{"id":81163,"date":"2022-09-08T14:13:55","date_gmt":"2022-09-08T14:13:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.bornomalanews.com\/?p=81163"},"modified":"2022-09-08T14:13:55","modified_gmt":"2022-09-08T14:13:55","slug":"jointly-agreed-decisions-during-pm-sheikh-hasinas-india-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.bornomalanews.com\/?p=81163","title":{"rendered":"Jointly agreed decisions during PM Sheikh Hasina\u2019s India visit"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Dhaka:<\/strong> Demonstrating the importance attached to relations between close neighbour and friends, the historic visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India saw important decisions being jointly agreed between the two countries.<\/p>\n

The particulars of the agreed decisions are given bellow.<\/p>\n

Steadfast Friendship<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Emphasis on greater collaboration in the spirit of friendship and partnership for prosperity and development of the region.<\/p>\n

Key decisions to enhance intra-Bangladesh Rail connectivity:<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Appreciation for ongoing bilateral initiatives, such as:<\/p>\n

– Conversion to dual-gauge of Tongi-Akhaura line<\/p>\n

– Supply of railway rolling stock to Bangladesh Railway<\/p>\n

– Capacity building for the personnel of Bangladesh Railway in reputed training institutes of<\/p>\n

Indian Railways<\/p>\n

– Sharing of IT solutions for improved services of Bangladesh Railway<\/p>\n

New initiatives to enhance Bangladesh-India Rail connectivity include:<\/p>\n

– Kaunia-Lalmonirhat-Mogalghat-New Gitaldaha link<\/p>\n

– Establishing a link between Hili and Birampur<\/p>\n

– Upgradation of track and signaling systems and railway stations along the\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Benapole-Jashore line<\/p>\n

– Link restoration between Burimari and Changrabandha<\/p>\n

– Construction of a container depot at Sirajganj etc<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Importantly, for these forward-looking projects, Bangladesh and India have agreed to explore funding through multiple financial instruments under the bilateral development cooperation framework.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Upon Bangladesh's request, India has committed to provide 20 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangladesh, on grant basis<\/p>\n

Safeguarding from global economic shocks<\/p>\n

\u27a2 A special G-2-G arrangement for predictable supply of essential food commodities such as rice, wheat\u00a0 sugar, onion, ginger and garlic from India to Bangladesh is expected to be worked out between both countries.<\/p>\n

Facilitating smooth movement of people and goods<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Expediting completion of developmental works within 150 yards of the International Border, including critical immigration and trade-related infrastructure on the various border crossings along the over 4,000-kms long border.<\/p>\n

Border Security and Management<\/p>\n

\u27a2 For the maintenance of a tranquil and crime-free border, completion of fencing along the unfenced patches of the entire border, beginning with the Tripura Sector,\u00a0 was agreed between both Leaders.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Stepped up efforts by border guarding guarding forces has helped decrease the number of deaths at the border. Greater cooperation against smuggling of arms, narcotics and fake currency and to prevent trafficking, particularly of women and children was also appreciated.<\/p>\n

Committed to jointly fight against terrorism<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Both Leaders reiterated their strong commitment to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Further strengthening cooperation to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation in the region and beyond was agreed.<\/p>\n

Defence and Security Cooperation<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Early finalization of projects under the USD 500 mn Defence Line of Credit was agreed, including the procurement plans of vehicles for Bangladesh Army.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Early operationalization of the 2019 MOU on Coastal Radar System for enhanced maritime security.<\/p>\n

Riverwater Cooperation<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Convening of the Joint Rivers Commission Ministerial Meeting, after more than a decade, where progress on cooperation on all shared rivers was reviewed, was appreciated by the Leaders.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 With the cooperation of all stakeholders in India, including the State Govt of Assam, the Kushiyara MOU has been signed. It will help Bangladeshi farmers irrigate land in Northeastern Bangladesh during the dry season and similarly, Southern Assam is expected to benefit from it.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Bangladesh noted request from State Govt of Tripura on sharing of the Feni river water.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Drinking Water project for the people of Tripura will now soon operationalize with the necessary approvals and clearances provided by Bangladesh to activate the 2019 MOU on withdrawal of 1.82 cusecs of water from the Feni river.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Greater number of rivers will now be included for data exchange and formulating framework of interim water sharing agreements.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Formulation of Joint Technical Committee to conduct a Study for optimum utilization of Ganges Water agreed by both sides.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Bangladesh reiterated request to conclude Teesta Treaty finalized in 2011.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation on tackling river pollution, improving riverine environment and navigability.<\/p>\n

Power Cooperation<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Synchronous Grid Connectivity \u2013 Bangladesh-India JV on Special Purpose Vehicle to connect a high capacity 765 kV transmission line from Katihar (Bihar) to Parbatipur (Bangladesh) to Bornagar (Assam). This line is expected to facilitate both import and export of electricity by Bangladesh, as per seasonal demand.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Sub-regional power grid connecting Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh got a boost. India informed that its internal guidelines are in place for the setting up of such a network.<\/p>\n

Energy Cooperation<\/p>\n

\u27a2 To help address Bangladesh\u2019s energy needs, both sides hoped for the early completion of the transboundary India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline that will carry High Speed Diesel from India directly to Bangladesh.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 To meet the growing requirements of petroleum products for Bangladesh\u2019s economy, India agreed to facilitate preliminary discussions between authorized agencies of both countries.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 India thanked Bangladesh for the support extended to facilitate movement of Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants from Assam to Tripura via Bangladesh, in light of the devastating flood situation in Assam and Meghalaya this year.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), a Govt of India PSU, is now eligible to supply on G-2-G basis petroleum products to Bangladesh.<\/p>\n

Development Cooperation<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Bangladesh lauded India for the efficiency and speed with which funds disbursement under Govt of India-linked Lines of Credit have taken place, especially over the last year. Close to USD 1.1 billion of the concessional aid extended to Bangladesh has already been disbursed.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Bangladesh is India\u2019s topmost development partner. Bangladesh alone caters for about one-fourth or 25% of all development financing extended by India to other countries.<\/p>\n

Enhancing Bilateral and Sub-Regional Trade and Connectivity<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Both Leaders agreed to expedite efforts to operationalize Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement. Once agreed, seamless movement of vehicles, personal and commercial, will be possible across borders of the four countries.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 To enhance sub-regional connectivity, India proposed preparation of a Detailed Project Report on a new highway connecting Hili (West Bengal) via Bangladesh to Mahendraganj (Meghalaya). In this context, Bangladesh also proposed its participation in the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Inviting Bangladesh\u2019s business community to utilize the free transit offered by India through specified Land Customs Stations\/Airports\/Seaports on its territory, India welcomed Bangladeshi exports to third countries. This is over and above the free transit already in place for Bangladeshi businesses exporting to Nepal and Bhutan.<\/p>\n

Mutually beneficial two-way trade<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Successful trial runs under the 2015 Agreement on Use of the Chattogram and Mongla Port have been completed.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Maitri Bridge connecting Bangladesh with India\u2019s Tripura also awaits operationalization and India requested Bangladesh to expedite completion of remaining infrastructure, immigration and customs facilities at Ramgarh.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 To enhance two-way business, removal of port restrictions imposed by Bangladesh on Indian goods was again emphasized on.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Both sides directed trade officials to start negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement within 2022 and complete the same before 2026, when Bangladesh graduates from its LDC status and to retain the Duty Free Quota Free benefits it currently enjoys.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 To facilitate movement of goods between Bangladesh and India, India\u2019s proposal to fund and build a second freight gate at the country\u2019s busiest landport, the Benapole-Petrapole ICP, was welcomed by Bangladesh.<\/p>\n

Bangabandhu and Spirit of 1971 Liberation War<\/p>\n

\u27a2 The jointly produced biopic on Bangabandhu, Mujib \u2013 the making of a nation \u2013 is likely to complete soon and be launched next year.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Joint Production of a Documentary on the Liberation War and Joint compilation of rare video footage was agreed.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Deep appreciation for India\u2019s gesture to provide medical treatment provided to over 100 Bangladesh\u2019s Muktijoddhas at prestigious Indian hospitals, on gratis basis, since 2018.<\/p>\n

Futuristic Areas of Cooperation<\/p>\n

\u27a2 First visit of a Start Up delegation from Bangladesh to India.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Joint Conservation of the Sunderbans.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 Augmenting cooperation in peaceful use of outer space, green energy, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and technology enabled services in finance, health and education.<\/p>\n

Regional Issues<\/p>\n

\u27a2 India expressed appreciation at the generosity of Bangladesh in sheltering and providing humanitarian assistance to over a million persons forcibly displaced from the Rakhine State in Myanmar and underlined its continuing commitment to ensure the safe, sustainable, and expeditious return of these forcibly displaced people to their homeland.<\/p>\n

\u27a2 India appreciated the contribution of Bangladesh in hosting the BIMSTEC Secretariat and developing its infrastructure. The Indian side reiterated its support to Bangladesh in its capacity as the Chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dhaka: Demonstrating the importance attached to relations between close neighbour and friends, the historic visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India saw important decisions being jointly agreed between the two countries. The particulars of the agreed decisions are given bellow. Steadfast Friendship \u27a2 Emphasis on greater collaboration in the spirit of friendship and partnership […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":81164,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[12,2],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n