Dhaka, Delhi to discuss security, border coop Sunday

Dhaka, Delhi to discuss security, border coop Sunday. Photo: UNB
Dhaka, Delhi to discuss security, border coop Sunday. Photo: UNB

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh is set to arrive in Dhaka on Friday on a three-day visit to discuss on how the two neighbouring countries can strengthen cooperation in security areas showing zero tolerance to terrorism and radicalisation.

Bangladesh home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and his Indian counterpart Rajnath will co-chair the 6th meeting of the Bangladesh-India home minister level talks.

The meeting will begin at 10:30am on Sunday at the home ministry, reports UNB.

Issues related to radicalisation 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 mutual cooperation in preventing terrorism.

Home minister Khan will receive his Indian counterpart at Bangabandhu Air Base at 6:30pm 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 Centre at Jamuna Future Park in the capital on Saturday.

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

Later in the afternoon, Rajnath will visit Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah of Rajshahi to jointly inaugurate the Bangladesh-India Friendship Building there.

The two home 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 was held in New Delhi in July 2016.

Rajnath will also visit Bangabandhu Museum to pay respect to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

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

A 12-mmber delegation consisting of Indian home ministry officials and high ups of the Border Security Force (BSF) is likely to accompany Rajnath Singh.

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 honour of the Indian home minister on Friday and Saturday evening respectively.

Rajnath will leave Dhaka on Sunday afternoon.