PM for signing Teesta water deal quickly

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina put emphasis on Saturday on signing the much-awaited Teesta water sharing agreement between Bangladesh and India quickly, reports UNB.

"Teesta water sharing deal should be inked as soon as possible as Bangladesh needs more water in the lean period," she said.

The Prime Minister expressed this views when an Indian delegation led by General (retd) VK Singh, Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs, paid a courtesy call on her at her official Ganobhaban residence in the evening.

After the call-on, PM's Press Secretary AKM Shameem Chowdhury briefed reporters.

He said both discussed various issues relating to mutual interests, especially trade and investment between North Eastern states of India and Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that all the pending issues including the Teesta Water sharing and the land boundary agreement with India would be settled very soon.

About the transit issue, Sheikh Hasina requested the Indian government to give Bangladesh transit to Nepal and Bhutan through Indian territories.

"We also want transit from you, as we are already providing that facility to you," she said.

In reply, General (retd) VK Singh agreed to give transit to Bangladesh through India.

"Yes, you will get it," he said adding that a railway line should be built along with the existing road that connects Bangladesh with Nepal and Bhutan.