Monday, August 28 2006 09:38 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dhaka: India and Bangladesh agreed to examine ways to institute mechanisms for joint fight against terrorism and organised crime as also to exercise 'utmost restraint' along the border after four days of Home Secretary- level talks which concluded here yesterday (Aug 27,2006).

"Both sides agreed to examine the possibility of quickly instituting a bilateral mechanism to combat terrorism and organised crime," said a joint statement signed by Home Secretary V K Duggal and his Bangladeshi counterpart Safar Raj Hussain.

"The two countries noted that terrorism posed a common threat requiring improved cooperation in tackling the menace", the statement said.

"Both sides agreed to exercise utmost restraint along the Bangladesh-India border to avoid any untoward incidents," Duggal told reporters after the talks, in which they also decided to maintain status quo on enclaves and areas under adverse possession.

The Indian side drew attention to the drafts of the extradition treaty, agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters as also bilateral agreement on combating international terrorism, organized crime and illicit drug trafficking, which it had been handed over to Bangladesh and is awaiting acceptance.

The joint statement reiterated their commitment to implement the 1974 Land Border Agreement fully at the earliest possible time, directing the Joint Boundary Working Group (JBWG) to complete its task to settle the outstanding issue as early as possible.