Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to Bangladesh is expected to see at least two dozen significant agreements, protocols and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed between the countries.
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One of the key elements of the promises from Indian side would be a time-bound credit line of two billion dollars. Representatives of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce have confirmed that the line-of-suppliers credit has been finalised. “I will be very surprised if it [the amount] is any less,” said a member of one of the Dhaka based Chamber of Commerce.
Officially both sides are, however, tight lipped. “It is under process and an announcement will be there once it is decided,” said the Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmood Ali.
Mr. Modi will be in Bangladesh for about 35 hours on an invitation from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to a release issued by the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, both Prime Ministers will meet at 2:15 p.m. and sign agreements and protocol. Two Indian power companies — Reliance Power and Adani Power — are expected to sign a MoU with State-run Power Development Board (PDB) of Bangladesh. The Indian companies will buy power from PDB.
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An agreement for the regulation of motor vehicle traffic between the two countries and a protocol on operation of bus service between Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala is expected.
Another protocol on Dhaka-Guwahati-Shillion will also be signed.
Half a dozen agreements and protocols are expected on connectivity between the countries.