Khadakwasla, Nov. 29 (ANI): Bangladesh's Chief of Army Staff, General Mohammed Abdul Mubeen, who is presently on a visit to India, on Tuesday said the Chinese assistance in the infrastructural development of Chittagong port would not affect 'Dhaka's ties with New Delhi' since the two neighbouring countries have historical relationship and several common problems to solve.eneral Mubeen, who reviewed the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 121st Course at the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla near Pune, said: "As regards to Chinese development of Chittagong port, it's just some infrastructural development. We wanted to expand the container terminal because we were having lots of imports and exports going around and it was not enough space to keep the containers. So, there was a bidding done and they got the contract and they are doing that. It was nothing to do with any strategic interest."
"So, I would strongly feel that such involvement of the certain organisations will develop some part in Bangladesh, I am sure wouldn't have any impact on the relationship with Bangladesh in India," he added.
General Mubeen further said that frequent mutual visits by intellects and allied authorities of India and Bangladesh would be beneficial for both the countries.
"I feel that exchanges of other countries at various spheres foster closer relationship and understanding between the armed forces which also acts as a catalytic tool to foster inter-state relationships and inter-organisational relationships," said General Mubeen.
"And I strongly believe that Bangladesh and India have lots in common, common problems, common inspirations and we can work together for mutual benefits for the mutual benefits of the people," he added.
General Mubeen also spoke about the threat posed by militancy and termed it as an issue of common concern to both New Delhi and Dhaka.
He expressed apprehensions that if the militancy originating from across the border in Pakistan were not checked, its influence would adversely affect not only the interior regions of India but also Bangladesh.
On this score, General Mubeen noted that the paramilitary force of both the countries would be an asset to combat militancy.
"I feel that this falling of terrorism (militancy) in certain part of the world and in the recent times in the heights of the western Pakistani border is like water flowing and I believe that if we allow this water to flow continuously to come down to the plains of the Bangladesh, so we are very concerned about this issue. We have a very good instrument of cooperation between our neighbours, India to fight terrorism," said General Mubeen.
"We have our elite police force, which is manned by officers from Bangladesh Army, which is a Rapid Action Battalion and I am sure that they are doing a fantastic job and those who work on similar issues in Indian side are quite aware of that," he added.
General Mubeen earlier reviewed and took salute at the impressive parade by the 300 Cadets of the 121st Course.
Among those who passed out were Cadets from Bhutan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and the Maldives.
After taking salute, General Mubeen presented medals and Sword of Honour to three Cadets, who were adjudged the best during the three-year long course.
Half a dozen roaring fighter jets from the Pune Air Force base supplemented the thrills witnessed at the parade, as they flew past in different formations in the background.
The visit of General Mubeen, who will be in India till December 2, assumes special significance in the light of improving military cooperation between the two countries in consonance with our growing relationship with Bangladesh.
India-Bangladesh relations are multifaceted and founded on historical linkages. The successful culmination of the recent visit of Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh to Bangladesh in September 2011 has contributed significantly to the consolidation of the existing ties and given a further boost to the cordial relations between both the nations.
Military-to-military cooperation between Bangladesh and Indian Armed Forces encompasses exchange of high and medium level visits, availing of training courses in each other's training institutions, witnessing of designated exercises by military observers from both sides, exchange of War Veterans, UNPKO, sharing experience in disaster management, sports and adventure activities.
During the visit, General Mubeen is scheduled to interact with Defence Minister, NSA, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, Service Chiefs, Defence Secretary and other members of Indian Armed Forces hierarchy.
In addition, he will be visiting Agra, Jaipur, Kolkata, important training establishments and field formations.
The ensuing visit of Bangladesh Army Chief has a major significance in the burgeoning defence cooperation between both the countries. (ANI)
|
|
Comments:
