Shimla dialogue: Dhaka reiterates firm commitment to ensuring regional peace

Diplomatic Correspondent: Highlighting growing friendship between Bangladesh and India, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam yesterday reiterated the unwavering commitment of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government to ensurimg peace and stability in the region and beyond.
“Guided by the principles of Bangabandhu, Bangladesh believes in peace and stability, so that every country may devote its resources and energies to the pressing task of advancing the welfare of its own people,” he said.
The State Minister said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman laid a strong foundation of Bangladesh-India relationship based on respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and democratic norms and values.
He made the remarks while speaking at the inaugural session of tenth round of the Bangladesh-India Friendship Dialogue, titled “Reliving Bangabandhu’s Vision for India” organized by the India Foundation and the Bangladesh Foundation for Regional Studies in Shimla, India. The dialogue will conclude today.

Reflecting on Bangladesh’s impressive economic growth, the state minister said it creates newer opportunities for the partners of Bangladesh.

With regard to people-to-people contact, he highlighted the role of policymakers, media and civil society to create positive narratives.

The Bangladesh-India Friendship Dialogue is a forum to bring together key stakeholders including think tanks and civil society from both the countries to discuss issues of relevance.

The ninth round of the dialogue was organized in Cox’s Bazar in 2019.

The inaugural session was also attended by Jai Ram Thakur, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Ram Madhav, Member, Governing Council of India Foundation.

Presidium Member of Awami League Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Deputy Minister for Education Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, MP, Mirza Azam MP, Ashim Kumar Ukil MP, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran are also attending the dialogue, among others.