PM for removing trade barriers through Dhaka-Delhi dialogue

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday called for holding dialogues to remove the challenges which both Bangladesh and India are witnessing in their journey towards economical development activities.

"We could exchange our experiences and the challenges we are experiencing for our economic development. And we could resolve those through dialogues," she said as Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar called on her at her place of residence here.

The Prime Minister arrived here today on a tow-day state visit.

Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah briefed the reporters after the call on.

He said that they had discussed to advance the partnership between the two neighbouring countries after forming new governments in the two countries.

"The two new governments -- in India and Bangladesh -- have come to the power through mandates (of people). So, there will be new visions in the two countries," he said.

Dr Jaishankar told that in the last ten years Bangladesh-India relations have stepped in such a height where it could be taken to a new chapter. "And that would be in done in the areas of trade," Tofazzel quoted the Indian Foreign Minister as he saying.

He mentioned that India wants to work with Bangladesh in deeper way in the sectors of Logistics, energy and connectivity.

The Indian external affairs minister congratulated Awami League and its president Sheikh Hasina marking the Diamond Jubilee of Awami League which will be celebrated on June 23.

Dr Jaishankar urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take a new role for BIMSTEC, and he hoped that she will be present in the next meeting of BIMSTEC in September in Thailand.

They agreed that strengthening of BIMSTEC would be beneficial for Bangladesh economically, trade, connectivity and digitalisation.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wanted to go beyond South Asia. That means we have to simultaneously look for South East Asia also to work with," said the Principal Secretary.

The Prime Minister also wants to work closely for improvements of digital programmes like tax collection and revenue collection through digital system and improvement of public delivery system.

"She also put emphasis on faster and smooth completion of the projects of the two neighbouring countries. Both agreed on this issue," Tofazzel said.

On Rohingya issue, the Principal secretary said that boarder areas of Bangladesh and India are affecting due to the ongoing infighting between Myanmar government and various groups.

PM's Press Secretary Md Nayeemul Islam Khan said, "Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said if necessary we will avoid Myanmar in BIMSTEC and other member countries could cooperate each other and advance the cooperation. India is also affected because of Myanmar".

Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu and Senior Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, among others, were present in the briefing.