Dhaka considers Saarc a catalyst for regional cooperation: Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said Bangladesh attaches top priority to regional cooperation in South Asia and considers Saarc as a catalyst for regional cooperation aimed at mutual benefits of the people of the region.

She said this when newly-appointed Secretary General of Saarc Ahmed Saleem met her at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad briefed reporters after the meeting.

He said Sheikh Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh has been playing a constructive role in Saarc and remained actively engaged in its process.

She said Saarc activities should be focused, time-bound, and result-oriented in order to meet people’s expectations and its objectives as cherished in the charter of the organization.

Hasina underscored the need for necessary measures to maintain Saarc as the most relevant entity for meaningful cooperation in South Asia.

The Prime Minister expressed her satisfaction as democratic governments are in power in all the Saarc member states and firmly committed to democratic norms and the rule of law.

Ambassador at-Large M Ziauddin, Principal Secretary Sheikh Wahid Uz zaman and PMO Secretary Molla Waheeduzzaman were present during the meeting.