Dhaka, July 2 (UNB) – Former Indian president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam arrives here on July 4 at the invitation of Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (Cirdap).

Dr. Abdul Kalam, also a renowned scientist and a youth idol, is coming to Bangladesh to deliver a lecture on the 33rd Founding Anniversary of Cirdap on Thursday, organisers told a press conference on Monday.

Addressing the press conference, Cirdap director general Dr Durga P Paudyal said his organisation wants to extend the vision of Dr Abdul Kalam to the countries in the Asia Pacific region as part of its mission to share and disseminate the understanding of neighbouring countries in poverty alleviation and rural development.

“His vision, the ideas he has imagined, needs to be extended to the larger audience,” stressed Dr. Paudyal.

During his visit, Dr Abdul Kalam will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Cirdap will also arrange a views-exchange meeting between the former Indian president and children from 15 countries in the Asia Pacific, he added.

Cirdap was established on July 6, 1979, with an aim to act as a regional platform to promote rural development. This year, Cirdap is observing its anniversary a day earlier due to public holiday on July 6, said Paudyal.