The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Inviting international observers to observe the next polls in Bangladesh, President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed reiterated that the upcoming general election would be held within the timeframe set by the Election Commission. He stated this as outgoing Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Bangladesh Monsignor Paul Tschang In-Nam made a farewell call on him at Bangabhaban on Sunday.

Welcoming the outgoing Most Reverend Apostolic Nuncio to the President house, the President appreciated him for his sincere endeavours in strengthening relations between Bangladesh and Vatican City during his five-year tenure in the country. He stated that the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Holy See are excellent.

"Bangladesh is maintaining peace and harmony among the people of various faiths of its land and has emerged as a country of communal harmony in the world," Dr Iajuddin apprised the envoy. Stating that Islam is a religion of peace and committed to upholding humanity around the world, the President said that the people of Bangladesh are very simple, peace-loving, tolerant, pious and hardworking.

He informed the envoy that the government of Bangladesh has taken up various measures in the field of education for raising the level of literacy rate in the country.

He further said that the government has also initiated manifold programmes in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MOG) by 2015, and some components of the Goals have already been attained. Bangladesh's troops are contributing significantly to the UN Peacekeeping Operations through their dedicated and sincere efforts, he noted.

The President wished the Apostolic Nuncio good health and happiness and safe journey to Vatican.

He also conveyed best regards to Pope Benedict XVI and invited him to visit Bangladesh at his convenience through the Ambassador. Monsignor Paul Tschang In-Nam stated that the existing relations between the Holy See and Bangladesh are excellent and it would be further strengthened in the coming days.

He said Catholic Churches are running about 500 schools in Bangladesh with 90,000 students.

The envoy expressed his deep gratitude to the government and the people of Bangladesh for providing support and cooperation in discharging his duties in Bangladesh.

He said that the people of Bangladesh are "very friendly, hospitable and courageous". He is very happy to see the religious and communal harmony in the country.

The envoy thanked the people and government of Bangladesh for extending profound grief and sympathy after the sad demise of John Paul II in 2005.

Military Secretary to the President Major General M Aminul Karim, Secretary M Sirajul Islam, Press secretary Abdul Awal Howlader and officials concerned from both the sides were present on the occasion.