‘Notable progress’ with Dhaka in transforming borders into peace zones: Delhi

Bangladesh home minister Asaduzzaman Khan receives Indian home minister Rajnath Singh at Air Force Base Bangabandhu in Dhaka on Friday. Photo: PID
Bangladesh home minister Asaduzzaman Khan receives Indian home minister Rajnath Singh at Air Force Base Bangabandhu in Dhaka on Friday. Photo: PID

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said Bangladesh and India have made a "notable progress" in transforming land and maritime boundaries into zones of peace and tranquillity.

“Looking forward to strengthening the bilateral relations between both the countries on the basis of friendship and trust,” said Rajnath Singh who arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening on a three-day official visit, reports UNB.

He conveyed this message in two separate tweets adding that relationship between India and Bangladesh is anchored in history, culture, language and shared values of democracy.

“India attaches great significance to ties with Bangladesh,” said the Indian minister.

Rajnath Singh is here to further discuss on how two neighbouring countries can strengthen cooperation in security areas showing zero tolerance to terrorism and radicalisation.

Bangladesh home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and his Indian counterpart Rajnath will co-chair the 6th meeting of the Bangladesh-India Home Minister level talks, set to be held at the home ministry at 10:30am on Sunday.

Issues related to radicalisation of youths by terrorist groups, border issues, fake currencies, border killings, cattle smuggling, visa issues, movement of illegal immigrants and Rohingya issues are likely to be discussed during the meeting apart from discussing ways to further strengthen the mutual cooperation in preventing terrorism.

Home minister Khan received his Indian counterpart at Bangladesh Air Force Base Bangabandhu at 6:00pm upon his arrival by a special aircraft.

Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla was, among others, also present to welcome the Indian minister.

Rajnath will meet prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday morning to discuss issues of mutual interest between the two countries during his visit, an official told UNB.

The Indian home minister along with his Bangladesh counterpart will open a mega and integrated Indian Visa Application Centre at Jamuna Future Park in the city after his meeting with the prime minister on the same day.

State-of-the-art IVAC will have 48 counters together giving an opportunity for around 700 applicants together.

On Saturday afternoon, Rajnath will visit Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah of Rajshahi to jointly inaugurate the Bangladesh-India Friendship Building there.

The ministers are expected to discuss issues related to security, border management, cooperation in countering illegal activities and travel arrangements, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

The visit is taking place in the context of home minister level talks held on a regular basis between India and Bangladesh.
The last home minister level talks were held in New Delhi in July 2016.

Rajnath will also visit Bangabandhu Museum to pay respect to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He will place wreaths at the Bangabandhu's portrait.

He will also visit Dhakeshwari Temple and offer prayers there after visiting the Museum.

The visit is expected to facilitate a comprehensive review of the excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India and contribute to further strengthening of ties, said the high commission.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla hosted dinner in honour of the Indian Minister on Friday evening.

Prime minister's advisers, agriculture minister Matia Chowdhury, industries minister Amir Hossain Amu, commerce minister Tofail Ahmed, home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, information minister Hasanul Haq Inu, state minister for foreign affairs M Shahriar Alam and senior journalists were, among others, present.

Home minister Khan will also host dinner for his Indian counterpart on Saturday evening.

Rajnath is scheduled to leave Dhaka for home on Sunday afternoon.