Prime Minister's Political and Agricultural Advisor Nazrul Islam Khan addressed the 'Development Partners and Investors' coordination meeting held in the capital Dhaka today as the chief guest. Photo: SAARC Agricultural Center

DHAKA, April 29, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister's Political and Agricultural Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan today said strengthening SAARC can further bolster agriculture in the South Asia.
 
"Agriculture is the main foundation of this region's economy, and there is no alternative to modernization for its sustainable development," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a coordination meeting titled 'Development Partners and Investors' held in the capital.

SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Bangladesh and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), South Asia jointly organized the event.

The veteran BNP leader called for increasing the use of advanced technology, including artificial intelligence and boosting investment in the sector to address the challenges of climate change.

Nazrul further said that according to its electoral manifesto, the BNP government is firmly committed to strengthening relations with all countries of South Asia and the world. As part of this, various steps are being taken to revitalize SAARC activities.

Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, presided over the event while A.K.M. Shahidul Karim, Additional Secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke as the special guest.