Bangladesh deeply values its relationship with India: Dr Yunus

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said, "Bangladesh deeply values its relationship with India."

The Chief Adviser said this during a bilateral meeting with Narendra Modi on the sidelines of BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Friday (April 4).

"The deep-rooted friendship between our two countries is founded on intertwined histories, geographical proximity, and cultural affinity. We remain thankful for the unwavering support of the government and people of India during our most challenging time in 1971."

The leaders of these two major South Asian countries greeted each other with mutual respect and a shared openness for dialogue. Their 40-minute exchange was candid, productive, and constructive.

During the meeting, Indian Prime Minister Modi said the history of the two neighbours is intricately linked, and it goes back to the birth of Bangladesh.

He said India would always support a progressive, democratic and inclusive Bangladesh.

India's attachment is with a country, not with any individuals or political organisations, he said.

The Indian premier recalled the global stature of Prof Yunus.

Referring to the border killings, he said Indian border troops opened fire only in self-defence and the fatalities occurred in Indian territories.

The two leaders stressed the need for working together to prevent killings along the Bangladesh-India border.

They concluded their fruitful and honest dialogue by wishing each other good health and personal well-being and extended their best wishes for continued peace, progress, and prosperity for the people of both countries.

Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Md Tauhid Hossain, Chief Adviser's High Representative Dr Khalilur Rahman, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval were, among others, present._BSS.