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Published on December 10, 2016
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her desire to visit India in the first half of February next.
The premier expressed the desire when Indian Minister of State for External Affairs M. J. Akbar paid a courtesy call on her at her official Ganabhaban residence here on Saturday afternoon.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said officials of the two countries would work out to finalize the schedule of the tour.
While talking about the bilateral issues, Sheikh Hasina said there may be problems between two neighbouring countries, but these should not affect the friendship and cooperation.
The prime minister reiterated her government`s "zero tolerance policy" against terrorism and militancy and said none would be allowed to use Bangladesh`s soil for terrorist acts against any country.
"We won`t tolerate any sorts of terrorism and militancy and won't allow our land to be used for carrying out terrorist acts against any country," she said.
The prime minister recalled with gratitude the contribution of the Indian government, people and armed forces to Bangladesh's War of Liberation in 1971.
She also mentioned that Indian allied force returned to their country immediately after independence of Bangladesh. "It has created a history as no allied force in the world did return home immediately after the victory," she said.
They also discussed the construction of water reservoirs on both sides of the two countries for ensuring water security.
Referring to different incidents like Holey Artisan Attack on July 1 this year and vandalizing temples in various parts of the country, the prime minister said these incidents were staged to destabilize the country's development and progress.
Sheikh Hasina also mentioned the existing communal harmony in Bangladesh.
Akbar said Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina have taken India-Bangladesh bilateral relations to a new height. "The horizon of bilateral relations has been widened due to pragmatic steps of the two leaders," he said.
The Indian state minister said there are vast areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and India particularly in the field of hydroelectricity and energy.
Highly praising the dynamic and visionary leadership of the Bangladesh premier, Akbar said the contribution of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to ensuring stability in the region is historic.
About settlement of problems between the two countries, the Indian state minister that when there is goodwill, any problem could be resolved.
Referring to current conflict in the Middle East and other parts of the world, Akbar categorically said no civilisation could compromise with the terrorists.
He also raised the issue of the emergency landing of the aircraft carrying Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ashgabad International Airport of Turkmenistan on her way to Hungary and expressed concern over the security of the prime minister.
PM's International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi, Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla were present, among others.
Photo: Saiful Islam Kallol
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