DHAKA (NNN-BSS) -- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called for undertaking concerted efforts by all South Asian nations to eliminate poverty as she described it as the main enemy of the region. "Poverty is the main barrier to the development of the South Asian region and we would have to make united efforts to eliminate it," she said when chief ministers of four eastern Indian states called on her at her official Ganobhaban residence this afternoon.
The chief ministers are Tarun Gogoi of Assam, Mukul Sangma of Meghalaya, Lal Thanhawla of Mizoram, and Manik Sarkar of Tripura.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad said during the call on, they discussed matters of bilateral and regional interests.
The Prime Minister laid emphasis on the joint initiative by Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan for promotion of the tourism sector in the region.
"The joint initiative would bring immense benefit for all the countries of the region," she observed.
Sheikh Hasina said her government has been working relentlessly with honesty and sincerity for changing the lot of the people. "Our main aim is to ensure the economic emancipation of people by changing their lot," she said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted various steps including river dredging that her government has already undertaken for development of the country.
The Indian chief ministers highly praised the visionary and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in advancing the country towards progress and development.
They also lauded Sheikh Hasina for initiatives for strengthening the ties between the two neighbours, saying that it has added a new dimension to the friendship of Bangladesh and India.
They said a new avenue of friendship and cooperation has opened up between the two countries through Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India last year and the Indian premier's tour to Bangladesh.
The chief ministers of the four eastern Indian states eulogized the introduction of border haats, saying these would contribute to building mutual trust among the people of the two countries side by side with reducing cross-border crimes.
They highly praised warm hospitality the Bangladesh government provided during their visit.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister MA Karim, Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Tariq A Karim were present on the occasion. -- NNN-BSS
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