Hasina, Sonia for regional move to root out militancy, terrorism
Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi calls on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of a conference on autism at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel and President Zillur Rahman at Bangabhaban in the city yesterday. Photo: PMO, PID
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi yesterday expressed unanimous opinion about concerted efforts among the South Asian nations to root out militancy and terrorism from the region. The two South Asian leaders came up with the identical views when they had a meeting at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in the afternoon on the sidelines of the two-day regional conference on autism. Briefing newsmen after the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad said Hasina and Sonia discussed wide range of bilateral issues of development including poverty alleviation from the region. On counter terrorism, the two leaders said militancy and terrorism is such a problem that can not be eradicated by a single country or a nation. They emphasised that combined efforts are needed to root out the problem. They described the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and India as “very excellent” and hoped that the bilateral relations will be further strengthened in the future. Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin, Principal Secretary to the PM MA Karim, PM's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Rajeet Mitter were present at the meeting. SONIA MEETS ZILLURMeanwhile, Sonia paid a courtesy call on President Zillur Rahman at Bangabhaban in the afternoon. She told the president that she was deeply grateful at the way people of Bangladesh have honoured posthumously her mother-in-law. She hoped that the existing excellent relations between Bangladesh and India would be deeper in the days to come. Echoing her sentiment, Zillur said the relations between the two countries would be further improved by her visit. He recalled the turbulent days of Bangladesh's War of Liberation of 1971 when Indira extended her cooperation by providing shelter to Bangalee refugees. “We're very pleased to confer the 'Bangladesh Freedom Honour' upon Indira Gandhi,” he added. BEACON OF HOPE
Earlier, Zillur said Indira remains as a beacon of hope and strength to Bangladesh to build the country as a true Sonar Bangla. He said she had inspired millions of Bangladeshis and Indians to fight against all oppression and injustices. "Even after 40 years, she remains as a beacon of hope and strength to all of us who aspire to make Bangladesh a true Sonar Bangla," the president said as he conferred posthumous Bangladesh Swadhinatha Sammanona (freedom honour) on the slain Indian prime minister at an impressive event at Bangabhaban. He handed over the award to Sonia, daughter-in-law of late Indira Gandhi. Zillur deeply appreciated Sonia for her gracious gesture in accepting the "Bangladesh Swadhinata Sammanona" on Indira Gandhi's behalf. SHEIKH HASINA
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday described Indira as a true and great friend of Bangladesh, its people and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “At the call of Bangabandhu, she withdrew Indian soldiers within three months of the independence of Bangladesh. “That was a unique and rare gesture of Mrs Indira Gandhi,” said Hasina at a special ceremony at Bangabhaban. Recalling the eventful days of Bangladesh's War of Liberation in 1971, she said Indira Gandhi travelled the world seeking support for the independence of Bangladesh. She also sought support to save the life of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was facing capital punishment in a Pakistani jail at that time, she said. She paid deep homage to Indian soldiers of Bangladesh-India Friendship Forces who were martyred in the War of Liberation. The premier expressed her personal gratitude to the Indian government and Indira Gandhi for providing shelter to her younger sister Sheikh Rehana and her family after Bangabandhu was assassinated in 1975 along with most of his family. “That was really an invaluable support of Mrs Gandhi like a guardian that was extended to us during our time of distress. We are delighted to honour her (Indira Gandhi) with our highest award,” she said.
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