B'desh FM praises Modi's fight against Covid

Bangladesh Foreign Minister, AK Abdul Momen said Prime Minister Narendra Modi took leadership for fighting COVID-19 and the other countries joined in the program. He also said that India’s eastern border was secured because of the country’s strong relationship with Bangladesh.

Dhaka (Bangladesh): Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday received her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and rolled out the red carpet to welcome him on his two-day official visit.

Prime Minister Modi was accorded a guard of honour by a contingent comprising personnel from the Bangladesh army, navy and air force at the airport.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister, AK Abdul Momen said Prime Minister Modi led the fight against COVID-19 and other countries joined in the program.

He said, “I think India did a great job ... As early as 15th March 2020, Indian PM called all SAARC leaders and came forward to help, to work together. Since COVID is a global issue we have to work together in collaboration. Indian PM took leadership, we joined in. PM Modi assured our PM that if India develops a vaccine, Bangladesh will get it at the same time. He kept his word and with this, he has won the hearts and minds of people. We paid for it in advance.”

He further said, “India provided 2 million vaccines as a gift and PM Modi, on the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh and 100th anniversary of the father of our nation, is giving another 1.2 million vaccines as a gift. They assured that the contract will be met on time, we would like to buy more.”

India’s eastern border secured because of strong Indo-Bangladesh relations

Momen also said that India’s eastern border is secured because of the country’s strong relationship with Bangladesh.

“The focus of the visit is a celebration. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and PM Narendra Modi have reached such height of diplomatic maturity that we have been resolving all our critical issues through dialogue and discussion, ” he said.

He further said, “Without a single bullet, we're achieving our goals. For India, their eastern border is secured because of a strong relationship with Bangladesh. For us, land boundary finalised, the maritime boundary with India finalised, water sharing of Ganga finalised.”

(With inputs from agencies)