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

In New York, she is scheduled to meet United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Ghali and General Assembly President Samir Shihab.

UNB adds: The Bangladesh leader is also expected to give Interviews to leading media. Including Associated Press (AP), Cable News Network (CNN), Newsweek, New York Times, Washington Post and the Christian Monitor.

Her JO-membcr entourage will Include Foreign Minister A S M Mostaflzur Rahman. Information Minister Nazmul Huda, Begum Selina Rahman. MP. Principal Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat Syed Hasan Ahmed, Foreign Secretary Reaz Rahman, Chief of Protocol Tofacl Karim Haider and Director General of the American desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khurshid Hamid.

The Prime Minister will return home on March 23.