Dhaka, July 15 (UNI) Showing zero tolerance to terrorism and militancy, Bangladesh on Sunday conveyed to India that it would not allow use of even an inch of its land to operate terror activities against India.
A 13-member Bangladesh delegation, led by Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and nine-member Indian delegation, led by Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh held the sixth ‘home minister-level talks’ at the Secretariat here that discussed cooperation between the two neighbouring countries with a special focus on security cooperation.
The Home Minister said that India extended all types of supports to Bangladesh as sought by Bangladesh to counter terrorism and militancy. “They’re exchanging information with us so that we can combat terrorism and militancy,” he said.
The ministers discussed issues related to security, border management, cooperation in countering illegal activities and travel arrangements at the meeting.
The Indian side also discussed the influx of Rohingyas from the Rakhine State of Myanmar over the past year and conveyed that India was committed to extend help in the safe, speedy and sustainable return of these persons to their homes.
On Friday, the visiting Mr Rajnath has said that Bangladesh and India have made a “noteable progress” in transforming land and maritime boundaries into zones of peace and tranquility. “India attaches great significance to ties with Bangladesh,” Mr Rajnath said.
The last home minister-level talks were held in July 2016 in New Delhi. During the meeting, the ‘Revise Travel Arrangements 2018’ was signed between the two countries to ease visa system.
Home Secretary (Protection Service Division) Farid Uddin Ahmed and Special Secretary of Department of Border Management of India Brij Raj Sharma signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides.
According to the agreement, the freedom fighters and elderly citizens of Bangladesh, aged above 65, will get multiple-visa for five years, when applied, he said.
Around one crore people from Bangladesh travel to different countries every year and at least 30 lakh of them goes to India, said the minister.
Besides, the Indian counterpart also assured them of providing necessary help to resolve problems of Bangladesh and provide higher training to police, Rab and fire service department personnel’s, the minister added.
The meeting also decided to provide necessary assistance to construct road in bordering areas.
Replying to a query about bringing back two killers of Bangabandhu from India, the minister said, “A committee was formed earlier to look into the matter and the committee is working on it.”
UNI MAZ PS 1521