The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed said the government is extremely cautious of applying the emergency in freedom of expression.

"The press remains free," the President said this when newly appointed non-resident Ambassador designated of Portugal Luis Filipe Carrilho de Castro Mendes presented his credential to him at Bangabhaban here Wednesday.

While talking to the Envoy, the President emphasized on exchange programmes among professional experts, including IT, scientists, physicians, engineers and academics between the two countries. He underscored the need for increasing trade relations between the two countries saying, "there is a huge scope for expansion of our trade relations."

Dr Ahmed hoped that the bilateral trade between the two countries would get new impetus during the tenure of the newly appointed Portugal Ambassador.

The president apprised the envoy about the imposing of State of Emergency in the country and also the progress in the preparation of holding the elections as per the roadmap of the Election Commission. The Portugal Ambassador appreciated the on going process of issuing voter ID cards and said that he was hopeful about return of democracy in the country.

Terming Bangladesh as a 'moderate' Muslim country, the envoy said, "communal harmony prevails in the country". Praising Bangladeshi nationals staying in Portugal, he said, "Bangladeshi people are very good".

Secretary to President's Office Md Sirajul Islam, Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain and President's Press Secretary Abdul Awal Howlader were present.