PM bins allegation of signing 'secret deal' again

File photoBSS, Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday categorically told the Jatiya Sangsad that she did not sign any 'secret deal' with India during her recent visit to the neighbouring country.
While replying to a supplementary from independent lawmaker Fazlul Azim during the prime minister's question-answer session, she refuted the allegation of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in this regard and asked her (Khaleda) to refrain from giving such 'misleading and false' information in the greater national interest.
"If you have any document regarding the so-called secret deal, please make it public. Don't mislead the people by giving such untrue information," she told the BNP leaders including its chairperson.
The PM told the House that the agreements signed with India during her visit to New Delhi was meant for upholding the national interest and spirit of the country's independence and sovereignty as well as the nation's dignity.
Referring to the Joint Communiqué, signed between Bangladesh and India on different bilateral issues during her visit to India, Hasina said these matters came up for discussion in the cabinet beforehand.
The PM criticised the reckless remarks of the leader of the oppositions in parliament and said that the party (BNP) always pacifies India while in power and oppose the neighbour while in the opposition. "India is good when BNP is in power, India is bad when BNP is in the opposition," she said.
Describing her India visit as a fruitful one, Hasina said this trip has heralded a new era in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India.
Responding to another supplementary from treasury bench member Eng Mosharraf Hossain, the PM said her government had a plan to expand and modernise the Chittagong and the Mongla ports so that India, Nepal and Bhutan could use them.
"It would help generate employment side by side with socio- economic development of the country," she said adding that only 10 percent of the Mongla port and 40 percent of the Chittagong port are being used currently.
On infrastructure development, the premier said the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway would be made six-lane road while rail line would be expanded between Chittagong and Cox's Bazar to facilitate transportation of goods.
The PM said her government is trying hard to resolve all unresolved problems regarding enclaves, communications and 54 common rivers between India and Bangladesh in line with the Indira-Mujib Agreement.