New Delhi, Bangladesh are 'constructive partners': Obaidul Kadir

Bangladesh Minister of Communications Obaidul Kadir on Sunday said that the existing relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi is of 'constructive partners', adding that the association between the two nations is 'at its height' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The existing relations between Bangladesh and India are very cooperative. Despite the change in the regime it has not affected our relation and we are maintaining a friendly relation," said Kadir.

"As far as unresolved issues like the implementation of the Land Border Agreement 1974 are concerned, [Prime Minister] Narendra Modi government has shown positive sign. About the Teesta water sharing issue, [West Bengal Chief Minister] Mamata Banerjee has also come forward in a positive manner," he added.

The visiting minister also stated that numerous pending disputes including border demarcation and river water sharing are going to be solved between the two neighbours.

"Discussions about the exchange of enclaves are also going ahead positively. Hence, the relations between the two nations are constructive and cooperative. In the coming days, it is going to improve further," the minister said.

The Bangladesh minister, who was accompanied by the Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh Pankaj Saran, held a meeting with Tripura Transport Minister Manik De and other officials at the Agartala Integrated Check Post (ICP) on better connectivity through construction of a four lane road from the Ashugang river port. The Indian government is likely to fund for the construction of the road.

Meantime, Saran announced that that India is trying to simplify and liberalize the visa system for Bangladeshis visiting India.

"We are trying to make the visa process easier and simplify it to meet the demands for Indian visas," he said.

"The entire process is technical and controlled from a central visa system in Delhi. I am aware of the problem and looking at different solutions. We are trying to find also visas where you can take without an appointment date," he added.