IDB chief meets Khaleda

Islamic Development Bank (IDB) President Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al Madani has called on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Makkah in Saudi Arabia.

Khaleda’s elder son Tarique Rahman was also present at the hour-long meeting held at her hotel suit on Thursday.

The BNP chief’s Press Secretary Maruf Kamal Khan told bdnews24.com by telephone from holy city that she sought increased assistance from the IDB for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.

He said: “Issues of bilateral interest were discussed at the meeting. (She) appreciated IDB’s assistance and role in (Bangladesh’s) poverty alleviation, socio-economic development and environmental protection.”

Khaleda requested the IDB chief to further the assistance.

Khan further said the BNP chief and her son would pass the Shab-e-Qadr (the night of Qadr), which falls on Thursday in Saudi Arabia, saying prayers at the Masjid al-Haram.

After performing Umrah, Khaleda and Rahman prayed at the mosque.

“They said prayers five times (at the mosque). They will stay here the whole time during Shab-e-Qadr,” he added.

Khaleda will leave Jeddah for Dhaka in an Emirates flight on Friday evening and arrive in Bangladesh on Saturday night.

Khaleda flew to Medina on July 20 and Rahman flew from London to join her in Dubai.