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President Mohammed Shahabuddin called upon India to take "more effective" steps to ensure a safe and dignified repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.
He came up with the call as Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Kumar Verma paid a courtesy call on him at the Bangabhaban in the capital on Tuesday noon.
Considering the humanitarian ground, the President said, Bangladesh has given shelter to the Myanmar citizens but they are not only creating problems in Bangladesh but also in the entire region.
President's press secretary Md Joynal Abedin quoted the President, reports BSS.
Mohammed Shahabuddin said Bangladesh considers India as the closest and the most important neighbour and termed the existing bilateral ties as "strong and unique".
He gratefully recalled the important role played by the people and government of India in the Great Liberation War of Bangladesh under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
During the meeting, Valiant Freedom Fighter Shahabuddin also highlighted his training during his stay in India in 1971 and participation in the Liberation War.
Referring to the visit of the President and Prime Minister of India to Bangladesh and the visit of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India, the President said, "The visits have opened a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries."
President Shahabuddin said Bangladesh has given India access to Chattogram and Mongla ports for transit and trans-shipment of cargo vessels. And the move will significantly cut time and cost needed to transport goods to India's northeastern states and West Bengal.
He hoped that unresolved issues between the two countries, including the water sharing agreement, would be resolved soon through mutual cooperation and discussion.
The high commissioner said India attaches special importance to the development of relations with Bangladesh.
"Connectivity between the two countries has grown tremendously in the last one and a half decades. As a result, the people of both countries are enjoying its benefits," he added.
Appreciating Bangladesh government's "Zero Tolerance Policy" against terrorism and militancy, Pranay Kumar Verma said it has resulted in stability in the region which is contributing positively to the economic development of both countries.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
