Connectivity important to boost regional ties: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Sunday connectivity is very much important to establish regional communication and boost cooperation among the neighbouring countries, reports UNB.

She said this when newly appointed Ambassador of Nepal Prof Dr Chop Lal Bhusal met her at her office.

PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

He said the Prime Minister has offered that Syedpur Airport in Bangladesh could be used by Nepal and Bhutan.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh and India are resuming their railroads which were snapped after the Indo-Pak war in 1965. "These railroads can be used for connectivity of the region," she was quoted as saying.

The Prime Minister invited the Nepalese Prime Minister to visit Bangladesh.

She also recalled the support of Nepalese people and its government during the country's Liberation War in 1971.

Nepalese Ambassador Prof Dr Bhusal conveyed the greetings of the Nepalese Prime Minister to Sheikh Hasina.

He said the relations between Bangladesh and Nepal are very good and cordial.

Mentioning that Nepal went through a very bad time in recent years, he said the country now has got a Federal Constitution which is inclusive. "The present government is strong and stable," Bhusal added.

He highly appreciated Bangladesh's all-out support to Nepal during the devastating earthquake in 2015.

The ambassador said Nepal has the potential to produce 50,000 megawatt (MW) power. Bangladesh and Nepal are in talks for cooperation in this sector, he added.

Talking about women's participation in Nepalese politics, Bhusal said 34 per cent women are currently in their Parliament while 40 per cent women have participated in local government elections.

He also mentioned that now 3000 Nepalese students are studying in various institutions of Bangladesh.

PM's Principal Secretary M Nojiibur Rahman was present at the meeting.