The railway minister, Suranjit Sengupta, has called for an immediate joint survey by India and Bangladesh before constructing the Tipaimukh dam in Indian territory.
‘Bangladesh and India must conduct a joint survey to resolve controversy over construction of the Tipaimukh dam, the minister said, adding, ‘We should not make any delay to resolve the issue in the greater interests of existing bilateral and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries.’
Suranjit said this while addressing a discussion on Monday organised by Bangladesh-India Friendship Society at National Museum in city’s Shahbagh marking the 40th Victory Day of Bangladesh.
Suranjit said some other longstanding issues, including Teesta Treaty and firing in India-Bangladesh border areas should be settled urgently for the benefit of the two nations.
The railway minister said the government was working hard to develop the railway service and had taken long-term, mid-term and short-term plans in this regard. The Indian government had already assured the government of providing financial support to raise quality of rail service in Bangladesh, he said.
‘Although we have no ample time, we are trying to ensure some development by this time,’ he added.
Suranjit criticised the BNP-led opposition leader Khaleda Zia’s move on Tipaimukh issue and said issuing letter to the Indian government was an undemocratic practice.
Acting Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Sanjoy Battacharya expressed hope that the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh would be strengthened in future.
BIFS president and University Grants Commission chairman professor AK Azad Chowdhury chaired the discussion followed by a cultural function.
Among others, vice-chancellor of Dhaka University professor AAMS Arefin Siddique and BIFS general secretary Subir Kushari spoke on the occasion.
-With BSS/New Age input
