The Centre for Integrated Rural Development in Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), the Dhaka-based inter-governmental organisation, today completed its 20th anniversary of founding with a call to further strengthen the regional body for effective poverty alleviation and rural development, reports

While former chiefs of the organisation recalled the growth and development of the CIRDAP as a viable mechanism to achieve rural uplift, the main donor nation Japan assured continued assistance. Host Bangladesh government said it would provide all possible support to this useful organisation.

Presided over by Dr AVS Reddy. Director General, the anniversary function at the CIRDAP auditorium, was addressed. among others, by Japanese Ambassador Yoshikazu Kaneko. founding director Aziz-ul-Huq. and another former director ATM Shamsul Huq. A message from Local Government and Rural Development Minister Zillur Rahman was read out by Dr P Subrahmanyam. Director Pilot Project Division.

The minister, who was to grace the occasion as the chief guest could not be present owing to his occupation in Parliament. In his message, he lauded the CIRDAP for helping its eleven member nations in the difficult task of rural development and poverty alleviation. He said in Bangladesh,'the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has attached the highest priority to eliminating poverty and the government is sparing no efforts towards that direction.

The minister said the organisation has achieved considerable success despite financial and other constraints and assured that Bangladesh would continue to extend all possible help and assistance for its further development.

Aziz-ul-huq, who is also a former advisor (minister) to the government, and Shamsul Huq. presently the Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission. in their reminiscent speeches, said the CIRDAP had faced difficult situations at different stages but proved the efficacy of its existence over the last twenty years. They called for steps for further strengthening the organisation.

Japanese Ambassador Kaneko said his government was happy to be associated with the meaningful and innovative programmes of the CIRDAP as its main donor nation and said this gesture would continue despite occasional economic recession in his country like the one witnessed currently.

Dr Reddy said the membership of the CIRDAP has risen to thirteen now and more countries are showing interest to join it. He gave an account of the activities of the organisation over the years and said it is taking up new and newer projects for the benefit of the member countries whose prime concern is rural development and poverty alleviation.

" Dr MA Momin gave the vote of thanks.

Later, Shamsul Huq inaugurated a photo exhibition on the activities of the CIRDAP since its existence in the last 20