Modi lauds Sheikh Hasina's bold, courageous leadership

FT ONLINE

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the "bold and courageous" leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for Bangladesh's remarkable success in socio-economic development.

His appreciation came during a 30-minute meeting with visiting Awami league General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader at his official residence in New Delhi, according to a message of Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.

Modi was accompanied by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vajay K. Gokhale, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh, Myanmar) Sripriya Ranganathan and Spokesperson of External Affairs Ministry Raveesh Kumar.

Obaidul Quader was accompanied by Awami League Presidium Member Piyush Kanti Bhattacharya, Joint General Secretaries Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali was present at the meeting.

The Indian prime minister paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman under whose leadership Bangladesh fought and gained independence from Pakistan in 1971.

"In terms of socio-economic development Bangladesh has advanced much ahead of Pakistan," Modi told the Bangladesh delegation in praising Bangabandhu and his able daughter Sheikh Hasina. "Look at your country. You are much ahead of Pakistan in socio-economic indicators," he said.

Referring to Bangladesh's role in providing shelter to the forcibly displaced Rohingyas people from their homeland, Rakhine state of Myanmar, the Indian premier said his country wants an early and permanent resolution to the problem. He also supported Bangladesh's position on this issue.

On the question of sharing Teesta River water between India and Bangladesh, Modi assured that he is trying to resolve the issue.

During the meeting held in a cordial atmosphere, Obaidul Quader conveyed to Modi best wishes from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh.

Quader arrived in New Delhi on Sunday leading a 19-member high-powered Awami League delegation on a three-day visit to India at the invitation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Earlier, the delegation visited Lok Sabha.