Dhaka, Delhi sign 3 accords, 2 MoUs

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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh wave to media during her ceremonial reception in New Delhi Monday. — PID photo

NEW DELHI, Jan 11: Bangladesh and India Monday signed five deals, three for mutual actions against crimes and terrorism while one each on cooperation in power sector and on cultural exchanges between the two close neighbours, report agencies.
The former three agreements and the latter two MoUs were signed by the secretaries concerned of the two countries capping comprehensive summit-level talks between visiting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and host Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at Hyderabad House in the evening.
At the core of treaties are commitments of the two countries for mutual legal assistance on criminal matters, transfer of sentenced persons and combat against "international terrorism, organised crime and illegal drug-trafficking" through the porous common border that stretches over 4,000 kilometres.
At the official talks, the two sides discussed the entire range of bilateral relations, including means of resolving the long-standing issues concerning trade, connectivity, water sharing of common rivers and so.
Addressing a banquet hosted by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this evening, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought on Monday India's cooperation in fighting terrorism, guaranteed water of Teesta water and duty-free access of Bangladesh products.
"To ensure also our sustained commitment to peace, serious collaboration is essential in countering terrorism," she said.
Hasina, who is on her four-day maiden visit to India after forming the government just a year back, said cooperation in the field would lead to socio-economic development of the two countries to alleviate poverty that undermines peace.
She reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to eliminating all forms of terrorism. Bangladesh will not allow its territory to be used for launching terrorist activities against any country in the neighbourhood, or around the world, she added.
The prime minister said a laudable start has already been made by Manmohan's assurance for India's decision for duty-free access to more Bangladeshi items to the Indian market, removal of non-tariff barriers, and improvement of trade infrastructure on Indian side of the borders.
Bangladesh on this trip sought all-important duty free access for 232 products, including ready-made garments, that are currently on India's negative list. A highly-placed Indian official told bdnews24.com that Delhi would remove 47 items from its negative list for the benefit of Bangladesh.
Hasina, in her speech, also said activation of institutional mechanisms is required to promote two-way trade, remove avoidable hindrances, initiate long-pending trade facilitation measures, facilitate easy travel of businessmen, and create mechanisms to settle trade related disputes.
She said: "Progress and prosperity of our nations, and of all others in our regional organisation, SAARC, depend on our success in poverty alleviation and economic development."
Hasina said success in poverty alleviation and economic development is possible through sincere cooperation among all in the South Asian region. "The eventual gain would be peace and stability all around."
Terming connectivity an important factor of economic development, she said a better connectivity in the region would open a new era of economic activities, benefiting all countries in South Asia.
The prime minister said her discussions with Indian side on the economic development, power, tourism and culture were successful. "…commendable progress was made on long pending issues, particularly on land boundary. They would surely have favourable impacts on the lives of our peoples."
She said she hoped her visit has served the purpose in boosting bilateral cooperation and overall relations to a new, enviable level.
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina sought help of her Indian counterpart in reaching agreements on water sharing of Teesta and other common rivers.
"We need to conclude treaties on water sharing of the river Teesta, and other common rivers. On this very important issue, I request for your support in arriving at mutual agreements," she said.