Dhaka Bureau: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that post-1975 governments have taken virtually no steps to demarcate Bangladesh’s maritime boundaries. They were lying where the father of the nation had left the country.
He said these things at the function organized on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zone Act 1974 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center today (February 22).
Sheikh Hasina said that we had no right over the huge sea area of Bangladesh. Those who came to power in 1975 by killing the father of the nation and violating the constitution—for 21 years, no one said anything about maritime rights.
He said that in 2012 and 2014, we settled the maritime boundary with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India. Today, with huge maritime rights, we have a huge economic area with potential.
He also said that Bangabandhu signed our land boundary agreement. Treaty with India. At the same time, he amended the constitution and implemented the agreement. Later, it was not implemented. When we came to the government after 21 years, we started working on these issues. Then the work had to start with great secrecy. We signed the UN to ensure our maritime boundaries.
Sheikh Hasina said that the seminar that is being held today will play a role in the best use of marine resources, the safe and effective management of the sea, and the cooperation and support of all the ocean-centric organizations in the country.
He also said that sea routes are being used by all countries and that international trade is going on. I have already set up institutes for research, and all steps are being taken. Friendship with all is not enmity with anyone; that is what we want to say.
