Pranab due today

Security, bilateral trade, border management and water sharing issues will top the agenda during Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee's daylong Dhaka visit today.
His visit will provide the first high-level contact between the two neighbouring countries since the Sheikh Hasina's government returned to power.
Official sources said Bangladesh wants to discuss all bilateral and long pending issues, particularly removing the huge trade gap with India, while India also has a broad agenda that includes security issues.
India has for long enjoyed water transport facility through Bangladesh territory but road and rail transit have never been in use even though an article in the bilateral trade agreement provided use of their waterways, roadways and railways for commerce between the two countries for passage of goods between two places in one country through the territory of the other.
During the visit, Bangladesh and India are expected to sign two key agreements on bilateral trade and investment promotion and protection. The bilateral trade agreement needs to be signed as the existing three-year agreement expires in March and will be renewed through a fresh accord.
The cabinet approved signing of two trade and economic deals with India Thursday.
Commerce Minister Faruk Khan and the Indian external affairs minister will sign the renewal of the three-year trade agreement between India and Bangladesh. It was originally signed on October 4, 1980 and renewed and revised from time to time.
Industries Minister Dilip Barua and the Indian minister will sign the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (Bipa) on behalf of their respective governments.
Officials said the Bipa would be necessary since there is a trend of investment flow from both sides. Indian investors will come to invest in Bangladesh or vice versa. This mutual investment promotion and protection will give the status "most favoured nation" (MFN) to each other.
During his stay, Pranab will hold important meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and some other ministers, including ministers for foreign affairs, home and water resources.
He will hold official talks with Foreign Minister Dipu Moni at the state guesthouse Meghna on bilateral issues and international issues of common concern.
Diplomatic sources said Pranab is likely to touch on the transit issue during his talks with top government leaders. He is also likely to discuss the maritime boundary issue and security.
Officials at the Indian High Commission, however, said it is Pranab's goodwill visit to Bangladesh and he would not bring an issue like transit at this time.
They said India gives top priority to the security issue and will seek Bangladesh's support in strongly preventing activities of Indian separatist groups.
India is eager to work with the new government to eliminate militancy, terrorism and border crimes, they added.
Official sources said Bangladesh is expecting to ease the irritants with India and settle bilateral issues during Indian external affairs minister's brief visit.
Dhaka is eagerly waiting to welcome Pranab considering the visit as an important move to strengthen relations between the neighbours, sources added.