Dhaka, Dec. 14 -- Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today expressed optimism that Thailand would support Bangladesh's bid to get membership of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The Chief Adviser expressed the hope as newly appointed Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Thithiporn Chirasawadi paid her maiden courtesy call on him at the State Guest House Jamuna here, said the Chief Adviser's Press Wing this evening. During the meeting, Prof Yunus informed her about the interim government's initiative to secure Bangladesh's membership in the ASEAN, the 11-member regional bloc that has emerged as a major global economic and trade force.

In the process, Bangladesh already floated its bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of A...