The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury yesterday underscored the need for early warning system to control and mitigate floods.

"Early warning is an essential element of flood control and mitigation, and this is best effected in a regional mode," he said.

The foreign adviser was talking to the visiting Director General of International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Dr Andreas Schild, who called on him at the foreign ministry.

The ICIMOD is an inter-governmental body based in Kathmandu and involved in sustainable development work in mountainous regions.

It groups Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan.

Dr. Schild praised the contribution of Bangladesh to the technical programmes of the eight-nation ICIMOD which included focus on water and sustainable development.

Talking to journalists after the meeting, the foreign adviser said, "ICIMOD is doing excellent work at technical levels on raising awareness of issues related to its mandate in the region and Bangladesh welcomes that."

Next year ICIMOD under Bangladesh's chairmanship will observe its 28th anniversary, he said while appreciating the achievements of the organisation.