Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said religious sanctions, social values and familial bonds in Bangladesh are playing effective role in protecting its people from being infected with the deadly disease called AIDS.

She made the remarks when visiting Special Envoy to the UN Secretary General for HIV and AIDS Dr Nafis Sadik paid a courtesy call on her at the Prime Minister's Office yesterday.

The UN emissary said Bangladesh can be a good leader of the Muslim world in prevention of Acquired Immune DeficiencySyndrotne (AIDS).

In reply, Hasina said her government will enhance die activities of the National Committee on Prevention of HIV/AIDS.

She said her government is "always alert and careful about all matters related to AIDS infection".

The envoy also conveyed the United Nations' satisfaction as Infection with HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh still remained at a minimal level.

Dr Nafis thanked Hasina for her leading role in the international forums for protecting all developing and least developed countries from the adverse impacts of the global climate

change.

Advisers to die Prime Minister Dr Mashiur Rahman and Prof Dr

Syed Mudasser Ali, Prime Minister's Office Secretary Mollah Waheeduzzaman and

Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister MahbubuJ I loque Shakil were present