Islamabad: Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid has sought the cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in enhancing Halal certification activities in Bangladesh. He made this appeal during a meeting with officials following his visit to the 'Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) Centre' in Islamabad, Pakistan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Khalid emphasized the efforts of the Islamic Foundation of Bangladesh on Halal Certification, noting that authorities from Turkey and Saudi Arabia have been providing support in this domain. He urged the OIC to extend technical cooperation to boost the efficiency of Bangladeshi officials engaged in Halal certification.
Dr. Khalid also expressed his support for establishing a Halal Institute in Uganda under the OIC's guidance. He conveyed his gratitude to the OIC's ministerial committee for its contributions to advancing science, technology, artificial intelligence, environment, climate change, and poverty reduction in the Muslim world.
The adviser thanked the OIC for offering 100 scholarships to Bangladeshi students at Lahore University, highlighting the opportunity it provides for meritorious Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in Pakistan. He also expressed hope for expanding educational opportunities for Bangladeshi madrasa students in Pakistan, particularly in fields like medicine, technology, and engineering.
Dr. Khalid stressed the importance of unity among the Islamic Ummah, stating, "We have to be united under the banner of Muslim Ummah for the greatest interest of Islam in accordance with directions of the Quran and Hadith." He further remarked on the challenges of advancing without unity.
The meeting was attended by several dignitaries, including Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Md Iqbal Hossain Khan, Private Secretary to the adviser Sadek Ahmed, and Counselor (Press) of the high commission Mohammad Taiyeb Ali, along with other concerned officials.