Tipaimukh issue to be resolved bilaterally
Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes yesterday expressed firm belief in resolving the Tipaimukh dam issue through bilateral negotiations with India and dismissed any initiative to take the matter to an international forum.
“It is possible to resolve the matter bilaterally and we don't need to think otherwise,'' he said at a press briefing in the foreign ministry.
The press conference was called to announce the World Marketing Summit to be held in Dhaka on March 1-3 next year.
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni read out a written statement on the summit and left the conference hurriedly, avoiding questions on the Tipaimukh issue. However, she promised to talk to the journalists on the issue today.
Quayes said they have requested the Indian government to share all the relevant details of the proposed project in full transparency and about any further step that they may take in connection with the project.
He referred to the commitment repeatedly given to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by her Indian counterpart that India will not take any step on the Tipaimukh Project that will adversely affect Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, as a co-riparian country, wants prior consultation with India before initiating any intervention on common rivers like Barak, he added.
Asked whether he trusts the Indian government after it hide information regarding the signing of Tipaimukh agreement, he said Bangladesh has trust towards India's assurance on the project since it was made at the highest political level.
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