Bangladesh won't let insurgents use its land: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday reaffirmed that use of Bangladesh's soil by any insurgent group will not be allowed.

“We won't allow any sort of insurgency in Bangladesh…we want a peaceful atmosphere in this region,” she told outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pankaj Saran when the envoy met her at her office.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said the premier stressed the need for unofficial engagements for strengthening cooperation among neighbouring countries alongside official visits.

Hasina said, “We'll work for people and we need more cooperation and support from our neighbours.”

She recalled with deep gratitude the unequivocal support and assistance provided by Indian people and government during Bangladesh's Liberation War.

She said India didn't only extend support to Bangladesh, but also gave shelter and provided food to a huge number of people from Bangladesh.

The PM extended her sincere thanks to the Indian envoy for completing his tenure in Bangladesh successfully, and mentioned that the bilateral ties between the two countries reached a new height during his tenure in  Dhaka.

“We've witnessed massive development cooperation in all sectors, including security, connectivity, power and energy, trade and commerce, cultural exchange and people-to-people contact,” she told the outgoing Indian envoy.

GIBSON MEETS PM

Outgoing British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert W Gibson also met the PM at her office yesterday.

The PM told Gibson that her government attaches great importance to Dhaka-London ties as the United Kingdom is Bangladesh's time-tested friend.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Ihsanul Karim said the premier expressed gratitude to the UK, its people and political leaders for their support during Bangladesh's Liberation War.

She said Bangladesh and Britain have strong bonds of friendship and share common values of democracy and freedom.

She reiterated her government's policy of zero tolerance against terrorism.

The British envoy thanked the premier for extending support and cooperation during his tenure in Bangladesh.

Principal Secretary to the PM Abul Kalam Azad was present, among others.