Assamese government has shown keen interest to enhance more connectivity especially in the air link so that Bangladesh and Assam can utilize development potentials for their respective mutual benefits.

This communication link issue got priority as Assamese Governor Jagdish Mukhi and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal yesterday separately paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh President M Abdul Hamid at his Place of Residence at Viavanta by Taj in Assam.

President Hamid, who is now at Assam of Indian northeastern state as part of a four-day state visit in India to join the Solar Summit, also gave emphasis on ensuring more connectivity between Bangladesh and Assam in the greater interest of the neighbouring states.

The President said Bangladesh always gives priority to the bilateral relations with tested and friendly neighbouring country like India.

Recalling the heartfelt contributions and supports of Indian government and its people during the 1971 Liberation War when million of Bangladeshi people took shelter in this territory through the frontiers of the two states, he said, ‘We are grateful to Indian people for their utmost hospitability and support in the bad days.’

Welcoming the President, both the Assamese leaders said that they are very glad to see Abdul Hamid, a real patriot and freedom fighter amongst them.

They also congratulated Abdul Hamid for being elected as the President of Bangladesh for the second consecutive time and hoped that the existing bilateral relations would reach a new height in days to come. They also called for utilizing development potentials in many sectors mainly the tourism one for serving a common interest.

Secretaries concerned and high civil and military officials were also present in the meetings.

Later, President also delivered a speech at a dinner party hosted by the Governor of Assam at Radisson Blue Hotel. Chief Minister Sonowal also spoke on the occasion.

President reminisced his 1971 Liberation War memories as he was the subsector commander here during the war.

Earlier, in the afternoon President Hamid visited Kamakhya Temple and enjoyed a river cruise at Machkhowa Ghat in Assam.