'Bangladeshi people waiting to see early signing of Teesta deal'

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a 53-point joint statement today underscored the need for early signing and implementation of the framework of interim agreement for the sharing of Teesta water.

"People of Bangladesh have been waiting to see the early signing and implementation of the framework of interim agreement for the sharing of Teesta waters as agreed upon by both governments in 2011," Sheikh Hasina said in the joint statement.

Besides, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the statement, informed that his government is working with all stakeholders in his side for the conclusion of the Agreement soonest possible.

Bangladesh and India today issued the joint statement terming relation between the two neighbouring countries "a bond transcending strategic relationship".

At the invitation of Modi, Prime Minister Hasina is on an official visit to India. Apart from her official engagements in New Delhi, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was also invited as the chief guest at the India Economic Summit organised by the World Economic Forum on October 3-4.

Both the leaders directed the Technical Level Committee of the Joint Rivers Commission to exchange updated data and information and prepare the draft framework of Interim Sharing Agreements for the six rivers --Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar -- and to firm up the draft framework of interim sharing agreement of the Feni River.

They appreciated the decision taken at the Water Resources Secretary-level meeting in Dhaka for the early start of the work on withdrawal of 1.82 cusec of water from the Feni River for the drinking purpose of the people of Sabroom town of Tripura.