Diplomatic Correspondent

India's former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has highlighted the important aspects of Bangladesh-India bilateral relations in the context of the continued progress of Bangladesh’s growth and development.

“Bangladesh's development is India's development, Bangladesh's growth is India's growth and vice versa,” he said while taking part in a discussion as a panelist at a book launching event organised by the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Thursday.

Shringla further added that India always stands by a strong, stable, peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh.

He expressed hope that the two countries will continue the unique partnership to reap the benefits mutually as this should not be a one-way traffic.

The book titled ‘Bangladesh: From Basket Case to Asian Tiger’ by Samuel Richard, highlights the remarkable success and development progress of Bangladesh achieved in various sectors during the Awami League government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

A special panel discussion on the book was also organised as part of the event, said a press release of the Bangladesh High Commission on Friday.

Joining the discussion, Professor of Research and Information Systems for Developing Countries (RIS) Prabir De termed connectivity as one of the key components of strong Bangladesh-India ties.

Another panelist, Prof Dheeraj Sharma, Director of Indian Institute of Management Rohtak mentioned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s bold leadership as the main catalyst behind Bangladesh’s recent development success.

In his closing remarks, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India Md. Mustafizur Rahman shed light on various pathbreaking achievements of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, including Bangladesh’s progressive economy, education, information technology, health, women’s empowerment and infrastructural development.

He also expressed gratitude to the Government and people of India for being a contributing partner in the ongoing development of Bangladesh.

Selim Md. Jahangir, Minister (Consular) of the High Commission moderated the programme and shared his thoughts and reflections on the book briefly. Ambassadors and diplomats of various countries, dignitaries of the host country, journalists, Mission officers and employees and expatriate Bangladeshis attended the event.