The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

India has decided to waive the ban on export of rice to Bangladesh for an additional five lakh tonnes of rice and proposed its willingness to undertake rehabilitation programme in ten severely affected coastal villages.

Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee yesterday informed it to Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed while he (Pranab Mukherjee) called on him at his office here.

Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee yesterday said ties with Dhaka continued to improve while his Bangladesh counterpart Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury expected it to reach a level to be "stabilised permanently".

"Our relation is improving and it showed some reflections in bilateral trades," Mukherjee said in a brief statement after nearly an hour long talks with Chowdhury at the state guesthouse Padma here.

The External Affairs Minister, who earlier arrived here on a one-day visit to witness the cyclone devastation in southwestern coastlines, said the "huge trade" largely in favour of India was a major concern in bilateral ties but a process is underway to reduce it.

He said the recent agreement allowing Bangladesh to export 80 lakh pieces of readymade garments without citing previously needed "origin of certificate" is a major step towards that end.

Mukherjee said New Delhi is also expecting to announce a package for least developed regional countries including Bangladesh shortening its "sensitive list" for imported products later this month.

The Indian External Affairs Minister said the two countries were also expected to witness direct railway links after resolution of some "technical issues" while the two countries reached a consensus to resolve all other issues through bilateral talks.

"The bilateral relations are on progress in a smooth manner and we will take it to a level when it will stabilise for a permanent period," Iftekhar Chowdhury said reciprocating his counterpart.

He appreciated prompt Indian response for the cyclone survivors offering succor, waiving a ban on rice export up to 500,000 tonnes and conveying concerns.

Earlier, during his talks with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, the Indian external affairs minister offered his country's assistance for total rehabilitation of 10 cyclone ravaged coastal village reconstructing the communication lines and power systems and the affected infrastructures including schools under a "comprehensive and integrated" approach.

Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekar Ahmed Chowdhury received the Indian External Affairs Minister when an Indian air force plane carrying him landed at the airport.

Among others, Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Food Dr. Ayub Miah and Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty were present.

Mukherjee said, " With Bangladesh, we share not only a common history of struggle for freedom and liberation but also enduring feelings of civilisational, fraternal, linguistic and cultural ties."

He made two announcements which are- India has decided to waive the ban on export of rice to Bangladesh for an additional five lakh tons and his country would propose to the government of Bangladesh its willingness to undertake programme in ten severely affected coastal villages for rehabilitation.

Mukherjee said, he would be discussing the details of these in his meetings later on the day. He said he was thankful to Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury for receiving him personally at the airport.

Referring to the cyclone Sidr which battered Bangladesh on November 15, Pranab said, " On behalf of the people and the government of India, allow me to express our deep sadness on the devastation caused to life, property and infrastructure in Bangladesh by the cyclone."

Pranab Mukherjee said as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives, and as a symbol of the shared sense of loss that , "We as a nation, feel with your people, our Parliament expressed it sorrow in a resolution on November 19 and observed a moment of silence."

The external affairs minister said India's total relief assistance to Bangladesh this year so far amounts to more than Taka 270 crore. India, he said, has already rushed some relief goods like medicines, ready to eat meals, blankets, tents and portable water purifiers worth about Taka 11 crore.

In addition, he said, 20,000 tons of rice is being sent by sea to Chittagong. Pranab Mukherjee said," I bring the solidarity of my country in your hour of need, and an assurance that as a friendly neighbour, India would always be interested in a stable, prosperous and democratic Bangladesh."