Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has lauded Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her government’s “zero-tolerance policy” against terrorism and insurgency.
He made the remarks on Friday during his meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in Guwahati, the capital of Assam.
Had a fruitful discussion with a Bangladeshi delegation led by the neighbouring country’s Foreign Minister Dr @AKAbdulMomen.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 27, 2022
We agreed to further strengthen economic & social ties between Assam and Bangladesh for mutual benefit. pic.twitter.com/CoOOxEFZtX
Momen, in response, said the development of Bangladesh and India are complementing each other and many Indians are working in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is the fourth largest remittance-sending country to India, he said.
He mentioned the traditional linkage between the people of Assam and Sylhet.
He noted that Bangladesh and India are enjoying the best of their relations under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Momen underscored that Assam could take advantage of Bangladesh’s dynamic socio-economic growth, both as a market for their products and also as a source of quality products at a competitive price, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He emphasized enhancing trade and commerce between the two countries and promoting tourism.
He suggested that river transportation could be an effective means for amplifying bilateral trade.
Foreign Minister Momen had the meeting with the chief minister of Assam at Koinadhara State Guest House, Khanapara.
During the meeting, Momen gratefully acknowledged that Assam and India occupy a special place in his heart, as he took shelter in Assam in 1971 during the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
He informed that Bangladesh is in the process of extending 200 scholarships for the family members of the war veterans from India who fought for the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.
Momen recalled the visit of the president and prime minister of India to Bangladesh in 2021 to join the events that Bangladesh celebrated: the golden jubilee of independence of Bangladesh and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
On December 6, 2021, Bangladesh and India jointly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as “Maitri Diwas” in 18 selected capitals across the globe in addition to Dhaka and New Delhi.
Sarma stressed that Assam is keen to engage with Bangladesh for the common benefits of the two peoples through the promotion of trade, commerce, connectivity and cultural activities.
He appreciated the recent pace of economic development of Bangladesh under the “dynamic and visionary” leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Assam chief minister praised the success of the government of Bangladesh in dealing with Covid-19 pandemic.
Sarma recalled the significant role of rail connectivity with Chittagong in trade during the British period.
The chief minister informed that Assam is developing advanced medical and education institutions and can be a destination for the people of Bangladesh for medical treatment and study purposes.
Momen also attended a dinner hosted by the chief minister of Assam with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar where a number of ministers of the centre and states along with ambassadors from Asean countries were present.
Momen arrived in Guwahati on Friday to attend the third edition of Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence (NADI) to be held from May 28-29.
During his visit to Guwahati, he is also expected to call on the governor of Assam and hold an interactive session with the members of the business community.
