Bangladesh puts emphasis to enhance relation with India: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that Bangladesh always puts emphasis to enhance the existing relationship with India.

The Prime Minister made the remark after inaugurating three Indian assisted development schemes with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi through video conferencing connecting from Dhaka and New Delhi on Wednesday.

Sheikh Hasina said the joint inauguration of three India-assisted development schemes demonstrated the rare friendship and mutual cooperation between Dhaka and New Delhi, hoping that the existing relationship will be enhanced further in future.

She said Bangladesh and India have proved that friendly relations between the neighboring countries help attain mutual development.

She also said Bangladesh and India will attain many successes in the days to come through mutual cooperation which will strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Sheikh Hasina said two newly-inaugurated rail link projects will help boost trade, business, tourism, people to people contact and attain economic prosperity of both the countries.

The thermal power plant will also help provide uninterrupted power supply at affordable price in Bangladesh, she said.

The Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link will especially help boost communication between the people of the two countries basically of the northeastern part of India, which will be economically beneficial for both the countries.

The Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line will connect the Mongla port with the existing rail link, she said.

The Prime Minister welcomed the assistance of the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in implementing the projects.

She said they have given opportunity to India to use Chattogram and Mongla Ports and Chattogram Airport.
“We have created a scope for regional cooperation through Chattogram and Mongla ports,” she said.

The premier said Bangladesh and India have achieved great success due to mutual cooperation in recent times.
To this end, the Prime Minister said they have already opened Padma Multi-Purpose Bridge, Padma Rail Link, elevated expressway, metro rail and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel under Karnaphuli River.
The opening of the first-ever tunnel under the river in the South Asia will help enhance capability of the Chattogram Port and further development of trade and commerce, she said.

She also recalled with gratitude the hospitality of Narendra Modi and Indian people during her recent India visit to attend G-20.

Chief Minister of Tripura, India, Dr Manik Saha also virtually joined the event.