India,Bangla ink pact to thwart terror attacks

As Bangladesh Foreign minister Dipu Moni completed her three-day visit on Thursday,New Delhi and Dakha reiterated their resolve to strengthen bilateral co-operation to deter terrorist incidents. Both sides also reiterated their resolve not to allow the use of their territories for activities inimical to each other’s security interests,the joint statement said. The two countries agreed to ink three agreements pertaining to legal assistance on criminal matters,transfer of sentenced persons and to combat international terrorism,organised crime and drug trafficking.

Asked whether Bangladesh will take action against Northeast insurgents taking shelter in its territory,Moni said her country “would not allow any terrorist on our soil,may it be of any creed or colour… We are undertaking action to arrest and uproot them.” The agreements will also provide a legal framework for seeking deportation of Northeast insurgents who take shelter in Bangladesh,including those like ULFA leader Anup Chetia who have been arrested and sentenced in Bangladesh. Chetia is set to be released from a Bangladesh prison and India has made a request that he should be handed over. Moni said the two sides were also discussing an extradition treaty.

The two countries also agreed to resolve the outstanding issues relating to boundary and water-sharing and decided on a number of steps to boost trade and connectivity. The measures include starting of border markets and movement of containerised cargo by rail and water.

India agreed to provide at least 100 MW to Bangladesh on a priority basis. It will also undertake a feasibility study on power grid inter-connectivity for transmission lines to Bangladesh.