"I haven't had a look at the schedule but I think Bangladesh deserve to play outside the country, all over the world including in India," said the 34-year skipper while talking at an official press conference at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

India not only played the inaugural Test match against Bangladesh in 2000 but also have visited twice to be involved in full series but unfortunately the Bangladesh team are yet to make a full appearance in India.

Indian cricket authorities have always produced a cold shoulder on the topic of hosting the Tigers by citing that the tour would not be commercially viable for them.

But now they can change their attitude from taking words from their captain.

"Bangladesh have improved a lot in international cricket since 2004. Their team has changed a lot. We expect stiffer challenge than the one that we had last time," was the observation of the Indian skipper.

"They are a young side which is a positive. And for them to have done well in the World Cup is something that the young boys will benefit from a lot. It is good for Bangladesh cricket that a lot of young guys are coming through," he also added.

Immediately after reaching Mirpur yesterday cricket manager Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad first visited the pitch before Dravid went to look at it. It was learnt that the India team were trying to get information about the practice match played on the surface on Sunday.

It is expected that the surface may suit Bangladesh's left-arm spin trio who showed brilliant performances in the just concluded World Cup.

"I had a quick look at the wicket but I think its better to have an assessment tomorrow, as it is still 24-48 hours before we can have an idea. We'll look at it tomorrow and it looks a hard one with a lot of grass on it and I think it will keep low as the game goes on," said Dravid.

"I think its same for both sides and I never had an issue with wickets and as an international team we have to play in different condition and that is one of the challenges of being an international cricketer and we'll be looking forward to it," he also explained.

The Indian skipper however issued a warning that they were not thinking about what happened in the past.

"Any international series against international team is significant, irrespective of what happened in the past. I think any series is significant and irrespective of what happened, we expect to do well. Obviously Bangladesh did well in the World Cup and played very well against us in Trinidad. We have come here to try and play some good, tough cricket and do well," he said.

Dravid said that the series gave them the opportunity to bounce back from the disappointing World Cup.

"Any assignment is as difficult or as easy as you make it out to be. Every time I have played for India (as player or captain) it has been a great challenge. I don't view this as more or less difficult. I think it's a great opportunity for us to bounce back after a disappointing World Cup," he said.

Uncapped middle order Bengal batsman Manoj Tiwary, who has good chance to make his debut, sustained an injury during the practice session but Dravid said it was nothing serious.

"He's just had a fall while fielding and he's monitored by doctors so no real concerns at the moment. He's fine. He went out and fielded again. He seems to be okay. No real causes for concern there," Dravid informed adding that he is also recovering from his nose injury.