As India laid out the red carpet for visiting Bangladesh leader Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister known for her traditional anti-India posture appeared to strike a conciliatory note on Monday while stating that she wants a “new era” to begin in bilateral ties.
Begum Zia, who heads the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) which thrives on its anti-India stance, is said to have expressed these sentiments when she called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here on Monday. She is also said to have assured Mr Singh that neither she nor her party would allow their country or its territory to be used for activities aimed at harming India or anything that could jeopardise India’s security.
The PM, in turn, is learnt to have told Begum Zia that India is willing to discuss all matters of importance concerning Bangladesh. Sources said he assured Begum Zia that India believes in the prosperity of India’s neighbours, particularly Bangladesh. He also said that New Delhi wants a “close and deeper relationship” with Dhaka.
The two leaders also discussed terrorism and agreed to cooperate on this front as well as on tackling insurgent groups. The land boundary agreement too was discussed with Begum Zia seeking its early implementation. Other issues related to the Indo-Bangla border including deaths along it were also discussed. As for the Tipaimukh dam over which Bangladesh has reservations, Begum Zia is learnt to have sought the inclusion of “acceptable and credible” experts in the sub-committee constituted to resolve the matter.
Begum Zia’s visit has come after a long gap of six years following an invite extended by the Indian government. However, not all quarters are hopeful that Begum Zia’s visit or the sentiments expressed by her during the visit will translate into a pro-India stance for good.
Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal said that it’s wise on India’s part to reach out to all sections of the political classes and to convey the message that its looking at its “overall relationship” with its neighbour.