Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday put emphasis on maintaining good relations with neighbours as well as strengthening regional connectivity and cooperation to further boost trade and business in the South Asian region.

The Prime Minister came up with the views when visiting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee's son and Lok Sabha Member Avijit Mukherjee called on her at her Jatiya Sangsad Office.

After the meeting, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

“Countries in the world are now interdependent and maintaining good relations with neighbours could benefit all in the region,” Sheikh Hasina said.

 Referring to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) initiative under which the Motor Vehicle Agreement was signed, she said all the four countries would be benefited from the move.

Putting emphasis on further strengthening regional connectivity the Prime Minister said transportation of goods among the states is prevalent across the world, including Europe, and it does not cause any harm to sovereignty of any country.

Referring to border Haats established along the border between Bangladesh and India, she stressed the need for setting up more border haats to stop smuggling as well as increase official trade and commerce between the two neighbours.

About terrorism and militancy, the Prime Minister mentioned that her government is maintaining zero tolerance to such menaces and reiterated that Bangladesh will not allow anyone to carry out terrorist acts using its soil against any country.

The Prime Minister mentioned that some of the killers of Bangabandhu are hiding abroad. She regretted that the International Human Rights Organizations are not seen vocal for the victims, rather they are siding with the killers.

Sheikh Hasina also expressed gratitude to the government and the people of India for their great contribution during the war of liberation in 1971 and said the people of Bangladesh will never forget their contribution.

The people of India love the people of Bangladesh particularly Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said Avijit Mukherjee during the meeting.

The people of Bangladesh are at the heart of India, he said conveying his good wishes for Bangladesh.

 Awami League International Affairs Secretary Faruk Khan MP, Ibalur Rahim MP and Mahjabin Khaled MP were present.