HPM Sheikh Hasina for maintaining good ties with neighbors

"The South Asian region would witness further uplift if good relations are maintained by the neighbouring countries, while improved connectivity would boost their trade and business," she said.

The Prime minister made the remarks when visiting Indian Lok Sabha member and son of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee Avijit Mukherjee called on her at her Jatiya Sangsad Office on Saturday morning.

After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihasanul Karim briefed reporters.

The Prime minister also laid emphasis on increasing cooperation among the neighbouring countries to free the South Asian region from the curse of poverty.

While talking about transit between Bangladesh and India, the Prime minister said such system exists in the entire world. "Goods are sent from one country to another country across the Europe by crossing border and it doesn't cause any harm to sovereignty," she said.

Pointing out setting up border haats along the Bangladesh-India border, the Prime minister said smuggling is being reduced to a great extent between the two countries with the establishment of the border haats.

In this connection, she underscored the need for setting up more border haats along the Bangladesh-India border, saying that it would further boost official trade between the two countries.

Citing the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement, Sheikh Hasina said the initiative would benefit the four nations of the region as they are inter-dependent on various issues.

Reiterating her government's "zero tolerance policy" against terrorism and militancy, the Prime Minister said none would be allowed to use Bangladesh's soil for terrorist acts against any country.

Pointing out the August 15 carnage in 1975, Sheikh Hasina said Father of the Nation along with most of his family members including women and children were assassinated on that black night.

Saying that she herself is one of the victims, the Prime Minister mentioned that some of the killers of Bangabandhu are hiding abroad.

She regretted that the international human rights bodies are not seen vocal for the victims, rather they are siding with the killers.

Sheikh Hasina also expressed gratitude to the government and people of India for their great contribution during the War of Liberation in 1971 and said Bangladesh would never forget their contribution.

Avijit Mukherjee said the people of India love the people of Bangladesh particularly Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "The people of Bangladesh are in the hearts of India," he said expressing good wishes for Bangladesh.

The Indian Lok Sabha member said he is really impressed with the hospitality shown to him in Bangladesh.

International Affairs Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League Muhammad Faruq Khan, Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Iqbalur Rahim and Mahjabin Kahled, MP, were present.