RAJSHAHI, Jun 19 (BSS): Communication at peoples level of SAARC countries should be enhanced to develop better understanding along with upholding regional peace and stability in the region, speakers at a discussion said.
They viewed not only through tourism, the relation may be improved through cultural, sports and in other arenas.
The observations came at a seminar styled "Enhancing Communication Mechanism at Peoples Level of SAARC Countries" held at Public Library conference room in Rajshahi city on Wednesday afternoon.
SAARC Peoples Link Forum organized the prgramme discussing ways and means of how to develop link at people's level of the SAARC countries.
Former Vice-chancellor of Rajshahi University and High Commissioner to UK Prof Dr Sayeedur Rahman Khan addressed the programme as chief guest while Assistant High Commissioner of India Sandip Mitra spoke as guest of honour.
With Mustafizur Rahman Khan, Convener of SAARC Peoples Link Forum, in the chair, Assistant Director of Regional Passport and Visa Office Madhusudan Sarker, BLAST Coordinator Advocate Abdus Samad, Freedom Fighter Commander Dr Abdul Mannan, Regional Manager of Prip Trust Saiduzzaman Sipon, Journalist Rashed Ripon and Advocate Nasrin Akhter Mita also spoke.
Terming the Bangladesh-India relation as cordial and long-lasting Sandip Mitra said visa procedure was made easy and liberalized. In case of medical and other emergency visa is given even within a day. He urged the SAARC Peoples Link Forum to raise their problems and probable solution through proper channel to their government.
Chief Guest Prof Sayeedur Rahman Khan stressed on tourism for more bilateral development and exchange of ideas. Procedure of having passport and visa should be made easy so common people can travel comfortably.
He added that easy and unhindered movement between SAARC Countries needs to be created. There is no alternative to people to people link for regional peace and progress. He cited example of EU countries in this regard.
Dry stem in seasonal fruits urged
Another BSS report says: People should refrain from chemically ntaminated summer fruits especially mango which could be identified through their dry stems, experts have suggested.
They feared toxicity in fruits caused deaths to many children in the region.
"Whenever you see the stalk (stem) of mango or other such summer fruit is dry, be confirmed it is contaminated with chemicals," Dr Shafiqul Islam, Chief Scientific Officer of Regional Mango Research Center of Chapai Nawabganj, said.
He said extremely harmful calcium carbide was being administered alongside ethephon in summer fruits for overnight ripening with attractive colours while formalin was used to preserve them.
