DHAKA: In the last few years, both India and Bangladesh have taken several measures to strengthen ties and increase mutual cooperation.

The two countries have been regularly hosting cultural and sports events to bring the people closer, especially via Tripura that shares a long border with Bangladesh.

Recently, several artists from India and Bangladesh came together at Agartala's Rabindra Centenary Hall to commemorate the 153rd birth anniversary of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

The programme was jointly organized by the Information and Cultural Affair department of the Tripura government with an aim to further strengthen India-Bangladesh relations through cultural exchange.

The stage provided a platform to cultural troupes, poets, singers and intellectuals from both the sides to come together and share their ideas.

The audience was held spellbound by performances of renowned Bangladeshi singer Shama Rehaman and West Bengal's famous Rabindra Sangeet singer Shreya Guha Thakurta.

"There will be the barrier of territory of nations but here literature plays the role of bridging both the nations, and people-to-people contact shall remove all barriers from the hearts of the people of India and Bangladesh," said Akbar Ahmed, a poet.

"We came to visit India and artists from Agartala will go to Bangladesh to performing there. Such event brings us closer. I believe that songs and even Tagore predicted that his songs will be immortal as they directly reach the heart of the listeners," said Shama Rehman, a Bangladeshi singer.

Sporting events also play an important role in bridging gaps.

Recently, a 20-20 cricket match was held at the Mirpur Sahara-BCB National Academy in Dhaka between the Sports Journalist Club and National Press Club of Bangladesh.

Journalists from both the sides had a gala time and emphasized on the need for more such events to further improve relations.

"Through this event good relationship has been built between the two teams. If such events are continued, there will be better understanding between the media on both the sides," said Saraju Chakraborty, Captain, Tripura Sport Journalist's Club

"Such events will improve the relationship between the 2 countries and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood. This will also help in reducing tension amongst us. In the future we want that more such trips should be undertaken by people from both the sides. We will try to make more such tours possible," said Syed Abdal Ahmed, General Secretary, Bangladesh National Press Club.

Tripura is placed at a strategic location and plays a vital role in promoting better trade relations and people-to-people contact between India and Bangladesh.

Such events provide an opportunity for people of both countries to understand each other better, and come closer.

Source: ANI

BDST: 1435 HRS, MAY 19, 2014