By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh and India may decide “at the highest political level” key bilateral issues like an extradition treaty, measures to tackle terrorism and connectivity to improve mutual access and trade, a media report said Wednesday.
Officials say they have given “a green signal” to proposals made by India, including the signing of an extradition treaty, mutual legal assistance against terrorism and exchange of sentenced prisoners.
“We have suggested going ahead with the proposals after considering our laws, but the final decision has to be made by the highest office of the government,” an official, requesting anonymity, told New Age newspaper.
Inter-ministerial meetings have taken place this week for the visit to India by Foreign Minister Dipu Moni Sep 9 that in turn would pave the ground for a visit by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the newspaper said.
Dhaka feels that Delhi, during the visit of the foreign minister, would once again raise the issue of tackling terrorism and ascertain Bangladesh’s stance on signing the South Asian anti-terrorism pact that Dhaka had proposed.
On connectivity, Dhaka may approve the Indian proposal for a Kolkata-Narayanganj train container service for faster movement of goods.
An issue to be sorted out is whether this would be at the cost of the Land Port Authority’s operations and earnings.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, however, feels that the Kolkata-Narayanganj container train service would generate more business and contribute to the shrinking of the huge trade gap.
Trade, water resources, security and connectivity will feature prominently in Dipu Moni’s discussions with the Indian leaders.
Bangladesh, according to the officials in Dhaka, will focus mainly on taking measures to reduce the huge trade gap as well as try to resolve the burning issue of equitable sharing the waters flowing from India.
Both governments are committed to resolve through talks the issue of Delhi’s proposal for a dam over Barak river at Tipaimukh in India’s Manipur state. It has generated much heat among the opposition parties and a section of environmentalists.