Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent visit to India was highly effective.
In a written statement issued by Awami League Office Secretary Biplab Barua on Monday, Quader said, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent India visit was no exception to her priority on the security and interest of the country and its people. The visit was wonderful, effective, and cordial. The progress in the relationship between the two countries and the achievements were highlighted during the visit, which saw the signing of 10 MoUs and 13 specific announcements.”
Quader, who also serves as the Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, refuted BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul's comments about the prime minister’s visit as “propaganda and falsehood.”
He said, “The BNP and Mirza Fakhrul never acknowledge any successes of the current government. India is Bangladesh’s largest neighboring country, and it is crucial to strengthen strategic relations with India in the interest of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reflected this during her visit.
"During the BNP's rule, a sense of mistrust and disbelief had developed between India and Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina has been able to restore this trust, resulting in an agreement to introduce e-medical visas for Bangladeshi patients, which will alleviate their suffering.”
Quader said the announcement of new bus and train routes and the opening of a new sub-high commission will further strengthen the relationship between the people of the two countries.
"The issue of Teesta water sharing was a key topic during this visit. Despite differences between the central and state governments of India on this matter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly announced sending a technical assistance team for the Teesta water conservation project,” said Quader.
He also remarked, “It is quite ironic for BNP leaders to speak about national interests. When their leader Khaleda Zia visited India as Prime Minister, she forgot to discuss the Ganges water treaty. In contrast, Sheikh Hasina, upon assuming office, finalized the 30-year Ganges water sharing treaty. The renewal of this treaty was also discussed during this visit. During the regime of BNP’s founder, military dictator Ziaur Rahman, India occupied South Talpatti Island. However, under Sheikh Hasina’s competent leadership, the border and enclave exchange agreement was concluded, resolving territorial disputes.”
He continued, “Additionally, Bangladesh secured its maritime boundaries with India and Myanmar through international legal battles. Conversely, during BNP’s tenure, there was an incident involving the smuggling of ten truckloads of arms to support Indian separatists, leading to mistrust between the two countries. There were also incidents of pushback from India into Bangladesh during BNP's rule. The BNP, who were quick to congratulate BJP’s victory in the Indian elections with sweets and flowers even before the Indian embassy opened its doors, are now engaging in anti-India activities in Bangladesh. This is nothing but their habitual hypocrisy.”
The Awami League General Secretary said after the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his daughter Sheikh Hasina is the only head of government who has protected the interests of the people of Bangladesh through diplomatic negotiations with any country.
In his statement, Obaidul Quader expressed hope that unresolved bilateral issues with India and other countries would be peacefully resolved.
