Neighbouring Countries: Existing problems should be resolved thru’ discussion

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the existing problems between neighbouring countries need to be resolved through discussions.

"There might be problems among neighbouring countries. The problems should be resolved through negotiations and discussions," she told visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar when he met her at the Gono Bhaban.

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

The Indian minister praised Hasina's leadership for meeting the eligibility criteria for Bangladesh's graduation from the LDC group to a developing country.

"It's a great achievement. The development of Bangladesh is miraculous," Jaishankar was quoted as saying.

About Covid-19, Hasina said Bangladesh took prompt actions to check the pandemic by engaging all concerned, including physicians, law enforcers, members of the armed forces and the administration.

The PM said Bangladesh launched a nationwide vaccination programme last month. "The [inoculation] programme is being rolled out in phases as it aims to include everyone ... ."

She appreciated the support received from India on Covid-19 vaccine.

Hasina said the economy of Bangladesh is progressing despite the pandemic, recent floods and cyclones. Its remittance inflow has also increased during the period, she added.

She said the government also extended support to Bangladeshi expatriates who returned home during this tough time.

Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to assist Bangladesh in facing the pandemic. "We all of this region face difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic."

He said it is a great honour for India to participate in the celebrations of Bangabandhu's birth centenary and Golden Jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh.

The Indian minister said he had a fruitful meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart AK Abdul Momen over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bangladesh to join the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Jaishankar presented two books, including one titled "Liberation War of Bangladesh" written by his father K Subrahmanyam, to Hasina.

The Bangladesh premier also gifted seven volumes of a 14-volume book titled "Secret Documents of Intelligence Branch on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman" to the Indian minister.

Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on Thursday morning on a brief official visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of Foreign Minister Momen.

PM's International Relations Affairs Adviser Gowher Rizvi, Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus, and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram K Doraiswami were present.