Guwahati: Bangladesh high commissioner to India, Muhammad Imran met Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal at the latter’s official residence in the city on 26 February and discussed various issues relating to bilateral interests. During the discussion, Sonowal highlighted areas like trade & commerce, agriculture, information technology, textile etc for mutual interests.
As Assam is a next-door neighbour to Bangladesh, there should be frequent exchange programmes between both the geographical entities, commented the senior BJP leader adding that the improvement of connectivity between Assam and Bangladesh through waterways, airways and roadways is the need of the hour.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy which has ushered in new possibility, Sonowal in presence of State industry & commerce minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, CM’s legal advisor Shantanu Bharali, top government officers, stated that riding on this policy Assam and Bangladesh should collaborate for a new high in their mutual relations.
The visiting diplomat said that his country is very eager to have more trade and cultural ties with Assam. Accompanied by assistant Bangla high commissioner in Guwahati Dr Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur, first secretary of Bangla high commission Zakir Ahmed with others, Imran emphasized on restrengthening import and export between Assam and Bangladesh with cooperative collaborations.
Financial aids to Laika Dodhia residents: BJP led Assam government in Dispur has transferred rupees one lakh to each of 1487 landless families from Laika Dodhia locality in Dibru Saikhowa National Park through direct benefit transfer mode. CM Sarbananda Sonowal committed the aids for rehabilitation only a month back and now rupees 14.87 crore has been disbursed.
The government has also constituted a high-powered committee with State forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya as its chairman to take necessary steps for the rehabilitation of those Laika Dodhia families. Sonowal insisted on a scientific rehabilitation package comprising electricity, health, drinking water, etc facilities.
