PM calls for early signing of Teesta water-sharing deal
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)
DHAKA, July 4 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called for signing the much-awaited Teesta water-sharing agreement with India at an early date for mutual benefits as former Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam met the PM at her Jatiya Sangsad office here.
"There is a high expectation of inking the Teesta water sharing deal at an early date," she said.
After the meeting, Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Bijan Lal Dev briefed reporters.
During the meeting with Kalam, Sheikh Hasina reiterated that Bangladesh attaches highest importance to its relationship with India.
"This relationship has scaled new heights following reciprocal visits of the premiers of India and Bangladesh to each other's country," she said.
She mentioned that bilateral trade between Dhaka and New Delhi has boosted substantially, especially the export of Bangladesh's readymade garment products to India, following the tours of the two premiers.
Terming the poverty as a common enemy of the region, the Prime Minister said, "We should fight together against poverty to achieve our goal."
The Prime Minister said her government wants to develop the people in all areas and cooperation of other countries, especially the neighbours, is needed for the purpose. "So, we have been maintaining friendly ties with the neighbours," she said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the present government's stunning success in the fields of agriculture, education, health, food security, social safety net and women empowerment.
"The country has maintained over six percent growth in the last couple of years despite global economic recession," she said.
Sheikh Hasina also laid emphasis on development of solar energy as she said that she had directed the lawmakers to introduce solar energy across the country, not only the coastal region.
Kalam said rural development should be the main focus to alleviate poverty and to this end, he stressed the need for regional cooperation that could be expanded up to the Asia- Pacific region.
The former Indian president highly appreciated Digital Bangladesh and Vision 2021 concepts of Bangladesh and said the country achieved tremendous successes in these fields.
He also lauded sustainable economical development and people's empowerment in Bangladesh.
Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Ambassador-At-Large M Ziauddin, Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Abdus Shahid and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pankaj Sharan were present on the occasion.