New Delhi, April 23 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the “bold and courageous” leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for Bangladesh’s remarkable success in socio-economic development.
His appreciation came during a 30-minute meeting with visiting Road Transport and Bridges Minister of Bangladesh Obaidul Quader at his official residence here on Monday.
Mr Modi was accompanied by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vajay K. Gokhale, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh, Myanmar) Sripriya Ranganathan and Spokesperson of External Affairs Ministry Raveesh Kumar.
Obaidul Quader, who is also General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League, was accompanied by the Awami League Presidium Member Piyush Kanti Bhattacharya, Joint General Secretaries Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali was also present at the meeting.
Mr. Modi paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman under whose leadership Bangladesh fought and gained independence from Pakistan in 1971.
“In terms of socio-economic development Bangladesh has advanced much ahead of Pakistan,” Mr. Modi told the Bangladesh delegation in praising Bangabandhu and his daughter Sheikh Hasina. “Look at your country. You are much ahead of Pakistan in socio-economic indicators,” he said.
Referring to Bangladesh’s role in providing shelter to the forcibly displaced people from Myanmar, PM Modi said his country wants an early resolution to the problem. He also supported Bangladesh’s position on this issue.
On the question of sharing Teesta River water between India and Bangladesh, Mr. Modi assured that he is trying to resolve the issue.
During the meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, Obaidul Quader conveyed to Mr. Modi best wishes from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh, according to a press statement of Bangladesh High Commission here.
Bangladesh minister arrived in New Delhi on Sunday leading a 20-member high-powered Awami League delegation on a three-day visit to India at the invitation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
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