PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina call for complete fencing along Indo-Bangla border

"Both leaders emphasized the importance of effective border management for ensuring a tranquil, stable and crime free border. Towards this goal, the leaders directed their respective border forces to complete border fencing at all pending sectors at the International Border between both the countries at the earliest," a Joint Statement issued at the end of bilateral talks said here.

Both the Prime Ministers also agreed that the loss of civilian lives at the border is a matter of concern and directed the concerned border forces to enhance coordinated measures to work toward bringing such border incidents down to zero.

PM Modi and the visiting dignitary agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of Disaster Management. They welcomed the need for early completion of an MoU in the area of disaster management cooperation in a time-bound manner.

Pressing for a 'win-win business partnership', the Joint Statement welcoming Bangladesh’s imminent graduation out of Least Developed Countries (LDC) status, India extended Bangladesh its warm felicitations.

"In this context, both sides agreed to expedite commissioning of the Joint Study on the prospects of entering into a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Bangladesh".

In response to India’s request to withdraw port restrictions on products being traded through Akhaura-Agartala port, the Bangladesh side informed that the restrictions will be removed on most items of regular trade in the near future, it said.

Bangladesh side requested Indian authorities to consider addressing the issue of anti-dumping or anti-circumvention duties imposed on multiple products exported from Bangladesh to India, including jute products.

"The Indian side mentioned that trade remedial investigations are carried out in accordance with the existing laws. Both leaders directed their officials to expedite the establishment of framework of cooperation in the area of Trade Remedial Measures for cooperation and capacity building in this area," the statement said.

As expected, Prime Minister Hasina highlighted that the people of Bangladesh are "awaiting early signing" and implementation of the Framework of Interim Agreement for sharing of the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both governments in 2011.

"Prime Minister Modi informed that his government is working with all stakeholders in India for conclusion of the Agreement soonest possible".

Due to opposition from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the pact on Teesta water share is hanging fire.

Both the leaders also directed the Technical Level Committee of the Joint Rivers Commission to expeditiously exchange updated data and information and prepare the draft framework of Interim Sharing Agreements for the six rivers - Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.

A draft framework of interim sharing agreement of Feni River will also be worked on.

The two Prime Ministers recalled the shared bonds of history, culture, language, secularism and other unique commonalities that characterize the partnership.

They paid solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, the Mukti-joddhas, the Indian soldiers who fought in the War and the citizens of Bangladesh, for their great sacrifices in the Liberation War of 1971, and the commitment of Bangladesh leadership to the cherished values of democracy and equality.

Prime Minister Modi also reaffirmed India’s full support to the realization of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision of ensuring a prosperous, peaceful and developed Bangladesh, the Joint Statement said.

Mr Modi appreciated the 'zero-tolerance policy' of the Government of Bangladesh against terrorism and commended Prime Minister Hasina for her "resolute efforts" to ensure peace, security and stability in the region.

Recognising that terrorism remains one of the most significant threats to peace and stability of both countries and the region, the two Prime Ministers reiterated their strong commitment to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stressed that "there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terror".

Both leaders referred to the successful discussions between Home Ministers of both countries during the recent visit of the Home Minister of Bangladesh to India in August 2019, the statement said.