The board reviewed the CPD's national, regional and international activities during the period from September to December 2004 and expressed satisfaction over its performance.

The board also approved the CPD's annual accounts for 2004 and annual budget for 2005.

The meeting also discussed the CPD's research strategy and dialogue and communication plan for 2005.

The Board of Trustees took note of the CPD's plans to undertake studies on a number of important emerging areas, including monitoring achievement of the MDGs, restructuring in the clothing and textiles sector, halving of South Asian poverty, impact of telecommunication on livelihood and implications of liberalising health and education sectors under the WTO.

Presided over by CPD Chairman Prof Rehman Sobhan, the meeting was attended by trustees Syed Humayun Kabir, M Syeduzzaman, Prof Muhammad Yunus, Syed Manzur Elahi, Laila Rahman Kabir, Khushi Kabir, Prof Anisuzzaman, Nurul Huq and Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya.

Prof Mustafizur Rahman, research director, and Fatema Yousuf, head of Dialogue and Communication of CPD, were also present.