Dhaka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden Bangladesh visit has been "historic" with the focus on strengthening ties, enhancing trade and most importantly signing of the crucial Land Boundary Agreement to settle the over four-decade long border dispute. Along with the key border agreement, the Kolkata-Dhaka-Tripura bus has been flagged off.
The Prime Minister addressed Indian and Bangladeshi citizens on day two of his visit to the neighbouring country on Sunday and heaped lavish praises on the neighbour. He mentioned the thriving garment industry in Bangladesh and said that India was proud of its neighbour's achievements.
Virtually comparing the inking of the Land Boundary Agreement with that of the felling of the Berlin Wall, Modi said that The LBA pact was no less significant. On the Teesta river water sharing issue, the PM said that there was a need to resolve it from a humanitarian perspective. He assured his commitment to resolving the contentious issue.
He also reminded the world of India's contribution in the freedom struggle of Bangladesh perhaps trying to pitch for a permanent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat. The UN is still stuck in the previous century and needs to reform, said Modi.
The PM highlighted shared concerns of both the nations like zero tolerance towards terrorism and laid emphasis on tourism over terrorism .
In a veiled dig to Pakistan, Modi said that SAARC nations couldn't ink a deal on connectivity in Nepal. But emphasized that India, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal would strive to improve connectivity with each other so that trade can flourish.
The PM wrapped his speech by addressing the audience in Bengali and promised to come back.
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