DHAKA, Oct 25, 2021 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said South

Asian nations should work to eliminate the curse of hunger, poverty and
illiteracy and for the well-being of the people in the region.

   She said this while newly-appointed Pakistan High Commissioner to
Bangladesh Imran Ahmed Siddiqui paid a courtesy call on her at her official
Ganabhaban residence here.

   After the meeting, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed
the newsmen.

  The prime minister said the cardinal principle of Bangladesh's foreign
policy, enunciated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,
is "Friendship to all, malice to none".

   During the meeting, High Commissioner Imran Ahmed Siddiqui said Pakistan
is keen to promote relations to Bangladesh.

   The high commissioner presented an original copy of Pakistan Prime
Minister Imran Khan's message.

   He also presented a photo album, photo of the painting and video footage
of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's visit to Pakistan
as Bangladesh’s prime minister to attend the OIC (Organisation of Islamic
Countries) summit in 1974.

   Sheikh Hasina thanked the Pakistan high commissioner for handing over the
historic souvenir related to the memories of Bangabandhu.

   The prime minister also appreciated the publication of a calligraphy book
in Bangla by Pakistan on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's
independence.

   Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin and PM's Principal Secretary Dr
Ahmad Kaikaus were present.