Recently, a delegation of 66 members led by the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya province of India recently visited Dhaka. The delegation, which came to Dhaka to attend the unveiling of the sculpture of Khasia Hero U Tirat Singh, a highly revered freedom fighter by the people of Meghalaya and East India, visited the Nazimuddin Road Jail in Old Dhaka, where Tirat Singh was once imprisoned.
Later, the delegation also visited Ahsan Manzil Museum in Dhaka. In an exclusive interview given to Barta24.com at Ahsan Manzil premises, the head of the delegation, Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya Sniavalong Dhar spoke about the development of bilateral relations including tourism, business and trade expansion. In the interview, he also highlighted his provincial government's interest in increasing Meghalaya's civic engagement with Bangladesh, noting that the place "feels very much its own".
Planning Editor Ashraful Islam and Special Correspondent Ishtiaq Hussain took this interview of Sniavlong on Ripon Raza’s Camera.
Barta24.com: Now we want to know about the visit of this delegation of Meghalaya government to Bangladesh...
Sniavalong Dhar: Our visit to Bangladesh this time is of special importance for the people of Meghalaya for many reasons. We are very happy and proud to pay our respects to our great freedom fighter 'Khasia Hero' U Tirat Singh who died in captivity in Dhaka during the colonial British rule. This visit touched the emotions of our people. On behalf of the people of Meghalaya and India, we express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka for extending us a warm welcome.
Barta24.com: Bangladesh has a land border with Meghalaya. Meghalaya is the Indian state closest to the capital Dhaka. How can we use this opportunity in business and tourism?
Sniavalong Dhar: There is undoubtedly a strong bond between Bangladesh and Meghalaya. Especially in business we have a lot of import and export going on. As you know, many Bangladeshis go to Meghalaya. We always welcome the people of this country to Meghalaya. Again our people come here. We want tourism policies to make this travel easier; So that the people of both countries benefit. As part of this, we are now discussing many issues between Meghalaya and Bangladesh because Bangladeshi businessmen are expanding their business in Meghalaya. We want to know how to strengthen this business relationship.
Barta24.com: Can cultural heritage and spirit of freedom struggle improve this relationship?
Sniavalong Dhar: We have similar traditions in many respects. There is a deep connection between Bangladesh and Meghalaya in the light of cultural and history of freedom struggle. We want to build on this tradition. Our visit to see Khasia Hero Tirat Singh's memories of Dhaka is part of that. Along with that we are planning to exchange cultural programs.
Barta24.com: How do you see the role of media workers in increasing the harmony of the people of Bangladesh-Meghalaya...
Sniavalong Dhar: Mass media can play an important role in enhancing mutual communication between people of neighboring countries. You will notice that the public is getting to know the news of Tirat Singh's memorial unveiling in Dhaka only through the media. I myself think, in the development of bilateral relations; In particular, it is important to continue the role of the media in deepening citizen relations.
Barta24.com: How do you feel now after visiting Bangladesh?
Sniavalong Dhar: Every time I come to Bangladesh this place feels very much like my own. Bangladesh's continued progress makes us extremely happy. I and my delegation have been given high regards in all the programs I have attended here. We are very fortunate. Thank you very much to the people of this country and everyone concerned.