Govt sincere in resolving enclave problems : PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told the Jatiyo Sangsad (JS) Wednesday that her government is very much sincere in resolving enclave problems with neighbouring India, reports BSS.

The discussion with India is now at the final stage for uninterrupted movement of the people of Dahagram and Angorpota enclaves with mainland Bangladesh, and the problem would be solved very quickly," she said responding to a scripted query from treasury bench member Benzir Ahmed.

The Leader of the House said during her visit to India in January 2010, both the countries agreed to resolve all existing border disputes in the light of the 1974 Land Border Agreement (Mujib-Indira Agreement).

To further steer this process, she said, a detailed discussion was held on the issue at the fourth meeting of Bangladesh-India Joint Boundary Working Group (JBWG) in November 2010.

"To expedite the process of enclave exchange, maps including the list of the enclaves have already been swapped between the two countries, while joint census of Bangladeshi people at the enclaves is underway," she said.

The Prime Minister said her government remains active to raise civic facilities of the enclave people. "The work on supplying power to Dahagram-Angorpota enclaves has already started," she said.

The Leader of the House said though there is a commitment of India to lease out the Tin-bigha Corridor to Bangladesh, the agreement was not implemented, as India is yet to ratify the deal.

Despite that, she said, the agreement was followed up to resolve the Bangladesh-India frontier problems, and according to it, the corridor is opened for a specific time everyday.

The Prime Minister said significant progress has already been made to solve the maritime boundary dispute between Bangladesh and India by utilizing existing good relations and democratic environment.

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