AGARTALA, Oct 23 (TIWN): A two day long workshop has begun here in Northeast state Tripura centering on India-Bangladesh relation and futuristic efforts to strengthen the ties among these two countries. The workshop was jointly launched by Tripura Central University's Journalism and Mass Communication Dept, OKD Institute of Social Change and Development (Guwahati) in collaboration with Sasakwa Peace Foundation (Japan) at the Press Club, Agartala. Before the workshop had begun Tripura University Vice Chairman Anjan Kumar Ghosh along with Assam, Japan, Bangladesh delegates held a press conference and explained the aims, motives behind the workshop. The Welcome address and introduction was given by University Economics Dept professor Indraneel Bhowmik. Addressing the media, Assam Professor Bhupen Sharma, (also Director of OKDISCD) said, "Through Act East Policy the commercial ties among the two Nations have been strengthen but at the same time a constant cultural, traditional exchanges are needed to boost the sociocultural bonds".

The Assam Professor also criticized the current worsening relation among Bangladesh with the Assam Part of Northeast, accused the social gaps for leading misunderstanding, tension among two sides. Tripura's well maintained relation with Bangladesh since the beginning has been praised by Bhupen Sharma.

"Such workshop in Tripura although is conducting for the 1st time, but we are hopeful about outcomings. Our next workshop is at Mizoram which is to soon surpass through Bangladesh, Mayanmar", added Sharma.

University VC A K Ghosh briefed, "The boosting of Indo-Bangla relation is much necessary especially when we are living in Northeast states. Tripura University had always been interested to develop the relation with Bangladesh based Universities. In the coming year we are expecting more admissions of Bangladesh's students in our University. Our students can also have international experience of knowledge if they can be sent to Bangladesh's Universities for research. Such attempts will be taken in futures to expand knowledge and to develop relations between India and Bangladesh".

Japan delegate Jui Nakamura, SPF said, " Japan is much interested in India's traditions, social and cultural richness. India is one of the focused area of Japan, a sustainable corridor indeep ".

(The vote of thanks was given by Deepak Upadhyaya before the press conference had ended at the Press Club)