The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said here yesterday that the government will always work for national interests, specially with WTO, through interactions with civil society organisations.

Addressing a function of unveiling the cover of translation works of WTO agreements, organized by 'Karmajibi Nari' at CIRDAP, he said the constructive and pioneering role of Bangladesh as an LDC has earned appreciation after becoming a member of WTO in the early 1990s.

As a recognition of this, he said, Bangladesh was elected chairman of the LDCs recently.

Presided over by Ms Shirin Akhter, the function was also addressed by Bangladesh ambassador to WTO Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Human Rights activist advocate Hamida Hossain, Trade Programme Manager of Delegation of European Commission Ms Jenni Christensen and Manzur Ahmed.

The foreign adviser said Dhaka has been successful in projecting harmful aspects of globalization in different forums. Dhaka together with others have been trying to convince others about the unequal competition created following globalisation regarding distribution of income, employment and production in developing countries.

Using words of praises for Karmajibi Nari for the translation of the WTO agreements into Bengali, Dr. Chowdhury said, it will help creation of awareness and spread of knowledge among the people.

In this context, he said the government has been working hard for equitable distribution of income through economic development of the country. He said the government wants to reach the benefits of globalisation to the door steps of people.

Advocate Hamida Hossain said the government should take steps so that people can understand the language of WTO. WTO, she said, uses jargons, which are not understandable to the ordinary people.

Dr. Debapriya said the translation will reduce dependence on research workers. World trade, he said, should be a means for development.

Ms Shirin Akhter thanked the European Commission for its support for the translation work.