"This summit is going to be very important as the Saarc, established through its first summit in Dhaka in 1985, will at the same time complete its 20 years… We hope the Dhaka summit will inject dynamism into the forum and we are working to that end," Khaleda said during the prime minister's question hour in parliament yesterday.

Replying to M Rashiduzzaman Millat of the ruling BNP, she said despite many limitations and obstacles in last two decades, Saarc had achieved much progress. It has opened up an opportunity for regular contact among the region's leaders that resulted in forging mutual trust and reducing tension to a great extent.

To a supplementary from Hafizuddin (Jatiya Party), who wanted to know if bilateral problems like water issue would be resolved during the Dhaka summit, the prime minister said bilateral issues are not discussed under the Saarc charter, but the summit creates opportunity to discuss such issues on the sidelines.

About the Safta signed at the Islamabad summit, she hoped that the deal would contribute immensely to increase trade and investment in the region, especially protecting the interests of the least developed countries, including Bangladesh.

She said three meetings of experts have already been held to implement the Safta, discussing non-tariff barriers, including rules of origin and list of restricted items.

About Bangladesh's membership in Asean, she said: "We are trying to become its member. We've good relations with Asean countries and our Look East policy has been praised by all."