Bangladesh ‘Strongly Backs’ Indian Observer Status in Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

Bangladesh supports the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation(OIC) bid to grant Observer status to India. Bangladesh also embarrassed OIC decision of inviting India as the guest of honour at its session held in Abu Dhabi.

India-Bangladesh Collectively Working To Boost Trade and Tourism

In an interaction with Indian media, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen emphasised saying, “India is a land of cultural, religious diversity and of tolerance. 1.85 million Muslims live in India so obviously, they should be part of the OIC”.

Responding to Pakistan’s absence at ministerial level at the 46th Session of OIC conference, the Bangladeshi minister said: “That is very unfortunate. I think it is time to look beyond. We should be mature. The relationship between Bangladesh and India has reached a height of maturity which other people should imitate. Pakistan should emulate what India and Bangladesh have done as neighbours”.

At the bilateral meeting that was held between the foreign ministers of Bangladesh and India, all issues of convergences and differences were discussed. “We had a good meeting. Issues of mutual interest were discussed. We have a few challenges. One challenge is the Rohingya issue. India is with us, they are supporting and helping us, they are also helping Myanmar in building infrastructure so that they can create a conducive environment in the Rakhine State so that the Rohingya people can go back”, Bangladesh’s Minister said.

In relation to the need for “connectivity” in the economic sphere and his meeting with India’s External Home Minister, Sushma Swaraj, Momen said: “Economic is the other aspect. Connectivity is productivity. We have a long tradition of the relationship of trust and confidence. We have opened up our borders and solved many major problems. Discussed new avenues of economic partnership”.

More News at EurAsian Times