Foreign Minister and Awami League’s Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud has said Bangladesh has signed an agreement to import electricity from Nepal thorugh India, using Indian transmission lines.

He said: “Discussions are also underway with Bhutan on the same issue. We want to enhance connectivity in this region for the development and economic prosperity of the people here, including Nepal and Bhutan. However, this is confusing the BNP.”

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Awami League and Bangabandhu on the Occasion of 75 years of Pride, Heritage, Struggle, and Success” organized by Chittagong North Awami League on Saturday afternoon at the Bangabandhu Hall of Chittagong Press Club, he said this.

Dr Hasan Mahmud said: “In the 75-year-old journey of thorny paths, Awami League has always stood against autocracy and oppression, and their vision has been clear.

“In 2007, some intellectuals introduced social management. At that time, the ruler who came to power through the failures and misrule of the BNP had initially planned to arrest Khaleda Zia. But they arrested Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina first. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the leadership of Awami League have always been vigilant against undemocratic and autocratic forces,” he added.

In response to various comments from BNP regarding the prime minister’s visit to India, the foreign minister said: “Some agreements were signed during her visit to India. Some enhancements have been made, but no agreements have been signed.

“All agreements have been made in the interest of the country. The Dhaka-Kolkata, Khulna-Kolkata, Dinajpur-Siliguri train services have been started to increase connectivity. The preparation for launching the train from Akhaura has been completed,” he added.

Dr Hasan said: “Actually, those who were called leaders said that if Bangladesh were connected to the submarine cable, all the secrets of the country would be out. They do not understand the essence of connectivity.

“Bangladesh was a less developed country. From there, it has now transformed into a self-sufficient country in food. From a food-deficit country to a self-sufficient country in food. In rice production, Bangladesh ranks third, in sweet water fish production second, in vegetable production fourth, and in potato production seventh among 14 agricultural products. However, Bangladesh is 92nd in terms of area,” he added.

Source: DT