Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is hopeful that all the unresolved issues of Bangladesh with India will be resolved in a friendly environment. He said that several problems have already been solved. The rest will be done.
The Head of Government of Bangladesh said this at the opening ceremony of Bangladesh Bhavan at Visva Bharati University in Santiniketan, West Bengal on Friday. Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated the building. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also present on the occasion. Along with the top officials of the two countries, Sheikh Hasina's younger sister Sheikh Rehana was also present.
In 2010, discussions were held with India regarding the construction of this building. And the building was built with the land of Visva Bharati University and funding from Bangladesh.
Mamata said that she hopes that this building will become a place of pilgrimage for the two Bengals in the future.
The Prime Minister also said, 'Not only Bangladesh, but our language and literature will be practiced in this building. It will be a symbol that here the people of two Bengals can unite and practice culture, art and religion. I will be able to research, I will know the history.'
In the opening ceremony, he also highlighted Bangladesh's liberation war, India's cooperation in the war, the journey of the two countries together on the path of development and his aspirations.
In the nine years of the current government, the maritime boundary with India has been determined by the judgment of the International Court of Justice. The Mujib-Indira land border agreement was implemented, enclaves were exchanged, in which Bangladesh got 10 thousand acres of land.
Cross-border killings, which have been a thorn in the side of the two countries, have also been reduced by mutual talks and initiatives on both sides. However, there is disappointment in Bangladesh due to the lack of Teesta water distribution agreement.
The Prime Minister said, 'There can be problems if there are neighboring countries. But we solved the problems one by one. Maybe something left, I don't want to spoil this wonderful show by saying that. But I hope we can resolve any issues in a friendly environment.'
'We want this region to be a peaceful country.… Let's all make this region beautiful in a harmonious environment, that's what we want.'
Sheikh Hasina also wants to advance the relationship between the two countries. He said, 'We want the relationship between our two Bengals to be more beautiful.'
According to Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh and India have only one enemy and that is poverty. And he also thinks that mutual cooperation is important in the fight against this enemy.
The Prime Minister said, 'Whether it is Bangladesh, India or any country, we want to make this region completely free from poverty, we want to make it free from hunger.'
We are working with that goal. India is giving enough support to our development there.'
'We want to improve our country, free from hunger and poverty. That's why I think it's always important to have a good relationship with the neighbors.
The Prime Minister thanked India for its cooperation in the liberation war, the implementation of the Mujib Indira Accord and the exchange of enclaves in a peaceful manner.
"We have set a precedent, in many countries of the world you will see a war on the exchange of enclaves. But we, India and Bangladesh, exchanged enclaves in a friendly atmosphere with a sense of brotherhood in a joyful atmosphere.'
'This seems to be the paradigm in the world, two neighboring countries can enclave in a joyful and festive atmosphere.'
After 11 am on the first day of the two-day visit, the Prime Minister went to attend the convocation of Visva Bharati University. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Vice Chancellor of Visva Bharati Sabujkali Sen are there.
Modi said there that this program was completed in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
After this ceremony, the two leaders went together to Ekator, Bangladesh time, to inaugurate the Bangladesh Building.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, 'I am very happy to have the opportunity to inaugurate this building.'
Sheikh Hasina became more enthusiastic about this building in Santiniketan, the memorial of poet Rabindranath Tagore. Said, 'Santiniketan is not only of India, ...most of his poems were written sitting on the soil of Bangladesh. I think we have a little more right.'
In the war of liberation of contribution for thank you
Sheikh Hasina also thanked them for India's contribution in the liberation war. Said, 'They have sheltered one crore of our refugees. Our freedom fighters have been trained, armed, helped and the people of Bangladesh have joined India as one to achieve independence.'
'I remember them all the time. respect.'
'We want those who helped us in the great liberation war, stood by, shared food, to be well-being of all.'
The prime minister also highlighted the fact that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman took refuge in India for six years after his family was killed in 1975.
'We two sisters were in Germany then. At that time Mrs. Gandhi took our news, sent her ambassador to our ambassador. He gave us the opportunity to come to India, gave us shelter.'
'He stood by us in times of trouble. If I didn't get the shadow of such love then, I don't know where our life would have turned.'
'father's unfinished work the end to do my work'
Sheikh Hasina also mentioned her return to Bangladesh in 1981. Said, 'I have tried to bring democracy back to Bangladesh and improve the economy.'
'Today I have reduced the poverty rate in Bangladesh. I brought it down to 22 parts, I hope I could go further.'
'Bangladesh was a less developed country. We are now recognized as a developing country.'
'I have nothing to ask for in my life. I think my only responsibility is to finish what my father started. In other words, to present Bangladesh as a prestigious country to the world.
'And my father has struggled all his life for the poor, hungry, exploited and deprived people of Bangladesh. I hope to be able to fulfill his desire.'
Sheikh Hasina said, 'I think it is my responsibility not only as the prime minister, but also as the daughter of the father of the nation, to do the overall welfare of the people of the country.'
