President Pranab Mukherjee today underlined the need for early implementation of the decisions taken at the highest political level to improve India-Bangladesh relations. He was addressing a group of Bangladeshi intellectuals who called on him in the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Mr. Mukherjee said the dialogue process between scholars of the two countries was extremely important and such dialogue should identify critical areas where intervention by senior policy makers was required to bring the attention of the respective governments. He also called for expediting the implementation of projects and said people should be able to see things happening on the ground.

Pointing out that New Delhi had the privilege of being of some assistance in the historical struggle of Bangladesh for freedom, the President said India would like to see Bangladesh developed and prosperous. In this context, the President also called for greater sub-regional co-operation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and India especially in improving connectivity and on issue of transit.

The delegation members lauded the personal role played by Mr. Mukerjee in the development of India-Bangladesh relations since the independence of Bangladesh. They said people of Bangladesh see him as a sincere friend and hope India-Bangladesh relations will reach new heights under his guidance. The decision of India to grant zero duty access to the Indian market for Bangladeshi goods also came in for praise.