'BD-India talks on Ganges treaty moving positively'

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday said talks on the renewal of the Bangladesh-India Ganges Water Treaty are moving in a positive direction.

"I think it is moving in a positive direction. I hope India will understand its importance and come 
forward accordingly," she told reporters when asked about the renewal of the treaty.

The Ganges Water Treaty, signed on 12 December 1996 for a period of 30 years, expires in December this year. Bangladesh and India share 54 rivers, including the Ganges.

Shama Obaed said the two countries have a bilateral mechanism to discuss all issues related to water cooperation, with the Joint Rivers Commission handling the process.

Replying to another question, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the government expects Sheikh Hasina to be brought back through the applicable legal process so that she can face due process in Bangladesh.

She said the repatriation process began during the interim government's tenure and resumed after the present government assumed office following the national election.

"These processes take time," she said, noting that the return of a convicted person under an extradition arrangement or other applicable legal framework must follow established procedures and international norms.

Shama said the government has been pursuing the matter through diplomatic channels and does not see any shortcomings in its efforts. She added that the Ministry of Home Affairs is also involved in the process, while any legal issues would be examined by the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Referring to Sheikh Hasina's reported remarks about returning to Bangladesh, the state minister said the comments of a convicted fugitive were not relevant to the ongoing legal and diplomatic process. 

She said the people of Bangladesh expect a fair and transparent trial on Bangladeshi soil over allegations of corruption, killings, enforced disappearances and other injustices.