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Anti-terrorism accord to be signed during Hasina visit

DHAKA: External Affairs Secretary Nirupama Rao held talks with her Bangladesh counterpart Mohamed Mijarul Quayes here on Saturday to prepare the ground for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India next month.

They told journalists that all major issues they discussed would be tabled before the Prime Ministers.

Mr. Quayes said three agreements would be signed during Sheikh Hasina’s visit: for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, on transfer of sentenced persons, and on combating international terrorism, organised crimes and illegal drug trafficking.

Mr. Quayes said India agreed to provide Bangladesh rail transit for transporting its products to Nepal.

Ms. Rao said: “This is a significant visit. We discussed different issues of the joint agreements.” This two-day trip is her first visit to Bangladesh after taking over as Foreign Secretary in August.

Mr. Quayes said India “praised Bangladesh for its role in security related issues.” Both sides resolved to address outstanding border problems “as soon as possible… During the talks, [Ms. Rao] said border killings should stop immediately.” said Mr. Quayes.

Ms. Rao later called on Foreign Minister Dipu Moni at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She will meet Sheikh Hasina and is also expected to meet Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia.

Earlier, Dr. Moni told the media that Dhaka and New Delhi would finalise accords on mutual transit facilities to Bhutan and Nepal during Sheikh Hasina’s three-day visit from December 19.

The Minister said the two countries would also “operationalise” the agreement on allowing India to use Ashuganj as a transit point under the existing Water Protocol.

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