Modi Assures His Seriousness To Resolve LBA And Teesta Water Sharing Issues

"I am very much serious to resolve the LBA and Teesta water sharing deal with Bangladesh and I am exploring the ways to resolve these issues," he said.

The Indian Prime Minister's assurance came during his maiden meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart at his (Modi) hotel suite here yesterday afternoon.

After the meeting, Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque briefed reporters. PM's Media Advisor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury was present on the occasion.

The foreign secretary said the meeting was held in a very warm, relaxed and open environment.

At the meeting, Sheikh Hasina said that there are some issues with India like the LBA and Teesta water sharing that remained unresolved. "We want quick solution of these issues," she said.

The Indian Prime Minister also assured that New Delhi is always with Bangladesh for its development.

The two premiers gave utmost importance to the regional cooperation development.

Sheikh Hasina said the potentials that exist in the South Asian region will have to be harnessed together.

Agreeing with Sheikh Hasina, Narendra Modi said: "We will have to make development taking all with us.

"The word of making development together comes prominently in my "Look East Policy", he said.

Sheikh Hasina in this connection mentioned the Bangladesh, China, India, and Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor.

The Bangladesh Premier called for removing the barriers that exist to the way of connectivity between Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.

In this regard, the Indian Prime Minister assured of resolving these problems and asked the officials accompanying him to take steps to this end.

Modi stressed the need for promoting religious tourism in the region and launching of SAARC satellite.

The Indian Prime Minister lauded the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying that Bangabandhu has founded Bangladesh, while his daughter saved the country.

The two premiers agreed to root out terrorism from the region, saying that no development will take place without eliminating terrorism.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister invited Narendra Modi to visit Bangladesh.

Accepting the invitation, Modi said he is looking forward to visiting Bangladesh. "Discussions are underway to this end at official level and I would visit Bangladesh soon," he said.

-Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha