Dhaka, Delhi reinforce 'zero tolerance' pledge against terrorism

Desk Report: Bangladesh and India reinforced their pledge "zero tolerance" policy against terrorism and extremism alongside reiterating their strong commitment to make borders peaceful and free from criminal activities.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her counterpart Indian Prime Minister Nardendra Modi expressed the pledge during the talks in New Delhi on Saturday.

"We both pledged 'zero tolerance' against terrorism and violent extremism and reiterated our strong commitment to make our borders peaceful and free from criminal activities," Sheikh Hasina said in a statement after her official talks with the Indian premier.

The two premiers, she said, discussed the issues of water resources management including sharing of water of common rivers like Teesta, the Padma-Ganges Barrage Project and basin-wise management of the trans-boundary streams.

"I sincerely believe that we shall be able to get India's support in resolving these issues expeditiously," Hasina said.

Sheikh Hasina described her meeting with Modi to be "productive" as they sat together to take Bangladesh-India excellent bilateral relations to newer height.

"We discussed all aspects of our ever growing relationship to enhance our understanding about mutual concerns and priorities," she said calling India the "most important neighbour and one of key development partners of Bangladesh" also recalling its invaluable contribution to Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War for which "we are deeply grateful".

Sheikh Hasina said she was happy to honour the 1971 martyrs of Indian Armed Forces during her current visit to Delhi.

The prime minister announced with appreciation that New Delhi has agreed to support Bangladesh's efforts to obtain international recognition of 'Genocide of 1971' as Dhaka sought India's assistance towards that end.

Sheikh Hasina said she agreed with her counterpart that greater connectivity was vital for the development of the two countries and the region.

BSS

risingbd/DHAKA/Apr 8, 2017/Saif/Amirul