Region to benefit from our ties

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said she believes Bangladesh will get India's support to resolve water resource management issues, including the sharing of water of the common rivers like the Teesta, Padma-Ganges barrage project and basin-wide management of common rivers.

She was speaking at a joint press briefing with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their bilateral talks at the Hyderabad House yesterday, reports UNB.

The PM said the people of South Asia would be benefited from the friendly relations of the two countries.

“We always think about the people of our region and our main aim is to develop the living conditions of the people of this region, and I believe that sub-regional cooperation is very important for development,” Hasina told journalists.

The premier said the two countries pledged to pursue “zero tolerance” policy against terrorism and extremism and reiterated their strong commitment to make borders peaceful and free from criminal activities.

BSS adds: The PM described her meeting with Modi as “productive”.

“We discussed all aspects of our ever-growing relationship to enhance our understanding about mutual concerns and priorities.”

Terming India the most important neighbour and one of the key development partners of Bangladesh, the PM recalled its invaluable contribution to Bangladesh's Liberation War. She said she was happy to honour the 1971 martyrs from the Indian Armed Forces.

“This afternoon, we're happy to honour the martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces who lost their lives during our Liberation War in 1971. We've sought support from India in our efforts for having recognition of 'Genocide of 1971' by the international community. India agreed to support us.”

Noting that India attained commendable economic development and was fast emerging as a powerhouse in the areas of education, science, technology and innovation, she said Bangladesh's economy was growing at an impressive rate of over 7 percent.

Bangladesh also achieved significant advancements in most of the MDGs, particularly health, education and poverty reduction, she added.

“Prime Minister Modi and I agree that greater connectivity is vital for the development of the two countries and the region. We've also flagged off new passenger bus services on Khulna-Kolkata route, trial run of Khulna-Kolkata 2nd Maitree Express and re-opening of Birol-Radhikapur rail route for freight,” the PM told reporters.

About the bilateral cooperation in power and energy sectors, Hasina said she along with the Indian premier inaugurated the supply of additional 60MW power to Bangladesh from Tripura. “We have discussed cross-border electricity import from Nepal and Bhutan [through Indian territory].”

She said her Indian counterpart was receptive to the issue of Bangladesh's growing trade deficit with his country and assured her of his government's concrete steps to address the issue.

“We have also discussed the review of anti-dumping duties imposed on jute export from Bangladesh,” the PM added.

To bring balance in trade between the two countries, she said her government decided to set up special economic zones (SEZ) for India at identified locations in Bangladesh.

Hasina said they signed a number of bilateral documents, covering cooperation in diverse areas, including economy, defence, peaceful use of nuclear energy, outer space, information technology and mass media.

She said “people-to-people contact” was the strength of the bilateral links. “So, we've upgraded our Agartala Visa Office to Assistant High Commission and have also opened Assistant High Commission in Guwahati recently. India has opened more Indian Visa Application Centres in Bangladesh. This again reflects our growing mutual confidence and shared commitment to expanding our relationship.”

The PM greeted the people of the two countries in Bangla on the occasion of Bangla Noboborsho 1424 (the Bangla New Year, April 14).