The Asian Confluence hosted a web-dialogue entitled “50 Years of Bangladesh: India Bangladesh Relations: New Avenues and the Way Forward” recently as a run up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangaldesh and to mark the celebration of 50 years of Independence of Bangladesh and India-Bangladesh relations.
The dialogue witnessed a deep appreciation of the current state of India-Bangladesh Friendship, which in the word of Sheikh Muzibur, the father of the nation is “eternal and flowing”.
The chief guest at the webinar was Dr. Mashiur Rahman, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh who also delivered the keynote address.
Dr Rahman highlighted that India-Bangladesh relation has moved towards a much deeper and border aspect of cooperation and suggested that the next step should be deeper cooperation in water sharing and water resource management amongst other areas.
Amb. Shahidul Haque Professorial Fellow, North South University and Former Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh in his address highlighted that “Bangladesh-India relationship is at the centre of Bangladesh’s foreign policy.” He also stressed the need to work for developing a better narrative around shared borders, bringing border killings to zero and suggested innovative projects such as a university located at the border where communities from both countries can be benefitted.
The special remarks were delivered by Kartik Pande, Director, Bangladesh-Myanmar, Ministry of External Affairs, India. In his address, Pande underscored the growing connectivity between both countries and also highlighted the recently inaugurated Maitri Setu over the Feni river between Sambroom (Tripura) and Ramgarh (Bangladesh). He also highlighted that Tripura will North-East gateway to Bangladesh.
The Asian Confluence also launched a report titled “Bangladesh@50- India-Bangladesh Relations: A Special Journey and Way Forward”. The report makes an assessment of the multiple facets of bilateral relations and also point out the untapped potential and the importance of quick implementation of policies, projects, and programmes.
During the webinar, an Indo-Bangladesh Eminent Persons Group was also launched.
