Mahmood vows to help govt achieve goal

Newly appointed Foreign Minister (FM) AH Mahmood Ali Wednesday said he wants to work 'closely' with the Prime Minister (PM) to help Bangladesh 'march ahead' in a faster pace towards ensuring peace, development and prosperity, reports UNB.
"Bangladesh is really marching ahead. I want to work closely with the PM to strengthen her hands and achieve the target given to us in line with the election manifesto," he told reporters at his office, hours after his swearing in.
Inducted in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cabinet 45 days into its formation, Mahmood, however, did not take any question from the journalists.
In his brief statement, Mahmood Ali said he is delighted to getting the new responsibility and he will work actively to achieve the government's target.
Earlier, he had a marathon introductory meeting with the senior officials of his ministry.
Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque and Secretary (Bilateral, Training & Consular) Mustafa Kamal were, among others, present.
Mahmood Ali, who was also the Foreign Minister of all-party polls-time cabinet, was sworn in as minister at Bangabhaban at noon.
President Abdul Hamid administered the oath in presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, members of her cabinet and senior civil and military officials.
On January 12, AL President Sheikh Hasina formed the 47-member cabinet with MPs from her party and four other parties-Jatiya Party, Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal and Jatiya Party (Manju).