From correspondents in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 02:02 PM IST

People lined up on Dhaka's streets to give a colourful farewell to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) car rally as it left for India.

A colourful programme was staged at Manik Mia Avenue, the capital's main street. Students sang songs and danced, highlighting the country's culture and social life.

At one stage, the participants got down from their cars and joined the cheering students, United News of Bangladesh (UNB) news agency reported.

The rally is part of the 'Green South Asia 2007' programme undertaken by environment ministers of the regional body. Bangladesh is the outgoing chair of SAARC.

The rally would reach New Delhi in time for the 14th SAARC Summit due April 3-4, before continuing its journey to other member countries, The Daily Star said.

The car rally started from Cox's Bazar Thursday, with Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed inaugurating it.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)