On the concluding day of the two-day Bangladesh-India High Commissioners’ Summit, the envoys reiterated emphasis on taking a holistic approach to strengthen mutual trust, cooperation and amity between the two countries.
A nine-point recommendation termed as ‘Dhaka Declaration’ was also adopted yesterday following a closed door meeting of the diplomats.
DU International Relations department professor Imtiaz Ahmed announced the ‘Dhaka Declaration’.
The declaration heavily emphasised on economic engagement, and intense cooperation on security matters between the two neighbours.
The most envoys encouraged the governments of two countries to bolster their efforts to strengthen their relationship by taking a holistic approach in addressing bilateral issues and challenges.
It suggested to recognise the importance of deeper and effective communications by facilitating flow of contacts between students, academicians, print and electronic media, and other stakeholders in order to build enhanced level of awareness, mutual trust and confidence.
The declaration underscored the importance of deepening and widening economic engagement with particular focus on free and increasing flow of goods and services.
Enhanced cooperation on all security related matters was also highlighted.
Importance of strengthening cooperation at sub-regional and regional levels with particular focus on SAARC and BIMSTEC was also recommended.
The diplomats suggested to form an alumni of Indo-Bangla high commissioners who have served in the two countries for regular interaction and sharing of experiences among themselves and with other stakeholders and to hold regular biennial summit.
Among the former high commissioners of Bangladesh to India, Harun ur Rashid, Tarik Karim, Mostafa Faruque Mohammed, and Memayetuddin were present.
Among the Indian envoys to Bangladesh, IS Chadha, Deb Mukharji, Rajeet Mitter, and IP Khosla attended the programme.
The next summit of the diplomats will be held in India in 2016.
