The first-ever Arab-Islamic-American (AIA) Summit kicked off in Riyadh on Sunday afternoon with the slogan “Together We Prevail”. Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurated the summit at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center in the Saudi capital. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the US President Donald Trump and 56 Arab and Muslim leaders joined this highly anticipated event, the first of its kind in history, to discuss ways to combat extremism and illicit financing.
Sheikh Hasina was scheduled to deliver her speech later in the evening when she is expected to put forward a number of proposals. The main objective of the summit is to establish a new partnership to face the challenges of global terrorism and militancy, expand values of tolerance and coexistence and strengthen efforts for ensuring peace and stability. Earlier on her arrival at the venue, the Bangladesh Prime Minister was received by the Saudi King.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was accorded a warm reception as she arrived in Riyadh on Saturday night on a four-day official visit to Saudi Arabia to attend the AIA Summit at the invitation of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying the Prime Minister and her entourage landed at King Khalid International Airport at 11:15pm (local time). Saudi State Minister for Sura Affairs Mohamed Faisal Bin Abu Saad and Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Golam Moshi received the Prime Minister at the airport.
From the airport, Sheikh Hasina was escorted to Movenpick Hotel Riyadh through a ceremonial motorcade where she will be staying till Monday morning. During her visit, Hasina will also perform holy Umrah in Makkah and offer ziarat at the Rawza Mubarak of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) in Medina.
President Md. Abdul Hamid on Sunday asked the Chittagong Hill Tracts Land Dispute Resolution Commission to take effective steps to resolve the ongoing land disputes in the hilly region so that its development potential could be tapped. The President came up with the instruction when Chairman of the Commission Justice Mohammad Anwarul Haque met him at Bangabhaban in the afternoon.
The board of directors of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) proposed to the government for establishing National Infrastructure Development Monitoring Advisory Authority (NIDMAA) under PPP modality to focus on infrastructure development. DCCI President Abul Kasem Khan made the proposal while exchanging views with Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith at Secretariat in the capital on Sunday afternoon. In reply to a DCCI proposal Finance Minister appreciated the idea of establishing „National Infrastructure Development and Monitoring Advisory Authority (NIDMAA) and said that the government will consider the proposal for speedy implementation of large infrastructure projects. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith said the government will consider to reduce the procedures regarding release of capital machinery from the ports. He also said that the government will bring down the cost of sending remittance in order to increase its volume.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith sought Saudi investment in Bangladesh Special Economic Zones (SEZs), saying that such investments would significantly accelerate the trade opportunities between the two countries bonded by the spirit of brotherhood. He made the request when he held a meeting with Finance Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Mohammed Al Jadaan in Jeddah during his recent visit, said a finance ministry media release on Sunday.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Sunday said prices of daily essentials will remain under control during the month of Ramadan due to sufficient stock of essential commodities. He said this while addressing the inauguration of the Office of the Chief Controller of Import and Export Department at the National Sports Council building in the city. Tofail said the introduction of e-filing has resulted in transparency in providing services to traders. Traders can take the necessary services without any kind of harassment.
Law Minister Anisul Huq on Sunday proposed creation of a global alliance for genocide studies and justice saying remembrance of mass atrocities is crucial to prevent future genocides.“We urge all to remember repeatedly what happened in the past not only in Bangladesh, but also in other parts of the world.
Learning from the past is essential for preventing genocide in the future,” he told the concluding ceremony of 5th international conference on “Bangladesh Genocide and Justice” at the Liberation War Museum at capital‟s Agargaon last evening.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Mohammad Sayeed Khokan on Sunday advised all not to get scared over chikungunya disease caused by a new virus. “There is nothing to get panicked…
It‟s a new virus and there is no need of taking antivirus. The fever is curable within seven days with taking paracetamol only,” he said, inaugurating a crash programme for preventing chikungunya and dengue at a function at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) premises in the city.
– Press Wing London, 22 May 2017