"We're determined to prevent HIV/Aids in coordination with our bilateral and multilateral development partners through national, regional and international cooperation," he said.

The president was addressing as the chief guest a function marking the World Aids Day.

The president also called upon the countrymen to make the movement against HIV/Aids a success to free the people from the deadliest disease.

Iajuddin said that according to available data, the number of Aids-affected people in the world is 39.4 million -- half of them women. Some 3.1 million people died of Aids in 2004, he added.

The rate of Aids infection among women has increased in recent times, he said adding that nearly 13 million children became orphans due to Aids.

Nearly 5 lakh people died and 9lakh were infected with HIV in the South East Asia this year, he said.

"Symptoms of Aids have been detected in 87 people, out of 465 HIV positives, in Bangladesh from 1989 till date and 44 of them have died," he said.

He stressed the need for creating mass awareness in preventing HIV/Aids.

To prevent the deadly disease, he also emphasised on broadcasting information in mass media, giving advice to the people to refrain from risky behaviour, inventing new work plans, taking effective measures by national and international organisations, and adhering to religious values.

Iajuddin underscored the need for ensuring careful use of medical equipment and blood transfusion apparatus, saying that if necessary, a separate centre for Aids research and blood transfusion should be established in the country.

He also laid importance on raising awareness among students, teachers and staff in the educational institutions, and including Aids-related essays and articles in academic curriculum.

The president suggested holding of workshops and seminars for university students, imparting training to imams of mosques and priests of shrines and temples, and launching social movement in the rural areas to make people aware of the fatal consequences of HIV/Aids.

He also asked all to refrain from belittling the Aids victims and showing any discrimination towards them, "as we have some social and humanitarian obligations to them."

He called upon all to remain conscious so that the social and economic bindings could never push women into more risks.

"Half of our population is women. It's our duty to ensure all sorts of safety of the womenfolk for development and prosperity of the nation."

He stressed the need for formulating a national work plan through reviewing HIV/Aids situation in Bangladesh and analysing risky behaviours.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mizanur Rahman Sinha were special guests at the function at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Centre in the morning.