He said that the media can bolster the relationship between the two neighbours by promoting a "give and take relationship" based on dialogue, said the minister while speaking at the inaugural session of the Second Bangladesh-India Dialogue for Young Journalists. The programme was organised by the British High Commission and Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI).

Islam said a sincere approach to the economics between the two countries would ensure a fairer trading regime that would eventually lead to the betterment of the people.

Citing various bilateral issues between India and Bangladesh, Islam said the Indian media is 'proactive' in their reporting while the Bangladeshi media resorts to a more 'reactive' approach.

He also asked the Indian government initiate steps to promote the Bangladeshi electronic media over the border in order to strengthen cultural exchange and dialogue.

Addressing the session as the special guest, acting Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Sarvajit Chakravarti said the media in both countries should help to promote mutual co-operation instead of harping on differences.

Describing the two countries as 'members of an extended family', he said media can play a crucial role in eradicating misperceptions between them. He said energy, communication and trade are possible sectors for enhanced cooperation.

The British Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh attended the function as the second special guest. He urged the media personnel to probe events much further to rise above rhetoric.

Thirteen journalists from India and 20 from Bangladesh are participating in the dialogue while 10 eminent journalists from both countries would moderate the sessions. The second dialogue would look at energy cooperation, South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (Saarc) and transport-linkage opportunities.

The first Bangladesh-India Dialogue for Young Journalists was held at Dhaka in early September this year.