ZCZC
BSS-26
PM-PRESS CONFERENCE-2-LAST (DHAKA)
As a citizen of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said, she was overwhelmed at the establishment of ‘Bangladesh Bhaban’ on the premises associated with the memories of Rabindranath Tagore. She said a memorandum of understanding was signed in this regard on 25th of May last between Bangladesh’s Secondary and Higher Education Division and Bisva Bharati University.
Sheikh Hasina said, in his speech at the inaugural function of Bangladesh Bhaban, the Indian premier thanked the government and people of Bangladesh and opined that the two neighbours are enjoying a golden era of their bilateral relations.
Putting emphasis on further strengthening bilateral relations to ensure political stability and economic development, the Indian Prime Minister expressed optimism that Bangladesh Bhaban will further advance the cultural bond between the two countries.
Narendra Modi also greeted the people of Bangladesh for launching Bangabandhu Satellite into the space and pledged to extend cooperation for the development of space technology between Bangladesh and India. Sheikh Hasina said India will stand beside Bangladesh as a partner for materialising the dream of becoming a developed country while the Indian Prime Minister gave assurance of providing necessary cooperation in this regard.
In her speech there, the Prime Minister said, she had also recalled great contribution of the government and people of India to liberating Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina said she also sought more cooperation of India regarding sustainable and quick repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya people with safety and dignity to their homeland in Myanmar.
About her meeting with the Indian Premier at Shantiniketan, Sheikh Hasina said they discussed issues of bilateral concerns including strengthening cooperation and water sharing of common rivers.
The Prime Minister said she had received honorary Doctor of Literature degree at a special convocation of Kazi Nazrul University on May 26 and dedicated the degree to the entire Bangalee nation.
On that day, the birth anniversary of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was being observed in India, she said adding that receiving of the D’ Lit Degree at a University named after Kazi Nazrul Islam is a matter of happiness and dignity.
Sheikh Hasina said she visited Jorasanko Thakurbari, the residence of Biswa Kabi Rabindranath Tagore, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum at Kolkata. During the visit of Netaji’s museum, Sheikh Hasina said a digital copy of an audio message of Bangabandhu was handed over to her, adding that Bangabandhu had sent the message on 23rd January of 1972 on the occasion of the birthday of Subhash Chandra Bose.
The Prime Minister said a delegation of the Kolkata chamber leaders also called on her where she highlighted prevailing business friendly environment in Bangladesh and urged them to invest more for mutual benefits.
Besides, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and a number of members of Loksabha and Bidhansabha elected from the West Bengal also called on her at her place of residence, she said.
BSS/SH/BR/1813