DHAKA, May 27, 2024 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today congratulated former ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal on his re-election as the Managing Director of Common Fund for Commodities (CFC).

The premier extended her congratulations when Sheikh Mohammed Belal paid a courtesy call on her at her official residence Ganabhaban, said PM's Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon.

At that time, Sheikh Hasina emphasized the importance of economic diplomacy in current times.

She asked the CFC Managing Director to help Bangladesh find out the markets of its products including jute and jute goods in a bid to boost export of the country.

The CFC is an intergovernmental financial institution established within the framework of the United Nations. The CFC has 101 Member States and nine Institutional Members.

Sheikh Mohammed Belal was reelected with two thirds majority for a second four-year term as the Managing Director of CFC, based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

His reelection as the Managing Director of the intergovernmental institute is a reflection of the widespread international recognition of Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina in poverty alleviation.

Ambassador Belal plays the role of Chief Executive Officer with the rank and status of Under Secretary General in the CFC.

He first became the Managing Director of CFC in December, 2019 and completed his four year term in December, 2023.

Before assuming his position at the CFC, Sheikh Mohammed Belal served as Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of the Netherlands with concurrent accreditations to the Republic of Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina from March 2014 to February 2020.