Council approves SAARC convention on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters

DHAKA, Bangladesh, July 30 (BSS)- A meeting of the council of advisers today approved the proposal of Bangladesh's signing of the SAARC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters aimed at extending mutual legal cooperation among the member countriesfor curbing criminal activities.

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed chaired the meeting at his office, attended by the members of the council and specialassistants to the Chief Adviser.

After the meeting, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim told journalists that the convention is expected tobe signed in the upcoming Colombo SAARC Summit in August.

The convention will help the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nations to investigate crimes, identify criminals, exchange necessary documents, recording of statementsand other related matters, and depositions, he added.

The meeting also approved Government Attorney Services (Amendment) Ordinance-2008 keeping the provision of appointing law officers at different levels by the government till formationof the attorney services.

The council in principle approved Real Estate Management Ordnance-2008 with a view to regulating private sector plot-flatsale and purchasing management.

Cabinet secretary and secretaries concerned were present.