PM for sharing of expertise in coastal security

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday underscored the need for sharing experiences of coastal security between Bangladesh Navy and India Navy.

“We can share the expertise of Indian Navy in coastal security,” she said when visiting Chief of Naval Staff of Indian Navy, Admiral Sunil Lanba paid a courtesy call on her at her official residence Ganobhaban.

Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

Mentioning the traditional relationship between the two neighbouring countries, Sheikh Hasina expressed gratitude to India for the contributions of its people to Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971. “

Many Indian soldiers laid down their lives in the Liberation War,” she said.

About connectivity between Bangladesh and India, the PM said some rail, river and road routes that were closed after the 1965 war have been reopened and resumption of some other routes is under process.

She mentioned the peaceful resolution to the land boundary dispute between the two countries, saying all political parties of India unanimously supported the bill in Indian parliament to this end setting a great example of friendship.

Indian Navy Chief said the ties between the two navies are growing strongly. “And we want to take it forward further,” he added.

A number of scopes for cooperation between the two navies have already been created along with the existing ones, he said.

Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen Md Mahfuzur Rahman, PM's Military Secretary Maj Gen Mia Md Joynul Abedin, PMO Secretary Sajjadul Hassan, Indian High Commissioner Harsha Vardhan Shringla and spouse of the Indian Naval chief Reena Lanba were present on the occasion.

Admiral Sunil Lanba arrived in Dhaka on Sunday on a six-day goodwill visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of Chief of Naval Staff of Bangladesh Navy Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed.