Dhaka to raise major issues during Hasina-Modi Dec 17 Summit

Bangladesh will raise all the major issues, including over water and border, during the meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi -- scheduled to be held on December 17, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said today.

A number of "quick-impact" projects and Chilahati-Haldibari rail link will be inaugurated along with some other projects during the summit.

The foreign minister, however, said the month of victory will come up in a big way at the meeting because it is also a victory for India as they helped Bangladesh achieve victory. "We must acknowledge the contributions of the then Indian prime minister."

Dr Momen said the relations between Bangladesh and India are time tested.

The foreign minister said Bangladesh and India are witnessing a golden chapter in their relations. "[The] two countries have set an example by resolving issues like land boundary agreement and maritime boundaries through dialogue and discussions."

He said they believe that the two countries can resolve all the issues through discussions. "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has shown matured leadership in resolving problems."

Responding to a question, Dr Momen said that a Swadhinata Sarak will be opened marking 50 years of Bangladesh's independence on March 26 next year.

He said the road remains functional on the Indian side while it will be connected through Mujibnagar, Meherpur district. "It'll help boost people-to-people contact between the two countries."