I myself am from the Northeast of India, a region that shares a very special bond with Bangladesh. The memories of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, the oppressed people who took refuge in our villages and towns, and our shared history of struggle against tyranny, are vivid in minds of our people. There are Muktijoddhas in our villages who continue to act as a living bridge between the two countries. Dr. R. K Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education echoed these sentiments while speaking as the Chief Guest at the valedictory session of the Silchar-Sylhet Festival on Saturday at Silchar.

The two day festival was organised by the Ministry of Culture, the Government of India, the Government of Bangladesh, and the India Foundation. The Union Minister welcomed the Bangladeshi delegates in Sylheti dialect, Bangladesh Thaki Apnara Jara Aishun hokolke bohut bohut shwagotom!

While narrating his recent visit to Bangladesh for a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, Singh said that ‘I came to know about the deep connection that he and his family share with Assam. He further said ‘this is an extraordinary moment for me to be present here at this event which celebrates this close bond. Through this event, we have received an opportunity to reflect upon how kinship between our people translates into action in the context of India-Bangladesh ties today.

It is also of deep significance that we are gathered here for this exchange of ideas when India is celebrating Amrit Mahotsav, its 75th anniversary of independence, and Bangladesh has just celebrated fifty years of its liberation. Convergence of our thoughts and actions will bring the progress and prosperity that the people of both countries aspire for, the Indian Minister stated.

Mentioning the various diplomatic exchanges taking place between the two countries Dr. Singh informed that during the recent visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, we achieved many milestones. Among these is the signing of a historic agreement on utilization of water from the common river Kushiyara by both India and Bangladesh. This will be of benefit to the people of Assam and Sylhet.

He further highlighted that burgeoning bilateral trade is a testimony of our increasing economic interdependence. Bangladesh is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia and India is Bangladesh’s topmost export destination in Asia. Addressing trade barriers such as lifting port restrictions across land ports will immensely benefit the people of both countries. This would be particularly significant for our Northeast, added Dr. Singh.

We are working continuously to facilitate the seamless movement of people and goods, both in bilateral and sub-regional contexts. We are working together to revive rail, road, and waterways that traditionally linked the people and economies on both sides and also establish new ones

Connectivity has been a priority area of bilateral cooperation. We are working continuously to facilitate the seamless movement of people and goods, both in bilateral and sub-regional contexts. We are working together to revive rail, road, and waterways that traditionally linked the people and economies on both sides and also establishing new ones. Our collaboration to further integrate the railway network through cross border links, and strengthen Bangladesh’s hard and soft infrastructure assumes great significance.

While operationalisation of the Chilahati-Haldibari link has helped the Northeast, the early revival of the pre-1965 rail link between Assam and Bangladesh, and the completion of the Akhaura-Agartala link connecting Tripura with Bangladesh will unlock new opportunities for the people in the region, Indian Minister stressed upon.

The operationalisation of Maitri Setu over the river Feni in Tripura at an early date will further boost the strong ties that Tripura shares with Bangladesh. Implementation of the Agreement to use Chattogram and Mongla Port will give Northeastern States access to the sea while also benefiting the businesses in Bangladesh, Dr. Singh states.

Dr. R.K. Ranjan wished that future edition of this Festival are held here as well as in Sylhet. This platform holds great promise in bringing together the voices of our people, freely exchanging views, and celebrating our shared culture, and love for music and arts. Above all, it will help bring the Governments of both countries away from the capitals and nearer to the communities that are at the heart of the relationship between our two countries.

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