DHAKA: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has renewed his appeal to South Asian leaders to rejuvenate the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), emphasizing its potential to benefit the entire region. Speaking via videoconference at a conference of the SAARC Federation of Oncologists (SFO) from the State Guest House Jamuna, he stressed the need for unity among South Asian countries to overcome regional challenges.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser underscored the significance of SAARC, recalling his commitment to revitalize the forum following his oath as chief adviser. He pointed out that SAARC has been largely inactive due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, which have hindered the organization’s progress. Professor Yunus urged that disputes between these two nations should not impede the progress of other South Asian countries, and he called for regular meetings among leaders to project a united front to the world.
During the conference, Profes
sor Yunus paid homage to SFO founder Professor Dr. ABMF Karim, reminiscing about his personal experiences with him. He also shared a poignant account of his family’s ordeal following his younger brother, Muhammad Jahangir’s, cancer diagnosis, highlighting the crucial assistance provided by Dr. Karim during his brother’s treatment. The Chief Adviser noted the region’s ongoing struggles with obtaining adequate technical support for cancer treatment and praised SAARC’s efforts in this area.
The meeting with the SFO delegation, held at the State Guest House Jamuna, further underscored the potential for SAARC to play a pivotal role in addressing pressing health issues, such as cancer treatment, and fostering regional cooperation in the medical field.