DHAKA: The Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) congratulated Sheikh Hasina for the assumption of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

The UNESCO Secretary General wished that Bangladesh would overcome the challenges in the spirit of mutual understanding, reconciliation and harmony.

The UNESCO sent a message to the External Wing of the Foreign Ministry in this regard on Thursday.

The Secretary General reaffirmed UNESCO’s desire to strengthen further cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh.

The Secretary General also expressed satisfaction for Bangladesh’s constant support as an important E-9 country to UNESCO’s action, in all the Organization’s fields of competence.

He particularly appreciated the promotion of multilingual education, girls’ and women’s education, the promotion of cultural diversity and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The Secretary General also looked forward to continuing the close and fruitful collaboration between Bangladesh and the UNESCO.

BDST: 1715 HRS, FEB 06, 2014