Indian foreign secretary calls on Hasina

Indian Foreign Secretary Shashank made a courtesy call on Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Sheikh Hasina at her Dhanmondi office yesterday and discussed various bilateral issues.

After nearly a 90-minute meeting, Shashank told reporters that the purpose of his visit to Bangladesh was aimed at "more transparent and deeper relations between the two countries."

Asked about the discussion, he said that they frankly discussed various issues. "Some agreements were signed during the previous government that made great contributions to various sectors of Bangladesh, including agriculture," Shashank said.

Briefing newsmen, Hasina's Press Adviser Jawadul Karim said various bilateral issues, including business and trade, were discussed at the meeting.

Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Veena Sekri accompanied Shashank while AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil MP, Kazi Jafarullah MP, Syed Abul Hossain MP, Hasina's Political Secretary Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Faruk Ahmed Chowdhury and former Ambassador Ziauddin were present.