The D-8 leaders had a river cruise yesterday on board BIWTC vessel VS Masud, reports UNB.

Earlier, in the morning Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received the distinguished guests from Turkey, Malaysia. Pakistan, Iran. Egypt. Indonesia and Nigeria on their arrival at Pagla Ghat from where the river cruise started.

During the three-hour cruise on the rivers Buriganga. Dhaleshwari and Meghna. the D-8 leaders enjoyed the scenic beauty of riverine Bangladesh.

While enjoying the enchanting sights stretching from Pagla Ghat to Gazaria. they greatly complimented the tremendous development works taking place on both sides of the rivers.

In course of the cruise, the leaders of the eight developing countries also informally discussed in a cordial atmosphere, the possibilities of meaningful cooperation among the member nations.

The leaders expressed their hope that, as the new chairperson of the D-8. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would place the D-8 resolutions before various international

forums.

They further took note of the fact that the D-8 countries enjoy a special relation with the Organisation of Islamic Countries, as all of them are members of OIC as well.

New chairperson of D-8 Sheikh Hasina reciprocating the sentiments hopea that she would receive sincere cooperation from the leaders of the member countries.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister also expressed her sincere thanks and gratitude to the D-8 leaders.