‘Resolve pending issues to yield mutual benefits’:Daily Sun

 Speakers at a discussion on Saturday called on governments and civil-society patrons of Bangladesh and India to work together in order to forge friendship in a meaningful way through resolving long-lasting issues for mutual benefits. They said both economies are doing well and can do better by mutual cooperation in the fields of trade, commerce, human rights and national security. “Bangladesh and
India will have to work together. One [country] should come forward to benefit the other,” said state minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam at the event styled ‘Bangladesh-India Friendship’ at Jatiya Press Club. He stressed mutual partnership to fight poverty and expedite economic growth. “People-to-people contact will help remove misunderstanding between the two sides. Trust and confidence between them have been restored as appeared in recent statements given by the heads of government.” Bangladesh-India Citizens Society organised the discussion with its executive president Jafar Iqbal Siddiqui in the chair. Speaking at the event, National Human Rights Commission Chairman Dr Mizanur Rahman said India must stop killing Bangladeshis along borders to keep the friendship unhurt. “If you’re our friend, please stop cross-border killings,” he said, adding: “No such incident should take place between the two nations that might create cracks in friendship.” Sujit Ghosh, counsellor (political and information) of Indian High Commission in Dhaka, said his government is fully committed to taking forward the friendly relations between the two neighbours. “India has been beside Bangladesh, India is there for Bangladesh and it’ll be there for Bangladesh in the coming days. There’s no doubt about that.” The discussants urged the authorities concerned to take necessary steps to resolve pending issues like ratification of Land Boundary Agreement and signing of Teesta water-sharing deal between them. They sought simplification of visa process by India and make it hassle-free. The speakers also laid emphasis on boosting commercial ties, energy cooperation and wider connectivity. Lawmaker Nazmul Haque Prodhan, cultural personality Dr Enamul Haque and BICS Secretary General Monoranjan Ghosal, among others, spoke at the event.