Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit Bangladesh in next March, Foreign Minister (FM) Dr A K Abdul Momen said on Sunday.
"We have invited the Indian prime minister to come to Dhaka to join Muijib Centenary programme. We have two big events on March 17 and on March 26.
Indian government in principle has agreed to the visit, but it is not finalised yet."
Dr Momen said these to the newsmen after his meeting with the new Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami at the state guest house Padma.
Besides, a virtual meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Indian prime minister is likely to be held on December 17, he added.
"India proposed December 16. But since our prime minister will have a hectic schedule on that day due to the Victory Day programmes, we proposed December 17, and we are waiting for their response."
On the issue of border killing, the minister mentioned that the issue was discussed with the Indian High Commissioner, and he assured that India is very serious in putting an end to border killing.
"Such incident is very unfortunate, and India also feels it. A Bangladeshi was killed on the border by the BSF on Saturday. We have asked to enhance joint border patrolling by both the border forces."
The minister noted that trespassing is frequent on the Indo-Bangladesh border, and that may be a reason for such killing.
He also mentioned that Bangladesh has proposed to open a new land route between the two countries though Mujibnagar in Meherpur.
Previously there was a road, connecting Mujibnagar to Nadia.
"When the first Bangladesh government was formed during the Liberation War, our national leaders arrived at Mujibnagar from Kolkata by road. Later, that road was abandoned."
"I have proposed to resume operation of that road, and to name it 'Independence Road', marking the historical event that took place there."
Dr Momen also said Bangladesh wants immediate resumption of land and rail travel between the two countries, which has been suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The air bubble will start this month, but only rich people can afford it," he added.
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