PM urges India for speedy implementation of accords
Indian Minister for Law, Justice and Minority Affairs Salman Khurshid calls on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official Gono Bhaban residence in the capital yesterday. Photo: PMO
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged India to speedily implement the decisions and agreements made during her visit to India and Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh. She made the call when Indian Minister for Law, Justice and Minority Affairs Salman Khurshid met her at her official Gono Bhaban residence in the evening. Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Sheikh Md Wahid Uz Zaman, three Indian parliament members Bhola Singh, CM Chang and Mohammad Adeeb and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pankaj Saran were present. Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Bijan Lal Deb briefed reporters after the meeting. The premier underscored the need for early ratification of the Land Boundary Agreement 1974 and its protocol signed during the visit of Dr Manmohan Singh for a satisfactory resolution of the land boundary dispute. In this regard, Salman said India was committed to early ratification of the land boundary agreement. Stressing the need for regional cooperation, Hasina said, “We should work together for the benefits of the region, because our main goal is to ensure welfare of our people.” Mentioning that her government is working relentlessly to strengthen democracy in the country, she said some 5,175 elections at different levels had so far been held in a free, fair and peaceful manner when even the ruling party-nominated candidates lost in some cases. Expressing her stern stance against terrorism, she said, “We understand that there is no boundary for terrorism and there is a need to work unitedly to combat terrorism.” In this regard, the Indian minister appreciated the government's efforts on anti-terrorist activities. Salman said, “We see the high future of Bangladesh and greater commitment of the government to its people.” Hasina said Bangladesh attached highest importance to its relations with India and since the exchange of visits between her and the premier of India, there had been a significant forward movement in the initiatives undertaken by both the countries to further deepen and widen the existing excellent bilateral relations. She also recalled with satisfaction the successful conclusion of the year-long joint celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore and 113th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam. Hasina mentioned various high level visits from India to Bangladesh, including that of the home minister, commerce minister, vice-president, UPA chairperson, culminating in the successful visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to Dhaka in September 2011. She further said the two sides were able to have very fruitful discussions on all issues of mutual interests and resolve a number of long outstanding issues, including the land boundary issue.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments