Sylhet: The Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen has expressed the desire for open and unrestricted relations between India and Bangladesh. He made this statement in response to journalists’ questions at the end of the first day of the Bangladesh-India Friendship Dialogue on Thursday, October 5.
The Foreign Minister stated that after Shilchar, both countries have discussed measures for the removal of various barriers to distance and open dialogue. He expressed satisfaction that critical issues between the two countries have been discussed on the first day. Among the five expectations raised on the first day, one is related to economic issues, seeking more investments.
He mentioned discussing energy coordination and expressed interest in purchasing 1,125 megawatts of electricity from India. He also highlighted cooperation from India in acquiring energy from Nepal. In addition, he spoke about the rivers of both countries, emphasizing the need for better relations. He noted that incidents of border killings have decreased.
Regarding the issue of Teesta River water, the minister mentioned that policy-wise, both countries are united, but the distribution of Teesta water remains unresolved for unknown reasons.
The inaugural ceremony of the 11th Bangladesh-India Friendship Dialogue took place over three days at a five-star hotel in Sylhet. The Chief Guest for the event was Speaker of the National Parliament, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, who also presided over the function. The Foreign Minister served as the chairman.
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury stated that the relationship between Bangladesh and India is excellent, and this historic relationship is very strong. She mentioned the extraordinary support of India during our great War of Liberation and the sacrifice made by the leader of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at the call of India.
She emphasized that the economic relationship between the two countries will strengthen further in the Bangladesh-India Friendship Dialogue. Economic cooperation will increase, and commercial ties will expand.
She also spoke about the non-tolerance policy towards terrorism and extremism by both governments. She praised the global appreciation received for the policy of zero tolerance for terrorism.
The speaker also highlighted the importance of parliamentary cooperation between Bangladesh and India.
Special guest and former minister and member of the Awami League Presidium, Jahanara Kavi, delivered a speech.
In the ceremony, former Minister Vinay Singh Pala from India, former Member of Parliament from India Swapan Das Gupta, and Pronoy Varma from the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh also spoke.
The former minister Vinay Singh Pala mentioned that Bangladesh has established a unique perspective in building “good governance.” He praised the current government’s exceptional success in combating corruption and terrorism globally.
In the dialogue organized with the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, various levels of administrative officials from Sylhet division, including the Divisional Commissioner and District Commissioner, were present on the first day.
