Dhaka seeks more Unesco sopport to check arsenic, alleviate poverty

Bangladesh has sought increased cooperation of Unesco in preventing arsenic contamination of groundwater as it has emerged as a major problem in the country, causing serious health hazards.

Addressing the 32nd General Conference of Unesco in Paris on Friday, Education Minister Dr M Osman Farruk also sought its increased assistance in alleviating poverty in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world, according to a message received in Dhaka yesterday.

The minister, who is leading a Bangladesh delegation to Unesco, also emphasised development of technologies that would effectively support poverty alleviation efforts.

"We also need to develop a global information system on bilateral and multilateral scientific collaboration and measures to prevent unethical use of bio-gene-and cloning technologies," he told the conference.

The minister extended support to the proposed initiatives for protection and preservation of cultural heritages as well as cultural diversities between and within nations.

He appreciated the support and cooperation of Unesco in preserving Bangladesh's two historical sites - an eighth century Buddhist Monastery and a 60-domed Mosque of the 16th century.

He also proposed greater Unesco support for inclusion of persons with physical and emotional challenges into the EFA, vocational training and Life Long Education Programmes in Bangladesh and other developing countries.