BANGLA-INDIA 2 LAST

Several analysts have time said the traditional
relation between the ruling Awami League and the Congress that
crucially helped Bangladesh's 1971 emergence as an independent
nation were expected to remove irks in bilateral ties.

During Moni's four-day visit and her talks with Indian
counterpart S M Krishna, India agreed to facilitate
Bangladesh's transit to Nepal and Bhutan, provide at least
100MW power on priority basis, increase trade and
communication facilities and resolve other outstanding issues
during the foreign minister level talks.

The two sides also agreed to settle three major border
related issues of enclaves, lands in adverse possession and
un-demarcated border lines under a package and intensify a
process to prepare grounds to sign a deal on sharing of
waters of the major Teesta river.

The two countries also decided to finalise three
agreements on mutual legal assistance on criminal matters,
transfer of sentenced persons and combating international
terrorism, organised crime and illegal drug trafficking.

Bangladesh also agreed to allow Ashuganj as a new port
of call in response to the request of New Delhi for transport
of Indian goods to its northeastern state of Tripura, while
New Delhi agreed to facilitate transits between Bangladesh
with its two landlocked neighbours of Nepal and Bhutan.

Former external affairs minister and currently India's
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had visited Bangladesh in
February this year and met Moni apart from calling on Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina and other government leaders. PTI