Date: 04.03.10
Source: The Daily Star
Dhaka , Delhi
Gowher Rizvi tells Indian newspaper
"Our starting point in the discussion was
that shortage of water is hurting people on both sides. The rivers that run
through our countries cannot be managed, trained or harnessed in piecemeal
efforts by different countries but rather through a joint strategy for managing
the entire basin." Rizvi told the Times of India.
"The rivers from head to mouth are one
single entity and have to be managed as such. Water distribution has to be fair
and equitable. So, we have agreed to jointly collect hydrological data and
enter into ad hoc interim agreements."
His remarks came ahead of a proposed meeting of
India-Bangladesh Joint River Commission here sometime this month to discuss an
interim agreement on sharing of Teesta river.
Rizvi said the agreements on security, border
demarcation, trade, connectivity, environment, water and investments signed
during Hasina's visit to
On border-related issues, he said, "We want
to transform the border of confrontation and conflict into one of peace and
prosperity. We have reached substantive agreements on border demarcation, on
adverse possessions and for solving the problem of access to enclaves. We are
actively working on the demarcation of the last few miles of the border. We
hope to complete the border agreements in the next three months."
He also said, "We are working to make sure
that our border security personnel engage in confidence-building measures and
commanders hold flag meetings periodically to resolve outstanding issues before
they actually flare up into cross-border firings."
Asked about relations between the two countries,
Rizvi said
He also said, "