Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday greeted Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on his assumption office as the Chief Minister of Assam, India.  Sheikh Hasina said the multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic and multi-faith people of Assam will progress towards a more vibrant society and greater development under Dr Sarma’s visionary leadership, said PMO press release.  The Prime Minister stressed that Bangladesh-India relations enjoy phenomenal warmth, depth, and diversity, where Assam is an integral part of this relationship.  She reiterated that 2021 is a special year for both India and Bangladesh as both the countries celebrate 50 years of bilateral relations and when Bangladesh particularly celebrates its Golden Jubilee of Independence as well as the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.  She mentioned that with Bangladesh poised to graduate into a middle-income country, Bangladesh invites Assam to reap benefits from its socio-economic development and growth trajectory.  The government remains steadfast in strengthening connectivity for the North-Eastern part of India, she said. Also read: Don’t let Covid to spike with unguarded Eid celebrations: PM Hasina     “Given our geographical advantage  as a connectivity hub between South and South East Asia, we remain supportive of India’s ‘Act East Policy’.” Expressing the topmost concern on tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, she reiterated that Bangladesh looks towards collective action across borders for countering the menace.  “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Assam and India as a whole, for saving lives and restoring livelihoods.”