Operationalise connectivity projects to improve India-Bangla ties: Tripura CM

Agartala, Jul 10 (PTI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday said he urged Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah to operationalise connectivity projects in which India has made significant investments. The two key projects -- the Agartala-Akhaura railway link and the Maitri Setu (Friendship Bridge) over the Feni river in South Tripura's Sabroom -- are yet to become operational despite completion of construction and formal inauguration of the bridge in March 2021. "I have requested the Bangladesh envoy to curb anti-India activities in his country as such incidents will not help improve bilateral relations. If we want to strengthen ties, connectivity projects should be operationalised because people want business," Saha told reporters. Hamidullah, who arrived here to attend the 'Destination Tripura: Business Conclave', met the chief minister on Thursday and held a one-on-one meeting. Saha said the Bangladesh envoy conveyed that the present government in his country was "soft" on bilateral issues. "Hamidullah noted that people from his country who wish to visit India for medical treatment feel comfortable entering through Tripura," Saha said. Hamidullah proposed screening award-winning Bangladeshi films in Tripura as part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people contacts and cultural cooperation between the two sides. He said the initiative aims to promote cultural exchanges through cinema and foster stronger social and artistic ties between Bangladesh and Tripura. PTI PS MNB