The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed Saturday told visiting Duke of Gloucester Richard Alexander Walter George that the next general election in Bangladesh would be held by December this year as the government is working on it.

The present government is continuing its efforts towards strengthening democracy in the country, Dr Iajuddin said when the Duke of Gloucester paid a curtsey call on him at Bangabhaban. During the meeting, the President said Bangladesh attaches great importance to her relations with the United Kingdom (UK) and considers it to be dependable trade, development and strategic partner.

He said the existing relations between the two countries are very good and it would be strengthened further in the days to come. Dr Ahmed emphasised increasing educational exchange programmes between Dhaka and London further.

He said the British Council in Bangladesh has been playing a vital role in strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two countries, and drew attention of the Duke of Gloucester to reopening a British Council centre in Rajshahi.

He also recalled the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Bangladesh in 1983 and invited her to visit Bangladesh again. The Duke expressed his satisfaction at the prevailing relations in different fields between Bangladesh and the UK. George also expressed his satisfaction at the progress in implementation of the DFID-funded projects in different areas, including Majerchar in Pirojpur and Commonwealth War Cemetery in Comilla.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Anwar Choudhury was present. Military Secretary to the President Major General Mohd Aminul Karim, Secretary to the President's Office Md Sirajul Islam and President's Press Secretary Abdul Awal Howlader were also present.