The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

A four-day meeting of the home ministers of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) begins today in New Delhi.

The home ministers are likely to discuss ways to increase cooperation among the eight member countries of the SAARC to curb terrorism, crimes and resist drug and smuggling at the meeting from October 23 to 26.

According to Home Ministry sources, the meeting will also lay emphasis on formation of a SAARC POL to boost cooperation among the police forces of the member states.

Adviser for LGRD and Cooperatives Anwarul Iqbal will lead a nine-member Bangladesh delegation, including Home Secretary Mohammad Abdul Karim and Inspector General of Police Nur Mohammad, at the meeting. The LGRD adviser leaves Dhaka for New Delhi today.

The SAARC police chiefs meet on October 25 and the home secretary-level meet takes place on October 24.

The meetings will also discuss mutual legal cooperation, which has been proposed by India on 'mutual legal assistance in criminal matters’.