News in Brief

Bangladesh, China pen three-year agreement on cultural exchange
Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh and China signed a three-year agreement on cultural exchange to boost the countries' existing bilateral relation.                                  
Cultural Secretary Ranjit Kumar Biswas and Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Li Jun signed it at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs yesterday.
The agreement says the two countries will be able to exchange cultural representatives and literary works, organise exhibitions and trainings, and publish books in native languages in each others country.

US bids farewell to Akramul Qader
Diplomatic Correspondent

The US State Department yesterday hosted a farewell reception for Akramul Qader, the longest serving Bangladesh ambassador in the US, who will retire on May 31 as he had opted not to extend his service contract.
Qader is retiring due to health reasons after serving for nearly five years since November 4, 2009 in Washington DC.   
Ambassador-at-large at the Prime Minister's Office Mohammad Ziauddin will succeed Qader.

Egypt invites Bangladesh to Cairo Fashion and Tex fair
Diplomatic Correspondent

Egypt has invited Bangladeshi exhibitors to participate in the 54th Cairo Fashion and Tex fair scheduled for September 13-16 at the Cairo International Centre, says a press release.
Egyptian Ambassador to Bangladesh Mahmood Ezzat while making the invitation assured of necessary facilities for participants.
The products to be displayed are fashion wears, sports, yarns, fabrics, garments accessories, leather garments etc.
For details contact the Egyptian embassy in Dhaka.