DHAKA, Jan 31, 2023 (BSS) - The publication ceremony of a travelogue titled 'Serbia: Shuvro Shohorer Deshe' written by young writer Imdad Haque was held at the Foreign Service Academy in the city's Baily Road area here today. 

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen addressed the function as the chief guest with former Principal Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office Ekushey Padak winning poet Kamal Chowdhury in the chair.

ACI Agro Business Chairman Dr FH Ansari addressed the function as the guest of honor while Bangla Academy Award winning writers Iktiyar Chowdhury and Sadhana Ahmed spoke as the discussants.

Anyaprokash Chief Executive Mazharul Islam and writer Imdad Haque delivered welcome address at the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Momen said a lot of development is taking place in Serbia and the country requires more workforces.
Serbia is undertaking big development projects on the bank of the Danube River, creating lots of jobs for electricians and construction workers, he said, adding that people of Bangladesh need to go to India for a Serbian visa, which is a big hassle. 

"Serbia, however, sent a consular team from Delhi to Dhaka and they issued about 3,500 visas for Bangladeshis. There are many job opportunities in Serbia," the foreign minister said.

Noting that there is a huge demand for Bangladeshi products in Serbia, Dr Momen said, "Since there is no direct trade relation between Serbia and Bangladesh, people of this central European country buy Bangladeshi leather and garment products from Germany or Italy at higher prices. Therefore, a process is underway to establish direct trade relations between Serbia and Bangladesh".

The Serbian Foreign Minister will visit Bangladesh soon and these issues will be finalised during the trip, he added.

In the 176-page book published by Anyaprokash, the writer has narrated Serbia's history, tradition, economy, agriculture, education system and sports in a lucid language.

Imdad, now serving as an assistant private secretary to the Foreign Minister, started his career as a journalist while studying in Jahangirnagar University. 

He earlier published another book named 'Campus Reporting: Sangbadikotay Hatekhari' while both of his books are available at Rokomari (https://www.rokomari.com/book/author/25998/imdad-haque).