Bangladesh President Md. Abdul Hamid today said Bangladesh attaches great importance to India as its most trusted neighbour and its ties with the country and Assam. "Bangladesh attaches great importance to India as its most trusted neighbour. Both the countries share common social and cultural values and these need to be further encouraged with sustained interaction. "This will facilitate sustainable peace and progress in the region," President Hamid said while speaking at a dinner hosted in his honour by the Assam government here tonight.

Acknowledging the cooperation and help extended by the Indian government and the people of this country to the leaders of Bangladesh Liberation War, the President specifically recalled his days in Assam and Meghalaya during those tumultuous times. He also referred to the shelter offered to around one million people who took refuse in 45 camps set up in then undivided Assam comprising Meghalaya. Lauding the present state government's development initiatives, Hamid appreciated the connectivity projects undertaken by both the governments of India and Bangladesh for progress and prosperity of both the nations.