AGARTALA, Jan 29 (TIWN): With the aim to strengthen the bonding between India and Bangladesh, and promoting peace among both the countries Bangladesh High Commissioner in Delhi Syed Muazzem Ali on Friday visited the Akahura border Check post and exchanged greeting with Jawans of BGB and BSF as well. Visiting the Akahura border Check post on Friday he also monitored the functioning of the Jawans deployed at the border. Talking to media, Bangladesh High Commissioner in Delhi Syed Muazzem Ali said that Tripura and Bangladesh are not merely neighbours, but two different nations with which both the countries share history, culture, civilization, and enduring links between people. The ideals of democracy, secularism, pluralism and rule of law also serve as a link between India and Bangladesh.He further added that improved border management, increased trade with Bangladesh, Line of Credit, increased energy transfers; bilateral cooperation in Railways and Maitree Express vitalizes the fact that India-Bangladesh relationship is a two-way street. He also said that Bangladesh Prime Minister is trying to curb the issue insurgency and best efforts are being given to control insurgency.

With development in trade, market access, power, border management, development cooperation, infrastructure, man to man direct communication has given boost to the friendship of the Indo-Bangla relationship.

 Bangladesh has been extending full cooperation to India through pro-active action against Indian insurgent groups based in that country that resulted in uprooting of several top militant leaders, said Ali.

Focusing on the issue of building new infrastructure at Aukhaura for Wagah border like beating retreat ceremony, Bangladesh High Commissioner in Delhi Syed Muazzem Ali also took a note of the work progress. Recently, the central has sanctioned a huge amount to modify the infrastructure at Akhaura check post.

However taking a note of the situation, Bangladesh High Commissioner in Delhi Syed Muazzem Ali expressed satisfaction and said that the work will be completed as early as possible.  The BSF and the BGB regularly perform a beating retreat in Agartala-Akhaura border and it could be a more exciting and splendid show with the building of proper infrastructure, said Ali.

The Centre has sanctioned funds to create infrastructure for ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony here at Agartala-Akhaura border with Bangladesh, similar to that at Wagah in Punjab.

Of the Rs. 99 crore sanctioned by the Centre to develop tourist spots in Tripura, Rs. 18 crore has been earmarked to create infrastructure at the Agartala-Akhaura border for Wagah-like Beating Retreat ceremony.

It is time that India and Bangladesh built not only strong economic links, but also greater cultural and educational ties. Apart from more border haats, something Border States have already called for, the two sides should explore the possibility of sister city arrangements to promote more people-to-people interactions.​