President expects war-free world under Ban Ki-moon leadership

President M Zillur Rahman on Tuesday expressed the hope that the world would be free from war and conflict through dialogue under the able and dynamic leadership of UN Secretary General (SG) Ban Ki-moon, reports UNB. "It's heartening to note that you've taken initiatives to resolve the pressing issues and I welcome you for the sincere endeavours," the President told a special convocation of Dhaka University (DU). The special convocation was organised on the occasion of conferring a doctorate Degree of Laws (Honoris Causa) upon UNSG Ban Ki-moon at Nobab Nawab Ali Choudhury Senate Building of the University. The President said that Ban Ki-moon is making relentless efforts for protecting world peace and civilization. He mentioned that world renowned journal 'The Economist' had published a schedule of incomplete tasks of the UN after the first assumption of office of the Secretary-General in 2007. The journal emphasised taking effective initiatives to address the conflict of Darfur, the Middle East crisis and combating terrorism, protecting world from environmental degradation, imposing a ban on weapons of mass destruction and preventing HIV. After the assumption of office of the Secretary-General, Zillur Rahman said, Ban Ki-moon has visited conflict-ridden areas in Egypt, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, and talked to top Arab leaders, greatly contributing towards reducing tension in the areas. The President also congratulated UNSG for the assumption of the office of Secretary-General of the UN for the second consecutive term.