The CA said this when visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon made a courtesy call on him at his office yesterday.

He mentioned that the last Saarc Summit in New Delhi undertook four priority issues--water (including flood control), food, energy and environment--to deal with, as they are vital for sustainability of the peoples of the countries in this region.

The CA thanked the government and the people of India for providing $10million assistance for the victims of landslides in Chittagong.

Ahmed felt that foreign secretary-level meeting should be held on a regular basis for the stocktaking of bilateral relations, according to Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim who was present at the meeting.

The head of the caretaker government said, "Bangladesh, as a matter of principle, does not allow its territory to be used by any force inimical to the interest of India."

About trade and economy, the CA recalled and welcomed the announcement of the Indian premier during the 14th Saarc Summit that India would accommodate duty-free access of products of the LDCs in the Saarc region, including Bangladesh, by December 2007.

On the point of duty-free access of goods, the Indian foreign secretary said, "We are on track."

On the water issue, Menon said the Joint Rivers Commission will meet soon to discuss the matter. Also, India, Bangladesh and Nepal will sit soon on flood control. He said they have already discussed the matter with Nepal.

About adversely possessed land, border demarcation and enclave issues, the Indian FS said they have submitted a proposal to the government.

The CA said spirit of cooperation can help resolve many issues strengthen bilateral relations

He said economic development and prosperity of this region are common interest of the two countries and the next-door neighbours should work together to the mutual benefit of the peoples of both the countries.

"Minor irritants should not create hindrance to our friendly relations," the CA said, indicating some prickly issues.

Reciprocating the sentiment of the Indian prime minister about continuing effort to strengthen the bilateral relations, the CA said Bangladesh would like to carry out sincere effort for further deepening the friendly ties.

He mentioned that he had a fruitful discussion with the prime minister of India during 14th Saarc summit in New Delhi.

Terming the foreign secretary-level discussion fruitful, Shivshankar said connectivity issues like railway connection between Bangladesh and India were highlighted during the talks. He observed that "there is a tremendous positive response" from the two countries towards the restoration of missing links.

The CA said passenger and goods train service between the two countries will help peoples of both the countries.

The Chief Adviser conveyed his best and warm wishes to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh through the envoy and looked forward to meeting him in the future.

Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pinak Ranjan Chakravartry and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Liakot AliChowdhury were also present.