Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson and leader of the opposition in parliament Khaleda Zia yesterday said both Bangladesh and India should take such a decision jointly that would benefit both the countries. She stated this while visiting Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao called on her at her Gulshan party office in the city last evening.

After the meeting, BNP chairperson’s foreign affairs adviser Shamsher Mubin Chowdhury briefed the journalists. “India and Bangladesh will have to take such a decision jointly that would benefit both the countries. In this regard, India will have to come forward with broad mind,” quoting Khaleda Zia, Shamsher Mubin said. Shamsher Mubin added during the 45-minute meeting, BNP chairperson expressed concern over the killing of innocent Bangladeshis by the Indian Border Security Force. She also called upon the Indian government to reduce the trade deficit between the two countries. “The initiative to reduce the trade deficit will strengthen the bilateral relation and mutual understanding between the two countries,” she was quoted as saying.

Recalling the meeting between her and Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh in Delhi in 2006, Khaleda Zia said he (Manmohan Singh) assured me of that his country would not take any decision which would have bad impact on Bangladesh. “During the meeting, I had expressed my concern over the proposed construction of Tipaimukh dam and he had (Manmohan) assured me of that India would not take such decision that create bad impact on Bangladesh,” quoting Khaleda Zia Shamsher Mubin said. BNP chairperson said Bangladesh is determined to maintain good relations with India. She also greeted the Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonya Gandhi.

-The Independent