Bangladesh wants more support from neighbours, says Hasina

“We’ve witnessed massive development co-operation in all sectors, including security, connectivity, power and energy, trade and commerce, cultural exchange and people-to-people contact”

By Mizan RahmanDhakaPrime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday reaffirmed Bangladesh’s firm commitment of not allowing insurgents to use its soil.“We won’t allow any sort of insurgency in Bangladesh … we want a peaceful atmosphere in this region,” Sheikh Hasina said when outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pankaj Saran called on her.Stressing the importance of greater co-operation from neighbouring countries for development, Hasina said, “We’ll work for people and we need more co-operation and support from our neighbours.”The prime minister also laid emphasis on unofficial engagements for strengthening co-operation among neighbouring countries alongside official visits. “Neighbours’ co-operation is a must for development of any country.”About the signing of the historic land boundary agreement (LBA), Hasina said all the members of Indian Parliament - Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha - were seen for the first time ‘one and united’ during the ratification of the particular bill. “It’s a historic agreement.”The Bangladesh prime minister appreciated the Indian High Commissioner for his enormous contribution to and instrumental role in further consolidating the ties between Dhaka and New Delhi.“We’ve witnessed massive development co-operation in all sectors, including security, connectivity, power and energy, trade and commerce, cultural exchange and people-to-people contact,” she told the outgoing envoy.Recalling Hasina’s visit to India in 2010, Saran said the tour has opened up a new chapter of relations and added a new dimension to the bilateral ties. “The visit has yielded various achievements,” he said. Saran said India values its relations with Bangladesh and said the achievements made in the bilateral co-operation have been possible due to Hasina’s leadership.He said Indian people have a tremendous admiration for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “The relations between the two countries are dynamic and comprehensive and if any problems arise, we’ll solve those through dialogue.”The Indian envoy said Bangladesh and India are now working together to combat militancy and terrorism. “We’ll continue to work to root out terrorism and militancy.” Saran praised Bangladesh’s socioeconomic progress, particularly maintaining over 6% GDP growth over the last six years.About issuing Indian visa to Bangladeshi people, he said New Delhi has already issued visa to 650,000 Bangladeshis this year. “The number will go up to 700,000 next year,” he hoped.