Dhaka, March 27: Bangladesh's envoy to India Tariq A. Karim said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's January visit to India would bolster the partnership between the two countries and chart a new success story in South Asia's politics.
Karim described Hasina's four- day visit ( January 10 to 13) to India as the most fruitful since 1974.
' The exhaustive joint communique following bilateral talks between the two sides touches every aspect of the bilateral ties. It is the most forward looking document to emanate from the heads of government since 1974. This document is not just a statement of wishes. It is a work order for both governments that needs to be implemented for a better future. It is a vision document for strengthening bilateral ties,' Karim said on the eve of Bangladesh’s national day on Friday.
Hasina, also chief of the ruling Awami League, is often described as India’s best friend in Bangladesh, which has seen governments in the past harbouring anti- India elements.
But Hasina’s victory in the country’s December 2008 elections heralded a new chapter in the bilateral ties.
During Hasina’s visit, five accords were signed, including three counter- terror treaties and a MoU on power sector cooperation.
India also announced a huge Line of Credit worth $ 1 billion for a range of projects.
Karim said Hasina had a vision to create a new and modern Bangladesh.
“ Her speech ahead of the general elections, which reflected this vision, contributed to her electoral success. The government is working towards translating this vision into reality.
At this juncture India’s support is imperative to boost Bangladesh’s economy that has been growing at a steady rate of six per cent over the last few years,' the envoy said.
However, alluding to the Bangladesh Rifles mutiny of February 2009, Karim cautioned that certain forces had been trying to derail the Awami League government.
'By masterminding the mutiny last year, they had wanted to destabilise the government.
That would have created a political void enabling backdoor entry of such forces into power,' claimed Karim.
-----Agencies
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