Khaleda shares disappointment
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia calls on Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his Sonargaon Hotel suite in the city yesterday. Photo: courtesy
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday expressed disappointment at the failure to sign deals for sharing waters of common rivers including the Teesta during Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh.
She also urged the Indian premier to see that contents of the deals signed during his visit could be changed in future, if necessary, in the interest of both the countries.
Vice Chairman of BNP Shamser Mobin Chowdhury said this while briefing journalists after a meeting between Khaleda and Manmohan at his hotel suite in Dhaka.
Shamser Mobin, acting Secretary General of the party Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and chairperson's advisers Reaz Rahman and Sabihuddin Ahmed accompanied her at the meeting that lasted 25 minutes.
“The Indian prime minister regretted [the failure to sign water- sharing deals] and assured the BNP chairperson that the river water issues will be settled soon on a priority basis through discussion. He [Manmohan] said he had already asked all officials concerned to work for the water-sharing deal,” Shamser Mobin said.
“BNP always wants to maintain warm relations with India. But all the deals must be signed on the basis of equity, and special attention has to be given to sensitive issues. We expected deals on water-sharing of common rivers,” he quoted the leader of the opposition in parliament saying at the meeting.
She also said, "Killing at border must be stopped. Otherwise it will create lack of confidence.”
Manmohan termed Khaleda “one of the builders of modern Bangladesh” and hoped to work with major political parties including BNP for building good relations between the people of the two countries. He sought Khaleda's help in this regard, Mobin said.
On transit issue, Khaleda said they also want connectivity but it should be between Bangladesh and Southeast Asia, if necessary, also China. Manmohan agreed with her, Mobin added.
The BNP chairperson once again urged the Indian premier not to build Tipaimukh dam, and he said India will not do anything harmful to Bangladesh.
Khaleda appreciated India's giving duty-free access for 46 Bangladeshi products and hoped for more in future. This will contribute to enhancing bilateral relations, she said.
Manmohan applauded Khaleda's role in making the Saarc effective, and said BNP's founder late president Ziaur Rahman will be remembered at the upcoming (Saarc) summit.
Comments