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PM Modi sets the tone for Bangladesh trip; first since onset of Covid pandemic

In his departure statement ahead of the Bangladesh visit, PM Modi said: "I am happy that my first foreign visit after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic will be to our friendly neighbouring country, with which India shares deep cultural, linguistic and people-to-people ties."

PM Modi sets the tone for Bangladesh trip first since onset of Covid pandemic
Author
New Delhi, First Published Mar 25, 2021, 8:42 PM IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said his visit will not just be an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh's remarkable economic and developmental strides but also to commit India's support and solidarity for the achievements. 

In his departure statement ahead of the Bangladesh visit, PM Modi said: "I am happy that my first foreign visit after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic will be to our friendly neighbouring country, with which India shares deep cultural, linguistic and people-to-people ties."

During his visit, he will participate in the National Day celebrations, hold a meeting with the Matua community, offer prayers to Goddess Kali and meet senior dignitaries in the Bangladesh government, including the prime minister. 

"I look forward to my participation at the National Day celebrations tomorrow, which will also commemorate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," he said.

Bangabandhu was one of the tallest leaders of the last century, whose life and ideas continue to inspire millions. "I look forward to visiting Bangabandhu's Samadhi in Tungipara to pay my respects to his memory," the prime minister said.

"I also look forward to offering prayers to Goddess Kali at the ancient Jashoreshwari Kali Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in the Puranic tradition," he added.

"I am particularly looking forward to my interaction with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri SriHarichandra Thakur disseminated his pious message," PM Modi said.

PM Modi will have substantive discussions with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina. The two prime ministers had a very productive virtual meeting in December last year. 

"I also look forward to my meeting with His Excellency President Abdul Hamid, and to interactions with other Bangladeshi dignitaries," he said.

During his visit, it is expected that the two countries would sign several agreements to further bolster the bilateral ties.

Bangladesh is the recipient of India's largest-ever financial assistance. 

During his last visit to Dhaka, Prime Minister Modi had announced that India would provide Bangladesh with a Line of Credit of $2 billion. 

The credit carries the lowest ever one per cent interest rate with a repayment period of 20 years and a five-year grace period.

Major Indian companies, including Tata Motors, Sun Pharma, Marico, Bharti Airtel, Asian Paints, Godrej, Venky's Hatcheries, Parle Products, Forbes and Marshall have invested in Bangladesh in the recent past.

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