Saarc summit must promote connectivity for human dev

Speakers at a seminar in the city criticised Saarc on Friday for its inaction in implementing the declarations adopted in Saarc Climate Change Summits in Dhaka (2008) and Thimpu (2010), reports UNB.

The 18th Saarc Summit which is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu on November 26-27 should promote connectivity for human development rather for only profit, they said at the seminar 'Alternative People's Regionalism, Saarc Challenges in Climate Change and Food Security' held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity.

The People's SAARC Bangladesh Process Group represented by Bangladesh Poribesh Andoloan (BAPA), BERDM, Bangladesh Nari Progoti Sangha (BNPS), Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh (EquityBD), Institute of Environment and Development (IED), Khani Bangladesh, Nagorik Uddoygue and Sushanoer Jonny Procharavizan (SUPRO) organized the seminar.

Dr Rashid E Mahbub, Chair of People's SAARC Bangladesh Process Group, presided over the seminar moderated by its member Rezaul Karim Chowhudry of EquityBD.

Former Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, also Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Ministry, was present at the seminar as the chief guest, said a press release.

Other speakers include Sahnaz Sumi of BNPS, Alision Baroi of SUPRO and Gloam Sarwar of Bangladesh Agriculture Farm Labour Federation (BALF).

Keynote presentations were given by Syed Aminul Haque and Mujibul Haque Munir of EquityBD and Bangladesh Farmers Forum respectively.