Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday expressed hope that Bangladesh and India would be able to resolve any issues between the two neighbours maintaining their bonds.
"I hope we'll able to solve any problemsbymaintaining amicable ties between us," she said, while addressing the inaugural ceremony of Bangladesh Bhavan at Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan, West Bengal.
"We, two neigbouring countries, want to move ahead together. If there's a neighbouring country, there may be some problems with it. We've solved the problems one by one. I don't want to break the excellent momentum of this ceremony by raising the remainingfew problems."
The prevailing multi-faceted relationship between Dhaka and NewDelhi has reached a new height in the last nine years, she continued.
"Our relationship is far beyond a strategic relationship. Bangladesh-India bilateral ties are often regarded asa ‘model of bilateral relations' for the rest of the world."
She expressed hope that the two nations would be able to achieve socio-economic development through the full utilization of mutualcooperation.
Terming poverty a common enemy of this region, the premier said it is very essential to have good relations among neigbouring countries to purge the region of poverty and hunger.
Hasina and her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, jointly unveiled the plaque of Bangladesh Bhavan at Visva-Bharati University. The two-storeyed building was constructed at acost of Rs25 crore.
She said Bangladesh would provide a one-time fund, equivalent to Rs10 core, for maintenance of the building and for carrying out its future activities.
The premier added that her relationship with Visva-Bharati dates back to 1999, when this institution awarded her theDeshikottom. "Since then, I wished to see a separate centre for Bangladesh studies established at Visva-Bharati."
‘Rabindranath remains close to our heart’
Speaking of Rabindranath Tagore’s contributions to the development of Bangla literature, Hasina saidRabindranath was like a lighthouse in the life of each and every Bangali. "He remains close to our heart - in our joy or sorrow, in love or desertion, in rebellion and peace. We're immersed in the shower of his creations."
She added that her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was so profoundly influenced by Rabindranath that he selected “Amar Sonar Bangla, Ami TomayBhalobashi” [written and composed by Tagore] as the national anthem of Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu used to listen to Tagore’s songs regularly even when he was in solitary confinement, according to Hasina.
“Rabindranath nurtured Bangladesh deep in his heart. Although he was born in Kolkata, he spent a considerable amount of time in Patisar, Shilaidaha, and Shahjadpur of Bangladesh. Bangladeshestablished a university [Rabindra University] at Shahjadpur in his memory,” the prime minister said.
India stood by Bangladeshis in 1971
Sheikh Hasina recalled that India and its people stood beside Bangladeshis during the 1971 Liberation War. "Many Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War of Bangladesh. The people of Bangladesh willnever forget those supreme sacrifices."
She also remembered that then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi provided shelter in India to her and her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, after the assassination of their father along with most of his family by some disgruntled army officials on August 15, 1975.
"We'll never forget the support of the Indian government and its people at that time of distress."
She extended her heartfelt gratitude to Modi, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, for their presence at the inauguration ceremony of Bangladesh Bhavan.
Hasina, Modi discuss bilateral issues
During her visit to West Bengal, Hasina also held a meeting with her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, at Bangladesh Bhavan in Shantiniketan.
Issues related to bilateral interests and international concerns were discussed at the meeting, Ihsanul Karim, press secretary to the prime minister, told reporters.