PM For Signing Teesta Water Sharing Agreement

"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 here this 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 hoped that all the pending issues including Teesta Water sharing and land boundary agreement with India would be solved very soon mutually.

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

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

In reply, General (retd) VK Singh agreed to give transit to Bangladesh by using Indian land.

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

He underscored the need for strengthening the existing water protocol between the two neighbouring countries and mentioned that the issue is likely to be discussed in the next Shipping Secretary-level meeting scheduled for November this year.

The Indian Minister expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh government for allowing Indian transports to carry rice by using Ashuganj river port.

In this connection, he mentioned that the Indian government will construct an 11 kilometre rail line from Akhaura to Agartala.

"We want to create an environment for increasing trade and investment between North Eastern States of India and Bangladesh," he said. He also said that the 'Border Hats' have increased the people-to-people contact to a great extent between the two countries.

Regarding the visit of new Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh, VK Singh said that the Prime Minister is keen to tour to Bangladesh and it may take place any time.

In this connection, Sheikh Hasina said the people of Bangladesh are eagerly waiting to welcome the Indian Premier.

The Prime Minister recalled the assistance of India, especially its North Eastern states, during the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

The Indian delegation included Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr Mukul Sangma, Minister of Industry of Tripura Tapan Chakravarty, Parliamentary Secretary of Meghalaya Kennedy Khyriem, Indian High Commissioner Pankaj Saran and founder president of India-Bangladesh chamber of commerce and Industry Matlub Ahmad.

-Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)