International and Bilateral Issues

Myanmar's government and one of the country's most prominent ethnic rebel groups signed a ceasefire of one of the world's longest-running civil wars, the latest in the country's apparent bids to reform.
Civil war has gripped parts of the country since its independence in 1948, and an end to the conflicts, as well as alleged human rights abuses involving government troops, is a key demand of the international community.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the connectivity between India and Bangladesh, particularly with the northeastern States, including Tripura, would generate tremendous economic vibrancy, leading to peoples' empowerment and overall development of the region.
Ms. Hasina, who was on a two-day visit to Tripura, urged India, Nepal and Bhutan to make the best use of the Chittagong and Mongla ports, which Bangladesh had already opened for these neighbouring countries, to access the sea route for their trade and commercial activities.
She expressed confidence that the initiative with Tripura, including the Akhaura-Agartala rail link; operation of Ashuganj as a multimodal trans-shipment point under the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade for transportation of Indian goods to Agartala; transportation of Over Dimensional Cargo for the Palatana power project; the bridge over the Feni river; use of the Chittagong and Mongla Ports by India, Nepal and Bhutan; operation of the Ramgarh-Sabroom Land Custom Station; and four new border haats (markets); when implemented would enhance Tripura's development.
In his address, at the convocation, Mr. Ansari said Bangladesh provided critical links to the economy, ecology and environment of the northeast region.