Dhaka - Delhi defence pact a threat to South Asian stability

[Flynn Swagmire]

Varotio and pakistani dalal mukto BD chai!

মনের কথা ভাই

 

[Banglar Bir]

 

[Banglar Bir]

PM Hasina says deals with India are not against the country’s interests

• Tribune Desk
• Published at 08:26 PM May 03, 2017
• Last updated at 08:43 PM May 03, 2017

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaking during a parliament session on 3 May 2017 PID
The prime minister said the 35 agreements signed between the two countries would play a very positive role in improving the living standard of the people of Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said no agreements or MoUs signed with India during her recent New Delhi visit is detrimental to the country’s interest.

She said the statement of a vested quarter calling the instruments contrary to the country’s interest is untrue, imaginative and out of ignorance to mislead the citizenry.

The prime minister was replying to the questions of the parliament members during the Prime Minister’s Question Answer Session in the parliament with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury chairing.

Also Read- PM Hasina briefs media on India visit

PM Hasina said: “Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign state which was liberated by Awami League at the behest of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in exchange of huge sacrifice.”

“Awami League of course cannot plan anything against the country’s best interests,” she said in response to a question from MP Fazilatun Nesa Bappi.

The prime minister said her government is sincerely working to get the Teesta water sharing treaty signed as it is crucial for the Awami League government.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina responds to a query from a member of the parliament during a parliamentary session on 3 May 2017 PID

She reiterated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance that the Teesta treaty would be signed during the tenure of the incumbent governments of the two countries.

The prime minister said the 35 agreements signed between the two countries would play a very positive role in improving the living standard of the people of Bangladesh.

Responding to yet another question from MP Fazilatun Nesa, the premier said Bangladesh has also defence agreements with other countries including China, Russia, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE.

“The defence agreement with China was signed during the regime of BNP while the people were in the dark,” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said.

She concluded saying: “The motto of Bangladesh’s foreign policy is guided by Bangabandhu’s directive- ‘Friendship with all, malice to none.’ We are maintaining good relations with all countries including India.”