In a message on the occasion of 'International Cooperatives Day,' the president said cooperatives have a very significant role in poverty alleviation, self-employment and rural development in this country like other parts of the world.

Honest leadership, intense coordination and mutual tolerance can lead the cooperative movement to a right direction, he said and urged all to work with utmost sincerity to this effect.

The first Saturday of July is observed as the International Cooperatives Day every year.

In another message, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia said proper cooperative movement can help establish a balanced and equitable economic system and protect human rights.

She said the cooperatives have a very important role in changing socio-economic condition of underprivileged people in developing countries.

Cooperatives are considered an effective tool both in developed and developing countries to alleviate poverty, she added.

The prime minister expressed her solidarity with 80 crore cooperatives of the globe to achieve the main message of the theme of the day: "Cooperatives for Balanced Globalisation: Create Opportunity for All."