Energy Bangla

Dhaka and New Delhi reiterated their commitment to the finalisation of an interim agreement for sharing the waters of the Teesta and Feni rivers.
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj reached the decision at the third meeting of the India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) held in New Delhi.
The two ministers noted that the ratification process following the signing of the Protocol to the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA), 1974 was underway.
The protocol is expected to pave the way for the resolution of pending boundary-related issues, said a 36-point joint statement issued after the meeting.
Both the ministers stressed the need for effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP), including regular coordination and exchanges between nodal officers at different levels for better border management so as to prevent cross border criminal activities, illegal movement, incidents of violence and tragic loss of lives.
The Bangladesh minister appreciated the measures taken by India to bring down the number of tragic loss of lives along the border.
Both sides agreed that the number should come down to a zero level. They also agreed on the need for early completion of fencing of remaining vulnerable patches along the bor Both sides stressed the importance of bringing about sub-regional cooperation in water resources management and power/hydropower and connectivity.
The Indian minister expressed Delhi’s appreciation for the cooperation extended by Dhaka in security related matters, and welcomed Bangladesh’s assurance that its soil will not be allowed to be used for terrorism against any country, particularly India.
The ministers noted the various measures taken for enhancement of trade and investment between the two countries, and agreed that all barriers to trade should be removed.