All agreements will see light of the day: India’s BJP leader to Bangladesh

Vice-president of India’s ruling BJP Vinay Prabhakar Sahasrabuddhe has said that all the river-related agreements with Bangladesh will “see the light of the day” as he was speaking at the Bangladesh Awami League’s council.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 22 Oct 2016, 01:18 PM
Updated : 22 Oct 2016, 01:18 PM

“I am here with the message of my fraternity from party president Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said on Saturday at the opening session where foreign politicians spoke before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Sahasrabuddhe said: “I am aware, all of us aware that PM Modi attaches highest importance in cordial and harmonious relations with neighbours particularly with Bangladesh.”

Referring to the implementation of the land boundary agreement, he said it was Modi’s “leadership” that the decades-old unresolved issue had been settled.

“We are now respectfully working on further strengthening the relations,” he said.

“We are aware that 54 common rivers and there is an agreement on sharing water of the river Ganga. I am sure all such agreements will see the light of the day and we will continue to march greater harmonious relations in future,” he said.

Sahasrabuddhe did not mention the name of any specific river but it was Teesta water sharing which cannot be inked due to resistance of the West Bengal government.

Biman Basu of Communist Party of India (Marxist) in his speech also mentioned the water sharing issue and hoped that both countries would solve the problem. He, however, gave a “bow” to Sheikh Hasina for her role against militants.

The BJP leader also highly praised Hasina’s leadership and termed him a “rare” leader of the sub-continent. He also thanked the PM for her firm resolve that Bangladesh’s land would not be allowed to any terrorist group.

He also remembered Bangladesh’s father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also the founder of the country’s one of the oldest parties Awami League.

“I can remember the inspiring story of Bangabandhu,” he said. “The Bangabandhu is not only a source of inspiration for Bangladesh, for all those who strive for liberation, humanity, liberty, and the values of humanity.”

He also recalled his memory in 1971 when he was a student of class eight.

“I used to report to my school gathering at the time of prayer every day whatever happening in eastern front,” he said, adding that border might divide the two countries “but we have so many things that unite us”.

“When water flows, flows the ties of civilization along with this,” he said.

At least 55 foreign politicians from 11 countries are attending the council. At least one politician from each country spoke.