Thursday, November 1, 2012Front Page
BNP was never against transit
Khaleda's adviser tells BBC
BNP was never against transit
Star Report
The BNP was never against giving transit to India, Sabihuddin Ahmed, adviser to party Chairperson Khaleda Zia, told BBC Bangla service last night.
Asked about the shift in the party's policy on the transit issue during Khaleda's ongoing India visit, he said there might have been a misunderstanding regarding the party's stance on the matter.
"Transit to India will be a part of the total connectivity of the region," but Bangladesh does not have the infrastructure required for it, the former diplomat-turned-politician said.
At present, India has to cover a long distance to connect its north-eastern region with its other regions. "Therefore, we can demand a portion of the premium and that was exactly what we wanted to say."
However, Khaleda at a rally in Dhaka on November 7 demanded cancellation of the “transit deal” with India, saying no foreign vehicles would be allowed into Bangladesh territory.
She also said she would resist the government's anti-state activities even if it cost her life.
During Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India early 2010, Dhaka and New Delhi signed three agreements on fighting terrorism and organised crime, and mutual transfer of convicted prisoners.
Besides, according to the joint communiqué issued after the tour, Bangladesh will allow the use of Mongla and Chittagong sea ports for transport of goods to and from India. Nepal and Bhutan too would be given access to the sea ports.
BBC Bangla service observes that the BNP chairperson has moved away from her years-long position against Bangladesh giving transit to India and the proposed Tipaimukh dam over the Barak river in Manipur state of the neighbouring country.
Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, a vice-chairman of the main opposition, told BBC last night that at the talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Khaleda had suggested forming a sub-committee comprised of credible experts under the joint river commission to assess the impact of the dam on Bangladesh.
The party earlier staged a number of protests in and outside the capital against the dam.
Sabihuddin and Shamsher are in the delegation accompanying Khaleda Zia on her India visit.