Tiki Tam Tam
<b>MILITARY PROFESSIONALS</b>
Dhaka, Delhi for transit, regional connectivity: Dipu Moni
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said on Monday that Bangladesh and India have taken a “political decision” on transit and establishing all modes of connectivity in the region.
Reminding the joint communiqué issued during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to New Delhi in January 2010, she said the transit matter has been agreed upon by the two prime ministers.
Addressing a press conference at the foreign ministry, she said Bangladesh has decided to give transit to India, Nepal and Bhutan in a broader framework and the current government wants to establish all modes of connectivity, not only with India, but the region as a whole.
Dipu Moni indicated that a number of protocols regarding the transit would be finalised before the Indian prime minister’s visit to Bangladesh and those are expected to be signed during the visit slated for September 6-7.
"Whatever we will do with India, would be under broader framework. Nepal and Bhutan have already been included with transit," she said.
Replying to a question, the foreign minister said a process is underway to fix transit fees, construct infrastructure and other related works. "These are lengthy process and cannot be fixed up by one or two persons in a day or two. There are committees and they are working on the issues," she added.
She further said that there is no end of factors related to transit, like environment, maintenance and "we have to discuss and take decision what we want and what they want. As transit is not new thing in the world, so we have to take experiences from other countries."
On another question, Dipu Moni said the transit fee would be fixed on a win-win situation so the users could be encouraged to use the transit facilities offered by Bangladesh.
When asked about recent media reports about the Indian government’s go-ahead to controversial Tipaimukh dam, she recalled the Indian prime minister and the foreign minister’s assurance that India would not do any project that may harm the interest of Bangladesh.
On a question, the foreign minister said despite nuke disaster in Japan following the recent tsunami, Bangladesh has not stayed away from its proposed Rooppur nuclear power plant project with Russian assistance.
However, she said security aspect for the people is a major concern of Bangladesh. She said a workshop of national and international experts will also be held in Dhaka shortly to discuss the safety aspects of nuclear power plant.
She also informed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to visit Russia towards the end of this year as scheduled.
Replying to another question, the foreign minister reiterated her government’s unequivocal stance on one-China policy disregarding the meeting of Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative’s recent meeting with Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalail Lama in New York.
She said the Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative’s meeting with the Dalai Lama was something like unscheduled. The foreign minister categorically said Bangladesh’s firm stance on one-China policy is known to all.
About construction of a deep seaport at Sonadia with Chinese assistance, she said the Chinese government reiterated its readiness to extend support to the construction of the proposed deep seaport.
She informed that the shipping minister will soon lead a delegation of experts to China to discuss the matter. Besides, the External Resources Division is working on a project proposal on it.
Dhaka, Delhi for transit, regional connectivity: Dipu Moni
Bangladesh has roped in all the major players to kickstart a new era of economic resurgence!
If industries, trade flourishes, there will be money in the pocket and less of strife and turmoil.
