Senegal to back Bangladesh

Senegal will support Bangladesh's candidature for Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference.

"We will not only support your candidate, but also work for his victory," Dr Ahmed El Mansour, special envoy of Senegal President Abdullah El Wade, said when he called on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office here yesterday.

Khaleda Zia underscored the need for a dynamic and suitable leadership of OIC in the present global situation and sought Senegalese support for the candidature of Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, the Prime Minister's Adviser on Parliamentary Affairs, for OIC secretary general.

She said the government has nominated Chowdhury as the candidate as it has full confidence in his competence to lead the organisation effectively.

Khaleda said the next secretary general was to be elected from amongst the Asian countries.

The special envoy handed over a letter from Senegalese president to Khaleda Zia, seeking Bangladesh's support in hosting the OIC summit in 2006.

The prime minister said Bangladesh would most favourably consider the request. A formal reply to the letter will be given later.

Different other issues of bilateral relations, especially trade and commerce, were discussed in the meeting.

The special envoy said a business delegation of his country might visit Bangladesh soon.

He said President Wade is eager to consolidate the historic bilateral ties with Bangladesh. Through strengthening relations between the two countries, the OIC could be made more dynamic, effective and vibrant, the envoy quoted the president as saying.

Khaleda expressed identical views and said Bangladesh has been working closely with the Muslim countries. She stressed the need for unity among the Muslim countries to strength the OIC.

She invited the Senegal President, through the envoy, to visit Bangladesh.