By Elishya Perera
DHAKA, Bangladesh (CWBN)_ Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is to hold a virtual summit with her Indian counterpart Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 17.
It is reported that the two leaders are expected to conduct comprehensive discussions on developing bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation during post-pandemic recovery.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Memon, who announced the meeting on Sunday (Dec 13), said PM Hasina also intends to raise several major issues including the water sharing agreement for the Teesta river and at least six other rivers. “Discussion regarding Teesta’s water sharing had ended long ago. Only the signing is remaining. We will urge India to sign the Teesta agreement fast,” the minister said.
Infrastructure and connectivity will also be among the subjects discussed during the summit. According to Memon, the Chilahati-Haldibari rail link will be re-opened during the summit after being abandoned for 55 years. The rail link would initially freight goods and would later open up to passenger transportation after the infrastructure is in place.
Relations between the neighbouring countries reached a new high after India supported Bangladesh’s candidature for executive director at the South East centre of the World Health Organisation last week. The newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Doraiswami conveyed this support when he paid a courtesy call on PM Hasina at her official in Dhaka on Thursday (Dec 10).
The historical summit will be held a day after Vijay Diwas, the anniversary day on which the Pakistani army surrendered to India in 1971, which is celebrated in both India and Bangladesh.
