Governor, B’desh envoy discuss bilateral trade, education

LAHORE:High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan Ruhul Alam Siddique called on Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman at Governor’s House here Tuesday.

Consul General of Bangladesh Qazi Humayun Fareed was also present on this occasion. Promotion of bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade and education was discussed during the meeting.

Punjab governor and Bangladeshi high commissioner expressed concern over the barbaric bombardment and atrocities of Israeli on the Palestinian people especially women and children in the Gaza Strip. They said that the Israeli bombardment of the Palestinian residential areas, refugee camps and hospitals and the martyrdom of innocent civilians are very painful adding that the international community should raise its voice to stop them.

Speaking on the occasion, Punjab governor said that the circumstances under which Bangladesh was separated reminded of a painful past. He said that Pakistan and Bangladesh had once been a nation and country, and both of them share common faith, history, and culture and both countries can move forward as good neighbours.

Governor said that goodwill existing between both countries needs to be translated into even stronger economic, trade, investment, educational and cultural linkages to the benefit of both nations. He said that there should be maximum exchange of student delegations in the educational institutions of the two countries.

The governor said that he would also talk to the Higher Education Commission for scholarships for Bangladeshi students in Pakistani educational institutions. He said that there was a need to promote trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh in textile and other sectors. High Commissioner of Bangladesh said that the volume of trade, defence, and education between Bangladesh and Pakistan was improving. He said that steps were being taken to improve the facility of obtaining Bangladesh visas for Pakistanis, especially employment visas.

Later, governor and his wife went to the residence of former provincial minister Begum Zakia Shahnawaz where they offered condolences to Begum Zakia on the death of her brother.