You're not alone, Modi to Hasina

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said Bangladesh should not feel alone in its fight against terrorism and asserted his full support to Dhaka to stamp out terrorism.

Extending all out supports to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to fight the terrorism, Modi said, "Do not consider yourself (Hasina) alone in the battle. You have full support of India in the battle."

Earlier, Dhaka and New Delhi inaugurated the newly-constructed modern integrated check post at Benapole-Petrapole point of India-Bangladesh border, in a bid to facilitate increased trade between the two countries.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated the check post through a video conference.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took part in the session.

The Indian PM extended his deepest condolences at the deaths in recent terror attacks in Bangladesh.

Modi termed Hasina's leadership as an example in the entire South Asian region.

Stressing that economic development and connectivity are closely linked, the Indian prime minister said the Petrapole-Benapole integrated check post will serve to foster more economic integration and connectivity between the neighbours.

Describing the Benapole-Petapole check post as the "biggest" land port in South Asia, Modi said that about 15 lakh people and one and half lakh trucks pass through it every year and this is the reason why the check post is a "milestone" in the efforts for welfare of the people of both countries.

He added that India and Bangladesh are walking together along the path of development.

Thanking, Mamata, Modi appreciated her role in improving the India-Bangladesh relations.

Besides, from her official residence Gono Bhaban in Dhaka, Sheikh Hasina said business relations between Bangladesh and India will be sustainable and strengthened due to setting up the check post.

Terming India as a friend country, Hasina hoped that good relation will be enhanced and people to people communication between the countries will be improved. 

"We will be able to solve any problem by holding bilateral talks with India," Hasina said.

Bus, rail and river way communications have already been introduced with India for the welfare of the people and their trade and commerce, Hasina said.

Apart from Bangladesh and India, the people of Nepal, Bhutan, China and Myanmar will be benefited due to the communication gateway.

Modi began his speech by wishing Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to the brothers and sisters of Bangladesh on behalf of the people of India.

Besides, Sheikh Hasina expressed gratitude of the people of Bangladesh to India remembering its role that was played during the country's Liberation War in 1971.  

This is the second multi-purpose integrated check post between the two countries. The first one along the Akhaura-Agartala point on India-Bangladesh border was opened in November 2013.

Other facilities include banks, scanners, closed circuit television cameras, cafeteria and hotels.

The check post will have customs and immigration facilities, weighbridges, security and scanning equipments, currency exchange booths, internet facility, cargo inspection sheds, warehouse and cold storage.

The trade through Benapole-Petrapole amounts to more than Tk 20,000 crore a year.