PM urged D-8 nations to take realistic programmes

"The main focus of the D-8 countries should be overall development of the OIC states by undertaking realistic programmes and enhancing connectivity," she said The Prime Minister expressed this view when the visiting D-8 Secretary General Dr Sayed Alo Mohammad Mousavi paid a courtesy call on her at her office here this noon.

After the call on, PM's Press Secretary AKM Shameem Chowdhury briefed the newsmen.

He said the Prime Minister also put emphasis on taking joint venture initiatives using the resources of the member countries to ensure development of its people.

"The member countries could work together by exchanging own experiences for their mutual benefits through boosting trade and industry," she said.

The D-8 secretary general apprised the Prime Minister of the activities of the grouping.

He also praised the role of Sheikh Hasina as the founding member of organization.

Mousavi informed that the work on the policy level of the organization has been completed in the last 16 years since its inception.

"Now the D-8 is working on the tangible development of policymaking on agriculture, transport, trade, economy, civil aviation, shipping, energy and industry sector," she said.

The D-8 secretary general also invited the Prime Minister on behalf of the organization to the next D-8 Summit to be held in Turkey in December this year.

It may be mentioned that Bangladesh will take over the Presidency of D-8 in 2016.

PM's Principal Secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikdar and Press Secretary AKM Shameem Chowdhury were present.

-BSS

Photo: Saiful Islam Kallol