Canadian minister visits PDBF programme in Mymensingh

Canadian Minister for International Co-operation Susan Whelan visited Goari Muktir Bazar Mohila Samity of Valuka under Mymensingh on January 7 to acquaint herself with microcredit and social development programme of Palli Daridro Bimochon Foundation (PDBF), says a press release.

Speaker to attend CPA confce in London

Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar left Dhaka yesterday for London to attend a three-day conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

The 'Speakers and Presiding Officers' Conference' of the CPA begins at the State of Jersey on Friday.

After the conference, the Speaker, as the President of CPA, will visit the CPA headquarters in London and exchange views with its leaders and officials.

Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar will also take initiatives for holding the CPA 'Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference' in Bangladesh next year.

'Bangladesh is my university'

"Bangladesh is my university and I am regularly learning from her," said Zanele Mbeki, the visiting First Lady of South Africa, impressed at success of some innovative ventures over here.

Canada for expanding assistance to Bangladesh

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday requested the Canadian government to assist in setting up colleges in Bangladesh either independently or under joint venture to ensure quality education in the country.

Govt plans Ctg-Yangon feeder shipping service

The government plans to introduce a feeder shipping service between Bangladesh and Myanmar to boost bilateral trade, official sources said yesterday.

Biman's first hajj flight arrives in Jeddah

The Bangladesh Biman's first hajj flight with 274 pilgrims abroad arrived in Saudi Arabia to a warm welcome on Saturday afternoon. The flight touched down at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah at 5:30pm (Saudi time) where officials of Bangladesh mission received them at the Hajj Terminal.

51 anti-Indian bases in Bangladesh, says Tripura CM

Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Sarkar yesterday said his government has definite information that there were 51 bases of anti-India organisations in Bangladesh.

President, PM greet Castro

President Iajuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia greeted Cuban President Dr Fidel Castro on the occasion of national day of his country to be celebrated Saturday. In his message to Castro, the President hoped that the existing bonds of friendship and cooperation between Dhaka and Havana would be strengthened further in the years to come.

He wished the friendly people of Cuba continued peace, progress and prosperity.

In a similar message, Khaleda Zia conveyed her best wishes for continued peace, progress and prosperity of the Cuban people.

President, PM felicitates Than Shwe

President Iajuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia felicitated Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar, senior general Than Shwe on the occasion of his country's Independence Day.

First hajj flight takes off today

Bangladesh Biman starts operating its hajj flights to Jeddah from Zia International Airport today Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will inaugurate the hajj flight at the airport at 12:30pm, said a Biman press release yesterday.

On the opening day, the first flight will leave Dhaka for Jeddah at 1pm with 274 ballotee hajj pilgrims. Biman will carry 25,000 ballotee and non-ballotee hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through its 29 ballotee and 70 non-ballotee hajj flights.

Ministers, parliament members, foreign diplomats and high government officials will be present at the inaugural programme.