Bangladesh marks SAARC Charter Day

Message from the President of Bangladesh, Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed on SAARC Charter Day, December 8, 2005.

The government and the people of Bangladesh join fellow South Asian nations in observing the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Charter Day.

South Asia, home to one-fifth of humanity, is the seat of an ancient civilisation with a glorious past. Our region has known legendary prosperity and made significant contribution to human civilisation.

Today, it is said that the 21st century belongs to Asia. South Asia is an integral part of this process. The recently concluded 13th SAARC Summit has given us renewed hope for rebirth and regeneration of South Asia.

In expressing optimism, we were also aware that SAARC countries are confronted with the challenges of socio-economic development.

Our nations are required to make special efforts in alleviating poverty, enhancing intra-regional trade, attracting investment, expanding transport and communication network, adopting a regional energy strategy, increasing investment in human resources development, ensuring quality education, and management of natural disasters.

I am happy to note that the SAARC leaders have taken clear decisions on all these areas launching SAARC into a decade of implementation.

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of SAARC, I pay tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, for his vision and his initiative in launching the idea of a regional cooperation organisation, which took the form of SAARC.

On this auspicious occasion, I extend my warm felicitations to the governments and people of SAARC member states and call upon all to realise the objectives enshrined in the SAARC Chapter to improve the quality of life of the people of the region.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin