Dhaka-Delhi to continue trend of cooperation: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday called for full utilisation of mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and India and hoped that both the countries would continue this trend of cooperation in the future, reports BSS.

“The ‘far beyond strategic relationship’ between Bangladesh and India is often considered as a ‘model of bilateral relation’ for the rest of the world. So, we can firmly declare that both the countries will continue this trend of cooperation in the future,” she said.

The prime minister said this while inaugurating the newly constructed Bangladesh Bhavan jointly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bisva Bharati University here this afternoon.

The premier said Bangladesh Bhavan in Shantiniketan would enhance the cultural bond between Bangladesh and India which would further strengthen bilateral relationship. 

“This is a small piece of Bangladesh in Tagore’s Santiniketan from where the spirit of Bangladesh will be reflected ... this spirit influenced by Rabindranath will be unique in its own way,” she said 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoped that Bangladesh Bhaban would be a symbol of cultural exchange between Bangladesh and India. He thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for coming to Santiniketan and have the opportunity to inaugurate Bangladesh Bhaban with her. 

On the very outset of the programme, students in Santiniketan performed the national anthems of Bangladesh and India while the function began with playing song of Rabindranath "Anandaloke Mongolaloke". 

West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Bondopadhya and Vice Chancellor of the university Sabuj Koli Sen were present on the occasion. 

Prime Minister’s sister Sheikh Rehana and a number of dignitaries from both counties including litterateurs, academics, poets, singers and artistes were present.