"Let's all work together for development of the country and nation. Let's contribute to establishing world peace by establishing peace in our own society," she said while addressing the foreign diplomats at a function at Hotel Sonargaon on Wednesday.

The foreign ministry arranged the function to introduce the foreigners to heritage and culture of Bangladesh on the occasion of Pahela Boishakh, the first day of Bengali new year.

Ambassadors and high commissioners, country representatives of various UN and international organisations attended the function, some of them along with their spouses.

"Boishakh appears before us with a call for evergreen spirit and the distinct characteristics of our nation are to welcome the new with cordially," she stated at the function, adding that such unique traits have also been reflected in our literature, art and music.

Solidarity and cohesion of the nation become stronger through universal joys and celebrations marking `Nabo Barsho', she said.

"And we try to utilize this cohesion for development of the country," she told the diplomats.

"Every year Pahela Boishakh comes with new messages which stir our thoughts, perceptions and feelings. It gives courage and inspiration for working with a fresh vow, burying all failures and fatigues of the past," she said.

Foreign Minister Morshed Khan, Dean of Diplomatic Corps Shahta Zarab also spoke on the occasion.

The prime minister treated foreign diplomats to traditional Bangladeshi dishes.