The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Chittagong

The new government would take effective measures on emergency basis for determining maritime boundary with the neighbours and enhancing trade cooperation with eastern countries, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Hasan Mahmud said yesterday.

He also told newsmen that the matter of giving port transit to seven-sister states of India and to China is under consideration of the government.

"The government will take any decision in this regard after considering country's interest and sovereignty," the Minister said in reply to a question about the issue of giving transit facilities through Chittagong seaport.

About another Indian demand for return of ULFA guerillas he said decision on ULFA operatives and Bangladeshi terrorists arrested in India would be taken "on the basis of bilateral discussions".

Dr Hasan Mahmud made the observations on the important issues while talking to the journalists after his arrival at Shah Amanat International Airport on his first visit to his hometown as minister.

He further said that a ministerial meeting would be held soon where measures would be taken to make the missions abroad active for improving country's image in the outer world.

Dr Hasan offered fateha at the mazar of Shah Amanat and joined a meeting at Laldighi maidan in the afternoon.