Modi lauds Hasina's 'bold, courageous leadership'

FE Team | Published: April 23, 2018 23:58:21

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the "bold and courageous" leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for Bangladesh's remarkable success in socio-economic development, reports UNB.
His appreciation came during a 30-minute meeting with visiting Road Transport and Bridges Minister of Bangladesh Obaidul Quader at his official residence in New Delhi on Monday.
Referring to Bangladesh's role in providing shelter to the forcibly displaced people from Myanmar, the Indian PM said his country wants an early resolution to the problem.
He also supported Bangladesh's position on the issue.
Modi was accompanied by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vajay K Gokhale and Joint Secretary (Bangladesh, Myanmar) Sripriya Ranganathan.
Obaidul Quader, who is also General Secretary of Awami League, was accompanied by Awami League Presidium Member Piyush Kanti Bhattacharya, Joint General Secretaries Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali was present at the meeting, said the High Commission.
The Indian Prime Minister paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman under whose leadership Bangladesh fought and gained independence from Pakistan in 1971.
"In terms of socio-economic development Bangladesh has advanced much ahead of Pakistan," Modi told the Bangladesh delegation in praising Bangabandhu and his daughter Sheikh Hasina. "Look at your country. You're much ahead of Pakistan in socio-economic indicators," he said.
On the question of sharing Teesta River water between India and Bangladesh, Modi assured that he is trying to resolve the issue.
During the meeting held in a cordial atmosphere, Obaidul Quader conveyed to Modi best wishes from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh.
He reached New Delhi on Sunday leading a 20-member high-powered Awami League delegation on a three-day visit to India at the invitation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).