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India, Dhaka to intensify border patrolling Dhaka, August 6 Dhaka assured that the Bangladesh territory would not be allowed to be used for terrorism and extremism directed against any neighbouring country, including India. During wide-ranging discussions between External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh and his Bangladeshi counterpart Morshed Khan, the two sides also agreed to work out an Extradition Treaty and a Mutual Legal Assistance treaty. At a joint press conference with Mr Khan, Mr Natwar Singh, who is on a three-day visit, the first by a senior Cabinet minister to Bangladesh since the UPA government assumed office last year, said he would deliver a letter from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Bangladesh premier Khaleda Zia when he called on her tomorrow. He would also meet Leader of Opposition and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during his stay here. On a mission at fence-mending ahead of the trip by the Prime Minister for the SAARC Summit here in November, Mr Natwar Singh sounded a positive note. “Even when there were some strains in our relationship, there was no affect on our personal regard for each other,” he said while noting that he and Mr Khan had been friends for over 15 months and met in various parts of the world. Mr Natwar Singh said that both sides had agreed that it was necessary to check illegal movements and activities on the borders. “While we have some differences in our interpretation of the 1975 guidelines, both sides are committed to maintaining a peaceful, trouble-free border,” he said. Under these guidelines, defence structures within 150 yards of the borders are to be demolished. Dhaka has objections to the border fencing on the ground that in some area, the fence was coming within the stipulated area. But the Indian side contends that these guidelines should be taken in the right spirit keeping in view ground realities. The two sides signed a cultural exchange programme. India offered additional 500 scholarships to Bangladeshi students, 100 scholarships for undergraduates, training to 600 Bangladeshi teachers over the next two years and gift of 620 computers to schools in this country. Natwar Singh said he had raised India’s concern regarding illegal migration from Bangladesh during the talks. “We have proposed a high-level meeting to discuss this important issue,” he said. However, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Hemayutuddin differed when a reporter put a question on this issue. “We do not agree that there is any illegal migration from Bangladesh,” he said and went on to contend that there were mechanisms for identifying people who were illegally staying in each other’s country. He said Dhaka had “taken note” of India’s proposal and that there would be further discussions on it. Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran, who is accompanying Mr Natwar Singh, told reporters that India had solicited the support of Bangladesh to its candidature for permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council as also for the G-4 resolution. The Bangladesh side said the Indian request would receive its “active and friendly consideration”, he said. Mr Saran emphasised that the two countries had to join hands to effectively deal with terrorist activities, particularly the misuse of borders by elements which are inimical to the interests of both countries. Mr Natwar Singh also had a meeting with Bangladesh Finance Minister Saifur Rahman.
— PTI  |
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