PM Imran felicitates Sheikh Hasina on Bangladesh’s 50th anniversary

Premier’s message to the neighbouring country was read out during ceremony where PM Modi was also present

Prime Minister Imran Khan has extended felicitations to his Bangladeshi counterpart on the 50th anniversary of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

PM Imran’s message to Premier Sheikh Hasina Wajid was read out during the ceremony held in capital Dhaka on Friday, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present.

“On my own behalf, and on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, I have great pleasure in extending our felicitations on the 50th anniversary of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh,” Premier Imran said in a message.

“The centenary events to commemorate the late prime minister Sheikh Mujibur Rehman are reflective of the deep reflection and esteem in which he is held by yourself and the people of Bangladesh,” he added.

PM Imran also said Pakistan deeply values its fraternal ties with Bangladesh, which are based on shared history, common faith, and convergent interests in promoting lasting peace and security as well as sustainable prosperity in our region and beyond.

Read more: Pakistan, Bangladesh premiers hold rare telephonic talk

The premier said golden jubilee of the Bangladesh remind the far-sighted vision of reconciliation and friendship between the people of the two countries.

“We would like to fortify our existing bounds with brotherly Bangladesh and build new ones for our succeeding generations as we believe the destines of our two people are intertwined,” PM Imran said in the message.

“Let us renew our resolve to jointly work for a better future for our peoples and even closer ties between our two countries.”

The prime minister also invited the Bangladeshi premier to visit Pakistan at her earliest convenience, saying that the visit “would open a new chapter in our fraternal ties”.

Earlier this week, the Bangladeshi PM had also sent congratulatory letter to PM Imran on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

In a letter, PM Hasina had said her country is committed to "peaceful and cooperative" relations with Pakistan.