Dhaka, Feb 20 (UNB) – Visiting Paschimbanga Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday urged Bangladesh to ‘keep confidence’ in her about the signing of much-sought Teesta Water sharing deal between the two countries. Mamata, now in Dhaka after 17 years, said she would discuss the issue with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the meeting her. She was addressing a discussion ‘Boitaki Bangla Adda’ at Sonargaon Hotel in the city with cultural personalities. Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor was present. Terming the water-sharing issue a problem for all, Mamata told the function that the issue can be left to them. Mamata also said she would work as a bridge between two Banglas in removing misunderstanding over the Teesta water sharing. “We’ve problems on both sides. I’ll discuss with Hasinadi…leave it on us. Don’t worry about the matter,” she said. Mamata discussed how cultural exchanges can mutually benefit and further strengthen long-standing relations between Bangladesh and Paschimbanga. Luminaries from the world of literature, film, drama, music from both sides met for heart-to-heart interactions in stimulating environment. Mamata arrived here on Thursday night on a three-day visit, which both the neighbours view as a visit to deepen ties between the two countries. The Paschimbanga Chief Minister greeted all at the airport saying ‘Joy Bangla’ and mentioned that she feels like she is at her own home and she loves Bangladesh. Mamata also mentioned that they have emotional relations with Bangladesh, and she is here with much sincerity. Before leaving Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Mamata said, “This is a very emotional moment for me…some journeys are more emotional. This is very special.” Mamata mentioned that she last visited Bangladesh 17 years ago, and this is her first visit after new the government came to power in Paschimbanga in May 2011. This visit raised hopes in Bangladesh that it will create a ‘supportive environment’ for settling pending issues with New Delhi apart from deepening soul-ties with Kolkata. Country’s political observers consider her visit as ‘course-correction’ exercise as earlier in September 2011, Mamata had cancelled her visit to Dhaka with then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, as she had claimed that Teesta water sharing would not protect the interest of Pashcimbanga.
