Modi meets Hamid at Bangabhaban

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday said all pending issues between Bangladesh and India would be settled with the same spirit that helped solve the long-awaited Land Boundary Agreement.

The Indian premier expressed the hope when he called on Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban in the capital.

During the meeting, Hamid said connectivity between Bangladesh and India would help bring the people of the two countries closer, President's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said after the meeting.

Modi lauded the leadership of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and assured of continued Indian support for the development of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh President expressed gratitude to the government of India, all political parties and its people for their cooperation during the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

Hamid informed Modi that he was in Meghalaya of India during the Liberation War and shared his experiences about the way he organised the freedom fighters during the war.

Hamid also said that if the border haat (market) functions properly, it would help reduce cross-border smuggling.

The Indian premier signed the visitor's book kept at the Bangabhaban. Hamid also hosted a private lunch in honour of Modi.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Choudhury, Chief Justice SK Sinha, among others, attended the lunch held at the State Dining Hall of Bangabhaban.