Mamata to hold separate meeting with Sheikh Hasina

International Desk: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to hold a separate meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday.

Besides, she can attend the meeting scheduled between India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Sheikh Hasina after the Visva-Bharati convocation.

Mamata herself confirmed the news on Thursday, saying the Teesta river water sharing issue would not be discussed in the meeting.

"We will be meeting in Kolkata before she (Hasina) leaves for Bangladesh. There is no place for discussion on Teesta river," Mamata told newsmen.

The chief minister said that she shared a very cordial relationship with Hasina and no geographical or political boundary can create differences between West Bengal and Bangladesh as they have the same culture and language.

"I admire Hasina-di most and she loves me. Our relationship is very honest and everlasting. I hope the relation between India and Bangladesh will grow stronger with time," she said.

Mamata had earlier said that the Teesta river was the lifeline of north Bengal and there was very little water in it. She had said other transnational rivers could be diverted to meet Bangladesh's water needs.

The Teesta water sharing issue was discussed by the two countries in New Delhi on April 9.

The chief minister is in Shantiniketan to participate in the Visva-Bharati convocation on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina will address the programme.
 

Source: Agencies
 

risingbd/Dhaka/May 25, 2018/A K Azad