Dhaka: Bangladesh is seeking to ink an
interim pact with India on water sharing of Teesta river to lay the "foundation for the desired long-term deal" on all common rivers, a top official said on Saturday.
Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes said Bangladesh wants
to sign agreements with India on sharing of all common rivers, including the Teesta.
"We want to sign a long-term deal on Teesta`s water
sharing, but it requires hydrological survey data, which is a time consuming process," Quayes told mediaperson here.
"Therefore, we want to sign an interim deal on the
Teesta`s water sharing and this accord will lay the foundation for the desired long-term deal in future," he underlined.
During her New Delhi visit earlier this month, Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina pressed India for conclusion of
agreements on water sharing of Teesta river and other common rivers in the spirit of 1996 Ganga Water Treaty.
The two countries decided to call the ministerial-level meeting under the format of Joint Commission.
Earlier on Wednesday, Foreign minister Dipu Moni said
that the Awami League-led government was looking to sign an "ad hoc" deal with India on Teesta river.
Even though lower riparian Bangladesh shares 54 common rivers with India, the two neighbours have only signed the landmark Ganga Water Treaty in 1996.
With regard to the counter terrorism pacts inked with
India during Hasina`s visit to New Delhi, Quayes dismissed all apprehensions that it could impact the country`s independence, sovereignty and security.
He said since terrorism is a global problem and drug
trafficking, smuggling and organized crimes are related to it, mutual cooperation was needed to tackle them effectively.
With regard to the maritime boundary disputes with
India, Quayes said the process for appointing arbitrator is in process.
He said Bangladesh and Myanmar had managed to end
deadlock over maritime boundary demarcation procedure during talks between January 8-9.
"Myanmar for the first time recognised the `equity
method` to demarcate the sea boundary. This is a very big development in the maritime talks," Quayes underlined.
Experts have largely welcomed the outcome of Hasina’s
New Delhi visit, terming it a "bold shift" in bilateral ties.
The two sides signed an Agreement on Mutual Legal
Assistance in Criminal Matters, an Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons and an Agreement on Combating International Terrorism, Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
At the wide-ranging talks in New Delhi, the two sides
also agreed to revive the traditional links of connectivity,
which included Akhaura-Agartala railway line.
The pacts have been criticised by the main opposition
BNP, which plans to begin a nationwide campaign over the issue.
PTI
