Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leaves for the United States this morning on a week-long visit to address an august assembly at Harvard and receive the prestigious Pearl S Buck award, reports UNB.

Hasina earns the laurels for her "visionary" leadership, courage and achievements in political, economic and humanitarian Helds.

During the visit, the prime minister will speak on the subject "Leading a Country in Transition: Challenges and opportunities" at the Invitation of President of the Harvard University Neil L Rudenstin In the Forum of John F Kennedy School of Government tomorrow.

Over the past several years, prominent individuals like former US Presidents George Bush and Gerald Ford, former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. President Olusegun Obasanja of Nigeria, Greek President Constantin Stephanopoulos and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat have lectured at the forum.

Officials sqid State Governor of Virginia would declare April 8 "Sheikh Hasina Day" in the State as a symbol of respect for her when she would receive the Pearl S Buck award from renowned Randolph-Macon Women's College.

Hasina will be the second head of government after former Philippines President Corazon Aquino to receive the award.

Besides, the Mayor of Lynchburg City will present the key of the City to the Prime Minister during her sojourn there.

The Prime Minister's trip would be another opportunity to build on the favorable impression that Americans have about Bangladesh today against the backdrop of President Clinton s "successful" visit to Dhaka on March 20.

Her meeting with US scholars. students and members of the academia would enable her to exchange views with potential and prospect of Bangladesh as well as her vision of a new Bangladesh, the officials said.

Prime Minister Hasina Is also expected to inaugurate the new Chancery building of Bangladesh Embassy in Washington.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury. PM's Principal Secretary Dr SA Samad. Foreign Secretary Shafi Sami and Press Secretary Jawadul Karim are on the delegation.