Dhaka and Delhi have agreed to use non-lethal weapons to reduce the number of border killings and advance the discussion on much-awaiting Teesta water sharing treaty after the Indias upcoming general election scheduled to be held in April-May this year.
"We agreed to the use of non-lethal weapons to reduce border killings, water sharing of Teesta and renewal of the Ganga water sharing treaty" said Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud at a briefing at the Foreign Ministry on Monday after concluding his first bilateral meeting with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.
Mahmud said we also discussed the current conflicting situation of Myanmar in details and agreed to work together on the issue as both the countries are sharing their borders with that country.
"I don want to share any specific date. Thats confidential as security issues are involved. Both sides reached a consensus that they will be sent back soon," he told reporters wishing not to say anything on technical issues.
The Foreign Minister said they are working on their return to Myanmar. "Thats our priority. They (Myanmar) want to take them back."
Hasan Mahmud visited New Delhi from February 7-9 and had his first bilateral meeting with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. He also called in Indian President Droupadi Murmu.
The Foreign Minister said he also reiterated Dhakas urge to Delhi on Indian support to repatriate forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their land of origin in Myanmar with all citizen rights.
"You know that the Teesta deal does not depend on the Centre, but the state. The issue will be looked at after the national elections in April-May," he said.
"I requested them to set an export quota for us so that at least we can import these from them at the right price and per our requirement," Foreign Minister has said.
"We requested India to export 50,000 tons of onions and 100,000 tons of sugar before Ramadan," he said.
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said he made the request during his recently concluded New Delhi visit when Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal promised to export 20,000 tons of onions and 10,000 tons of sugar.
Replying a question on Myanmar issue, he said members of Myanmars Border Guard Police (BGP) and army who had fled to Bangladesh will be sent back to Myanmar soon.
It was not just the members of Myanmars Border Guard Police (BGP) and army who had fled to Bangladesh, there were some of their family members, too.
Over a hundred people have also entered India and Myanmar took them back.
Terming his visit "successful" one Hasan said we are dependent on the Indian market for many essential commodities, particularly onions, sugar, lentils and spices.
"During my visit, everyone warmly congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her reelection and highly lauded her leadership," he said adding that the most highlight of his Delhi visit is to receive warm welcome from the Indian side.
Regarding his meeting with Indian President, Mahmud said Droupadi Murmu highly lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas charismatic leadership as the longest serving women statesmen and her success in women empowerment in the political arena.
Mahmud said, he invited Indian President to visit Bangladesh and in reply Murmu verbally accepted it.
The Foreign Minister said they also discussed on various matters related to sub regional and multi lateral issues including BIMSTEC, SAARC and BBIN framework.
"Bangladesh and India discussed areas of future engagement in line with the national development goals of the two countries, including the visions of "Smart Bangladesh 2041" and "Viksit Bharat 2047," Hasan said.
At the invitation of the External Affairs Minister of India Jaishankar, Mahmud paid an official visit to India from February 7-9, 2024.
