Bangladesh government has invited chief ministers of northeast states in a bid to further improve connectivity and trade with the region.
“We requested the Indian Minister of Development of North Eastern Region G Kishan Reddy to visit Bangladesh along with all the chief ministers of the northeast at least for three days. They can also be accompanied by high profile officials and business representatives,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, MP, was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.
He made the comments during a roundtable organised by the Editors Guild of Bangladesh on the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India at a city hotel on Saturday.
Taking part in the discussion, Shahriar Alam said the invitation to the seven chief ministers of India’s Northeast was agreed upon and now it will have to be formally extended through the India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
“Our PM said we are waiting for the visit,” he said.
PM Sheikh Hasina last week visited India and met several key leaders including PM Narendra Modi.
Our Correspondent Adds : The invitation came within days of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s four day India visit when seven MoUs were signed between the two countries. Both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Shekh Hasina also dwelt extensively on several issues that relate to development of both the neighbours in a concerted manner. North East region , especially Tripura, which is close to Bangladesh is expected to play a great role in this regard.
Bangladesh has also reason to be considerate to the North East region as she wants a corridor to Nepal and Bhutan for direct trades and other matters. The proposed corridor will have to pass through the region only.