Anti-terrorism stand of Dhaka prompted Indian ratification

National spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party MJ Akbar yesterday said the fight of Bangladesh's incumbent government against terrorism was one of the major reasons that prompted Indians to unanimously ratify the land boundary agreement.

While explaining Indian's perspective on Pakistan, with which it has similar land disputes, he said, "We've no problem with Pakistan's demographics. Our Problem is Pakistan supports state-terrorism. That is the big problem."

Praising the present leadership for its role against terrorism, he said, "Bangladesh has even repeated evidence of cooperation in this critical matter [terrorism]. It is the reason which has changed the public opinion throughout India."

He was addressing a roundtable titled "Indian Prime Minister's Visit and Bangladesh's Expectation", organised by the daily Bhorer Kagoz and the Debate for Democracy in the capital.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam said easy visa facilities were a major expectation. Buses would run without passengers if getting visas is not made easier, he said.

"We may have a small economy but in many sectors, we are equal to India and in some cases we've surpassed India," he said, adding that portraying India as the controlling force would only hinder progress.

Mohammad Moinul Haque, president of Bangladesh unit of India-Bangladesh Enclaves Exchange Coordination Committee, on behalf of the residents of the enclaves, expressed gratitude to the prime ministers of both countries.