Tourism pivotal in boosting Assam-Bangladesh ties: Chandan Brahma

Tourism can play a pivotal role in further improving ties with Bangladesh and Assam will roll out the red carpet to welcome visitors from the neighbouring country, Assam Tourism Minister Chandan Brahma has said.

Tour operators can come to the state to explore the possibilities and all arrangements will be made by the state government, Brahma said.

"People of Assam and Bangladesh have ties that date back to long ago and we are keen to increase people to people and cultural interaction between the duo," he added.

The minister was addressing a gathering on the occasion of Bangladesh Victory Day Festival, organised here by the Assistant High Commission office here on Wednesday night.

The proposed opening of the Chittagong port for trade and direct flights between Guwahati and Dhaka will also lead to increase in volume of trade from the North East not only to the neighbouring country but also to other South East Asian countries, the minister added.

Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner in Guwahati Dr Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur also highlighted the possibilities increased collaboration between his country and Assam in the areas of trade, commerce, education, medical tourism, art, literature and culture.

He also announced that, for the first time, 10 publishing houses from Bangladesh will participate in the Guwahati Book Fair scheduled to begin from December 22.

Monsur offered his tributes to the freedom fighters along with extending deep gratitude to the supporters of the liberation war, particularly those Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives to make Bangladesh free from the occupation force.