PM pushes for Teesta water deal

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked India to conclude the water-sharing treaty over Teesta river and include Bangladeshi experts in any study group on the proposed Tipaimukh dam project.
She also urged India to reciprocate with the steps taken by Bangladesh for improving relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The prime minister said this when newly-appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pankaj Saran met her at her office (PMO). PM's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad briefed reporters after the meeting.
Hasina also sought concrete steps from the Indian government to stop the killing of Bangladeshi citizens along the border by Indian border guards and have the Land Boundary Agreement ratified by Indian parliament.
She also urged India to stop the construction of dams which are harmful to the environment and ecological balance.
The prime minister said Bangladesh and India are now enjoying better relations than ever before. She recalled the contributions of India and its people during the Liberation War, saying that the people of Bangladesh would never forget that.
Hasina reiterated her stand for regional connectivity and said Bangladesh has already agreed with many Indian requests to this end.
Responding to Indian requests, she said, Bangladesh has taken steps for establishing rail link between Akhaura and Agartala, transportation of Indian over-dimensional cargos from Ashuganj to Palatana power station in Tripura, established 'port of call' at Ashuganj, Border Haats and land customs stations.
Hasina also referred to the steps taken by Bangladesh to check cross-border terrorism.
The new Indian envoy praised the leadership of the prime minister to build Bangladesh as a progressive, prosperous and peaceful country as well as for regional peace and prosperity.
He recalled Hasina's visit to New Delhi and Agartala which, he said, have contributed a lot towards taking the relations between the two countries to a new height.
The prime minister assured the Indian envoy of providing all supports in successfully discharging his duties in Bangladesh.
Ambassador at-Large M Ziauddin, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Sheikh M Wahid Uz Zaman, Secretary to the Prime Minister Office Mollah Wahidduzaman, were present.