Dhaka, Delhi sign 3 agreements

Visiting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh wave during a ceremonial reception accorded to her at the Rashtrapati Bhaban in New Delhi yesterday.Photo: PID

India yesterday announced a $1-billion line of credit for infrastructure development in Bangladesh.

The announcement came during two-hour talks between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh at the Hyderabad House here.

After the talks in the evening, the two countries signed three agreements on fight against terrorism and organised crime, and mutual transfer of convicted prisoners.

They also signed two memorandums of understanding on cooperation in power sector and cultural exchange.

In response to concerns over proposed Tipaimukh dam, India assured Bangladesh that New Delhi will not take any step that would hurt Dhaka’s interests.

It agreed to remove 47 items from its negative list to give Bangladeshi products duty-free access to its market.

The two sides decided to enhance connectivity. In efforts to that end, India will set up a 14-km metre gauge rail line between Akhaura and Agartala.

Besides, it announced it will give Bangladesh transit to Nepal and Bhutan, and export 250 megawatts of electricity from its central grid.

The discussions covered a wide range of bilateral issues that included terrorism, security, connectivity, trade and investment, and sharing of water and power resources.

Hasina and Manmohan noted that terrorism and extremism respect no boundaries and agreed on the need for enhanced cooperation between the two countries.

They reaffirmed commitment to solving all issues through discussions and decided to put in place a Comprehensive Framework for Cooperation in Development.

The line of credit, the highest financial assistance from India to any country, is meant for constructing railway bridges and lines and manufacturing rail coaches, a senior Indian foreign ministry official told reporters last night.

The agreements inked are titled Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, Transfer of Sentenced Persons and Combating International Terrorism, Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

The one on transfer of convicted persons would allow those convicted of criminal offences to serve their sentences in their own country if they want.

Anyone condemned to death however will not get this opportunity.

If similar agreement existed with a third country, Bangladesh and India will provide transit facility for extradition of sentenced persons, said officials.

The agreement on combating international terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking is the bilateral implementation of a protocol under Saarc.

It says if terrorist activities are perpetrated in and against India and Bangladesh, the two countries can exchange intelligence and general information.

The MoU on power was signed for import and export of electricity to the tune of over 900 million units per annum, depending on availability, need and price.

Under this, the Power Development Board will buy electricity from India at a price to be agreed upon by the two parties, said official sources.

The neighbours also signed an MoU on cultural exchange under which they would jointly celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore.

This apart, Hasina and Singh discussed issues relating to the 6.1-km undermarcated stretch of the 4,096-km border, “enclaves” and “adverse possessions” (pockets in each country where nationals of the other one are residing).

MANMOHAN’S SPEECH
Later, the Indian prime minister hosted a banquet in honour of Hasina.
In his speech, he warmly praised his Bangladesh counterpart, saying her life is an inspiration to those who cherish freedom and independence.

He said, "We admire your courage and conviction and your unwavering belief in the principles you uphold, for which you have personally sacrificed so much."

Assuring Hasina that relations with Bangladesh were the "highest priority" for his country, he said there was very little that divided the two nations and much that united them.

Bangladesh has strong democratic and cultural traditions and led the way in South Asia in important areas of human development.

"We meet today as two vibrant and equal democracies that share common values and common goals,” he continued.

"The links between us extend to every aspect of human life, be it social, economic, cultural, intellectual or political."

He said, “India stands ready to be a full and equal partner in the realisation of your vision of social change and economic development for Bangladesh.

"India seeks to build a new future with Bangladesh. The time has come to chart a new path. We are ready to pursue a bold vision for our relations, based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.

"Our two peoples want peace, security and prosperity. We should move forward to achieve these common goals for ourselves and for all the people of South Asia.”

Manmohan hoped Hasina's visit would "open a new chapter in India-Bangladesh relations.

“We have finalised several initiatives to build a true partnership of friendship and cooperation.

"We have agreed on the importance of showing sensitivity to each other’s concerns. We have agreed to cooperate in meeting the common challenges of climate change, and assuring food, water and energy security to our peoples.”

The Indian prime minister observed that the countries are fortunate to have produced some of the finest writers, scholars and artists. “The works of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam have inspired generations of people. This is a unique asset which binds our people, and which we must preserve.”

Referring to Hasina’s visit, he said India was delighted that the first state visit of the new year was by a “valued friend and close neighbour”.

Earlier in the day, the Bangladeshi prime minister who began her official visit here Sunday, met Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna, United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj.