Hasina optimistic about Nepal, Bhutan transit

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the process of allowing Nepal and Bhutan to use Mongla and Chittagong ports to transport “transit goods” to a third country through Bangladesh is close to the final stage.

“Significant progress has been made in discussions with India, Nepal and Bhutan that aimed at taking regional initiatives on water resources, electricity and communication infrastructure,” the premier said in a reply to lawmakers' queries in parliament yesterday.

“Discussion with India is now at the final stage for uninterrupted movement of the people of Dahagram and Angorpota enclaves with mainland Bangladesh. The problem would be solved very quickly,” she said. Hasina added that her government is sincere to solve the enclave-related problems with the neighbouring country.

On maritime boundary issues with India and Myanmar, the premier said the foreign ministry is continuing its diplomatic efforts to solve the problem, and it is expected that the two friendly states would be able to find out an acceptable solution soon through discussions.

On the Myanmar issue, Hasina said her government has attached top priority to settling the maritime boundary dispute. "The issue was placed in the form of a case in the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea," she said.

“Hearing of the case will be completed by 2011, and the case is expected to be settled by 2012.”