Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday hinted Dhaka’s readiness to host the next Summit of the eight-nation D-8 or Developing-8 as the Organization’s Secretary-General Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari called on her, reports BSS.

“The Prime Minister hinted that Dhaka would host the next D-8 summit in the third week of April, 2020,” premier’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim told a media briefing after the meeting at the PMO. During the talks, she proposed sharing of experiences among the eight nations for their further development.

“Bangladesh is expected to take over as the next chair of the D-8 through the Dhaka summit which will coincide with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birth centenary,” Karim said. The D-8 secretary general expected the upcoming summit, the 10th of the grouping, to generate new initiatives and ideas to be aligned with its 2030 agenda. D-8 groups Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.

Amb. Ku Jaafar appreciated the Bangladesh premier’s proposal for experience sharing for common benefits which he said could be ensured through strengthened cooperation among the member states. He highly praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her able leadership in booming the economy of Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh would be a model (for development) to be followed by the other countries,” he said.  Ku Jaafar simultaneously proposed allocation of a special economic zone in Bangladesh exclusively for D-8 member countries. While the premier responded positively, saying “We are currently setting up 100 special economic zones (and) land can be provided from the zones for the D-8 member countries”.

Sheikh Hasina thanked the D-8 secretary general for his dynamic leadership and introducing innovative ideas, making tireless efforts to make the organisation visible and building partnership among the member countries. Both of them put emphasized on enhancing connectivity among the D-8 member countries.

PM’s Principal Secretary Md Nojibur Rahman was present on the occasion, among others. Meanwhile, addressing a programme – DCAB Talk – at BIISS auditorium in the city with President of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) Raheed Ejaz in the chair. The DCAB general secretary also spoke there.

D-8 Secretary General Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari said, D-8 is not political organization, this is the economic sector is dependent on, but rohinga crisis is the most important issue in the present time, The ‘brand Bangladesh’ must be rejuvenated and upgraded. There is so much positive to tell of this amazing country: economic vibrancy, diversification, productivity, economic growth, warm and welcoming people,” said the envoy. “Bangladesh’s message must be clear, distinctive and recognizable,” he said.

Source: www.bangladeshpost.net