Bangladesh and India have taken a political decision on transit to establish all modes of connectivity in the region, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni has said.
Addressing a press conference at the foreign ministry yesterday, she said Bangladesh has decided to give transit to India, Nepal and Bhutan and the Awami League government wants to establish all types of connectivity not only with India but also with the entire region.
She reminded the joint communiqué, issued during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to New Delhi in January last year, where the two prime ministers agreed on transit.
Dipu Moni hinted that a number of protocols on transit will be finalised before Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh and will be signed during his visit planned for September 6-7.
"Whatever we will do with India, it will be under a broader framework. Nepal and Bhutan have already been included in the plan for transit," she said.
Replying to a query, Dipu Moni said a process is underway to fix the transit fee and construct the required infrastructure and finish other relevant work. "These are a lengthy process and cannot be fixed by a person or two or in a day or two. There are committees that are working on the issues."
The fees will be settled on a win-win situation so countries are encouraged to use the facility offered by Bangladesh.
Asked about the recent media reports on Indian government's go ahead to the proposed Tipaimukh dam, Dipu Moni recalled the Indian prime minister and the foreign minister's assurance that India will not do anything that "harms the interest of Bangladesh".
On another question, she said Bangladesh has not stayed away from its proposed Rooppur nuclear power plant project with Russian assistance.
Sheikh Hasina is expected to visit Russia towards the end of the year.
Dipu Moni, however, said security of the people is a major concern, and national and international experts will shortly hold a workshop in Dhaka to discuss nuclear safety.
On China, she reiterated government's stance on one-China policy disregarding the recent meeting of Bangladesh's permanent representative with Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in New York.
She said the meeting with the Dalai Lama was not something scheduled.
About construction of a deep seaport at Sonadia with Chinese assistance, she said the government of China has reiterated its readiness to support it.
The shipping minister will soon lead a delegation to China to discuss the matter.
Source : The Daily Star
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