5:11 pm - Monday March 27, 1465

Mamata to visit Bangladesh on Language Day

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will make her maiden visit to Dhaka from February 19 to 21 to celebrate the ‘Bhasha Diwas’ (language day), which is observed in that country every year to pay tribute to language martyrs.

MamataDuring her visit to the Bangladesh capital, Mamata is expected to meet Bangladesh President Mohammad Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina and discuss key treaties like the Teesta water sharing agreement and the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) between the two countries.

She recently met Hamid in New Delhi, during his visit to India, where both had exchanged greetings.

During his lasts visit to Kolkata Bangladesh Finance Minister A.M. Abdul Muhith had hoped that Banerjee would visit the country soon.

Banerjee’s visit has acquired major significance especially against the backdrop of her resistance to sign the treaties back in 2011, when then Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh had to back off at the last minute due to her position.

Though her government has softened its stand against the LBA, not much progress has been made in the water sharing agreement, which has become a major point of conflict between the two neighbouring countries.

Her visit also comes at a time, when radical elements from. Bangladesh were arrested in West Bengal for allegedly carrying out terror activities in the country.

Several incidents including the Burdwan Blast, have confirmed the state has become an for such radical minds who were often given shelter by Trinamool Congress leaders.

However, New Delhi and Dhaka are both anxious for a positive response during her visit, during which both the countries hope to solve the difference in the two treaties that have soured their relationship in the recent past.

“Relationship with Bangladesh is key for India’s development and stability of the region. The two issues have plagued have plagued the relationship between the two countries, which we hope to revive,” said an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in New Delhi.

–    Gulf News


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