Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh has been witnessing major improvement especially since the re-emergence in 2008 of the Sheikh Hasina regime in the neighbourhood;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of common problems identified, if any, by the respective countries with a view to focus on resolving them;

(d) whether the problem of illegal migration of people from Bangladesh into India and insurgent groups hiding out/operating against India from Bangladesh also have been brought on table, including the demand for expatriation of the fugitives of law; and

(e) if so, the status thereof?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED

(a) & (b) The landmark visits of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh to India in January 2010 and the Prime Minister to Bangladesh in September 2011 have opened a new chapter in relations between the two countries. Bilateral relations have moved forward on a pragmatic and practical approach based on sovereignty, equality, friendship, trust and understanding for the mutual benefit and collective prosperity of the region.
(c) There has been an effort to address common problems wherever they occur in a cooperative and collaborative manner.

(d) & (e) India has received significant cooperation from Bangladesh in tackling insurgency and terrorism. Since the January 2010 visit of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, several important agreements viz, Agreements on Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters, Transfer of Sentenced Persons and on Combating International Terrorism, Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking, have been ratified and are now in force. During the visit of the Prime Minister to Bangladesh, the need for an Extradition Treaty had been underscored by the two sides. Both sides also reaffirmed their unequivocal and uncompromising position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including insurgency and have reiterated their assurance that their respective territories would not be allowed for any activity inimical to the other and by any quarter. The issue of illegal immigration and security cooperation is discussed at various bilateral meetings, including at Home Secretary Level Talks, Joint Working Group on Security and Director General Level Talks between the Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh. India and Bangladesh have now put in place mechanisms, including the Coordinated Border Management Plan concluded in July 2011, which should reduce the scope for incidents on the border areas. With its implementation, problems arising from illegal border crossings and related difficulties will be better addressed by both sides.

http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220118817.

Bangladesh

South Asia