India will hold talks with Bangaldesh\u2019s government on its development projects stalled because of the political turmoil\u00a0 once normalcy returns in the neighbouring country, per the Ministry of External Affairs.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cOur projects in Bangladesh have been impacted and stalled because of the\u00a0 law and order situation. Security is another concern. We hope normalcy returns and then we will engage with interim government,\u201d MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a press briefing on Friday.<\/p>\n
New Delhi is concerned about the fate of an estimated $4-5 billion of credit and grants that have been already disbursed to Bangladesh for various development projects that are now stuck, sources said. These projects are in various sectors such as roads, railways, irrigation, shipping and ports.<\/p>\n
\nShared aspirations
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Jaiswal said that the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, in his recent introductory meeting with Bangladesh\u2019s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, discussed several aspects of bilateral relationship. \u201cHe also talked about India wanting to continue to work with Bangladesh to fulfil the shared aspirations of both countries for prosperity, security and development,\u201d Jaiswal said.<\/p>\n
On former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has taken refuge in India after she was forced to flee her country following protests against her government, the Spokesperson reiterated India\u2019s stated position. \u201c… As we stated earlier, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh came to India at a very short notice for reasons of safety. We have nothing further to add on the matter,\u201d Jaiswal said.<\/p>\n
\n\u2018Misleading report\u2019
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The MEA also dismissed reports by US\u2019 CNN on the flood situation in Bangladesh which suggested that it may have been caused by the release of water from the Dumbur dam in Tripura.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have seen the CNN report on the flood situation in Bangladesh. Its narrative is misleading and suggests that India is somehow responsible for the floods. This is factually not correct and ignores the facts mentioned in the press releases issued by the Government of India clarifying the situation. They have also ignored that we have regular and timely exchange of data and critical information between the two countries through existing joint mechanisms for water resources management,\u201d Jaiswal said.<\/p>\n