Dhaka, Delhi agree to fight terror together

Bangladesh and India yesterday agreed to fight militancy and terrorism jointly in a bid to establish peace and stability in South Asian region.
Visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee discussed with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her proposal for setting up an anti-terror taskforce for South Asia to deal with these problems.
The PM's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad said this while briefing journalists after Pranab met Hasina at her official residence Jamuna.
During the 1.15-hour meeting, the prime minister said poverty is the main problem in South Asian region.
"Peace will have to be established to alleviate poverty and for this, terrorism, militancy and smuggling must have to be curbed," Azad quoted her as saying.
The PM also sought cooperation of other South Asian nations for commissioning the taskforce.
United efforts are necessary to tackle the problems in the region, the Indian minister said.
The meeting discussed bilateral issues of the two countries and emphasised strengthening relations between them.
Hasina told Pranab that Bangladesh always remembers India's contribution to its Liberation War in 1971. She also paid rich tributes to those Indian soldiers who made supreme sacrifice for the independence of Bangladesh.
The prime minister thanked the Indian acting premier for signing two trade and investment agreements with Bangladesh.
Pranab congratulated Hasina for securing landslide victory in the December 29 parliamentary election, sources present at the meeting told The Daily Star.
He also exchanged greetings with Hasina's sister Sheikh Rehana, daughter Saima Wazed Putul and other family members.
Earlier, the PM received the Indian minister on his arrival at Jamuna at 5:00PM after official talks with his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Dipu Moni.
Pranab was accompanied by Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon and Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pinak Ranjan Chakrabarty.
The meeting was also attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hasan Mahmud, State Minister for Home Tanjim Ahmed Sohel Taj, Foreign Secretary M Touhid Hossain and Secretary of the PM's Office Kazi Aminul Islam.
MEETING WITH KHALEDA NOT HELD
Pranab Mukherjee said he could not meet the leader of the opposition and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for lack of time.
He made the remarks at a joint press conference yesterday with Foreign Minister Dipu Moni.