Perwez, who was speaking at the felicitation accorded to him by Bihar International Society for Welfare and Solidarity (BISWAS), advised people to invest in Bihar and contribute to its development.

He also said the state government would provide adequate facilities to enable NRIs to start small-scale industries.

He announced the state’s plan to provide road links that will enable people to reach any part of Bihar within six hours. He also highlighted the role of education in Islam and urged people to follow the path shown by the Last Prophet (peace be upon him).

Mohammed Qaiser, president of Riyadh-based cultural organization Tanzeem Hum Hindustani, was the guest of honor.

Speaking on the occasion, BISWAS head Obaidur Rahman pleaded for direct air services from Saudi Arabia to Patna at least once a week. He also called on the Bihar government to form a cell for NRIs in the state.

Akhtarul Islam, general secretary of BISWAS, urged Perwez to convey to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to provide a plot of land for a branch of Aligarh Muslim University at Kishanganj.

Qaiser asked Perwez to help provide financial assistance to needy students in the Gulf.