The Bangladesh-India bilateral relation has entered a new phase for mutual benefit of the people of the two countries and collective prosperity of the region, said a joint declaration issued by Bangladesh and India.
The new relationship will be based on a pragmatic, mature and practical approach based on sovereignty, equality, friendship, trust and understanding.
Both the countries also agreed to have a comprehensive transit agreement for smooth transportation of goods and people through roadways, railways and waterways, said the declaration issued by the two countries on Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to Bangladesh.
Both the prime ministers reiterated that the number of deaths on the border must be brought down to zero and directed the authorities concerned and border security forces to take steps to this end.
The 65-point joint declaration themed “Notun Projonmo – Nayi Disha,” meaning “new generation, new direction,” released yesterday, is the result of the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Dhaka.
He arrived in Dhaka on Saturday at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on a two-day visit.
The declaration touched upon various issues including warm and friendly relations between the two countries ranging from water sharing to security, connectivity and trade.
After hectic negotiations, the draft was finalised on the concluding day of Modi’s two-day visit.
Both the prime ministers on Saturday had a meeting which was followed by official-level talks and both the meeting and the talks were marked by great warmth and cordiality.
Water
The Indian prime minister considered water as a human issue and there should not be any politics with it.
The declaration said Hasina proposed concluding interim Teesta water-sharing agreement as agreed upon by both the governments in January 2011 immediately; in reply Modi said deliberations are underway involving all stakeholders to conclude agreements related to Teesta and Feni rivers as soon as possible.
The two prime ministers noted that discussions on various aspects relating to sharing of waters of the Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers were taking place at technical levels under the Joint Rivers Commission and asked the officials concerned to take expeditious action to conclude the sharing arrangements at the earliest.
Land Boundary
Both prime ministers expressed satisfaction over the conclusion of the land boundary deal which settled border issue.
“They recognised that this was a milestone in Bangladesh-India relations,” the declaration said.
Hasina appreciated the political parties and political leaders in India for the great demonstration of camaraderie in the unanimous adoption of the bill.
The two prime ministers gave directives to the officials concerned on both sides for expeditious implementation of the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement and its 2011 Protocol on the ground.
Multi-modal agreement
Hasina and Modi emphasised the achievement of closer ties through economic integration and better connectivity.
They also agreed to have a comprehensive transit agreement for smooth transportation of goods and people through roadways, railways and waterways.
“Both prime ministers also agreed to commence negotiations on a Multi Modal Transport Agreement between the two countries and to constitute a Joint Task Force for this purpose,” the declaration said.
They emphasised the importance of seamless, multi-modal connectivity to ensure regional economic development and people-to-people contact.
The two prime ministers welcomed the signing of the Coastal Shipping Agreement and renewal of the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) with new trade facilitation measures.
They believed that these would open up newer avenues of cooperation in the areas of bilateral and regional trade and connectivity.
Trade and investment
The two prime ministers welcomed the renewal of the bilateral trade agreement with the new trade facilitation provisions which would further widen bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation in a balanced and sustainable manner.
“Both sides underscored the need for narrowing the trade imbalance,” the declaration said.
Both the sides underscored the importance of harmonisation of standards and mutual recognition of agreements and certificates for enhancing bilateral trade and the urgent need for up-gradation of infrastructure of the Land Customs Stations (LCSs)/Land Ports/Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) in a coordinated manner.
Modi also stressed the need for increasing Indian investment in Bangladesh. He welcomed the decision of Bangladesh to allocate land for special economic zones (SEZs) for India in Mongla and Bheramara.
