PM stresses stronger regional connectivity

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today stressed a stronger regional connectivity referring to Bangladesh steps to reopen closed rail routes with India as newly appointed Nepalese ambassador called on her at the PMO.

“During the call on the premier particularly reiterated Bangladesh’s eagerness to strengthen connectivity with Nepal and Bhutan allowing them to use our Syedpur airport for their goods shipment and transit,” PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim told newsmen.

He said the premier told the envoy that her government strongly emphasised implementation of Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) road infrastructure.

Karim said the prime minister expressed satisfaction over cordial and traditional relation with Nepal and recalled the neighbouring country’s support to Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War particularly by supplying weapons and ammunitions to the Freedom Fighters.

 Ambassador Dr Chop Lal Bhusal referred to Kathmandu’s very good and cordial relations with Bangladesh and informed the premier about current political situation of his country.

 Bhusal said after passing a very bad time, Nepal now framed a federal and inclusive constitution that installed a very strong and stable government there.

The envoy said about 34 percent members in Nepalese parliament were women and their representation in local government bodies 40 percent. About 3,000 Nepalese students are now studying in Bangladesh in various disciplines including medical and engineering, he continued.

Bhusal expressed gratitude to Bangladesh for providing food and medical support to Nepal after devastating earthquake in Katmandu in 2015.

The ambassador pointed out very high prospects between the two countries to build up cooperation in power sector saying Nepal has potential of producing 50,000 MW electricity. The two countries are now in dialogue for cooperation in power sector, he said.

Sheikh Hasina invited Nepalese Prime Minister to visit Bangladesh at his convenient time.

Principal Secretary Md. Nojibur Rahman was present during the meeting.