India,Bangla armies can share experience in various fields:Iajuddi

Dhaka, Jul 28 (UNI) Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed today observed that Bangladesh and Indian Armies could share their experience in various fields and take part in joint trainings, to help strengthen existing friendly relations further.

The President made the remarks when visiting Chief of Indian Army Staff General Deepak Kapoor called on him at Bangabhaban.

General Kapoor accompanied by his wife Kirti Kapoor came here yesterday on a six-day visit to Bangladesh. He is leading a four member military delegation.

Welcoming the Army Chief to Bangabhaban, Dr Ahmed expressed his satisfaction at the current state of relations between Bangladesh and India and hoped that General Kapoor's visit would further strengthen the Dhaka-Delhi relations.

The President apprised General Kapoor of Bangladesh's success in checking militancy in the country and said the people never support terrorism.

Dr Ahmed also informed General Kapoor about Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen democracy and its preparation for holding a credible general election by December.

He underscored the need of Bangladesh and India to work together to face the challenge of global warming and arsenic problem as the issues were highly vulnerable for both the countries.

General Kapoor showed his keen interest in availing of different training facilities in Bangladesh for Indian army officers.

He said both the armies could exchange training and share experiences in different fields particularly in international peacekeeping.

General Kapoor praised the Bangladesh Army for its excellence in disaster management and its role in facing natural calamities.

He said Bangladesh and India have been facing similar challenges in the field of development and survival, particularly in poverty alleviation, curbing terrorism and natural calamities.

General Kapoor who took part in 1971 operations launched for the liberation of Bangladesh when he was a Captain of the Indian Army, also praised Bangladeshi people for their courage and patience.

Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, among others, was also present on the occassion.

UNI XC RJ VC1520