Indian President Pranab Mukherjee yesterday said India and Bangladesh can work together for further realising the full potential of Saarc initiative and play an important role for the development of South Asia.

He said this while inaugurating the Akashvani Maitree radio channel and its website in Kolkata.

"Akashvani Maitree is a unique venture and initiative… for the entire Bengali speaking diaspora…," he said.

The channel's concept emanated from the decision taken during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bangladesh in June last year when the two sides agreed to share content among their broadcasting organisations.

Pranab said the blending of content will not only enrich the channel but also be useful for listeners on both side of the border.