India, Bangladesh restore pre-1965 rail link; PM Modi calls Dhaka key pillar of 'Neighbourhood First' policy

17-12-2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, on Thursday held a virtual bilateral summit and reviewed ties. Speaking at the summit, PM Modi described Bangladesh as a significant pillar of India�s 'Neighbourhood First' policy. The PM noted that his government has strived to improve relations with Bangladesh. �To strengthen relations with Bangladesh has been a priority for me since the first day,� Modi said. �This year has been full of challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, there has been good cooperation between our countries in the sphere of working with health professions, COVID-19 vaccine etc,� he noted. �I must commend you for the manner in which your government has countered COVID-19,� the Indian PM added, appreciating Bangladesh government�s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. On her part, PM Hasina, during the summit, described India as a true friend of Bangladesh. She also paid homage to the soldiers martyred during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. �I pay deep homage to the 3 million martyrs who laid their lives. I pay tribute to the members of the Indian armed forces martyred in the 1971 war. I pay my gratitude to the Government and people of India who extended wholehearted support for the cause of our liberation,� the Bangladeshi PM said. She noted that Bangladesh was looking forward to PM Modi�s visit to the country next year. �Bangladesh is on the verge of celebrating 50 years as an independent nation. Your (PM Modi) visit to Dhaka on 26th March 2021 will be the crowning glory of our joint commemoration of Bangladesh's Liberation War of 1971,� Hasina said.

During the summit, the two leaders jointly inaugurated the Chilahati-Haldibari rail link between India and Bangladesh. Released a commemorative stamp on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to commemorate the birth centenary of the father of the nation of Bangladesh. And also inaugurated the Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition to celebrate the life and legacies of the iconic leaders.

PM Modi expressed happiness about getting the opportunity to release a digital exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi and Sheikh Mujibur Rehman. �It is a matter of pride for me� they will continue to inspire our youths,� Modi told Hasina.