<i>Goodbye, dear princess</i>
Thousands bid farewell to Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in Gaibandha
Gaibandha people accorded farewell to Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at Balashi Ghat as she along with her entourage left for Dhaka, ending her two-day visit to rural areas on jamuna basin in Gaibandha yesterday.
As the team left the specially built 'mini model village' at Beler char and crossed the river by a country boat, thousands of people stood on the bank and waived to the honourable guest.
Princess Maha visited the area as a member of the research team of Bloomberg School of Public Health of John Hopkins University, USA to see the maternal and child health project implemented by Jivita Bangladesh in Gaibandha.
The 34-member team included five members of Thai Royal families and dean of John Hopkins University Dr Michael Klag and other members of health advisory board.
Clad in simple dress, and holding three cameras, she mixed with ease and spoke cordially to the common people, especially women.
A very popular personality in Thailand for her social service and concern for the welfare of common people, princess Maha won the heart of common people during her two-day visit to Gaibandha.
Lawmaker Mahabub Ara Begum Gini of Gaibandha-2, lawmaker Col (rtd) Dr Abdul Kader Khan of Gaibandha-1 and Gaibandha Deputy Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam were present at the bank of Jamuna River to see off the princess and her entourage who left for Dhaka by a motorcade.
Earlier on Wednesday night, local artistes rendered songs and dances in honour of the princess and rural women presented her naxi kantha (embroidered cloth).
The princess was entertained with local delicacies including pithas (home-made cakes) and a variety of dishes.
"People of the area accorded me an unforgettable hospitality," said the princess.
A very popular personality in Thailand for her social service and concern for the welfare of common people, she was made special envoy of UNESCO.
Princess Maha, 58, is the second daughter of Thai King Bhumibol and Queen Sikrit Sirindhorn. She desires to spend her life for the welfare of Thai people.
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