Bangabandhu founded Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina saved it: Modi

The Indian Premier made this comment while Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali called on him in New Delhi on Friday afternoon, said a foreign ministry press release received here.

"The past, present and future of India and Bangladesh are interlinked," Modi said highlighting the significance of cooperation with neighbours.

The foreign minister is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the third meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) between Bangladesh and India to be held Saturday.

During the meeting, the Indian Prime Minister reiterated that this country would do everything for the growth, peace and prosperity of Bangladesh. He emphasized regional cooperation for collective development of this region.

Indian Prime Minister expressed happiness over the significant progress made in power sector cooperation between the two countries. Noting the business opportunities in Bangladesh, Modi suggested that the Indian business communities should explore the possibilities of greater investment in Bangladesh.

In this connection, he pointed out the potential of enhanced people-to-people contact through tourism between the two friendly neighbours.

Modi stressed the opportunities that exist for trade and commerce through sea and river routes.

On the importance of regional cooperation, Modi also said that there were complementarities between his Government's 'Look East' policy and the goals of BIMSTEC.

Earlier, the visiting Bangladeshi foreign minister met Uma Bharti, Indian Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, at her office.

During the meeting, both the ministers discussed water and water related issues of mutual interest. The two ministers agreed to hold the meeting of the 38th Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) in Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

They discussed the issue of interim agreement for sharing waters of Teesta. They also agreed to hold the 3rd meeting of the Sub-group of the JRC on Tipaimukh hydro-electric project at a mutually convenient time.

The Indian water resources minister reiterated that India would not implement any project that may have adverse impact on Bangladesh.

The foreign minister also met Arun Jaitley, Indian Union Minister for Finance, Defense and Corporate Affairs. The two ministers discussed various issues related to development cooperation.

AH Mahmood Ali also had a meeting with the National Security Adviser of India, Ajit Doval.

He met the Indian Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday evening.

Meanwhile, the Indian power minister assured that India would extend all out support to Bangladesh to further enhance and accelerate the pace of cooperation in this sector.

Bangladesh high commissioner to India, principal secretary to the Prime Minister, senior sectary of the ministry of commerce, secretary of the economic relations division, secretary of the ministry of water resources, secretary of the ministry of shipping, secretary of the power division and foreign secretary, among others, were present in the meetings.
-BSS