DHAKA: After uncertainty covers the fate of upcoming meeting of Joint Rivers Commission (JRC), this time neighboring India did not fix any date to hold the next meeting of Joint Consultative Commission (JCC), sources of foreign ministry said.

In the meantime, Bangladesh has been keeping itself update with the necessary preparation for the next meeting whenever it holds. Bangladesh has also taken decision in principle to emphasis the ratification of land boundary agreement in the next meeting.

An inter-ministerial meeting at the Foreign Ministry was held on Tuesday to discuss the issue of next JCC meeting.

Earlier Indian media reported that Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, has taken an initiative to push for Parliamentary approval of the Land Boundary Agreement between India and Bangladesh before December 16, the victory day of the neighbouring country.

Sources of foreign ministry said, Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India somewhat depends on the land boundary agreement.

Because, India expressed its incapability to attend the upcoming meeting of the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC), which was essential to sign the Teesta water sharing treaty, the sources added.
Indian Water resources and River Development Minister, in a letter, informed that she would not be able to attend the meeting, bringing an uncertainty over the Teesta deal singing.
For this reason, importance has been given on signing of the land boundary agreement to ensure Hasina’s visit to India.

Sources said, the meeting discussed the issues related to ensuring the premier’s India visit and other unsettled bilateral issues. But India has not ensured any date of the JCC meeting, did not even send any proposal on the matter.

A high official at the ministry told banglanews, “Efforts are underway to resolve one of the two main unresolved issues – either Teesta deal or the land boundary agreement – between the two countries before the premier’s India visit.

The official said, “Discussion is underway on which agreement can be sign during her visit to be finalized at the foreign ministry level meeting.”

Bangladesh gave two proposals to hold the JCC meeting on August or September, but India did not propose any date yet, the official added.

BDST: 1043 HRS, AUG 20, 2014