Foreign-Affairs
Hasina asks Indian and Bangladeshi youth to interact more to foster friendship
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (September 7, 2022) asked the youth of Bangladesh and India to interact more closely and work in close collaboration like their leaders did in the past.
“We feel, youths of both the countries need to interact more closely and connect to the shared history because they are the future leaders and leaders across the borders must work in close collaboration, like our leaders did in the past,” she said.
The prime minister was addressing a function marking the distribution of Mujib Scholarship awards among the direct descendants of soldiers or officers of defence forces of India who had been martyred or critically wounded during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Bangladesh Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq, also spoke at the function held at the Ball room of ITC Maurya hotel here in New Delhi.
Bangladesh has introduced the scholarship in honour of the country’s founding leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Hasina, now on a four-day official visit to India, said she would really love to see that the descendants of the war heroes act as ambassadors of Bangladesh-India friendship and draw parallels with their great forefathers.
“I would like to conclude by praying to the Almighty to bless the new generation so that they may carry the torch of friendship forward for the next 50 years and beyond,” she said.
The prime minister said the event is especially very close to her heart as this is an opportunity for paying sincere homage to all the martyrs - both from Bangladesh and India, who laid down their lives during our Liberation War in 1971 and to the war veterans of both the countries.
“I am truly delighted to reconnect with you – the descendant family members of our war heroes,” she said.
She mentioned that the Bangalee nation under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman waged struggle for economic, cultural and democratic emancipation for 24 years.
Read:Dhaka, Delhi reiterate strong commitment to eliminate terrorism
“Responding to the clarion call of our great leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib, they fought for the liberation of the country in 1971. We witnessed an unparalleled gesture of friendship from the government and people of India, as we were provided with empathy, shelter and resources,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina, on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, expressed gratitude to the Indians who sacrificed their invaluable lives and shed blood for the cause of the war of liberation.
“It is always an honour for us to remember those noble persons who sacrificed their lives. My salutations to you, to the brave hearts ---our heroes!” she went on.
She said Bangladesh government commenced a programme to honour the foreign friends who contributed to the Liberation War in 1971.
“We were fortunate to be able to hold the first ceremony of award in 2011 when the highest Civilian Award to foreign friends ‘Bangladesh Freedom Award’ was conferred on the former Indian Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi," said the Bangladesh premier.
Subsequently, more awards were conferred on the deserving Indian leaders, including former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former President Pranab Mukherjee, she said.
“War heroes and members of civil society of India were also honoured in a phased manner. A total of 340 foreign nationals and organizations were honoured. Among them, 226 were from India alone,” she said.
In April 2017, she had the great honour to confer awards upon the war veterans of India through their descendants and immediate family members in the presence of Indian PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi, said Sheikh Hasina.
“I would like to appreciate the kind gesture of government of India for extending their support to our Freedom Fighters for their treatment in India as well as offering scholarship to the family members of the Freedom fighters.”
She said it certainly demonstrates India’s continued support and goodwill for the war heroes of Bangladesh who fought for the emergence of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh.
The prime minister said that conferment of 200 Mujib Scholarships, 100 each at Class-X and Class-X II level, to the descendants of Indian war veterans is a token of our homage to the heroes who made supreme sacrifice in 1971 for our cause.
“As we aspire to carry forward the legacies of our great forefathers from generation to generation, this is our humble effort to reconnect the younger generations to the historic past of which they are a proud part.”
Read:Hasina, Modi direct officials to start CEPA negotiations this year
She mentioned that the awardees of the scholarship would have an opportunity to revisit the memories of valour of their forefathers, relate it to the present circumstances and would continue to bridge between the two countries.
The relationship between Bangladesh and India goes far beyond strategic partnership and has further strengthened during the last decade, she continued.
“Having forged a strong partnership over the last 50 years, both countries are working on an increasingly wide range of sectoral collaboration.”
In this regard, Hasina said resolution of longstanding issues of demarcation of maritime and land boundaries bear testimony to that effect.
“The relationship is known to be the ‘Role Model for the Neighbourhood Diplomacy’ worldwide.”
She said Bangladesh and India are passing through a path of friendship and 2021 was a landmark year in our relations.
She said in March last year said that she had the opportunity to welcome Modi in Dhaka in the historic celebrations of the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence and 50th anniversary of the establishment of Bangladesh and India diplomatic relations. The president of India also joined the glorious celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s victory in the War of Liberation in December 2021.
To celebrate these occasions, she said, a number of joint programmes were held. Among them, the release of commemorative stamps on Bangabandhu and Mahatma Gandhi and Bangladesh-India friendship; Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition; participation of Bangladesh Contingent in the Republic Day parade of India were noteworthy.
Sheikh Hasina said that Joint production of the biopic on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman titled ‘Mujib: the Making of the Nation’ is underway, and is expected to be released soon.
She said Bangladesh and India have jointly celebrated December 6 as ‘Maitree Diwas’, the day being a historic one when India recognised Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state in 1971, in 20 selected cities, including Dhaka and New Delhi.
“Through this joint celebrations, Bangladesh and India have projected the good neighbourhood which is based on mutual trust and respect, to other countries around the world,” she said.
The Prime Minister said that people of Bangladesh should not forget that India, its government, its people and armed forces stood beside Bangladesh during its Liberation war.
"I want that our friendship will last forever,” she said.
Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her precious and generous gesture for introducing the scholarship.
He said that the existing good relations between the two neighbouring countries will deepen further in the coming days.
Dhaka, Delhi reiterate strong commitment to eliminate terrorism
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have reiterated their strong commitment to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
They decided to further strengthen their cooperation to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation in the region and beyond.
Noting with satisfaction that the number of deaths due to incidents along the border has significantly reduced, both sides agreed to work towards bringing the number down to zero, according to a joint statement issued on Wednesday.
Both sides noted with appreciation the stepped up efforts by the two border guarding forces against smuggling of arms, narcotics and fake currency and to prevent trafficking, particularly of women and children, it said.
Read:Indian investors can set up industries in Bangladesh through buy-back arrangement: PM
Both prime ministers held a restricted meeting and tête-à-tête followed by delegation level talks on Tuesday.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations, based on deep historical and fraternal ties and shared values of democracy and pluralism, which is reflected in an all-encompassing bilateral partnership, based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding that transcends even a strategic partnership.
PM Hasina is paying a state visit to India from September 5-8 at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Modi.
Read:Dhaka to list Indian Oil as G2G supplier of refined petroleum products
During the visit, she called on President of India Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region G. Kishan Reddy called on her.
Hasina’s programme also includes launching of "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Student Scholarship” for 200 descendants of Indian Armed Forces personnel martyred and critically injured during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
She also addressed a business event, jointly organized by Indian and Bangladesh business communities on Wednesday.
Dickson greets 16 Chevening awardees from Bangladesh
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson has said Chevening represents the very best of the UK, welcoming exceptional people from across the world to study, grow, and thrive at some of the world’s best universities.
“I congratulate the 16 Chevening awardees from Bangladesh for the 2022-2023 cycle and wish them the very best,” he said.
The British high commissioner congratulated this year’s cohort of Chevening awardees from Bangladesh at a reception at his residence.
Read: Huge work ahead of COP27; commitments need to turn into action: Robert Dickson
This year, 16 outstanding Bangladeshis have received Chevening Scholarships and will soon be leaving for the UK to start one-year master’s degrees at some of the world’s most prestigious universities, said the high commission on Wednesday.
“Being part of the Chevening network offers participants extra opportunities and instils a particular sense of pride. I am consistently impressed by the passion and commitment of the scholars and alumni I meet,” said Dickson.
Bangladesh has over 350 successful Chevening alumni. Chevening scholars in Bangladesh hold prominent positions in government, the private sector and academia.
Applications for the next cohort (2023/24) of Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are open until 1 November 2022, with applications to be submitted via www.chevening.org/apply
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
Predictability of commodity supply: Delhi to consider Dhaka’s requests “favourably”
Bangladesh has requested India for “predictable supply” of food commodities such as rice, wheat, sugar, onion, ginger and garlic.
The Indian side conveyed that Bangladesh’s requests will be “favourably considered” based on prevalent supply conditions in India, and all efforts will be made in this regard.
Read:Indian investors can set up industries in Bangladesh through buy-back arrangement: PM
The issue came up for discussion at the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Tuesday.
The two leaders appreciated the growth in bilateral trade, with India emerging as the largest export destination for Bangladesh in Asia, according to the 33-point joint statement issued on Wednesday.
They also expressed satisfaction at the intensification of bilateral defence ties and also agreed for early finalization of projects under the Line of Credit for defence, which would be beneficial for both the countries.
India welcomed the finalization of initial procurement plans for vehicles for the Bangladesh Armed Forces in this regard and looked forward to enhancing bilateral defence ties.
The Indian side reiterated its request for implementing the 2019 MoU for providing a coastal radar system for greater maritime security, at an early date.
Read:Dhaka to list Indian Oil as G2G supplier of refined petroleum products
PM Hasina is on a four-day state visit to India, from September, at the invitation of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s programme also includes launching of “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Student Scholarship” for 200 descendants of Indian Armed Forces personnel martyred and critically injured during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
She also addressed a business event, jointly organized by Indian and Bangladesh business communities today.
Both Prime Ministers held a restricted meeting and tête-à-tête followed by delegation level talks on Tuesday.
UNGA lauds Bangladesh’s leadership in promoting culture of peace
President of the 76th Session of the General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid has convened the General Assembly’s annual high-level Forum on Bangladesh’s flagship resolution on ‘Culture of Peace’.
The Forum gathered a large number of Member States, representatives of the United Nations and other intergovernmental entities and the civil society.
The theme for this year’s event held on Tuesday was “The Culture of Peace: Importance of justice, equality, and inclusion for advancing peacebuilding."
The inaugural session was addressed by, among others, the Assistant Secretary General of the Peacebuilding Support Office, the Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth, and the Rector of the University of Peace.
Read: Indian investors can set up industries in Bangladesh through buy-back arrangement: PM
The forum also featured plenary session for the member States and a panel discussion, which was chaired by Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, and participated by expert speakers from the UN and civil society.
The speakers, both at the plenary and at the panel discussion, lauded Bangladesh’s leadership in promoting the notion of culture of peace for over two decades.
They also recognized the renewed importance of culture of peace in the context of current global challenges accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflicts, according to Bangladesh Mission in UN.
Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN, recalled Bangladesh’s historic role in mooting the notion and steering the General Assembly resolution on ‘Culture of Peace’.
Read: UNGA chief calls for shift to green economies on Mother Earth Day
“From the very moment of our birth as a nation we have committed ourselves building of a world order, in which the aspiration of all men for peace and justice will be realized.
This very commitment guided us in 1999 to introduce the GA resolution on Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace and also shaped our enduring commitment to the cause of global peace”, the Ambassador said.
Ambassador Muhith also highlighted the continued relevance of culture of peace in advancing peacebuilding.
The current peacebuilding architecture of the UN offers a viable means for promotion of positive peace, said the envoy.
"It promises to prevent the outbreak, escalation, continuation and recurrence of conflicts and end hostilities by addressing their root causes. This requires efforts towards transforming attitudes, institutions and structures that lead to peaceful societies,” he added.
Indian investors can set up industries in Bangladesh through buy-back arrangement: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (September 7, 2022) said Bangladesh-India cooperation should go beyond trade to enable larger gains.
“It should include investment, finance, services, technology transfer, and be placed within the context of regional cooperation,” she said.
The Prime Minister was speaking at a business event, jointly organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at ITC Maurya in New Delhi.
Sheikh Hasina urged Indian investors to consider possible investments in infrastructure projects, manufacturing, energy and transport sectors.
Read: Dhaka to list Indian Oil as G2G supplier of refined petroleum products
“Indian investors and business houses can set up industries in Bangladesh through buy-back arrangements — reducing time, cost and resources,” she said.
In the fiscal year of 2021-22, the total FDI inflow to Bangladesh was US$1370.357 million. Of that, only $15.75 million was from India, attributing to 1.15 percent, she noted.
“So definitely, there is a real need for more collaboration between our two countries by way of involving business communities and trade bodies to find avenues towards deriving two-way trade and investment benefits,” the PM said.
In this regard she mentioned that Bangladesh has the most liberal investment regime in the region with a wide array of facilities, attractive incentive policies, and consistent reforms.
Presently, 100 special economic zones and 28 hi-tech parks are being established, aiming to encourage investment and rapid economic development through increase and diversification of industry, employment, production and export, she said.
For Indian investors, two dedicated special economic zones in Mongla and Mirersharai are being developed, the prime minister said.
“I would urge the business houses present here today to invest there. It would further pave the way to harness the goodwill of the two friendly countries, and bring economic prosperity to the region," she said.
She pointed out that Bangladesh is uniquely located to enable Indian investors to move their products to not only northeast India, but also export to Nepal, Bhutan, and Southeast Asian countries.
In the last ten years, the total bilateral trade between Bangladesh and India had an impressive growth with the balance heavily in favour of India, she said.
At present with its improved manufacturing capacity, Bangladesh is prepared to supply quality products at competitive prices to the Indian market, she added.
“We, therefore, invite Indian importers to look at Bangladeshi products which are being imported at higher price from countries far away," said the premier.
She said Bangladesh-India relations are known as a role model of neighborhood diplomacy.
Sheikh Hasina said, India receives the highest number of tourists from Bangladesh while thousands of Indian nationals are working in Bangladesh, contributing to both economies.
“Indeed, the time is ripe for the Indian business community to focus more on Bangladesh and take advantage of its economic growth, cheaper cost and huge consumer base.”
She expressed her confidence that the deep bonds of friendship existing between Bangladesh and India shall continue to grow and flourish.
“As it does, the business communities of both countries should draw close and play their due role in fostering mutual prosperity and economic advancement of our peoples," Sheikh Hasina said.
Read: India has again assured Bangladesh of resolving Teesta issue: Shahriar Alam
The Prime Minister said that no doubt COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected global trade whereas war in Ukraine has caused significant rise of commodity and fuel prices worldwide.
“It has severely affected the established supply chain. This has led many countries, including those of South Asia, to suffer from an acute economic crisis," she said.
She said Bangladesh is today self-sufficient in food and is now one of the largest global producers of rice, vegetables, grains, and fresh-water fish – to name a few.
“Bangladesh, which had in the past suffered from natural calamities, is today a global example of disaster preparedness and management. It has also achieved huge socio-economic success, attained impressive growth and thus dubbed a ‘development miracle’,” said the PM.
She mentioned that Bangladesh's economy grew over a decade crossing 7 percent in FY 2015-16, and 8 percent in FY 2018-19.
Since 2009, the per capita income has increased three times from around $1,000 to more than $2,800 today, she said.
“Moreover, remittance in the fiscal year 2021-2022 increased to USD 21,031.68 million. These indices reflect the strength of Bangladesh’s economy.”
She said that Bangladesh has implemented mega projects to accelerate the growth of industries and to take full advantage of our strategic location.
The Prime Minister said Padma Bridge, Bangladesh’s longest, was built entirely with its own funds, and has connected 21 southern districts directly with the capital and other parts of the country.
“It is expected to boost the country’s gross domestic product by 2-3 percent.”
In the last decade, she mentioned, several other infrastructure projects have been initiated in Bangladesh.
Among these are Bangladesh’s first metro rail project MRT Line-6, Karnaphuli Tunnel — the first and longest underwater road tunnel in South Asia, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Dhaka Elevated Expressway, Dhaka Airport Third Terminal and some other mega-projects, she cited.
“Once completed, they would contribute substantially to Bangladesh’s GDP growth," said the prime minister.
Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Indian Minister for Development of North Eastern Region G. Kishan Reddy, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) Md Jashim Uddin and
Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Chandrajit Banerjee spoke on the occasion.
Dhaka to list Indian Oil as G2G supplier of refined petroleum products
Bangladesh has agreed to designate Indian Oil Corporation Limited as a Government to Government, or G2G, supplier of refined petroleum products, according to Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.
“So that is very much there on the cards. The discussions have been taking place between the relevant officials. The term sheet of those discussions and the decision - that is something which the officials will work out between them,” he told reporters at a media briefing in New Delhi yesterday night (September 6, 2022).
Read:India has again assured Bangladesh of resolving Teesta issue: Shahriar Alam
The two leaders – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi - welcomed ongoing discussions on establishing cross border interconnections to help both India and Bangladesh meet their energy needs, Kwatra said.
They also reviewed progress on the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, a project that they are undertaking through grant, he said, adding that it will enable movement of high speed diesel from India to Northern Bangladesh.
“In this context, we welcome the recent decision of Bangladesh to list Indian Oil Corporation Limited as a registered government to government supplier of refined petroleum products, which will of course, further help boost cooperation between our two countries in the energy sector,” said the Indian foreign secretary.
Responding to a question on defence cooperation, he said, “I think the first contract under the defence Line of Credit was signed earlier this week. I'm sure you have been following this closely. It was a modest amount but it was an important first step.”
Read:India to remain reliable partner in dev journey of Bangladesh: President Murmu
The Indian foreign secretary said it may be a defence LoC but it is also a part of the development partnership framework.
“It also has a landing under security and strategic cooperation. Our effort is that this will open up a path for further engagement between the two countries in the field of defence and security and take our cooperation further,” he added.
Kwatra said one of the main elements of discussions and one of the main lines of effort on both sides for further cooperation is to build a resilient supply chain of bilateral trade in goods - both perishable and non-perishable, or commodities, both food and non-food. “All those elements were part of these discussions.”
He said the two sides laid emphasis on strengthening these supply chains further and ensuring that they remain uninterrupted to the extent possible.
Cargo vessel carrying Indian transit container arrives in Chattogram port
- A cargo vessel named ‘Trans Samudera’ arrived in Chattogram Port on Tuesday carrying an Indian transit container to be transported to the Northeastern State of India (Assam) via the territory of Bangladesh.
This movement of cargo is part of the trial runs being undertaken for the operationalization of the agreement to use Chattogram and Mongla ports for the transit of goods to and from India which was signed between Bangladesh and India in 2018.
The trial run is being undertaken by Tata Steel and CJ Darcl Logistics Ltd. on the route Chattogram-Sheola-Sutarkandi, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
There are eight approved routes for transit of goods under the agreement, namely, Chattogram/Mongla port to Agartala via Akhaura, Chattogram/Mongla port to Dawkivia Tamabil, Chattogram/Mongla port to Sutarkandi via Sheola, Chattogram/Monglaport to Srimantapur via Bibirbazar and vice versa on all four routes.
Read: Transit: First cargo ship from India arrives at Mongla port for trial run
During the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in 2019, a SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) was signed to operationalize the agreement.
The first trial movement under this agreement on the route Chattogram-Akhaura-Agartala was “successfully” conducted in July 2020 wherein four containers, two each of TMT steel and pulses, were delivered at ICP (Integrated Check Post) Agartala from Kolkata through Chattogram, said the high commission.
The transit or transshipment of goods under this agreement will reduce both cost and time for transport of goods to Northeastern States of India.
It will also create economic gains for the Bangladesh logistics and services industry (insurance, transport and finance industry) as only Bangladesh trucks will be used for transshipment, said the high commission.
In the coming few days, a trial run is expected to be done on the Dawki-Tamabil-Chattogram route which will mark completion of trial runs on all approved routes under this agreement, it said.
As per the understanding reached earlier this year between the two governments, a necessary permanent standing order/notification would be issued by the government of Bangladesh after completion of these trials for the operationalization and regular movement of goods under this agreement, said the high commission.
India has again assured Bangladesh of resolving Teesta issue: Shahriar Alam
India has again assured Bangladesh of resolving the Teesta river water sharing issue, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam said today (September 6, 2022).
“We are still at the assurance level. We believe the commitment that India made will be fulfilled, though it may take time,” he said.
The state minister said this at a press briefing held at Bangladesh House in the Indian capital after bilateral talks between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
He, however, said that the major achievement of PM Hasina’s current visit is the agreement on the withdrawal of water from Kushiyara river by Bangladesh.
Read: Hope all outstanding issues, including Teesta treaty, are resolved soon: PM
This was among the seven MoUs signed between the two countries on the second day of Hasina’s four-day official visit to India.
Shahriar Alam, while responding to a question, mentioned that India has given due importance to PM’s ongoing visit.
He mentioned that if one goes through Delhi’s streets, they will see posters of the Bangladesh PM, and Indian media is giving the visit round the clock coverage.
During the bilateral talks, he said, both the leaders discussed connectivity, cooperation on energy and trade, and water sharing.
“Every issue was discussed with an open mind during the bilateral talks. Both sides believe that every issue would be solved through discussions,” he added.
Shahriar said that Narendra Modi highly praised Bangladesh’s unprecedented development under the dynamic leadership of Sheikh Hasina and said the Bangladesh Prime Minister has taken care of the country’s 17 crore people with motherly affection during the COVID-19 pandemic.