Dhaka, Delhi to discuss security, border cooperation

Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrives here on Friday on a three-day visit to further discuss on how two neighboring countries can strengthen cooperation in security areas showing zero tolerance to terrorism and radicalization.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and his Indian counterpart Rajnath will co-chair the 6th meeting of the Bangladesh-India Home Minister level talks at the Home Ministry that will begin at 10:30 am on Sunday at the Home Ministry here.

Issues related to radicalization of youths by the terrorist groups, border issues, fake currencies, border killings, cattle smuggling, visa issues, movement of illegal immigrants and Rohingya issues are likely to be discussed during the meeting apart from discussing ways to further strengthen the mutual cooperation in preventing terrorism.

Home Minister Khan will receive his Indian counterpart at Bangladesh Air Force Base Bangabandhu at 6pm upon his arrival by a special aircraft on Friday.

Rajnath will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday morning to discuss issues of mutual interest between the two countries during his visit, an official told UNB.

The Indian Home Minister along with his Bangladesh counterpart will open a mega and integrated Indian Visa Application Center at Jamuna Future Park in the city after his meeting with the Prime Minister on the same day.

State-of-the-art IVAC will have 50 counters together giving an opportunity for around 700 applicants together.

On Saturday afternoon, the Indian Home Minister will visit Bangladesh Police Academy, Sardah to jointly inaugurate the Bangladesh-India Friendship Building there.

The Ministers are expected to discuss issues related to security, border management, cooperation in countering illegal activities and travel arrangements, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

The visit is taking place in the context of Home Minister level talks held on a regular basis between India and Bangladesh. The last Home Minister level talks were held in New Delhi in July 2016.

Rajnath will visit Bangabandhu Museum to pay respect to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He will place floral wreaths on Bangabandhu’s portrait.

He will also visit Dhakeshwari Temple and will offer prayers there after visiting Museum.

A 12-mmber delegation consisting of Indian Home Ministry officials and high ups of the Border Security Force (BSF) is likely to accompany the Indian Home Minister.

The visit is expected to facilitate a comprehensive review of the excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India; and contribute to the further strengthening of ties, said the High Commission.

Home Ministry sources said they have taken all the preparations for the visit which might see signing of three bilateral cooperation documents including revised travel arrangements 2018.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Home Minister Khan will host dinners in honor of the Indian Minister on Friday and Saturday evening respectively. He will leave Dhaka on Sunday afternoon.

source:UNB