Bangladesh committed to fight terrorism

Bangladesh has assured India that its territory will not be allowed to be used by elements working against the interests of any country.

Addressing a programme to commemorate the 150th year of Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary in New Delhi on Saturday, Planning Minister of Bangladesh A K Khandekar said his countrymen cannot forget India's support to their freedom struggle.

Khandekar, a retired Air Vice Marshal, who had also participated in the 1971 war for the freedom of Bangladesh said, "The spontaneous support that we received from the government and the people of India can never be forgotten by the people of Bangladesh."

"The courage, the spirit of sacrifice, the spirit of the people of India particularly the visionary leadership of Indira Gandhi (the then Indian Prime Minister), who announced her recognition of Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation even before the war ended can perhaps never be fully reciprocated by the people of Bangladesh," he said Khandekar said this part of Bangladesh's history should also be celebrated jointly with India.

Referring to Tagore's message of peace and harmony, he said, "We in Bangladesh firmly believe that for our region to develop and achieve peace, prosperity and stability, it must be free from the scourge of terrorism and extremism." "To this the government of Sheikh Hasina has launched an uncompromising fight against terrorism, extremism and militancy. She has also assured India that Bangladesh will not allow its soil to be used by elements working against the interests of any country." Khandekar said the joint celebrations of Tagore's commemoration is a significant event that underscores the cultural and social bond shared by the two countries.He said the two countries shared a history of struggle against colonisation and exploitation.