New Delhi

Bangladeshi foreign secretary Shahidul Haque has said that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam is an internal issue and they have got assurances from New Delhi. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Haque also spoke on Bangladesh PM Hasina's India visit and SAARC. Edited excerpts: 

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WION: What are the key outcomes of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's India visit?

Shahidul Haque: I think there has been progress on many fronts and we have charted a new course for the next year. As you know PM Modi is likely to visit Bangladesh next year. There is very solid progress in every possible front -- business, trade, water.

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WION: Are you worried about NRC in Assam?

Shahidul Haque: we are not worried but certainly, we are keeping a close eye on the development and as I have told you, Indian authorities have assured us, its an internal matter an will remain so. As a friendly country, we like to believe that.

WION: Was SAARC discussed when both PM Modi and PM Hasina held discussions?

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Shahidul Haque: Regional cooperation issue came up in the discussion. Both PMs agreed that regional cooperation is essential because [South Asia] has the least regional cooperation globally. In that context, the discussion [about regional bodies] came up but certainly, there is more focus on Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).