Former Governor of Bangladesh Bank (its central bank) Atiur Rahman said the two countries in recent years had resolved decades’ old issues including exchange of 162 enclaves (Chhitmahals) and maritime boundaries. “The friendly ties of the two neighbours and each other’s economic prosperity could be further improved by developing border infrastructure and removing remaining barriers. However, India and Bangladesh are still facing three major challenges—political, infrastructural and regulatory. Bureaucracy is the main obstacle in making investment and speedy growth of trade,” he said.

Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President, Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin urged the media for ensuring objective reporting on the issues relating to India and Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Media Adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury said she was keen to develop deeper ties with India and its northeast that sheltered over one crore people who fled Bangladesh during the 1971 liberation war. “Bangladesh’s increasing bilateral ties with India will continue to boost the economy of both the countries. The two neighbours are working in various sectors for mutual benefits. However, the visa norms should be further simplified,” he said.

The Agartala Press Club Secretary Pranab Sarkar and editor Subal Kumar Dey stressed on the need for more such interactions and sharing of views to eliminate the misconception over some issues.