The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has affirmed India’s complete commitment to the progress and prosperity of Bangladesh. At a banquet speech in Dhaka on Tuesday he said India wants a stable, secure and self-reliant Bangladesh. He also assured Dhaka to extend support in every sphere of nation building efforts.

Earlier, India and Bangladesh signed historic land boundary agreement relating to un-demarcated boundary areas, enclaves and land under adverse possession. India also agreed to allow duty free import of 46 lines of readymade textiles from Bangladesh to Indian market.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while underlining the extent of support by India said that both the countries are facing similar challenges like internal security, climate change, natural disaster and unstable world economy which should be fought together.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said the signing of agreements represents a qualitative leap forward in bilateral relations and the two countries have found solutions to seemingly difficult problems.

As many as eight MoUs, were signed by the secretaries and officers of the two countries beside a protocol on 1974 treaty allowing 24 hours unfettered movement of people of Dahagram and Angarpota through Tin Bigha Corridor.

The MoUs include conservation of forest and famous Royal Bengal Tigers in Sundarbans, Educational cooperation between Dhaka University and Jawahar Lal Nehru University, Delh; Cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy, Fisheries, and cooperation between Doordarshan and Bangladesh Television.

AIR Dhaka Correspondent reports that the strengthening the ties with Bangladesh will have an impact on establishing peace and stability in the region.

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will deliver a lecture on “India, Bangladesh and South Asia” at Dhaka University on Wednesday. Before leaving for New Delhi, he will call on Bangladesh President Zillur Rehman. He will also lay wreath at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.