Amid the BJP’s continuing opposition to the implementation of the Land Boundary Agreement between India and Bangladesh, the latter’s foreign minister Dipu Moni is hoping that political parties here see the larger picture and act based on it.
Dr Moni’s observation here on Thursday evening came a day ahead of her meeting with BJP leader Arun Jaitley, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. The Bangladeshi leader affirmed that she will be raising the matter with Mr Jaitley when the two meet on Friday.
Speaking after delivering a lecture at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Dr Moni when asked about the Land Boundary Agreement whose fate hangs in the balance, said on Thursday, “I’m very hopeful that things that have been evolving over the past few years, we will see them come to fruition.”
The minister added, “We have worked very hard on both sides and I believe that at this juncture everyone, regardless of the parties, would be able to see the larger picture and would act accordingly.”
The UPA-2 is keen to see the pact through as Bangladesh heads for polls later this year. Additionally, from a foreign policy imperative, New Delhi is looking for ties with Dhaka that are “sustainable and enduring” and which are based on “equality, partnership, and mutual benefit”.
The government has already indicated its intention to introduce the Constitution Amendment Bill that will enable the agreement’s implementation during the forthcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. The Bill is to be introduced in the Upper House, hence Dr Moni’s decision to meet Mr Jaitley.