Visiting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee yesterday asked Bangladesh to “keep faith” in her over a Teesta water-sharing deal that Bangladesh has long wanted signed and sealed.
Mamata was instrumental in the last-minute foiling of an effort in 2011 by former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh to reach a breakthrough on the Teesta water-sharing issue.
The visiting West Bengal executive yesterday said she would discuss the issue with the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her visit.
She said she would work as a bridge between her province and Bangladesh in removing misunderstandings and obstacles to water sharing on the Teesta River.
“We have some problems and you have some problems too. I will hold discussions with Hasina-di [sister Hasina]...Leave it to us. Do not worry about it,” Mamata said at a discussion titled “Boithaki Bangla Adda” at a city hotel.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor was present at the discussion.
Terming the water-sharing issue a problem for everyone concerned, the chief minister said she had already resolved the Land Boundary Agreement.
In September 2011, Mamata pulled out of a delegation to Dhaka led by former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, who was expected to make a major announcement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta.
At the time, Mamata said she would not agree to any pact that hurt the interests of her province, West Bengal.
At yesterday’s function, the chief minister said: “The ties of souls can never be held back,” referring to cultural ties between her province and Bangladesh, adding: “We need to keep an open mind.”
Mamata greeted those present with Bangabandhu’s immortal salute: “Joy Bangla.”
She stressed the importance of cultural exchanges in further strengthening long-standing relations between Bangladesh and West Bengal.
Before leaving Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in West Bengal, Mamata said: “This is a very emotional moment for me...some journeys are more emotional than others. This is very special.”
Mamata arrived on Thursday night on a three-day visit, which both countries view as a chance to deepen ties between the two countries.
The West Bengal chief minister will meet President Abdul Hamid, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her visit.
She is also scheduled to visit the Amar Ekushey Udjapon function at Shaheed Minar to pay homage to the martyrs of the Language Movement and to visit the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
