Mamata paves way for warmer ties

WEST Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's three-day trip to Dhaka has been eventful, reassuring and heart-warming. It proved extensive in terms of grounds covered -- diplomatic, business, cross-border terrorism, dimensions to the relations. Also, the shared experience turned out to be intensive through a renewal of cultural and emotional contacts.   

The long-awaited visit was to clear the air on certain outstanding issues, enhance cultural ties and facilitate business between the two sides. In practical terms, as the chief minister of the most important Indian neighbouring state to Bangladesh, she has had a say on two vital issues with us, viz.Teesta water sharing and LBA. She has held out assurances that these issues will be resolved in the foreseeable future. She rang positive urging that we repose confidence in her on Teesta water sharing issue. We take her for her words and believe that Bangladesh's interest in an equitable share of the Teesta waters will be duly protected. 

The visit brought to the table some new thoughts .The West Bengal chief minister's proposal to form a joint business council for quick resolution of disputes in bilateral trade and investment merits consideration. In view of Bangladesh business community's pointers to tarrif, non-tarrif and para-tarrif hurdles to increasing exports to India, the idea of a coordinating body between the private sectors sound s good. A synergic committee for cultural exchanges is welcome, too. Moreover, a Bangabandhu Bhaban and a university chair in his honours augur well.