3 Indian-assisted projects to ensure prosperity of both peoples: PM Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the newly opened three Indian-assisted development projects will ensure prosperity of the peoples of both Bangladesh and India.

“I think the three projects we opened today will ensure prosperity for the peoples of both countries. I believe these projects will play a significant role in strengthening regional connectivity,” she said.

The premier made the remarks after she and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi jointly opened three Indian-aided schemes, joining an event from Ganabhaban here in Dhaka and New Delhi through a virtual platform.

The projects are Akhaura (Bangladesh)-Agartala (India) Dual Gauge Railway Link, Khulna-Mongla Port Railway Construction Project and Unit-2 of Rampal Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant in Bagerhat.

The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant-2 and the 65-kilometre Khulna-Mongla Port Railway Link have been implemented under the Indian LoC (Line of Credit) while the Akhaura- Agartala (India) Railway Link with Indian grants.

Addressing the function, Hasina said the joint inauguration of these important projects is the reflection of outstanding friendship and mutual cooperation of the two countries.

“We’ve proved that the friendly relation with the neighbours invites the development of the countries. I think it is an example for the world,” she said.

She said both the countries have witnessed a lot of successes from joint endeavors in recent days. The successes include ensuring peace and stability in the Northeastern region of India and easing connectivity between the Northeastern region of India with other states of India through Chattogram Port and Mongla Port.

The premier said Bangladesh and India share the same values over secularism, democracy and other countless issues.

“Bangladesh attaches the highest importance in boosting the relations with India. We’ve achieved success in bilateral cooperation in various areas in recent years,” she added.

The successes include strengthening connectivity and cultural bond, enhancement of trade and business and development assistance, and easing the people-to-people contact, she noted.

“The cooperation in power generation and connectivity has become a bright example for bilateral cooperation,” she said.

The Bangladesh PM expressed her optimism that many more success stories of this bilateral cooperation will be seen in the coming days.

“I am optimistic that many more such examples of success will be set as the reflection of our bilateral cooperation in the coming days, which would strengthen the relations between the two countries further,” she said.

Talking about the newly opened schemes, Sheikh Hasina said the Akhaura-Agartala Railway Link will strengthen the connectivity and trade between the peoples of two countries specially the Northeastern region of India and Bangladesh and ensure economic growth.

She said the Khulna-Mongla Port Railway Link Project has connected the Mongla port with the railway network, which would help transport Mongla port goods affordably within the country.

The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant will have a special contribution to ensuring the energy security of Bangladesh through reliable and uninterrupted power generation at more affordable cost by reducing our dependency on expensive power generation sources, she cited.

The PM said Chattogram and Mongla ports and Chattogram airport were opened for Indians so that they can use the ports. “We’ve opened up the areas of regional cooperation in Chattogram and Mongla ports,” she said.

Focusing on her government’s vision and success, Hasina said the government wants to establish Bangladesh as a developed, prosperous and smart country by 2041.

“Our government has put the highest emphasis on infrastructural development,” she said.

The premier said Bangladesh opened the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, which was constructed with own finance, last year and commissioned the first-ever metro-rail service here in Dhaka.

“The Padma Multipurpose Bridge will keep a special contribution to the connectivity of both countries and also the regional connectivity,” she said.

Besides, Bangladesh opened the first-ever elevated expressway in Dhaka in September last and the rail service through the Padma Bridge in October last, she mentioned.

Bangladesh, as the first country in South Asia, also opened Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel constructed under Karnaphuli River in Chattogram few days ago, she cited.

PM Hasina extended her sincere thanks to the Indian government particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India-Bangladesh co-produced biographical film ‘Mujib: The Making of a Nation.’