India wants Delhi–Dhaka signature relations to continue

India believes that achievement earned during last ten years in the bilateral relations between New Delhi and Dhaka has given a desired results and it should be preserved.

Smita Pant, Joint Secretary at Bangladesh and Myanmar Division of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), made the statement at a programme on Tuesday.

She was addressing observance of the 48th martyrdom of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Mourning Day at Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. 

She mentioned that India’s security is linked to development of Bangladesh.

Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Deputy National security advisor of the Indian government Pankaj Saran said it is imperative for India to keep the bilateral relation continuing.

He believes that land boundary agreement, maritime agreement and other pending issues may be resolved if the two countries become responsive to each other’s concern.

Smita Pant, main interlocutors of the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, said the killers of Bangabandhu could not wipe out his ideals.

“Today, the dream of father of the nation is being implemented and it created unparallel example of the world,” she said.

Rejecting radicalism and following the path of Bangabandhu, Bangladesh is on its way to become a stable middle income country, said Smita.

India feels great to be partner with Bangladesh, she added.

Saran said Bangladesh is in the path of remarkable growth in all sectors and their achievement has not only surpassed many South Asian countries but also India. He outlined the future engagement of the bilateral relation with cooperation of new areas like renewable energy, conservation of Sundarbans and solar energy.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md Mustafizur Rahman said the legacy and inspiration of Bangabandhu continue to make bilateral relations between two next-door neighbours stronger, deeper, more cooperative, and more comprehensive.

Bangabandhu was a man of courage and firm conviction and he captivated the Bengali nation, the diplomat said.

“His (Bangabandhu’s) teachings, ideologies and spirit remained deeply ingrained in our hearts. Under the leadership of his able daughter - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we are now marching ahead to fulfil Bangabandhu’s unfinished dream. Now, our Prime Minister has set the vision to build ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041. And of course, we will continue achieving more and more as long as we stick to Bangabandhu’s ideals,” he said.