Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have agreed to promote greater connectivity between the two countries for the development of Southern Asia.
In a joint statement, both the premier emphasised seamless connectivity across the South Asian region.
Sheikh Hasina said: “We [Hasina and Modi] agreed that the connectivity between the two nation is not only important for the countries concerned, it is also important for the development of the entire region.
“And the new agreements, protocol and the flagging off bus services were the examples of our commitment to build connectivity between the two countries.”
She also said the authorities decided to open Bangladesh mission in Guwahati and Indian missions in Khulna and Sylhet.
She further said: “We are committed to form an equal social structure for the people of the both countries.”
She hoped that the new treaties, which have been enshrined in new fields, would create the expansion of trade, investment and business between both countries.
Noting that both the countries agreed to set special economic zone in Bheramara and Mongla, she said: “The initiative will boost Indian investment in our country.”
Commemorating her father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina said: “I believe that we will bring peace for the people of this region by ensuring progress and prosperity which was the dream of Bangabandhu.”
In his statement, Modi said: “Connectivity is the catalyst for deeper engagement. Bangladesh's decision to allow transit of power equipment and food-grain to the Northeast echoes the strength of your human values and our shared economic opportunities.
“Connectivity by road, rail, rivers, sea, transmission lines, petroleum pipelines and digital links will increase. Today, we have unveiled some of the pathways to this future.”
“As I have said before, we will deepen regional connectivity and cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal. There is a natural logic to this arrangement,” added Modi.
Mentioning that Bangladesh-India development partnership is scaling new heights, he added that the quick implementation of the line of credit of 800 million US dollars and full disbursement of 200 million dollars in grant is a tribute to the cooperation.
He also announced that they were pleased to extend another line of credit of 2 billion US dollars to support infrastructure and other development activities in Bangladesh.
Referring to the three agreements on human trafficking, fake Indian currency and maritime safety show, Modi said: “Our security cooperation is growing.
“I am confident that we both have the political will and mutual confidence to further improve border management and coordination to prevent illegal activities, trafficking and movements.”
He also termed the visit a historic moment.
