New Delhi, Dec 2 (Inditop.com) India and Bangladesh Wednesday announced the finalisation of three pacts, including one on jointly combating terrorism, and agreed to resolve border disputes.
Terrorism dominated the two-day talks between Home Secretary Gopal K. Pillai and his Bangladeshi counterpart, with both sides stressing on “immediate action on the basis of real time and actionable information”.
“Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their commitment not to allow the use of territory of either country for any activity inimical to each other’s interests,” said a joint press release.
The three pacts finalised were on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, combating terrorism and transfer of prisoners. These would be signed during the three-day visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India starting Dec 18.
The finalisation of the pacts mark a major confidence-building step to address the issue of terrorist leaders sheltering in Bangladesh that has marred relations between the two neighbours.
The agreements will help India to get access to leaders of northeast insurgent groups like the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and other terrorists who are operating from the Bangladeshi territory.
Pillai thanked Bangladeshi authorities for taking steps to prevent likely attacks on the Indian mission in Dhaka.
The two sides also agreed to develop mechanisms to further hasten the process of verification of nationality status of prisoners lodged in jails of either country, specially those who have completed their sentence.
New Delhi expressed its concerns over the smuggling of fake Indian currency notes into India and sought the cooperation of Bangladeshi authorities for preventing such activities, the statement said.
The next home secretary-level talks will be held in Dhaka.
