DHAKA: Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia described her just-concluded visit to India and talks with her Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh as "successful and productive."

"Both the sides are keen to improve relations," she told reporters on board a plane bound for Dhaka from New Delhi at the end of her three-day trip. Khaleda returned home on Wednesday midnight.

She said India wanted to see Bangladesh as a strong and prosperous nation. "We also want strong economic relations with India," the Prime Minister said, adding that the Indian leadership expressed their willingness to further improve bilateral relations and cooperation.

Briefing scribes at the Foreign Office on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin said he was satisfied with the outcome of the visit. He said the Indian side agreed to expedite negotiation to resolve all pending matters.

Hemayetuddin, who accompanied Ms. Khaleda, described the decision to run a passenger train from Kolkata to Joydevpur of Bangladesh through the Jamuna Bridge "a milestone development." However, Political Secretary to Opposition leader, Saber Hossain Chowdhury said the Prime Minister's visit to India was disappointing and "devoid of any substance." He said since Khaleda made her visit towards the end of her tenure, it was expected to produce a substantive outcome. Quoting media reports, he said there was neither a breakthrough in resolving long-standing problems nor any forward movement in improving bilateral relations. "We're keenly waiting to know what she actually achieved by this visit."

Referring to the PM's remarks that bombs and explosives used by JMB militants came from India and that the matter would be taken up through a proper channel, Mr. Chowdhury said people wanted to know if she had raised the issue with Indian leaders.

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