India has not received any official communication from Bangladesh regarding the review of 101 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements signed with India during the Awami League administration, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Friday.
“We have also seen some media reports on this matter, but nothing has been conveyed to us officially. Obviously, India will take all necessary actions to protect its interests,” he said in response to a question about Bangladesh’s review of the agreements.
On September 11, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said the government was reviewing 101 MoUs and agreements signed with India during the ousted Awami League government of Sheikh Hasina.
“We are reviewing the agreements that mean 101 MoUs and you will get its (review) result soon,” he said, replying to a question from reporters at a press briefing at the Media Centre of the Jatiya Sangsad, a day after the prorogation of the third session of the 13th Parliament.
Moni said the government wants to maintain friendly relations with neighboring India while giving the highest priority to Bangladesh’s national interests.
Referring to arrangements involving Chittagong Port, Moni said the Awami League government had signed agreements under which vessels belonging to a friendly country could allegedly receive preferential treatment over Bangladeshi vessels when both arrived at the port for unloading.
“They (AL government) signed 101 MoUs. You can write it down and take a note of it that the figure is 101 MoUs,” he said.
Referring to a road constructed with a loan from India, the chief whip said Bangladesh was required to repay the loan with interest, although Bangladeshi vehicles could not use the road.
“Such agreement was made and it remains implemented. We are trying to come out of such situations,” he said.
