PM stresses good ties with neighbours

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday put emphasis on maintaining good relations with neighbours as well as strengthening regional connectivity and cooperation to further boost trade and business in the South Asian region.

The prime minister came up with the views when visiting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee's son and Lok Sabha Member Avijit Mukherjee called on her at her Jatiya Sangsad Office.

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

“Countries in the world are now interdependent and maintaining good relations with neighbours could benefit all in the region,” Hasina said.

Referring to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) initiative under which the Motor Vehicle Agreement was signed, she said all the four countries will benefit from the move.

Putting emphasis on further strengthening regional connectivity, the prime minister said transportation of goods among the states is prevalent across the world, including Europe, and it does not cause any harm to sovereignty of any country.

Referring to border Haats established along the border between Bangladesh and India, she stressed the need for setting up more border haats to stop smuggling as well as increase official trade and commerce between the two neighbours.