India-Bangladesh ties deep, no one can break them: Amit Shah

Speaking at the event, Shah said, “Our culture, religion, customs and lifestyle have been intertwined for thousands of years. No one can ever break our ties with Bangladesh. India has played a key role in Bangladesh’s history. The BSF played a major role in the Liberation War of 1971.”

Shah also lauded the efforts of the BSF in protecting the borders of the country.

“The BSF has made enormous efforts to protect the international border in Bengal – be it the riverine border or land border. Without the BSF, we cannot imagine having a tight land-border security. When BSF personnel are standing guard at the border, no one in the country has to worry about their security,” he said.

Shah also inaugurated four joint outposts of the BSF, two residential complexes and an officer’s mess along with other projects – collectively worth Rs 108.3 crore.

Appreciating the LPAI’s role in strengthening India’s relations with neighbours, Shah said that trade of Rs 18,000 crore, through the authority, in the financial year 2016-17 has now crossed Rs 30,000 crore.

“The LPAI not only strengthens the country’s economy but also acts as an ambassador of the nation at our borders. It helps strengthen our bilateral relations with our neighbours,” he said.

The Union minister laid the foundation stone of LPAI’s cargo gate ‘Maitri Dwar’.

“It is a stepping stone towards enhancing bilateral trade relations between India and Bangladesh benefitting the economies of both countries,” he said. The BJP government at the Centre, since 2014, has stressed on improving border infrastructure and connectivity, he added.