Dhaka, Delhi sign seven documents

Bangladesh and India yesterday signed seven bilateral documents, aiming to further strengthen the relations between the two countries.

The documents were signed, exchanged, adopted and handed over after a meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at New Delhi’s Hyderabad House.

The two leaders witnessed the signing and exchange of the documents -- six new and a renewal.

The bilateral documents are MoU for providing a Coastal Surveillance System, the Standard Operating Procedure  (SOP) on the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports for movement of goods to and from India, MoU on withdrawal of 1.82 cusec water from the Feni River by India for drinking a water supply scheme in Sabroom town, Tripura, agreement on implementation of the lines of credit (LoC) committed by India to Bangladesh, MoU between the University of Hyderabad and the University of Dhaka, MoU on cooperation in youth affairs and renewal of a cultural exchange programme.

The two premiers also jointly inaugurated three bilateral development partnership projects -- import of bulk LPG from Bangladesh, Vivekananda Bhaban (student hostel) at Ramakrishna Mission in Dhaka and Bangladesh-India Professional Skill Development Institute in Bangladesh.

Hasina said cooperation between the two countries in traditional sectors has enhanced significantly over the past decade. They also extended their helping hands in the areas of blue economy and maritime affairs, peaceful use of nuclear power, space research, export of internet bandwidth and cyber security.

The PM had a tete-a-tete with Modi before the meeting.

The Indian external affairs ministry said the two leaders met for the second time in 10 days exemplifying the strength of Bangladesh-India ties.

The meeting between the two leaders was followed by lunch at the same venue.

Hasina reached New Delhi on Thursday morning and joined the World Economic Forum (WEF) Summit.

She is scheduled to return home today.