Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (April 28, 2022) emphasized the importance of improving connectivity between Bangladesh and India for mutual benefit, saying that steps have been initiated to reopen various cross-border roads between the two nations that were closed in 1965.

"We need to improve our connectivity. India's North Eastern provinces - Assam and Tripura - could have access to Chattogram port if the countries' connectivity is improved "she said.

The premier said this when Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid a courtesy call on her at her Gono Bhaban residence this afternoon.

Ihsanul Karim, the PM's Press Secretary, briefed journalists following the meeting.

They expressed their satisfaction with the current condition of bilateral relations between the two countries, during the meeting.

In this regard, the prime minister stated that high-level visits between the two countries will give the relationship a boost.

The Indian minister stated that the two countries' bilateral issues are being reviewed and progressing well.

The discussion focused on defense sector cooperation, water sharing on the Kushiara and Feni rivers, the present Covid-19 crisis, and the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war on the world economy.

Hasina stated that the Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh has improved, while Jaishankar stated that normalcy is bringing India back.

Foreign Senior Secretary Masud Bin Momen, PMO Senior Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami were present.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka today.