PM for big Dhaka deals
Defending champion Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to David Nalbandian of Argentina during the US Open in New York
Prime Minister Manm-ohan Singh’s historic September 6-7 visit to Bangladesh will focus on resolving the prolonged land border dispute between the two nations, when two sides will sign a landmark comprehensive framework agreement covering several bilateral issues.
These include agreements on sharing Teesta and Feni river waters, and protocols to resolve the problems of cross-border enclaves. The two sides will “exchange letters” on India using two Bangladeshi ports, Chittagong and Mongla, and explore a possible rail link between Tripura and Dhaka. A Guwahati-Dhaka bus service is also on the agenda. A transit agreement, however, looks unlikely at this point.
In a surprise move, meanwhile, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced in Kolkata on Sunday that she would not accompany Dr Singh to Bangladesh as planned. While no reasons were officially cited, it is learnt she is extremely unhappy at the terms of the Teesta waters agreement, which she feels will adversely affect North Bengal’s interests. Ms Banerjee was among the five chief ministers due to accompany Dr Singh to Dhaka.
Home ministry sources said the Prime Minister will also formally thank Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina Wajed for her government’s cooperation in tackling insurgency in India’s Northeast, and there may be a formal declaration that India no longer has any complaints on the insurgency front.
India’s national security adviser Shivshankar Menon made a surprise trip to Dhaka on Saturday to iron out differences, when details of the agreements were finalised. This will be the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM to Bangladesh since 1999.
Bangladesh foreign minister Dipu Moni confirmed in Dhaka on Sunday that the framework agreement, which Bangladesh had been insisting on, would be signed during Dr Singh’s visit, along with several MoUs.
On trade, Bangladesh has been seeking abolition or reduction of customs duties by India for import of its goods.
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