Illegal movement of Rohingyas threat for region: Bangladesh’s minister of state for foreign affairs

SHIMLA: Mohammad Shahriar Alam, minister of state for foreign affairs, People's Republic of Bangladesh, on Saturday said that

illegal movement of Rohingyas

will impact the region. He said that illegal movement of Rohingyas is a regional security threat and it is very important that India sides with Bangladesh on this issue. "Unless, Rohingyas are not repatriated, the problem will not be resolved," he said.

Mohammad Shahriar Alam, along with other members of a delegation from Bangladesh, was in Shimla to attend 10th Friendship Dialogue, to mark the 50th anniversary of

Bangladesh-India relations

, jointly organised by India and Bangladesh Foundations.

While interacting with media persons, he said that the friendship between India and Bangladesh is very important and that understanding between the governments to overcome the issues which are yet to be delivered is essential.

According to Alam, bettering the facilities on the border to further boost trade was discussed. He said that the objective is to take connectivity to pre-1965 days. "Assam and Meghalya are the only rail routes left to be inaugurated between India and Bangladesh," added Alam.

He said that tackling violent extremism in Bangladesh is the biggest achievement of the Sheikh Hasina government. "Great support was received from India during the first term of Sheikh Hasina as PM when peace accord was signed between the two countries," the minister said.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar had hosted a dinner in honour of the members of the Foundation of India and Bangladesh at Raj Bhavan late on Friday evening.

While welcoming the guests, the gvernor said that it was the ‘golden phase’ of the cordial

India-Bangladesh relations

. This close bond of 50 years helped in bringing us more closer through such activities.

He said that apart from being bound by a common civilization heritage, the two countries share common values of democracy that are desired for peace, stability and prosperity.

“India is a peace loving nation. After the liberation of Bangladesh, we showed humanity by respectfully releasing the war prisoners of Pakistan."

While referring to Rajbhavan, Shimla, the governor said that the building in itself embodies the glorious history, which is also associated with the People's war of Bangladesh and added that it was in Rajbhavan in 1972 that the historic '

Shimla Agreement

' was signed between the then PM Indira Gandhi and Pakistan President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.