Myanmar refused to supply gas to Bangladesh, insisting that India and China are its top priorities. The decision was a blow to Bangladesh, which faces a daily shortage of at least 100 million cubic feet of gas. It needs the fuel to help feed its economy, which expanded by 6.6 per cent in the last financial year up to June 2007. The energy shortage would become acute after 2009 if new gas finds are not made1.

Business leaders of Bangladesh and China, at a meeting in Dhaka on March 12, decided to enhance bilateral trade and reduce the trade gap of some US$ 2.44 billion. They claimed that the two countries have huge scope for boosting exports, imports and investment2.

A four -day India-Bangladesh Border conference held in Shillong ended on March 13. Officials of both countries agreed to resolve disputes of a trans-border nature, including illegal migration, border fencing, smuggling of explosives, firearms, etc. through discussions and by taking necessary measures in time3. For their part, the Border security forces of Bangladesh and India at a sector commander level meeting at Mohdipur on March 12 agreed to maintain peace and stability along the border4.

• 1. “Myanmar rejects Bangladesh request for gas,” Daily Star, March 12, 2008, at http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=27371
• 2. “Sino-Bangla businessmen vow to reduce trade gap,” Daily Star, March 12, 2008, at http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=27311
• 3. “BSF agrees to resolve major disputes,” Daily Star, March 15, 2008, at http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=27773
• 4. “Border forces agree to maintain peace,” Daily Star, March 13, 2008, at http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=27534