Sea Limit Row with Myanmar
Use natural resources
Urge political leaders, including Fakhrul, hailing verdict
The country's major political parties welcomed the landmark verdict which upheld Bangladesh's claim on the Bay of Bengal and urged the government to use the natural resources there to the best of the country's interests.
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, on Wednesday, read out the landmark verdict which sustained Bangladesh's claim to 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic and territorial rights in the Bay rejecting the claims of Myanmar.
Senior leaders of these parties also hoped that the verdict would help resolve existing disputes with India over similar maritime boundaries in the Bay.
Welcoming the verdict, BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said it is “good news” for the country.
Talking to journalists at BNP's central office in the city, he said, “We are undoubtedly happy with the announcement of this verdict. Credit for the achievement should be given to the foreign ministry officials who dealt with the issue in the international court.”
Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif sees the landmark verdict as a historic event for the nation and its people.
“I find the historic verdict a great achievement for the present government and people of the country. In line with this landmark verdict, I hope Bangladesh will also win in the contest against India in the dispute over similar maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal,” he said.
Similarly terming it as good news, Communist Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim said, “With the announcement of this verdict, our national rights got international recognition.
“Now it should be ensured that the resources available in the recognised area are used in the interest of the country's people.”
Workers' Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Anisur Rahman Mollick said, “This verdict has brought a great win for Bangladesh in the international arena. But the matter of executing the verdict will depend on how much Myanmar respects it.”
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haq Inu also welcomed the verdict and congratulated the government and the foreign ministry.
“The government showed its boldness and sincerity in protecting national interests by going to the international court to resolve the long-standing dispute with Myanmar,” he said.
Jatiya Party Presidium Member Kazi Zafar Ahmad said, “The national rights were established with this verdict at the international court. We congratulate those who worked behind the success and the government, for the success has come during its tenure.”
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