Sheikh Hasina wants early signing of interim agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters
New Delhi: At a virtual summit meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheik Hasina today, both India and Bangladesh agreed to hold an early meeting of the Joint Boundary Conference to prepare a new set of strip maps along the stretch of Icchamati, Kalindi, Raimongol and the Hariabhanga Rivers from Main Pillar 1 to Land Boundary terminus, with a view to finalising the delineation of the boundaries as fixed. It was agreed to carry out necessary work to convert the International Boundary along Kuhsiyara river into a fixed boundary.
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A joint statement said that Bangladesh side reiterated the request for 1.3 km ‘Innocent Passage’ through river route along River Padma near Rajshahi District. The Indian side assured to consider the request. Both leaders agreed to facilitate completion of border fencing at all pending sectors at the international border between both the countries at the earliest beginning from the Tripura (India)- Bangladesh sector. They also agreed that loss of civilian lives at the border was a matter of concern and directed the border forces concerned to enhance coordinate measures to work towards bringing such border incidents to zero.The leaders stressed on full implementation of the ongoing Coordinated Border Management Plan.
At the same time they recognised that terrorism remains a threat to global peace and security, and both reiterated their strong commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, while at the same time simplifying people to people movement between the two countries. Bangladesh side requested for early implementation of India’s commitment to remove remaining restrictions on entry/ exit from land ports in India for Bangladeshis travelling on valid documents in a phased manner, beginning with checkpoints at Akhaura (Tripura) and Ghojadanga (West Bengal).
The two leaders also underscored the need for early conclusion of Framework of Interim Agreement on sharing of waters of six joint rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted the need for early signing of interim agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both the governments in 2011. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts of the Government of India in that regard.
Bangladesh side also requested the Indian side to inform its concerned border authorities to allow excavation work of the remaining portion of the Rahimpur Khal for utilisation of Kushiyara River waters for irrigation purposes. The Indian side was also requested to provide early concurrence on the proposed MoU to be signed between the two countries for monitoring the withdrawal of water from the Kushiyara River by both the sides, pending signing of the Treaty/Agreement regarding sharing of water of the Kushiyara River. The two leaders recalled the positive contribution of the Joint Rivers Commission and looked forward to the next round of Secretarial level JRC meeting at the earliest.
– globalbihari bureau
