BANGLADESH

BNP says a transit corridor would turn separatists of India's north-east against Bangladesh.

The party's acting secretary general told a discussion on Saturday that a corridor for easy transport and shipment of Indian goods would anger the secessionists of India's seven north-eastern states.

"They will then target Bangladesh. And in such a scenario what will happen to our security?" asked Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

The BNP spokesman said the government has created an impression that it refused to give away transit because India backed away from the Teesta water sharing deal.

"But in essence, transit is all but done pending the small matter of official consent," claimed Fakhrul.

He told the discussion on Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh's Sep 6-7 visit that the visit had failed and the government failed to secure its interests.

He said his party, the BNP, also desired a healthy bilateral relationship with the large neighbour. "But it has to be in such a manner that is equitable and dignified for both countries."

Fakhrul told the meeting that prime minister Sheikh Hasina had signed a security agreement which compromised national interests. "Furthermore, we still do not know the details of that agreement."

The discussion was organised by a research group named 'G-9' where Kallyan Party chief, former major general Syed Muhammad Ibrahim was also present.