PM inaugurates BIMSTEC Secretariat

The much-awaited Bimstec Secretariat began its journey on Saturday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Secretariat of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) in Dhaka this (Saturday) morning. With the inauguration, the Bimstec Secretariat started its formal functioning which is expected to enhance Bangladesh’s image among the international community and deepen mutual understanding and cooperation with Bimstec member states. Cabinet members, secretaries, diplomats from Bimstec member states, including heads of diplomatic corps and international organisations and Bimstec Secretary General Sumith Nakandala, attended the ceremony. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the aim of the regional forum should be to alleviate poverty as the largest number of poor people is living in this part of the world. Bimstec Secretariat, located at Gulshan-2, is the first headquarters of any inter-governmental organisation in Bangladesh. Established in Bangkok on June 6, 1997, Bimstec has 7 member states – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand – and 14 areas of cooperation, according to private TV channels.