Indian Prime Minister
India hopes Dhaka will address Hefazat's anti-Modi protests
India Friday hoped that the Bangladesh government would aptly address the challenges posed by protests spearheaded by Hefazat-e-Islam, an prominent Islamist group, in Chittagong during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the neighbouring country.
Modi was in Bangladesh on March 26-27 to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of the country's independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
But the Indian PM's visit triggered violent protests in several parts of Bangladesh, leaving at least 12 people dead. In the city of Chittagong, the protests were led by Hefazat-e-Islam.
Also read: Hefazat’s day-long hartal ends amid violence, clashes
"As far as the violence is concerned, we have always been against fundamentalism and extremism. We are confident that the Bangladesh government will address the challenge," Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told the media in Delhi.
Even though Hefazat-e-Islam claims to be a “non-political” outfit, the group has gained prominence after the fall of Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh’s largest Islamist political party.
Also read: Hefazat activists stage demo in Chattogram; Hartal tomorrow
Apparently making it clear that the protests by Hefazat-e-Islam would not cast any shadow on the amicable ties between India and Bangladesh, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: "Modi's visit to Bangladesh had facilitated significant decisions to reinforce the legacy of 1971 and this is in furtherance of India-Bangladesh bilateral cooperation."
Ahead of his two-day visit to Dhaka, Modi tweeted: “Our partnership with Bangladesh is an important pillar of our Neighbourhood First policy, and we are committed to further deepen and diversify it. We will continue to support Bangladesh’s remarkable development journey, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s dynamic leadership."
Extreme poverty to fall to 3% by 2030: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said extreme poverty rate will come down to 3 percent by 2030 and that the country will be free of poverty after 2041.
"Once 80 percent people were poor in Bangladesh but now the poverty rate stands at 20 percent thanks to good initiatives. The Sheikh Hasina government laid emphasis on eliminating poverty from the country in 2009," he said at the unwrapping ceremony of the book titled "Sheikh Hasina Sarker" at Jatiya Press Club in the capital.
Momen said Bangladesh needs the incumbent government for its further development.
Also read: SANEM survey: Population below poverty line doubled, extreme poor trebled in 2020
"Once our annual average growth rate was 2.2 percent. Now it’s 6.9 percent. It's an unbelievable development. Bangabandhu brought freedom and his daughter fulfilled his dreams," he said.
Momen said Bangladesh once faced serious food crisis. The government announced to resolve the problem providing subsidy in agriculture sector. Now there is no food crisis.
"Earlier, power cuts were common [but now] the government has increased power production to 24,000MW from 2009-2020," the minister added.
The Foreign Minister said the government took lots of initiatives to make the population skilled to eliminate unemployment. Besides, the government took steps to tackle climate change impact.
He said that is why the Prime Minister won champion of the earth award and earned the respect of the global audience.
Also read: PM vows to wipe out poverty through united efforts
About Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dhaka, Momen said we are honoured that he chose Bangladesh to be his first tour abroad since the coronavirus outbreak.
He added that 65 countries sent messages to appreciate Bangladesh. They also appreciated Sheikh Hasina for the Rohingya response.
Momen highlighted Bangladesh’s development and said the country currently has a forex reserve of $44 billion and is regarded as a leader in South Asia.
Also read: COVID-19 could push over 1 bln into extreme poverty: UNDP
The author of the book Razu Alim said he tried to include various information about the government of Sheikh Hasina in his book. Jatiya Press Club President Farida Yesmin and Awami League Office Secretary Biplob Barua were also present at the event.
Dhaka, Delhi want enhanced connectivity for prosperity
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday reiterated the importance of enhancing connectivity for facilitating regional economic integration for the benefit of all parties involved.
To facilitate better connectivity and simplify movement of passengers and goods between the two neighbouring countries, both leaders agreed to an early operationalisation of the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement through expeditious signing of the enabling MoU for Bangladesh, India, and Nepal to commence the movement of goods and passengers, with provision for Bhutan to join at a later date.
India expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Hasina’s initiative of revitalising the pre-1965 rail connectivity as well as for Bangladesh’s support for the numerous connectivity initiatives through rail, road and waterways, according to joint statement issued on the occasion of the visit of Prime Minister of India to Bangladesh.
In the same spirit, Bangladesh reiterated its eagerness to partner in the ongoing initiative of the India–Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway project.
Bangladesh side also requested India for favourable consideration of the new connectivity routes proposed by Bangladesh, namely allowing additional land ports of Bhadrapur-Bairagi Galgalia, Biratnagar-Jogmani and Birganj-Raxaul to be connected with Banglabandha-Fulbari and Birol-Radhikapur by road as alternative routes.
India was also requested to consider connecting Birol-Radhikapur and Rohanpur-Singhabad rail-interchanges with Biratnagar-Jogmani as this would help reduce the distance and cost of transportation of goods by rail from Bangladesh to Nepal.
Bangladesh side also sought rail connectivity with Bhutan through the newly inaugurated Chilahati-Haldibari route.
Also read: Hasina seeks fair share of Teesta water
Hasina seeks fair share of Teesta water
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday reiterated Bangladesh’s long-pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of water of the Teesta River with Bangladesh's fair share to alleviate sufferings of millions.
It is necessary that Bangladesh receives its fair share of the Teesta water, the draft agreement of which has already been agreed upon by both governments in January 2011 to alleviate the sufferings and save the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on the Teesta River basin, she underscored.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts to conclude this agreement, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
“There’s positive approach (from Indian side) but a date has not been fixed when it will be delivered. They can’t spell out that it’ll happen within a week,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters at a briefing at Sonargaon Hotel.
India will always stand by Bangladesh: Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India will always stand by the progress and development of Bangladesh as a faithful friend.
He said this when he paid a courtesy call on President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban in the evening.
Modi said Bangladesh has always been considered a trusted friend of India.
Also read: Ground-level cooperation needed to check all border incidents: Modi
He also lauded the continuous socio-economic development of Bangladesh under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin told UNB after the meeting.
President Hamid welcomed the Indian Prime Minister at Bangabhaban and thanked him for attending the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence.
He said Modi’s visit would be a unique milestone in strengthening the existing diplomatic ties between the two neighbouring countries.
Also read: Bangladesh, India for progress of whole world: Modi
During the meeting, President Hamid expressed sincere thanks to the Government of India for conferring the ‘Gandhi Peace Prize 2020’ on Bangabandhu posthumously in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.
The President also thanked the Government of India for sending Coronavirus vaccine doses to Bangladesh as gift. He hoped that vaccine doses would come to Bangladesh from India on a commercial basis would also arrive in time.
Referring to India's support in 1971, the President thanked the Government and people of India for their support and cooperation in the Great War of Liberation.
Also read: Dhaka-Delhi to accelerate momentum; eye next 50 years diversified ties
The Indian PM also signed the visitors' book at Bangabhaban.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Momen, Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, among others, were present there.
Clashes in Brahmanbaria leave five dead
At least five people were killed and around 50 others, including 25 police members, injured in clashes between law enforcers and locals during demonstrations at Nandanpur in Sadar upazila on Saturday.
They staged the demonstrations against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh and chanted various slogans against his visit.
Police and witnesses said a group of activists of Hefazat-e-Islam took position on Dhaka-Sylheht Highway in Nandanpur area in the afternoon and started demonstrating right there against Modi’s visit and the killing of people in Brahmanbaria and Chittagong on Friday.
Also read: Four killed in clashes with cops in Chattogram
The clash began as the members of police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) tried to disperse them.
Hearing the news of the clash, local people also joined the demonstrations and attacked the law enforcers, forcing them to fire several rounds of bullet, leaving many people injured.
Also read: Protest against Modi’s visit: 50 injured as Muslim devotees, cops clash in Dhaka
Scores of injured people were taken to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital, said Rana Nurus Shams, resident medical officer (RMO) of the hospital.
He said they have so far declared five of the injured dead.
Also read: Modi visit: Protesters clash with cops at Motijheel; 20 injured
Four of the dead were identified as a workshop owner Juru Alam, 35, day-labourers Badal Mia, 24, Sujon Mia, 22, and plumber Kausar, 25.
The identity of another dead could not be known yet.
Ground-level cooperation needed to check all border incidents: Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said ground-level cooperation is needed to check all those incidents happening along the India-Bangladesh border.
The Indian Prime Minister came up with the remark when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested him to look after the matter properly so that the sad border incidents could be reduced to a zero level.
The border incidents between the two neighbouring countries were discussed during the bilateral meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
“Ground-level cooperation will help check this kind of incident,” PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted the Indian Prime Minister as saying.
Water sharing
Talking about the water-sharing of common rivers, including that of the Teesta River, Sheikh Hasina said the decision of signing the Teesta water-sharing treaty was taken jointly nine years back.
“But it’s yet to be implemented," she said adding that the people living in the vicinity of the Teesta River have been suffering a lot.
In reply, the Indian Prime Minister said, "We’re committed to a reasonable solution to sharing of water of all the rivers."
Regarding the Rohingya issue, Sheikh Hasina expected more active role of India regarding the repatriation of over one million Rohingyas.
She mentioned that the Rohingyas should be repatriated as soon as possible for preventing their involvement in drug business and terrorist activities. “The sooner the better,” she said.
Also read: Dhaka-Delhi to accelerate momentum; eye next 50 years diversified ties
In reply, Narendra Modi said Indian wants sustainable return of the refugees.
Thanks for vaccine
Sheikh Hasina thanked the Indian government for sending Covid-19 vaccine to Bangladesh and said this reflects India’s ‘neighbour first’ policy.
She said the first commercial consignment of Covid-19 vaccine has been used and hoped that the rest of the consignments will be delivered soon.
Sheikh Hasina also thanked the Indian Prime Minister for giving 1.2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine as gift.
The Indian Prime Minister said that his country gifted another consignment of 1.2 million Covid-19 vaccine and 109 life-saving ambulances.
Meaningful cooperation
Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh and India are the biggest producers and users countries. “So we must need to cooperate more meaningfully for this sector,” she said.
She invited foreign direct investment in state-run jute mills under the public-private partnership.
In this context, she said that indiscriminately anti-dumping duties imposition is creating unnecessary conflict between our cooperation.
She drew the attention of the Indian Prime Minister for quick solution.
The Prime Minister said that Bangladesh is keen to effectively use the Indian lines of credit. She put emphasis on axing ineffective projects from the list under the Indian line of credit.
Also read: Dhaka, Delhi ink five MoUs to boost cooperation
She asked her Indian counterpart to take steps to quickly disburse line of credit so that the projects could be implemented swiftly.
Modi put emphasis on increased contacts between entrepreneurs of the two countries.
The Indian prime minister also expressed his desire to be a partner to launch the Bangabandhu-2 satellite.
Enhanced connectivity
Sheikh Hasina said that the introduction of Moitree Setu between Bangladesh and India has added a new dimension to cooperation in the communication sector.
She said that Indian state Tripura can use Chattogram Airport alongside Chattogram and Mongla ports.
Stating some routes to connect Bangladesh with Nepal and Bhutan, Sheikh Hasina expected consideration from India.
She said that if the motor vehicles agreement among Bangladesh, India and Nepal is signed, all three countries will be benefitted.
Also read: Bangladesh, India for progress of whole world: Modi
Important milestone
They also reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries marking the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, the Press Secretary said.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister termed 50 years of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and India as an important milestone.
Sheikh Hasina extended her thanks to Narendra Modi for accepting positively the proposal of Bangladesh for naming “Mujibnagar-Nadia Road” as Shadhinata Sharok.
During the meeting, the Indian Prime Minister put emphasis on expediting the ongoing projects between Bangladesh and India.
Besides, Narendra Modi said, India is going to establish “Bangabandhu Chair” at Delhi University in memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Hasina, Modi jointly open five projects
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday jointly inaugurated five projects.
They inaugurated the projects virtually after bilateral talks between Bangladesh and India that took place at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The projects are Ground-breaking ceremony for Infrastructure Development for Power Evacuation Facilities of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, introduction of a new passenger train service, ‘Mitali Express’, between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri and extended development work at Rabindra Bhawan Kuthibari in Shilaidaha, Kushtia.
Also read: Bangladesh, India for progress of whole world: Modi
The other projects are laying the foundation stone of a monument at Ashuganj in memory of martyred members of Indian Allied Forces in Ashuganj and three new Border haats along the India-Bangladesh border.
Bangladesh-India bilateral talks begin at PMO
The bilateral talks between Bangladesh and India have started at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the meeting while visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading his side. The meeting began around 5:40 pm.
Also read: Hasina-Modi Talks: Focus on connectivity, trade, health
Before the formal talks, the two leaders also had a tête-à-tête for some time.
Earlier, on his arrival at the PMO, the Indian Prime Minister was received by his Bangladeshi counterpart at the Tiger Gate of the Prime Minister’s Office.
Meanwhile, at least five MoUs are likely to be signed after the bilateral meeting, according to Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen. He said the MoUs are aimed at strengthening cooperation in various sectors of the two neighbouring countries.
Also read: FM discusses bilateral, connectivity issues with Modi
They will inaugurate some joint projects virtually and witness the signing of the MoUs between the two countries after the talks.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Friday morning on a two-day official visit to attend the celebrations of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of the country’s independence.
Also read: Ideologies, forces behind inhuman acts remains active: Modi
Hasina-Modi Talks: Focus on connectivity, trade, health
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi are set to have “substantive discussions” on this (Saturday) afternoon with the focus on trade, connectivity and Covid-19 cooperation.
The two South Asian countries, celebrating 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations, want to "progress together with others" in the region at a "faster pace".
Neither Bangladesh nor the Indian side specifically mentioned the bilateral instruments to be signed after the talks but disaster management, trade and oceanography are likely to be areas of cooperation documents.
The Indian Prime Minister said the next 25 years will be “crucial” for both the countries – Bangladesh and India.
Modi said his ongoing visit will contribute to even stronger bilateral relations between the two countries. “We’re committed to further deepening and diversifying our relations.”
“Connectivity is one of the issues that might get priority,” an official told UNB adding that Bangladesh wants enhanced connectivity with India and beyond.
Prime Minister Hasina will have a one-to-one meeting with her Indian counterpart at the Prime Minister’s Office before having delegation-level talks at the PMO.
Also read: Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition inaugurated in Bangladesh
In a pre-arrival statement, Modi said he will be having "substantive discussions" with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following their very productive virtual meeting in December last year.
They will jointly inaugurate some joint projects virtually and witness the signing of MoUs between the two countries after the talks.
During the Hasina-Modi virtual Summit held in December last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted the need for early signing of an interim agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both the governments in 2011. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts of the Government of India in that regard.
Also read: Ideologies, forces behind inhuman acts remains active: Modi
The two leaders, during the Summit, underscored the need for early conclusion of Framework of Interim Agreement on sharing of waters of six joint rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.
Modi is scheduled to visit Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex, before holding talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Haisna, to pay tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara. He is the first Indian dignitary to ever visit the place.
The Indian Prime Minister said he will pay homage to Bangabandhu, alongside Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during the ongoing Mujib Borsho celebrations.
He will place a wreath at the Complex, plant a sapling and sign visitors’ book there after visiting the Mausoleum.
He will be offering prayers to Goddess Kali at the ancient Jashoreshwari Kali Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in the Puranic tradition.
"I’m particularly looking forward to my interaction with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri SriHarichandra Thakur ji disseminated his pious message," Modi said.
Prime Minister Modi, as part of his two-day visit to Bangladesh, met senior political leaders from the 14-Party Alliance on Friday.
Senior Awami Leaders Amir Hossain Amu, MP and Tofail Ahmed, MP; Syed Nazibul Maizvandary, MP, Rashed Khan Menon, MP, Hasanul Haq Inu, MP, Pirjadda Mostafa Amir Faisal Mozaddedi, Fazle Hossain Badsha, MP, Syed Tayabul Maizvandary, Shirin Akhter, MP and Sharif Nurul Ambia were among the 14-party leaders.
Discussions centred on diverse issues of bilateral relations were held during the meeting to strengthen ties between the two nations.
Modi also interacted with Opposition Leader in Parliament Raushan Ershad, MP, Ghulam Muhammed Quader, MP, Ziauddin Bablu and Ruhul Amin Howlader.
The engagement involved discussions on a wide gamut of issues pertaining to the two countries' bilateral relations.
Also read: Bangladesh proved them all wrong: Modi
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen met Prime Minister Narendra Modiand they both reflected on deepening the fraternal ties and strengthening the all-encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding that transcends a strategic partnership between the two countries.
Modi met the community leaders, including representatives of minorities in Bangladesh, Freedom Fighters, friends of India and youth icons.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Dhaka on Friday at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and together celebrated Mujib Borsho- the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and 50 years of Bangladesh’s Independence.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Ministers from her cabinet welcomed Prime Minister Modi. A salute of 19 guns and Guard of honour were accorded to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Soon after his arrival, Modi visited the National Martyrs’ Memorial and paid tributes to the martyrs Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.
Prime Minister Modi also planted an Arjun sapling on the memorial premises and signed the visitor’s book in the monument.
He wrote, "I pray that the eternal flame at Savar remains a lasting reminder of the noble victory of truth and courage over deceit and oppression.”
Modi will meet President Abdul Hamid before leaving Dhaka by a special flight on Saturday evening.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen will see him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.