Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday called for full utilization of cooperation between Bangladesh and India, and hoped that both the countries would continue this trend.
“The relationship between Bangladesh and India, which is far beyond strategic ties, is often considered as a model of bilateral relation for the rest of the world. We can firmly declare that both the countries will continue this trend of cooperation in the future," she said, while inaugurating the newly constructed Bangladesh Bhavan jointly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Visva-Bharati University at Bolpur in West Bengal Friday afternoon.
Addressing the ceremony, the Bangladesh premier said Bangladesh Bhavan in Shantiniketan would enhance the cultural bond between Bangladesh and India, which would further strengthen bilateral relationship.
“This is a small piece of Bangladesh in Rabindranath Tagore's Shantiniketan, where the spirit of Bangladesh will be reflected... this spirit influenced by Rabindranath will be unique in its own way," she said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoped that Bangladesh Bhavan would be a symbol of cultural exchange between Bangladesh and India. He thanked Sheikh Hasina for visiting Shantiniketan and for the opportunity to inaugurate Bangladesh Bhavan with her.
On the very outset of the program, students in Shantiniketan performed the national anthems of Bangladesh and India while the function began with performing famous Tagore song “Anondolokey Mongolalokey."
West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Visva-Bharati University Vice-Chancellor Sabuj Koli Sen were present at the ceremony as well.
Sheikh Hasina's sister Sheikh Rehana and a number of dignitaries from both the countries, including litterateurs, academics, poets, singers and artistes, were also present.
