India-Bangladesh ties example of neighbourly relations: Modi

New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India and Bangladesh have set an example of how neighbouring countries can build a relationship with each other.

“There was a time when Bangladesh was afflicted with pain and suffering,” Modi said while jointly inaugurating via video-conference with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a power transmission line and an internet connectivity project between the two south Asian nations.

“Today Bangladesh is progressing to achieve greater heights... We are setting an example for the world how to build relationship with neighbours,” he said.

The new power transmission line will link Surjyamaninagar in Tripura with South Comilla in Bangladesh.

India will export 100 MW of electricity through this line.

The leasing of internet bandwidth from Akhaura in Bangladesh to Agartala, apart from helping the people of Tripura to avail more reliable internet connectivity, will also improve internet speed in the entire northeastern region.

India's BSNL has leased 10 GBPS bandwidth of Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited from its Cox's Bazar internet port.

Modi said the power transmission to Bangladesh has provided yet another opportunity for the development of the south Asian nation.

Regarding the internet connectivity, he said this was an era of communication and it was an opportunity to strengthen the power of communication.

“Opening of the eastern gateway of digital world with Bangladesh in itself is a great opportunity of creating awareness for the youth, especially in the northeastern states of the country,” the prime minister said.

He highlighted the multiple channels of increased connectivity between the two countries in recent times, including road connectivity and digital connectivity.

Modi offered all support to Bangladesh for the launch of the Bangabandhu satellite.

He also extended his best wishes to the cricket teams of both countries for the T-20 World Cup match scheduled for Wednesday.