DHAKA: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declared on Sunday that a strong, prosperous Bangladesh was in India's interest. "If there are any misgivings about our intentions, I, on behalf of the Government, has always been willing to discuss these misgivings," he said at a press conference.

Dr. Singh said his visit had helped in improving the atmosphere between India and Bangladesh. He did go over various issues with Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and her response was positive. He extended an invitation to her to visit India and she said she would be glad to come to New Delhi.

India, Dr. Singh said, would do nothing to hurt the interest of Bangladesh. India, by helping Bangladesh, also helped itself, he pointed out.

On the existence of Indian insurgent camps in Bangladesh, he said the question was discussed at a recent meeting of the Home Secretaries. "Some positive steps forward have been indicated."

Discuss trade deficit

Haroon Habib reports:

Dr. Singh and Begum Khaleda, at a meeting on the sidelines of the 13th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit on Saturday, discussed various issues related to India-Bangladesh relations.

They also stressed the need to resolve all bilateral disputes through dialogue.

Dr. Singh talked of how SAARC could be made a stronger forum under the leadership of Khaleda Zia, who was elected chairman of the regional forum, Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran said.

Asked whether curbing terrorism was discussed, Mr. Saran said, "We want neither Indian nor Bangladeshi land to be used by any terrorists."

Detailing the discussion, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Morshed Khan said the two leaders had also discussed the trade deficit and the development of trade relations. They also discussed improving existing bilateral relations.

Meets Sheikh Hasina

Dr. Singh also had meetings with the former Bangladesh president, H.M. Ershad.

On Sunday, he met the country's main Opposition leader, Sheikh Hasina.

During the meeting with Begum Khaleda, Dr. Singh made it clear that India was giving special priority to improving relations with Bangladesh.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail