Hasan holds talks with Assam CM, governor on trade, culture

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has said he had successful discussions with the leaders of Assam on how to develop trade and communications with the neighbouring Indian state. "Successful discussions were held on raising trade along with road, rail, river and air connectivity between Indian north-eastern bordering state and Bangladesh," he said.

Dr Hasan said this following two separate meetings with Assam's Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswas Sarma and its Governor Jagdish Mukhi at Chief Minister's office and Raj Bhaban respectively on Thursday afternoon.

During the meeting, Assam governor Jagdish and the Information Minister discussed on raising trade, cultural activities and communications aiming to accelerate close relations between Bangladesh and Assam. At the same time, they underscored the need for afforestation for keeping balance between the ever increasing industrializations and environment.

The Assam governor expressed interest in organizing folk festival in Gawhati considering the proposal given by Bangladesh lawmaker and singer Mamtaz Begum who also was present during the meeting.

Earlier, the minister held a meeting with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswas Sarma. During the meeting, they discussed on capacity building of Chattogram Port including the navigability of the port to increase trade on waterway. Resumption of air connectivity between Dhaka to Gawhati and Dhaka to Cox's Bazar via Agartala also came up for discussion during the meeting.

To increase connectivity with Assam, the information and broadcasting minister said discussion was held on how to link Bangladesh with the traditional railway network of Assam and development of road connectivity. They also agreed on infrastructure renovation to make land ports more dynamic and making the import-export rules time-befitting.

The Assam Chief Minister informed that the Assam state government will invite 15 freedom fighters of Bangladesh and give them special reception on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh.

In a Tweet message after the meeting, the Assam governor wrote that elaborate discussion was held on different issues including afforestation and environment with the Bangladesh Information and Broadcasting Minister.

Terming the call on as a delightful one, the Assamese Chief Minister wrote in Tweet message that "it is necessary to make cultural and traditional relations deepen with Bangladesh through enhancing trade and commerce. The Chittagong port is key to enhance communication of the north-east India and thanks to Bangladesh government for aiding cooperation in this ground," the chief minister wrote in Tweet.

Singer Mamtaz Begum, MP, Saimum Sarwar Kamal MP, Information and Broadcasting Secretary M Makbul Hossen, Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner in India Nurul Islam and Assistant High Commissioner to Gawhati Dr Shah Mohammad Tanvir Mansur, among others, attended during this meeting.

Prior to this, the Information and Broadcasting Minister also held a meeting with Tripura's Chief Minister Biplob Kumar Dey. The minister has been visiting the Indian state Tripura and Assam since February 23 and the visit will continue till February 26.

During the visit, Dr Hasan Mahmud inaugurated Bangladesh film festival in Agartala and Gawhati, Down Town University in Assam, Bangabandhu corner at Bangladesh High Commission in Assam and Jamdhani Bitan.