FM excoriates BNP on dam
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni has condemned the opposition for criticising the government on the Tipaimukh dam issue from a narrow political stance rather than national interest.
Addressing a press briefing in the Foreign Ministry yesterday, she said the opposition is making the criticism without proper evaluation and reality check.
Regarding opposition leader Khaleda Zia's proposal to cooperate with the government on the Tipaimukh issue, Dipu Moni said: “I welcome it, but I want to add that so much talk about Tipaimukh would have been unnecessary if the government led by Khaleda Zia had taken the right decision at the right time.”
She deplored that BNP was in power for 15 years in total, including 10 years by Khaleda Zia herself in two terms, but it kept mum on Tipaimukh and other issues with India.
Questioned on her recent meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Dipu said it was merely a courtesy call and maiden meeting after Mamata's win over the West Bengal elections and they discussed various issues including Teesta water sharing.
Asked, whether she would also meet the chief minister of Manipur where Tipaimkuh dam will be built, Dipu said “there is no such decision yet."
Asked, whether the government can rely on the Indian assurance after signing of the “Promoter Agreement” concerning Tipaimukh multi-purpose project, she said such assurance from the highest level is respected in the international diplomacy.
Moreover, she said India had reiterated the assurance that it would not take steps on the Tipaimukh project that would have an adverse impact on Bangladesh.
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