Indian concerns over China's Teesta project proposal to be considered geopolitically: MoFA

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin said India's concerns over China's Teesta project proposal should be weighed with geopolitical considerations.

Speaking during the regular weekly briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she addressed queries regarding China's Ambassador Yao Wen's comment that China is keen on Teesta River development projects.

On 21 December, Yao Wen said China had already received several proposals from Bangladesh on development projects relating to Teesta River and the country aims to commence work after the 7 January polls.

Asked about the ministry's stance on the Chinese ambassador's remarks and whether Bangladesh has submitted a project proposal, Sabrin said China is a development partner of Bangladesh and the country has been collaborating in various infrastructural projects within Bangladesh.

She noted China's interest in Teesta River development and mentioned that the ministries concerned and the Economic Relations Division would assess potential cooperation.

India's Siliguri Corridor is not far from where China is expected to operate the Teesta project. 

India considers the Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the 'Chicken's Neck', as vital and suspects that China aims to take control of it under the guise of development work in Teesta. 

Consequently, India is unwilling to tolerate China's presence near the corridor.

On India's possible objections, Sabrin said it was challenging to answer hypothetical questions, adding that any proposals would need careful consideration of geopolitical factors.

180 foreign observers applied to EC to oversee polls: MoFA

Around 180 foreign observers from 35 countries have applied to the Election Commission to observe the next national election scheduled for January 7, 2024.

Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Thursday, Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin said their applications are being scrutinised.

Meanwhile, around 30 officials from various countries will come and observe the polls, she said.

Sabrin said journalists from international media outlets have also applied to the Election Commission to cover the polls.

"The Election Commission is scrutinising through their due process. Once the process is done, their accreditation process will start," she said.

Some of the journalists have been informed through email that they can apply for visas now, Sabrin said.

The MoFA spokesperson said a media cell is also working to that end.

She said issues related to the budget for the international observers are under consideration.

Earlier, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said they want to see a "free, fair, non-violent and transparent" election and achieve the goal to build a "Smart Bangladesh" ensuring peace and stability.

"We want all from the entire world to come and see, and learn from us," he said while talking to journalists after his meeting with a team of European Union (EU) experts at his residence on Wednesday (December 27, 2023) night.