The new Afghan Ambassador in Dhaka Ahmed Karim Nawabi expressed the willingness during a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at his office yesterday morning.

The CA said Bangladesh would certainly send manpower to Afghanistan, which will be win-win deal for both the countries.

He said Bangladesh wants to help Afghanistan achieve socio-economic growth and will be happy to help the country. He also mentioned performance of a Bangladeshi NGO, BRAC, in Afghanistan. BRAC is working in various areas including microfinance.

Recalling the strong historic, cultural and trade ties between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, the chief adviser said Afghanistan can import high quality goods like tea, pharmaceutical items, ceramics, plastic items and leather products from Bangladesh. Likewise, Bangladesh can import dry food from Afghanistan.

The envoy said Afghanistan wants to increase trade and economic relations with Bangladesh.

He said terrorism, drug and narcotics are major problems in Afghanistan.

Chief Adviser Ahmed said all should work collectively to combat against terrorism for security in this region as terrorism undermines socio-economic growth.

The ambassador requested for allotment of a piece of land for building Afghan Embassy in Dhaka, assuring that the Afghan government would also provide land for constructing the Bangladesh Embassy in Kabul.

The CA said Foreign Ministry would look into the matter.

The envoy conveyed greetings of Afghan President Hamid Karzai to Ahmed.

The Chief Adviser recalled his meeting with President Karzai on the sidelines of the last Saarc summit in New Delhi and was happy to welcome Afghanistan as a member of the Saarc.

The CA said he is looking forward to Hamid Karzai's visit to Bangladesh.