The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Bangladesh favours early settlement of minor issues of dispute with India before going for negotiation about complex one.

This view was expressed by foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at the 16th Bangladesh-India dialogue at Brac-Inn in the city yesterday.

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and India International Centre (IIC) jointly organised the dialogue co-chaired by economist Rehman Sobhan and former Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Deb Mukharjee.

A 10-member Indian delegation led by Dev Mukherjee is participating in the 3-day dialogue designed to make recommendations for cooperation in disaster management, water resources development, development of the energy sector and cooperation in communications, trade and investment. "Sometimes it is simpler to tackle the easier issues earlier," Dr Iftekhar said, adding, "this is like plucking low-hanging fruits first. This improves the environment to take up more complex subjects thereafter."

The Foreign Adviser said the current Bangladesh-India relations are at the appropriate levels to begin serious negotiations on various issues through bilateral mechanisms created for those purposes.

He noted that the present warmth in the relationship flowed from the acceptance by India of an "asymmetrical higher degree of responsibilities in the conduct of bilateral relations, often without reciprocity, and the understanding on part of India of Bangladesh's need to evolve policies that would enable her to live in concord with, but distinct from, her larger neighbour".

These have created a favourable impact on Bangladesh's public opinion and a drive to address and resolve outstanding issues, the Adviser said, adding: "Both parties realise that if there are hills to climb, waiting would not make them any smaller."

Among trade issues, Dr Iftekhar said, it is necessary to address early the questions of market access for Bangladeshi products into India to make up for the existing large trade imbalance, and also the removal of non-trade barriers.

He said the resolution of water-distribution issues, including on Teesta and other rivers, was also awaited. Possible diversion of water from Tepaimukh was a matter of concern not just for Bangladeshis but also for many Indians.

The Adviser said subjects such as Climate Change, which were of critical importance to both countries, should be jointly considered. He informed the conference that Bangladesh's offer to host a SAARC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change next year has been accepted by all concerned.

He also cited 'energy' and 'connectivity' as important areas and invited the civil society to make recommendations in those areas.

"In South Asia we pride ourselves on having the world's most vibrant civil society. It is natural for our governments to want to have ideas and suggestions from them on how to move ahead to match the aspirations of our peoples," Dr. Chowdhury said, speaking to the media afterwards.

Prof Rehman Sobhan called for collective approach to finding a shared solution to the problems caused by climate change and flooding.

Dev Mukherjee also suggested efforts to deal with issues of trade, investment and connectivity for mutual benefit of the next-door neighbours. "What is good for Bangladesh is good for India," he said.