Ties with China not at expense of India
Says Gen Mubeen
Visiting Bangladesh Army chief General Mohammad Abdul Mubeen yesterday said his country's relations with China were not at the expense of India.
He said China is helping Bangladesh in infrastructure development and China-Bangladesh relations are not strategic and do not affect India-Bangladesh ties.
Gen Mubeen was talking to the media after having the distinction of being only the third foreign army chief to review the passing out parade at the Indian National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla in western Indian state of Maharashtra.
Mubeen took salute at the parade of cadets of the 121st NDA course.
As many as 302 cadets, including 16 from Bhutan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and the Maldives, who commenced their training June 30, 2008, graduated from the portals of this academy.
Mubeen expressed the hope that his visit would foster closer relations between Bangladesh and India and act as a catalytic tool for mutual benefit of both the countries.
Answering a question on the prospects of Bangladeshi cadets joining NDA, Gen Mubeen said the training and education structure of both the countries are different.
He, however, added there are a number of avenues in which opportunities exist for bilateral cooperation.
To a query, the Bangladeshi Army chief said terrorism is a matter of concern and Bangladesh is aware of the problem and is taking necessary action. He said Bangladesh does not allow terrorist hide-outs or camps on its territory.
India said the current visit of Gen Mubeen to the country has a “major significance in the burgeoning defence cooperation between the two countries.”
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