Sheikh Hasina
PM: Returning from UNGA with friendship for Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that she is returning from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with friendship for Bangladesh.
She made the remark in response to a query regarding what she was returning home with from the 77th UNGA.
“Friendship, I’m returning home with friendship for Bangladesh. Everyone tried to mention Bangladesh’s development,” the PM said.
PM Hasina was speaking at a press conference held at Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission in the UN.
“The most important thing is that we want peace. I don't want war, I don't want conflict. I think I have been able to convey this message to everyone and everyone has appreciated Bangladesh and our role,” she said.
Replying to another question on investment of expatriates in Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said that investment opportunities have been created so that expats can invest without hassles in the country.
“The government is establishing 100 economic zones for domestic and foreign investment,” she added.
In response to another question, she said, expats who do not have NID can open bank accounts with their passports. “That arrangement has already been made.”
Also read: PM in NY: Election will be fair, BNP has no reason to worry
What PM said on Russia-Ukraine war, Rohingya issue, climate action, terrorism at 77th UNGA
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday demanded immediate end to the Russia-Ukraine war and lifting sanctions for the sake of lives and livelihoods of people worldwide.
“We want the end of Russia-Ukraine war. Due to sanctions, and counter-sanctions, not a single country, rather the entire mankind including women and children is punished,” she said.
The Prime Minister made the call while delivering her statement at the 77th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Also read: Hasina breaks down in tears while talking about everyday ordeals of Rohingyas
Like previous years, she delivered her statement in Bangla. The theme of this year's general debate is “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges”.
She mentioned that the impact of Russia-Ukraine war does not remain confined to one country, rather puts the lives and livelihoods of the people of all nations in greater risk, and infringes their human rights. People are deprived of food, shelter, healthcare and education.
She said Children suffer the most in particular and their future sinks into darkness. “My urge to the conscience of the world community- stop the arms race, war and sanctions. Ensure food and security of the children. Establish peace,” she said.
Read Homelessness is a curse that impacts people everywhere: PM
“We share one planet, and we owe it to our future generations to leave it in a better shape,” she said.
“Dialogue is the best way to resolve crises and disputes,” she added.
In this context, she thanked the UN Secretary General for setting up the Global Crisis Response Group.
“As a champion of this group, I am working with other world leaders to determine a global solution commensurate with the gravity and depth of the current situation,” said the Bangladesh premier.
Read Dhaka-Washington: A thaw in the offing?
“This (war) has brought economies like ours under tremendous pressure. Inflation has gone up. We (Bangladesh) are taking various initiatives to overcome this situation,” she noted.
Rohingya crisis may affect regional stability and beyond
Talking about the forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar, Sheikh Hasina said, Last month Bangladesh witnessed five years of the 2017 mass exodus of Rohingyas to Bangladesh from their home country.
“Not a single Rohingya was repatriated to their ancestral home Myanmar, despite our bilateral engagements with them, discussions with partners in trilateral format and engagements with the UN and other partners to assist Myanmar to create necessary conditions for safe and dignified repatriation,” she complained.
Read UNGA lauds Bangladesh’s leadership in promoting culture of peace
In this connection, she said the ongoing political turmoil and armed conflicts in the country has made possibilities of Rohingya repatriation more difficult. “I hope the United Nations will play an effective role in this regard,” the PM added.
Talking about the prolonged presence of Rohingyas in Bangladesh, she said, it has caused serious ramifications on the economy, environment, security, and socio-political stability in Bangladesh.
“Uncertainty over repatriation has led to widespread frustration. Cross-border organized crimes including human and drug trafficking are on the rise,” she said, adding that this situation can potentially fuel radicalization.
Read Citing abstention at UNGA vote on Ukraine, Lithuania withdraws vaccine donation to Dhaka
“If the problem persists, it may affect security and stability of the entire region, and beyond,” she cautioned.
Promote inclusive climate action
Regarding the impact of climate change she said it is one of the biggest threats for humankind. “In the past, we have seen a vicious cycle of promises being made and broken. We must now change this course,” she said.
In Bangladesh, she mentioned that the government has led to many transformative measures to tackle perilous impacts of climate change consistent with implementing the Paris Agreement and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Read Fear grips border areas as Myanmar fighter jets fire towards Bangladesh
During Bangladesh’s Presidency of Climate Vulnerable Forum, it launched ‘Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan’, which aims to put Bangladesh on a sustainable trajectory from “one of vulnerability to resilience to climate prosperity,” she said.
“Our national plans and policies on climate change and natural disaster are gender responsive and take into account the critical role of women in adaptation and mitigation,” said Hasina.
She said Bangladesh is ready to support other vulnerable countries to develop their own prosperity plans. “I call on world leaders to promote inclusive climate action,” she said.
Read PM in NY: Rohingyas living in Myanmar’s Arakan since 8th century
Zero tolerance policy on terrorism and extremism
The Prime Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s stance of 'zero tolerance' to terrorism and violent extremism. “We do not allow our territory to be used by any party to incite or cause terrorist acts or harm to others,” she said.
She also called upon the UN member states to work together for the conclusion of an internationally binding instrument to tackle cyber-crimes and cyber-violence.
Bangladesh fully committed to protecting human rights
As a responsible member state, Bangladesh is fully committed to protecting and promoting human rights of its own people, PM Hasina said. “We have adopted a holistic and inclusive approach to ensure the political, economic, cultural and social rights of the people.”
Read Myanmar’s shelling inside Bangladesh “unintentional mistake”, Momen says in NY
She said Bangladesh is interested in looking for transformative solutions to poverty alleviation, mitigating climate change effects, preventing conflicts and finance, energy and fuel crises that the world is grappling with now.
Dhaka to continue supporting Palestine
The premier said Bangladesh will continue to extend its support to the occupied Palestinian people.
She reiterated Bangladesh’s unequivocal support for the two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Read Helicopters attack school, village in north-central Myanmar, 7 children among 13 killed
Briefly describing the success of Bangladesh in controlling COVID-19, she said, as of August 2022, hundred percent of the eligible population of Bangladesh have been vaccinated.
Besides, in the 77th UN General Assembly 2022, Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted the economic progress of the country, its successes in different sectors including education, food security and health, and gender inequality.
PM to US businessmen: Tap into Bangladesh’s liberal investment policy
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday invited US businessmen to invest in several sectors of Bangladesh and tap into its liberal investment policy.
“I would like to invite US investors to invest in renewable energy, shipbuilding, automobile, pharmaceuticals, heavy machinery, chemical fertilizers, ICT, marine resources, medical equipment, and COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing in Bangladesh,” she said.
The premier made the call while delivering a speech at the high-level policy roundtable arranged by the US–Bangladesh Business Council at Lotte New York Palace Hotel.
She said Bangladesh has a liberal investment policy, which includes foreign investment protection, tax holiday, remittances of royalty; unrestricted exit policy; full repatriation of dividends, capital on exit and other facilities.
“Distinguished business leaders, let us once again join our hands for a mutually inclusive partnership for sustainable economic growth,” said Sheikh Hasina.
She said Bangladesh is setting up 100 special economic zones (SEZs) and several hi-tech parks in different parts of the country. Having more than 600,000 freelancing IT professionals, Bangladesh is the right destination for IT investments, she added.
“Moreover, skilled human resources at a competitive wage is an added advantage in Bangladesh. Even if required, we would be happy to offer a dedicated ‘Special Economic Zone’ for US investors. I believe, US- Bangladesh Business Council can play a significant role in this direction,” she continued.
Noting that Bangladesh will graduate from LDC status by 2026, the PM said, the country needs adequate support to enhance global competitiveness and export basket. “I am sure that the United States can be our most robust partner in this challenging endeavor,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh is a pioneer in South Asia for regional connectivity. The strategic location offers tremendous potential to be an economic hub of the region.
““… Bangladesh is in the middle of a combined market of 4 billion people. Technology and innovation are the keys for fast-track economic growth. Thus, Bangladesh has become the second largest RMG exporter, third-largest producer of vegetables; fourth largest producer of rice; and fifth largest producer of inland fisheries in the world,” she said.
She said Bangladesh would consistently pursue economic diplomacy with its neighbors and global players, including the United States. “We’re continuously improving our physical, legal, and financial infrastructures and enhanced connectivity in the country,” she added.
The premier said completion of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge has enhanced both domestic and regional connectivity, while Dhaka Metro Rail is expected to open in December 2022, which would add faster domestic mobility.
She said Bangladesh achieved an exemplary socio-economic stride in the last 13 years, particularly in the fields of women empowerment, poverty alleviation, nutrition, maternal and child health, primary education, and ICT.
She said the Bangladesh government recognises the necessity of ensuring labour rights in the country. ILO Roadmap provides a clear plan of actions and timeline to address the concerns and suggests remedial measures in the labour sector.
“My government is adequately engaged with the United States and other development partners for continuous improvements in this sector,” she said.
The PM informed that 121 million people received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccines in Bangladesh. “Thus, our economy has shown great resilience in the face of the pandemic,” she added.
She deeply appreciated the US government for donating more than 75 million COVID-19 vaccines to Bangladesh through COVAX.
Also read: PM Hasina invites US president to visit Bangladesh
Hasina breaks down in tears while talking about everyday ordeals of Rohingyas
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina broke down in tears and was overwhelmed with emotion in New York Thursday while talking about the everyday ordeals of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals – Rohingyas.
She was speaking at a high-level meeting on the Rohingya crisis at a hotel.
"She (PM) could not control her tears while talking about the hardship these displaced people (Rohingyas) have to go through every day," the Awami League tweeted.
Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char Island.
Also read: PM in NY: Rohingyas living in Myanmar’s Arakan since 8th century
PM off to New York ending UK visit
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday left London for New York after attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
The premier will attend the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and some important events on the sidelines in New York.
A VVIP chartered flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the PM and her entourage took off from London Stansted International Airport for New York at 8pm local time.
The flight is scheduled to arrive at New York JFK International Airport at about 10:30pm New York time on the same day.
Bangladesh Ambassador-designate in Washington Muhammad Imran and Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad Abdul Muhith will receive her at the JFK International Airport.
On September 20, the PM is scheduled to attend a reception hosted by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and join the inaugural ceremony of 77th session of UNGA.
She will have bilateral meetings with Filippo Grandi of UNHCR and Slovenian President Borut Pahor. She will also join the UNGA Platform of Women Leaders.
At the end of the day, she will attend the reception of US President Joe Biden.
Besides, she will join a high-level side event on sustainable housing co-hosted by Bangladesh, Botswana, Slovak Republic and UN Habitat on September 21.
On the same day, she will have a bilateral meeting with WEF Executive Director Professor Schwab Klaus, and join the Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) Champions' Meeting.
In the afternoon, the prime minister will visit the photo exhibition on Padma Bridge at UNHQs followed by bilateral meeting with Kosovo President Dr Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso Mendoza, and Rabab Fatima, USG OHRLSS.
The PM will start the day on September 22 through a breakfast meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) followed by a courtesy call on by IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino. She will also join a high level policy roundtable with the US Bangladesh business council.
Later, she will have bilateral meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and ICC Prosecutor Nick Klegg and Karim Khan.
On September 23, the Prime Minister will deliver her address at the General Debate of the 77thSession of the UN General Assembly.
She will join a civic reception to be given by the expatriate Bangladeshis on September 24.
Earlier, Hasina arrived in London on September 15 on an official visit to the United Kingdom mainly to attend the Queen’s funeral and the new king’s ascension reception.
The PM is scheduled to return home in the early hours of October 4 after a short stopover in London on her way from Washington.
Also read: PM reiterates commitment to work for child rights
Buckingham Palace calling: King Charles thanks PM Hasina, wishes Bangladeshis well
King Charles III has thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for personally attending his ‘most beloved mother’s’ state funeral, to be held on Monday morning.
In a telephone call from Buckingham Palace this evening, the new King conveyed his gratitude to the PM.
According to a press release, Charles, who long held the Prince of Wales title as heir to the throne, also thanked the President, as head of state, the Prime Minister, and also the people of Bangladesh for their sincere condolences and sympathies to the Royal family following the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Read: UK Awami League greets PM Hasina in London
During the call, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “Her late Majesty was like a mother figure to me and an extraordinary head of the Commonwealth. To pay my personal tribute to her, I decided to attend her state funeral.”
The prime minister also informed the new monarch that in Bangladesh, her government observed three days of state mourning as a mark of respect to the late Queen, while special prayers were offered for her eternal peace.
She also took the opportunity to personally felicitate King Charles III on his accession to the throne, and wished him a long and prosperous reign.
Recalling his visit to Bangladesh in 1997, the PM conveyed that Bangladesh had been preparing to welcome him and Camilla, now the Queen Consort, again in just a matter of weeks, at an event to mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-UK diplomatic relations.
Read: PM felicitates UK’s new king, looks forward to excellent friendship
King Charles III said, “The Queen Consort and I were so much looking forward to our visit to Bangladesh on the 50th anniversary. However, due to the recent turn of events, unfortunately we are having to cancel it.”
The King also extended his best wishes for the people of Bangladesh and the British-Bangladeshi diaspora.
Buckingham Palace, official residence of the British monarch, arranged the phone call for the new King to personally speak to Prime Minister Hasina.
Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, India-Bangladesh ties will reach new heights: Doraiswami
India hopes that friendly relations with Bangladesh will reach new heights under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership.
Outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami made the remark during his farewell call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganobhaban today (September 14, 2022).
PM's Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher briefed reporters after the meeting.
Read: Masud Bin Momen bids farewell to Doraiswami
The Indian High Commissioner said his country highly praises the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for strengthening the Bangladesh-India relations and the overall socio-economic development of Bangladesh.
Noting that the bilateral tie has reached a new height, he said the relationship and friendship between the two countries would go much further under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Doraiswami said the next generations of the two countries can enjoy the benefits of the existing relations as it has already reached a new height.
Read: Need each other’s cooperation to ensure “peaceful, stable, secure” neighbourhood: Doraiswami
Describing Sheikh Hasina’s recent visit to India as “very successful”, he congratulated the Bangladesh PM for her fruitful tour.
The Indian envoy also put emphasis on trade and commerce during the meeting.
He extended his sincere thanks and gratitude to the Prime Minister, her government and the people of Bangladesh for the support and guidance he received from Sheikh Hasina’s government during his stay in Dhaka. “I thank you (PM) very very much,” he was quoted as saying.
Read Doraiswami hails Padma Bridge as a connector of people, emotions and culture of Bengal
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh wants sustainable development of the entire South Asia for the sake of the greater benefits of the people of the region.
Noting there might be some issues of concern with neighbours, she said, “We can move forward by solving these issues of concern through discussions.”
She praised the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Read Doraiswami hopeful of commercial screening of Indian films in Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina recalled memories of her exile in India after the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 15, 1975.
Sheikh Hasina congratulated the outgoing Indian high commissioner on his new posting and wished him a bright and successful career.
At the meeting, the Indian High Commissioner presented a portrait of Sheikh Hasina, while the premier gifted a book, saree and boat replica.
Read Bangladesh, India to have much to do in next 50 years: Doraiswami
At a glance: Jointly agreed upon decisions during PM's India visit
Demonstrating the importance attached to relations between close neighbours, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s India visit (September 5-8) saw a good number of decisions jointly agreed upon by the two countries.
Steadfast Friendship
Emphasis on greater collaboration in the spirit of friendship and partnership for prosperity and development of the region.
Enhancing rail connectivity in Bangladesh
Appreciation for ongoing bilateral initiatives, such as:
— Conversion to dual-gauge of Tongi-Akhaura line
— Supply of railway rolling stock to Bangladesh Railway
— Capacity building for the personnel of Bangladesh Railway in reputed training institutes of Indian Railways
— Sharing IT solutions for improved services of Bangladesh Railway
Read:Nobel laureate Kailash lauds PM Hasina's efforts for the vulnerable
New initiatives to enhance Bangladesh-India Rail connectivity
— Kaunia-Lalmonirhat-Mogalghat-New Gitaldaha link
— Establishing a link between Hili and Birampur
— Upgradation of track, signaling systems and railway stations along the Benapole-Jashore line
— Link restoration between Burimari and Changrabandha
— Construction of a container depot in Sirajganj
Importantly, for these projects, Bangladesh and India have agreed to explore funding through multiple financial instruments under the bilateral development cooperation framework.
Upon Bangladesh's request, India has committed to provide 20 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangladesh, on grant basis
Withstanding global economic shocks
A special G2G arrangement for predictable supply of essential food commodities such as rice, wheat, sugar, onion, ginger and garlic from India to Bangladesh is expected to be worked out.
Facilitating smooth movement of people and goods.
Expediting completion of development work within 150 yards of the international border, including critical immigration and trade-related infrastructure on the various border crossings along the over 4,000 km long border.
Read:Bangladesh, India sign first contract under US$500 million defence LoC
Border security and management
For a peaceful and crime-free border, completion of fencing along the unfenced patches of the entire border, beginning with the Tripura Sector, was agreed upon by both leaders.
Stepped up efforts by border guarding forces has helped decrease the number of deaths at the border. Greater cooperation against smuggling of arms, narcotics, fake currency, and trafficking, particularly of women and children, was also appreciated.
Committed to jointly fight terrorism
Both leaders reiterated their strong commitment to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Further strengthening cooperation to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation in the region and beyond was agreed upon.
Read: Dhaka, Delhi reiterate strong commitment to eliminate terrorism
Defence and security cooperation
Early finalization of projects under the USD 500 million Defence Line of Credit was agreed upon, including the procurement plan of vehicles for the Bangladesh Army.
Early operationalization of the 2019 MOU on Coastal Radar System for enhanced maritime security.
River water cooperation
Convening of the Joint Rivers Commission Ministerial Meeting, after more than a decade, where progress on cooperation on all shared rivers was reviewed, was appreciated by the leaders.
With the cooperation of all stakeholders in India, including the state government of Assam, the Kushiyara MoU has been signed. It will help Bangladeshi farmers irrigate land in northeastern Bangladesh during the dry season and similarly, southern Assam is expected to benefit from it.
Bangladesh noted a request from Tripura government on sharing of Feni river water.
Read: Bangabandhu as revered in India as he is in Bangladesh: Jaishankar
Drinking water project for the people of Tripura will now soon operationalize with the necessary approvals and clearances provided by Bangladesh to activate the 2019 MoU on withdrawal of 1.82 cusec of water from the Feni river.
Greater number of rivers will now be included for data exchange and formulating framework of interim water sharing agreements.
Formulation of Joint Technical Committee to conduct a survey for optimum utilization of Ganges water agreed upon by both sides.
Bangladesh reiterated request to conclude Teesta Treaty finalized in 2011.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation on tackling river pollution, improving riverine environment and navigability.
Read: India offers free transit to Bangladesh for exports to third countries
Power cooperation
Bangladesh-India JV on Special Purpose Vehicle to connect a high capacity 765 kV transmission line from Katihar (Bihar) to Parbatipur (Bangladesh) to Bornagar (Assam). This line is expected to facilitate both import and export of electricity by Bangladesh, as per seasonal demand.
Sub-regional power grid connecting Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh got a boost. India informed that its internal guidelines are in place for the setting up of such a network.
Energy cooperation
To help address Bangladesh’s energy needs, both sides hoped for the early completion of the transboundary India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline that will carry diesel rom India directly to Bangladesh.
To meet the growing requirements of petroleum products for Bangladesh’s economy, India agreed to facilitate preliminary discussions between authorized agencies of both countries.
India thanked Bangladesh for the support extended to facilitate movement of petroleum, oil and lubricants from Assam to Tripura via Bangladesh, in light of the devastating flood situation in Assam and Meghalaya this year.
Read: Hasina asks Indian and Bangladeshi youth to interact more to foster friendship
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), a Govt of India PSU, is now eligible to supply on G2G basis petroleum products to Bangladesh.
Development cooperation
Bangladesh lauded India for the efficiency and speed with which funds disbursement under Govt of India-linked Lines of Credit have taken place, especially over the last year. Close to USD 1.1 billion of the concessional aid extended to Bangladesh has already been disbursed.
Bangladesh is India’s top-most development partner. Bangladesh alone caters for about one-fourth or 25% of all development financing extended by India to other countries.
Enhancing bilateral and sub-regional trade and connectivity
Both Leaders agreed to expedite efforts to operationalize Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement. Once agreed, seamless movement of vehicles, personal and commercial, will be possible across borders of the four countries.
To enhance sub-regional connectivity, India proposed preparation of a Detailed Project Report on a new highway connecting Hili (West Bengal) via Bangladesh to Mahendraganj (Meghalaya). In this context, Bangladesh also proposed its participation in the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
Read: Dhaka, Delhi reiterate strong commitment to eliminate terrorism
Inviting Bangladesh’s business community to utilize the free transit offered by India through specified Land Customs Stations/Airports/Seaports on its territory, India welcomed Bangladeshi exports to third countries. This is over and above the free transit already in place for Bangladeshi businesses exporting to Nepal and Bhutan.
Mutually beneficial two-way trade
Successful trial runs under the 2015 Agreement on use of Chattogram and Mongla ports have been completed.
Maitri Bridge connecting Bangladesh with India’s Tripura also awaits operationalization and India requested Bangladesh to expedite completion of remaining infrastructure, immigration and customs facilities at Ramgarh.
To enhance two-way business, removal of port restrictions imposed by Bangladesh on Indian goods was again emphasized on.
Read: Hasina, Modi direct officials to start CEPA negotiations this year
Both sides directed trade officials to start negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement within 2022 and complete the same before 2026, when Bangladesh graduates from its LDC status and to retain the Duty Free Quota Free benefits it currently enjoys.
To facilitate movement of goods between Bangladesh and India, India’s proposal to fund and build a second freight gate at the country’s busiest landport, the Benapole-Petrapole ICP, was welcomed by Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu and spirit of Liberation War
The jointly produced biopic on Bangabandhu, “Mujib – the making of a nation”, is likely to complete soon and be launched next year.
Joint production of a documentary on the Liberation War and compilation of rare video footage was agreed upon.
Deep appreciation for India’s gesture to provide medical treatment provided to over 100 Bangladeshi Freedom Fighters at prestigious Indian hospitals, on gratis basis, since 2018.
Read: Indian investors can set up industries in Bangladesh through buy-back arrangement: PM
Futuristic areas of cooperation
First visit of a startup delegation from Bangladesh to India.
Joint conservation of the Sundarbans.
Augmenting cooperation in peaceful use of outer space, green energy, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and technology enabled services in finance, health and education.
Regional issues
India expressed appreciation at the generosity of Bangladesh in sheltering and providing humanitarian assistance to over a million persons forcibly displaced from the Rakhine State in Myanmar and underlined its continuing commitment to ensure the safe, sustainable, and expeditious return of these forcibly displaced people to their homeland.
India appreciated the contribution of Bangladesh in hosting the BIMSTEC Secretariat and developing its infrastructure. The Indian side reiterated its support to Bangladesh in its capacity as the Chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Read: Dhaka to list Indian Oil as G2G supplier of refined petroleum products
Hasina, Modi direct officials to start CEPA negotiations this year
Bangladesh and India have agreed to start negotiations within this year – for signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi directed trade officials on both sides to complete the negotiations of CEPA at the earliest and in time for Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status.
The two leaders welcomed the recent finalization of a joint feasibility study which recommended that CEPA will be beneficial for both countries, according to the joint statement issued today (September 7, 2022).
Read: Indian investors can set up industries in Bangladesh through buy-back arrangement: PM
Modi on Tuesday said Bangladesh is India’s largest development partner and their largest trade partner in the region.
“Today, India is the largest market in Asia for Bangladesh’s exports. To further accelerate this growth, we will soon start discussions on the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement,” he said.
With the expansion of connectivity between the two countries, and the development of trade infrastructure on the border, the two economies will be able to connect more with each other, support each other, Modi said, adding that their bilateral trade is growing rapidly.
Read: Dhaka to list Indian Oil as G2G supplier of refined petroleum products
During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Bangladesh from March 26 to 27 last year, both sides discussed the prospects of entering into a CEPA.
To enhance trade between the two countries, both Prime Ministers underscored the need for removal of non-tariff barriers.
President of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI), Abdul Matlub Ahmad, has said the CEPA will be a win-win for both the countries.
Read CEPA to be win-win for both countries: IBCCI President
Reiterating the importance of facilitating trade between the two countries, Hasina and Modi stressed the urgent need for upgradation of infrastructure and facilities at the land customs stations, and for removal of port restrictions and other non-tariff barriers, according to the joint statement.
The Indian side reiterated its request for at least one major land port without port restrictions or negative list of restrictions, on the border with northeast India, for easier market access, starting with ICP Agartala-Akhaura.
Both leaders welcomed the progress made on India’s proposal to fund the development of a second freight gate at Petrapole-Benapole ICP and directed the officials to complete the work at the earliest.
Read Stakeholders urge for inclusion of a proposal in CEPA for setting up joint testing laboratory
Talks underway with Bangladesh on connecting power transmission lines: Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (September 6, 2022) said rising energy prices are presently posing a challenge to all developing countries and fruitful talks between Bangladesh and India are underway on connecting power transmission lines.
“The unveiling of the first unit of Maitree Thermal Power Plant today will increase the availability of affordable electricity in Bangladesh,” he said after his “extensive discussions” with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on bilateral, regional and international issues.
The Indian PM said his country is the largest market in Asia for Bangladesh's exports and to further accelerate this growth, they will soon start discussions on the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Read: Hasina, Modi jointly unveil Rampal Power Plant’s unit 1
The Indian PM said he had a “fruitful conversation” with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on enhancing cooperation in relation to flood mitigation.
He said India has been sharing flood-related data with Bangladesh on a real-time basis and they have also extended the period of data sharing.
There are 54 rivers that pass through the Indo-Bangladesh borders, and have been linked to the livelihood of the people of the two countries for centuries.
Read: Dhaka, Delhi sign 7 MoUs; unveil projects
“These rivers, folk tales about them, folk songs, have also been witness to our shared cultural heritage. Today, we have signed an important agreement on sharing water of the Kushiyara river. This will benefit southern Assam in India and Sylhet region in Bangladesh,” Modi said.
In realizing the vision of a stable, prosperous and progressive Bangladesh that Bangabandhu had seen, Modi said, India will continue to walk step by step with Bangladesh. “Our conversation today was also an excellent opportunity to reiterate this core commitment.”
“Today, we also stressed on cooperation against terrorism and radicalism. To keep the spirit of 1971 alive, it is also very important that we fight together against such forces, which want to attack our mutual trust,” he added.
Read “Differences can be resolved through dialogue, Bangladesh-India do precisely that”
Modi said Bangladesh has made remarkable progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In the last few years, he said, their mutual cooperation has also increased rapidly in every field. “Today, Bangladesh is India's largest development partner and our largest trade partner in the region.”
Modi said their close cultural and people-to-people relations have also steadily grown.
He said they both believe that by taking lessons from the COVID pandemic and recent global developments, they need to make the economies stronger.
Read Cargo vessel carrying Indian transit container arrives in Chattogram port
“We also decided to increase cooperation in sectors like IT, space and nuclear energy, which are of interest to our younger generations. We will also continue to cooperate on climate change and on preserving a common heritage like the Sundarbans,” Modi said.
He said the inauguration of the railway bridge over the Rupsha River is a remarkable step towards enhancing connectivity.
This bridge is an important part of the new railway line being built between Khulna and Mongla Port under India's Line of Credit.
Modi said India will continue to extend all support for the development and expansion of Bangladesh's railway system.
Read Dhaka to list Indian Oil as G2G supplier of refined petroleum products