Currency swap among three accords likely

An MoU on strengthening network-to-network connections between Bangladesh Bank and the National Payments Corporation of India may be signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Delhi visit, to facilitate currency swap amid dollar dilemmas.
This memorandum of understanding (MoU) -- among few other envisaged outcomes save the Teesta-deal breakthrough -- is meant for making the currency-swap arrangement between the two next-door neighbours easier, the foreign office in Dhaka said.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen Thursday briefed journalists on the eve of premier's tour. The PM starts for New Delhi today (Friday) to attend this year's G20 summit.
Three instruments will be signed after Hasina's one-on-one meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day (Friday),
The two leaders could inaugurate the Akhaura-Agartala 10.01-km rail link, virtually, the foreign minister said.
The three instruments which are likely to be signed are agriculture research, culture, and rupee-taka payment system for trading.
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) will sign the MoU on agricultural research and training.
The two countries' cultural-exchange programme will be extended up to 2025.
Bangladesh Bank will sign the MoU with the National Payments Corporation of India for the rupee-taka trade system, the minister said.
Dr Momen said the prime minister will carry a message for regional peace and stability to Delhi, where global powers get together at a time of broiling geopolitical tensions, including a hottest one close by.
"We want to tell the world that we don't want any proxy war in the Indo- Pacific," he told the press, in an implicit reference to the Indo-Pacific Strategy or IPS pursued by the United States. Bangladesh wants to be "the voice of Global South".
As Bangladesh has made significant achievements in terms of socioeconomic development and women empowerment, the country wants to showcase these achievements, he said
Asked if Bangladesh would raise Bangladesh's election issue during the Hasina-Modi meeting -- as there has been a political standoff at home over the upcoming polls -- Momen said he didn't have any cue yet.
But he pointed out that Bangladesh is committed to holding free and fair elections.
"We are not bowing to any pressure from any side as we are a sovereign country," he said, adding: "We are open to suggestions from others but we will decide whether we will accept those or not.
"We will welcome if anybody wants to give us support, but we will not cater any pressure."
The foreign minister, however, did not respond when asked if Bangladesh would raise the Teesta water-sharing agreement that remained pending since 2011, despite the final preparation, because of last-minute opposition from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
About participation in the G20 Summit he said, "It is a proud moment for us. We are honoured... We got a floor to speak. Bangladesh is the only country in South Asia invited as a guest at the summit."
On the sidelines, the prime minister would hold meetings with the Saudi crown prince as well as presidents of Argentina, South Korea and the UAE on Saturday.
She will also pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi with leaders of the Group of 20.
At the conference, Sheikh Hasina will speak in two sessions on the theme of the summit -- 'one earth, one family, one future'.
She will highlight climate change, post-pandemic economic recovery and challenges stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war, particularly in food and energy sectors, among others.
The FM said he does not know whether any progress on Teesta water- sharing deal can be made during the visit.
"Ask them about it, I don't know anything," he said in response to a question on the prospect of Teesta deal.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com