Mitali Express: PM Modi, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina inaugurate passenger train between Dhaka, New Jalpaiguri

Mar 28, 2021, 12:05 IST

To strengthen the people-to-people connectivity, the two countries have agreed to start a new passenger train service ‘Mitali Express’ between Dhaka cantonment and New Jalpaiguri on the Chilhati-Haldibari train link.

Mitali Express between India and Bangladesh
Mitali Express between India and Bangladesh

Prime Minister Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on March 27, 2021, virtually inaugurated the ‘Mitali Express’ passenger train between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri. PM Modi was on a two-day visit to a neighbouring country.

The Foreign Secretary of India, Harsh Vardhan Shringla while informing about the deal stated that Bangladeshi PM appreciated India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and added that India providing COVID-19 vaccines to its neighbours is a reflection of that policy.

According to Bangladeshi media, the ‘Mitali Express’ passenger train was jointly inaugurated by PM Sheikh Hasina and PM Modi at 6.38 pm virtually from the Bangladeshi Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.

Inauguration of Mitali Express:

The Foreign Secretary of India mentioned that for strengthening the people-to-people connectivity, the two countries have agreed to start a new passenger train service ‘Mitali Express’ between Dhaka cantonment and New Jalpaiguri on the Chilhati-Haldibari train link.

The Chilhati-Haldibari train link is a significant one as it connects north Bangladesh with north Bengal.

Starting of the passenger service is also a recreation of what used to happen in 1965. The latest train services will commence once the normal train services resume between India and Bangladesh.

India and Bangladesh strengthen cooperation in the health sector:

PM Modi during his two-day visit to Bangladesh on March 27, 2021, handed over a representational key of 109 life-saving ambulances to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka.

During the delegation-level meeting between the two Prime Ministers, PM Modi also handed over a representation item to Bangladeshi PM which symbolized India’s gift of 1.2 million doses of Coronavirus vaccines.

The Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry Arindam Bagchi tweeted that the two Prime Ministers discussed the progress achieved in the areas of trade, health, energy, connectivity, developmental cooperation, and many more.

Bangladesh presents gold and silver coin to India:

On the occasion of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina presented a gold and silver coin to PM Modi.

Sheikh Hasina also handed over a silver coin to Prime Minister Modi which was released on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh Liberation.

During the meeting, MoUs were also exchanged between India and Bangladesh in the presence of the two leaders.

PM Modi addressed a gathering in Bangladesh:

Prime Minister Modi also visited Orakandi Temple and addressed a gathering. During his address, he highlighted that both India and Bangladesh plan to see the world progressing through their own progress and want to see love, peace, and stability in the world instead of the terror, instability, and unrest.

Shailaja Tripathi is an educational content writer with 2 years of experience. She is a Masters in Political Science from Delhi University and also holds a Bachelors in Education. At jagranjosh.com, she creates content for school students and college audiences. You can reach her at shailaja.tripathi@jagrannewmedia.com
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