Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says the Gulshan terror attack and subsequent incidents were carried out by a quarter with vested interest aimed at maligning the bright image of Bangladesh as 'a role model of development' which the country has earned over the years through persistent endevour of her government.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia alleges that the government is demeaning the country’s independence and sovereignty by awarding corridor to India in the name of transit.

The much-delayed Teesta river water-sharing deal, security, transit and killing of Bangladeshis on the border are expected to be high on the agenda as the foreign secretaries of Bangladesh and India meet in New Delhi today.

Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has batted for “borderless connectivity” with Bhutan, India and Nepal to “achieve fruit of the transport corridor” among these nations.

BNP says transit or transhipment fee at Tk 580 per tonne for Indian goods carrying through Bangladesh is not acceptable.

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal ink deal to allow seamless movement of people, cargo and personal vehicles across their borders.

It is important to recognise that allowing 'coastal shipping' up to Ashuganj or even up to Pangaon, essentially seeking engagement in transit peration, would violate the existing protocol, approved by Bangabandhu, unless those vessels are owned by Bangladeshis.