B’desh for expanded military ties with India

Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday assured India that it has “zero tolerance” policy against terrorism and sought expanded military ties as Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar called on him.

Parrikar, the first Indian defence minister to visit Bangladesh in the last 45 years, met the President after holding talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s security adviser Major General (Retd) Tariq Ahmed.

The President told Parrikar that Bangladesh maintained “zero tolerance” policy in combating terrorism in “all its forms”, said a presidential palace spokesman.

The President urged the Indian minister to send more Indian military officials to Bangladesh for training to boost ties between the armed forces of the two countries, the spokesman said. “The President expressed condolence to the victims of the dastardly terror attacks in Uri and Pathankot,” the spokesman said.

Hamid recalled with gratitude India’s contribution to Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, saying “many valiant soldiers of Indian defence forces embraced martyrdom in the war,” the spokesman said.

Parrikar said terrorism is a global threat and India is working to establish peace in the region. He also sought joint efforts to enhance bilateral defence relations.

Parrikar, who arrived here today on a two-day visit leading an 11-member high-powered delegation, will meet the top civil and military leadership to strengthen defence ties between the two countries.