United News of Bangladesh

The International Crimes Strategy Forum (ICSF) voiced shock and disappointment following the UK Supreme Court’s recent decision in the case Mueen-Uddin (appellant) versus Secretary of State for the Home Department in favour of the appellant. Mueen-Uddin, now a UK citizen, was convicted a decade ago for crimes against humanity by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh for his role in the infamous intelligentsia murders during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. The decision reached in the course of a mere civil trial in the UK, although have no binding effect on ICT-BD’s original finding of Mueen-Uddin’s criminal liability, and in no way signifies his exoneration even by the UK court, is based on several unadjudicated issues, unfounded claims, and uncalled for remarks by the UKSC (against the ICT-BD) which it has no authority whatsoever to make, ICSF said. This decision by the UKSC undermines decades-long efforts of Bangladesh and her civil society to end impunity by bringing known perpetrators of mass atrocity crimes to justice, betrays the victims and survivors of these crimes, and raises serious questions about the UK judiciary’s commitment to international justice and human rights towards victims of international crimes in faraway lands. UK Judiciary and Government Under Scrutiny Knowledge and understanding of ICT-BD’s law, rules, and practices governing Mueen-Uddin’s criminal trial in Bangladesh—which the UK courts failed to acquire in the course of this current libel case—were crucial to assessing the veracity of the claims put forward by Mueen-Uddin’s legal team, it said. ICSF has closely monitored the UK proceedings so far and—based on the organisation’s decades of collective legal expertise on ICT-BD’s process as a network supporting the victims and survivors of 1971 crimes—found the UK apex court’s decision fundamentally misled, misinformed, and manifestly erroneous of law and material facts about Mueen-Uddin’s original criminal case in Bangladesh. Shockingly, lawyers from both parties and the judges of all three tiers of UK courts failed to demonstrate even the minimum level of scrutiny which could have ensured identification and rectification of some of these blatant errors which the UK Supreme Court’s decision is built on. In the past, rights groups in the UK also raised deep concerns regarding the UK's problematic record of sheltering thousands of individuals responsible for international crimes perpetrated around the world. This latest ruling will not only reinforce the perception of the UK being a safe haven for such perpetrators but will also put in jeopardy the country’s immigration filtering process concerning individuals accused and convicted of international crimes in foreign lands, it added. The ICSF is concerned that this verdict sets a worrying precedent of "conviction laundering,” with the United Kingdom becoming a lucrative jurisdiction for forum shopping convicts from foreign jurisdictions seeking to clear their names by using “some” UK judges’ ignorance (of both foreign laws and accepted practices of international criminal law), supremacist attitudes (towards foreign courts), and prejudices (against foreign stakeholders). All three of these traits were witnessed in the course of this strike-out proceeding. As a signatory to the Genocide Convention, and host of other international human rights treaties, such a decision signals the UK’s lack of commitment towards preventing and prosecuting mass atrocity crimes and upholding victims’ rights. Furthermore, the UK Supreme Court’s greatest shortcomings in this case was its inability or unwillingness to strike a balance between the human rights of Mueen-Uddin and his victims and survivors, particularly, their right to justice. The latter was ignored. In the public interest, ICSF looks forward to disseminating soon its detailed analysis of the case elaborating the said failures and errors overlooked by the UK courts, as well as the ones made by the Supreme Court itself. The verdict by the UKSC is concerning, because it sets a precedent of undermining findings of international crimes by foreign tribunals of sovereign nations. In addition to denying closure to victims of mass atrocity crimes, such verdicts also enable convicted individuals to relitigate their established criminal liabilities in the guise of libel trials as a strategy to muzzle public discourse using law to intimidate researchers and writers, it said. ICSF reiterated its unwavering stance of not forgetting and not ceasing its pursuit of justice for those who suffered during one of history’s darkest chapters. This UK verdict may be a setback, but it will not deter the fight for accountability. ICSF stands committed to advocating for accountability and ensuring that such injustices are never erased from collective memory or glossed over retrospectively by misconceived legal proceedings as evidenced in the recent decision of the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court. The lack of engagement from the Bangladesh Government in this matter has been conspicuous from the start which ICSF found very surprising, according to the ICSF. As a member of the Commonwealth, opportunities for diplomatic engagement, including extradition efforts, have not been adequately pursued. The handling of Interpol’s Red Notice on Mueen-Uddin also appears to have been deficient, with no action whatsoever taken since 2019 when the UK case first emerged, it said.Such silence and inaction from Bangladesh authorities have been disheartening for those affected by the 1971 genocide, ICSF observed. Whereas, the Bangladesh government had a responsibility to support the victims of the 1971 genocide and to uphold its justice process as the ICT-BD judgments signify conclusive judicial determination of historical facts. Therefore, ICSF called on the Government of Bangladesh to investigate its series of failures in the matter and make the findings public, assess the short and long-term implications of these failures, implement mitigating steps, and prevent repetitions of such failures.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said Bangladesh and Bhutan will strengthen Environmental and Energy Cooperation. “Our bilateral cooperation can serve as a model for regional and global partnerships. With collaboration, we can overcome any obstacles and create a brighter, greener tomorrow for our nations and the world,” he said while speaking in a bilateral meeting with Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Bhutan, Gem Tshering, at his office in Thimphu, Bhutan on Tuesday. Inter-ministerial coordination to be intensified for environment: Saber  It is incumbent upon us to take decisive actions that will safeguard our natural resources for future generations, he added Saber, as outgoing Chairman of the South Asia Cooperative Environment Program (SACEP) congratulated SACEP's new Chairman, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Gem Tshering of Bhutan. He also invited Gem Tshering for the tripartite meeting of environment ministers of Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan to be held in Dhaka next July. Minister Tshering thanked Saber Chowdhury for his visit to Bhutan and said “Bhutan is committed to pursuing sustainable development. This meeting marks a step forward in our joint efforts to foster environmental stewardship and energy cooperation.” AL govt working for welfare of countrymen: Saber Hossain The meeting underscored the shared commitment of both nations to addressing pressing environmental challenges, enhancing sustainable energy practices, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Both ministers engaged in productive discussions focusing on mutual cooperation in forest conservation, renewable energy development, and the implementation of climate-resilient strategies. Earlier, the minister had a meeting with the  Minister of Industry, Commerce, Employment and Tourism of Bhutan Namgyal Dorji at his office. Climate change an existential crisis for us: Saber Hossain Royal Civil Service Commissioner Tashi Pem also met Saber Chowdhury at Le Meridien Thimphu on Tuesday.

Bangladesh and Japan on Tuesday discussed a wide range of issues including the overview of bilateral relations, trade, commerce, investment, infrastructure, human resources development, defence and security cooperation. They also discussed cultural issues and people-to-people contacts, cooperation in bilateral and regional issues as well as sustainable repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya population to Bangladesh. Bangladesh envoy urges Japanese investors to invest in special & other economic zones Bangladesh and Japan discussed the issues at the 5th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen led the Bangladesh side while the Japanese side was led by the Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan ONO Keiichi. Japan keen to invest more in manufacturing sector in Bangladesh This FOC is a follow-up of the bilateral engagements since elevation of the bilateral relations as “Strategic Partnership” which was declared during the last visit of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan in April 2023.

Outgoing Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg Von Linde on Tuesday said that the forcibly displaced Rohingyas can't return to their homeland unless a conducive atmosphere is restored in Myanmar. “Unless the conflicts are resolved in Myanmar and an atmosphere for their secured return is created we can not ask them to go back,” she said. The ambassador said this while calling on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban. PM’s press secretary M Nayeemul Islam Khan briefed the reporters after the call on. According to him Hasina told the envoy that each year some 30,000 new Rohingya babies are born in the camps in Bangladesh. She said that due to the Rohingya influx local Bangladeshis are loosing their jobs while the environment is getting heavily damaged. Regarding the job problem of local people, the envoy said that they have a,special project in Cox’s Bazar for the host community to ensure  a win-win situation for both the Rohingyas and the locals. The prime minister said that Rohingyas will get a better living condition in Bhashanchar as the government has made good arrangements with different facilities for the Rohingya people.   Hasina also raised her concern about the internal conflict in Myanmar which  is deteriorating there. The envoy  appreciated the generosity of prime minister in hosting the Rohingya people for nearly seven years. The envoy said she arrived in Bangladesh during the Covid-19 pandemic.  She said that Bangladesh has demonstrated excellent management of the pandemic, which is highly laudable.  “I witnessed the successful Covid-19 management of Bangladesh which is highly loudable,” she added. The prime minister mentioned that Bangladesh has over a billion dollar business with Sweden and it is mostly in import of readymade garments (RMG). The envoy said that her country would extend cooperation In this sector.  Her country, she said, wants to prioritise sustainability in social and environmental sectors because of their commitment in climate change and environment.  While talking about Bangladesh’s LDC graduation, the PM sought Sweden's cooperation after the full graduation by cintinuing GSP plus facilities.  “We want support and cooperation from Sweden for smooth graduation and transition,” she said. About the prime minister’s Vision-2041, the envoy said that Sweden would cooperate with Bangladesh potentially in this digital journey. The premier urged Sweden to come up with investment in Bangladesh’s special economic zones. The envoy also extend her gratitude to the premier for extending all types of support and cooperation in discharging her duty In Bangladesh.  She also highly appreciated the women empowerment in Bangladesh, saying that Bangladeshi women are very resilience and strong.  The envoy said that her country would extend more cooperation in promotion of democracy and human rights  and  find ways to bring improvement and transparency further.  Ambassador-at-large Mohammad Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, among others, were present.    

Canada is supporting Bangladesh to improve primary healthcare systems for women, children, and adolescents through its partnership with UNICEF and UNFPA. The five-year project, titled “Health System Strengthening for Primary Health Care”, will address critical gaps in the healthcare system, particularly in five underserved rural areas (Kurigram, Bhola, Khagrachari, Sherpur, and Sunamganj) and will reduce maternal and child mortality while promoting gender equality and access to quality health care. Despite progress over the past decade, maternal mortality in Bangladesh remains a significant concern, said the UNICEF on Tuesday. This rate has decreased from 194 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2010 to 136 in 2023, a reduction of around 30 per cent. However, this reduction is still far from the Sustainable Development Goal of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Many of these deaths are due to preventable conditions like hemorrhage and eclampsia. The Canadian-funded project targets over 1.9 million women of reproductive age, two thirds of whom are adolescent girls, and nearly 6 million children including newborns and under 5 years old, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare services. “Canada is committed to improving health care in Bangladesh, particularly for the benefit of women and girls,” said Canadian High Commissioner Dr. Lilly Nicholls. “This project aims not only to improve health outcomes in the five underperforming districts, but also strengthen health systems: better planning of budgets and human resources and improved quality of care. We hope this project can serve as a model for other districts.” Adolescent girls remain at greater risk due to high rates of early marriage, gender-based violence, malnutrition, and a lack of sexual and reproductive health services. Alarmingly, 35 per cent of births still occur at home without skilled care, increasing the risks for both mothers and newborns.  Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh, said, “this project will not only save children and women´s lives, but will put in place a more sustainable healthcare system, creating a safer environment where children and women, especially adolescents, can develop and thrive. Reducing maternal mortality has proven difficult, our joint work will directly address the root drivers of this critical SDG for women’s health.” Key aspects of the project will include strengthening healthcare systems and enhancing the capacities of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at national, district, and local levels. It will also focus on gender-responsive and rights-based services in sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health. Finally, by involving local communities in health planning and delivery, the project will also create more accountable and responsive health services. Kristine Blokhus, Representative, UNFPA Bangladesh said, “it is much safer to be a pregnant woman in Bangladesh today than just a few decades ago, but we are not yet at the finish line. With this project, we will collectively support the Government health system to go the last mile. The SDG on maternal mortality is achievable in Bangladesh, but this requires our concerted efforts to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, and every childbirth is safe.” One immediate outcome of the project will be enhanced quality, coverage, and gender-responsiveness of Primary Health Care and Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health. This will ensure comprehensive care for marginalized and underserved populations, promoting women's empowerment and community participation in fulfilling the rights of women, adolescent girls, and children. The project also focuses on addressing environmental impacts and biomedical waste reduction, aligning with UNFPA's green procurement strategy and UNICEF's commitment to sustainable development.  

Visiting Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Liu Jianchao, has underscored the significance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to China in July which he thinks will help uplift the relationship, engaging in new areas of cooperation for mutual benefit. “I’m sure that during this visit, the relationship will be uplifted again. We are really grateful for her (PM Hasina) tremendous contributions to China-Bangladesh relations,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a dialogue in Dhaka today (June 25, 2024). Minister Jianchao said that today China and Bangladesh are breaking new ground for further and stronger partnership and friendship as both countries are developing fast and both governments are committed to delivering for the people and to the modernization drive. He emphasized the historical depth and future potential of Bangladesh-China relations and noted that the relationship with Bangladesh is always one of China’s priorities in its neighbourhood diplomacy, which is making steady progress under the guidance of the two leaders. Read more: China backs Bangladesh's bid to join BRICS: Minister Liu Jianchao “Strong friendship and trust have been developed between the two peoples during their fight for national liberation and independence. The seed of this friendship was planted by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” he added. The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka hosted the dialogue titled “Looking Towards the Future of China-Bangladesh Relations: A Conversation with the CPC Delegation” at the Renaissance Hotel. The event, moderated by the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, also brought together leaders from Bangladesh Awami League and its associate bodies, BNP, Jatiya Party, Workers Party, as well as representatives from the business, academic, and media communities, who engaged in insightful discussions on various aspects of Bangladesh-China ties and highlighted issues needing enhanced attention. Ambassador Yao Wen said this event is more than a celebration of friendship; it is a pivotal moment to foster deeper connections and explore avenues for mutual growth. “China and Bangladesh share a legacy of amity that has been nurtured over generations,” he said. “The flourishing state of our relations is a result of our joint endeavours and the collective aspirations of our peoples. This dialogue serves as a vital channel for the exchange of ideas and perspectives on advancing our partnership,” said the Chinese envoy. In his opening remarks, Liu Jianchao expressed his enthusiasm about the visit to Bangladesh, saying, “I was really excited about this trip even before I came. Not only because I’ve never been to Bangladesh, but also because in recent years, I’ve been hearing about the economic miracle of this great country. In the last two-three days, I’ve been moving around, meeting local people, visiting projects contracted or supported by China, such as the Padma Bridge, and Bangladeshi companies.” Read more: China keen to continue all possible co-operation for Bangladesh’s development: Minister Liu Jianchao He also met with the leaders of Bangladesh, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. “I had a strong sense that the China-Bangladesh partnership and friendship have remained very strong. Next year, we’re going to celebrate the 50th anniversary, half a century of excellent relationship between our two countries.” Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, both countries have consistently respected, trusted, and supported each other, he observed. “Our relationship has emerged even stronger and become a paradigm of equality, mutual benefit, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence between neighbours. The Chinese Dream and the Sonar Bangla dovetail each other and can enable each other’s success,” the Chinese minister said. He recalled the historic visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Bangladesh in October 2016, during which the relationship was elevated to a strategic cooperative partnership. He also highlighted the meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Hasina in South Africa last August, where they reached important consensus on strengthening strategic communication, promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges and multilateral cooperation. Liu Jianchao detailed the tangible benefits arising from the cooperation between China and Bangladesh under the Belt and Road Initiative. “Fourteen major infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Framework have been put to use or made fast progress, including the Padma Bridge and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman tunnel. These projects have delivered tangible benefits to our two peoples and served as a firm basis for our future cooperation,” he stated. He expressed China’s readiness to work with Bangladesh on aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with Vision 2041 and the development of the southern region in Bangladesh, emphasizing deeper cooperation in infrastructure, digital economy, clean energy, climate response, and industrial upgrading. Addressing the importance of maintaining relationships with political parties, the minister outlined China’s diplomatic principles. “We uphold three major principles when dealing with political parties of other countries. First, we never draw ideological lines, and that is why we have friends all over the world. Second, we develop relations with political parties of other countries, no matter whether they are in office or not. Third, we are committed to seeking common ground while resolving differences, respecting each other, and learning from each other,” Liu Jianchao explained. He noted that China has invited many political party leaders from Bangladesh to visit China, enhancing mutual understanding, trust, and friendship. Shammi Ahmed MP, International Affairs Secretary of Awami League, expressed optimism about Prime Minister Hasina’s upcoming visit to China. “China is a role model to every developing country and the second-largest economic power. Bangladesh Awami League signed an MoU with the CPC, and that is the only political party in the world that officially Awami League has signed a memorandum of understanding with,” she said. Read more: PM Hasina's forthcoming visit to China will significantly advance dev cooperation: Foreign Minister

Riccardo Guarglia, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy has said the strong ties between Bangladesh and Italy have been further strengthened following the fruitful meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni on 25 July 2023 in Rome. He appreciated Bangladesh’s growing importance in the Indo-Pacific and shared Italy’s desire to further strengthen Bangladesh-Italy bilateral relations with enhanced cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, defence and security, AI and information technology, green transition and renewable energy, migration and mobility as well as culture. He had a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during his maiden visit to Bangladesh.The Bangladesh Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction at the decades-old friendly relations between Bangladesh and Italy and observed that a large number of Bangladeshi Diaspora in Italy has been a living bridge between the two countries who are contributing immensely to the economies of both the nations. Hasan appreciated the growing trade relations between the two countries and suggested more Italian investments in Bangladesh, particularly in the emerging sectors, including automotive and IT. Appreciating the Italian government and people for being the generous host of the Bangladesh community, he suggested more legal pathways for the migration of skilled workers from Bangladesh to Italy. He also requested to ease the visa process for Bangladeshi students so that they may be able to pursue higher studies in Italian universities. The Italian Secretary General commended Bangladesh community in Italy as peace-loving and hard-working and underscored the importance of concluding a bilateral instrument soon to open up new pathways for legal migration and curb irregular migration from Bangladesh to Italy.The two sides underscored the need for regular exchange of high political and official-level visits to further strengthen bilateral ties.

  Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) Central Committee, Liu Jianchao has informed Bangladesh that China is in favour of expansion of the BRICS and they will strongly support Bangladesh to be a partner country of BRICS.  He also assured that China will positively consider allowing ‘Duty Free Quota Free’ (DFQF) facilities to Bangladesh beyond 2026. During his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday, the Chinese minister also assured Bangladesh of continued Chinese support to a durable solution of the Rohingya crisis through repatriation. The Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction with the increased party-level engagements between Bangladesh Awami League and the Communist Party of China.  While thanking the Chinese government for allowing DFQF market access of 98% Bangladeshi products into the Chinese market, Hasan requested China to continue the DFQF access beyond 2026 when Bangladesh will graduate from the LDC status.  He also emphasized more exports from Bangladesh, especially pharmaceuticals, ceramics, leather, agricultural products (mango etc.) to China to reduce the trade imbalance.  The Foreign Minister also insisted on the early completion of the Chinese EPZ in Anwara, Chattogram.  He also showed interest in the construction of a second tunnel under the Karnaphuli river since the first tunnel under Chinese assistance has been completed successfully. Mentioning the last meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August 2023, Hasan requested Chinese support for Bangladesh to become a partner country of BRICS. He appreciated China’s continued support for the sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas and a durable political solution to this protracted crisis.   Hasan mentioned the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister to China early next month, during which PM Hasina is looking forward to meeting President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to discuss issues of mutual interests and take the relationship to a new height. The Chinese Minister of IDCPC, who also served in the Chinese Foreign Ministry for more than 30 years, informed that it was his first visit to Bangladesh and he was overwhelmed by the dynamism and tremendous prospects of Bangladesh with its hard working spirit.  He remarked that Bangladesh is on the right path of prosperity and development, and China is happy to be the development partner of Bangladesh.  He expressed his satisfaction at the progress of the Padma Bridge rail link project being developed under Chinese assistance. Both the ministers expressed hope for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s successful visit to China next month.    

Bangladesh Ambassador to Uzbekistan Dr Mohammad Monirul Islam held a meeting with the Governor of Namangan region, on Monday at the latter’s office. They exchanged views on the issues of mutual interests and benefits for the peoples of Bangladesh and Uzbekistan. Highlighting the historical, cultural and spiritual ties shared by the peoples of two countries, Bangladesh Ambassador said Namangan holds special significance in light of its historical significance for the people of Bangladesh, given the fact that it is the birthplace of great Emperor Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur. He stressed the need for translating this amount of feelings and friendship shared by the two peoples into tangible gains by facilitating their enhanced engagements in the spheres of business, investment, education, culture and tourism. Terming Namangan as one of the textile hubs in Uzbekistan and explaining Bangladesh’s position and reputation in the global apparel market, Ambassador Dr. Islam emphasized the importance of initiating effective steps in expanding collaborations in textile related sectors between the two countries. He also sought the Governor’s support in encouraging the business community to import pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and agricultural products from Bangladesh. He also proposed to consider establishing a sister city cooperation between Namangan and a suitable city of Bangladesh. Governor Abdurazakov  Shavkat Shokirdjanovich highly appreciated the socio-economic progress of Bangladesh, especially the achievements it has attained in the textile sector. Citing that the President of Uzbekistan advised the relevant authorities and institutions to gain experiences from other countries, more emphatically from Bangladesh to develop local textile industries, he expressed his desire to step up the level of involvements with Bangladesh to fully realize the potentials that the sector offers. Describing the geographical and demographic advantages of the Namangan region, he urged the Bangladeshi business and investment elites to explore the region more deeply. He welcomed the idea of formalizing sister city cooperation to share ideas and best practices in a wide range of issues with his Bangladesh counterpart. He voiced his intention to pay an official visit to Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. The meeting ended with expressing commitments by both the sides to work more closely in the days to come in further deepening the bonds of friendship and connectivity between the peoples of Bangladesh and Namangan region in particular and Uzbekistan at large.  

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed her dissatisfaction with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for excluding her from the recent water-sharing discussions with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during their meeting in New Delhi. In a strongly worded letter to Modi, dated June 24, 2024, she wrote: “I am writing this letter in context of the recent visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh. It seems that water sharing issues relating to the Ganges and Teesta rivers may have been discussed during the meeting. Such unilateral deliberations and discussions without consultation and the opinion of the state government is neither acceptable nor desirable.” Dhaka, Delhi discussed joint river management: Hasan Mahmud Mamata emphasized the importance of West Bengal's relationship with Bangladesh, stating, “We do share a very close relationship with Bangladesh - geographically, culturally and economically, I love and respect people of Bangladesh and always wish for their well-being. The state of West Bengal has cooperated with Bangladesh on several issues in the past.” She highlighted several successful collaborations, including the exchange of India-Bangladesh enclaves (Chitmahal), the Indo-Bangladesh Railway Line, and Bus Services. However, she underlined the critical importance of water resources, saying, “Water is very precious and is the lifeline of the people. We cannot compromise on such a sensitive issue which has severe and adverse implication on the people. People of West Bengal will be the worst sufferers due to the impact of such agreements.” Peaceful management of border a shared priority: Dhaka, Delhi The West Bengal Chief Minister raised concerns about the renewal of the Indo-Bangladesh Farakka Treaty, set to expire in 2026. She noted, “It is a Treaty which delineates the principles of sharing of water between Bangladesh and India and as you are aware it has huge implications for the people of West Bengal for maintaining their livelihood and that the water which is diverted at the Farakka Barrage helps in maintaining the navigability of the Kolkata port.” She pointed out the changes in river morphology in eastern India and Bangladesh, which have negatively impacted water availability in West Bengal. “There has been eastward migration of the Ganges (and Padma in Bangladesh) over the last 200 years disrupting their link with several rivers in West Bengal. For example, Jalangi and Mathabhanga rivers got disconnected from Padma and the fresh water inflow into the Sundarban has reduced. In fact, the genesis of construction of Farakka Barrage Project is the disconnection of Bhagirathi from the Ganges.” Hasina, Modi endorse shared vision for future enhancing connectivity, commerce, collaboration for shared prosperity Mamata expressed frustration over the lack of response to her previous communications on these issues, stating, “On these issues, I have written several times to draw your attention.” Regarding the Teesta river, she wrote, “Further, it seems that sharing of Teesta water between India and Bangladesh has also been discussed in the meeting. The health of Teesta river has suffered from construction of series of hydropower projects in Sikkim, deforestation in upper catchment and impact of climate change.” She criticized the Indian government’s proposal for bilateral cooperation to restore the Teesta in Bangladesh, noting the lack of concrete steps taken by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to restore the river onthe Indian side. “I am surprised by the fact that no concrete steps have been taken by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to restore the river in its original form and health on the Indian side. Due to reasons stated above water flow in the Teesta has gone down over the years and it is estimated that, if any water is shared with Bangladesh, lakhs of people in North Bengal (West Bengal) will get severely impacted due to inadequate availability of irrigation water.” In her concluding remarks, Mamata reiterated her strong reservations, “Finally, it is to convey my strong reservation that no discussion on sharing of Teesta water and the Farakka Treaty should be taken up with Bangladesh without the involvement of the state government. The interest of people in West Bengal is paramount which should not be compromised at any cost.” Flood-hit people in Sylhet face food, drinking water crisis though water receding