The accords signed are Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons and Agreement on Combating International Terrorism, Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

The two countries also signed a MoU on cooperation in the power sector.

On the visit of the Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, the Indian ministry for external affairs has that the visit promises to be a path-breaking one and would give both the countries a historic opportunity to build a new and forward looking relationship. India is committed to working with Bangladesh to build “on our historical and traditionally close links and open vistas in our bilateral relations.”

Mrs Hasina is slated to be conferred the prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2009 on January 12 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace). The award in the name of the former Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi is significant for Bangladesh as that country was liberated in 1971 by the efforts of Mrs Gandhi. The Bangladesh liberation campaign was then led by Mrs Hasina's father late Sheikh Mujibur Rehman.

Mrs Hasina is also slated to address a business event organized by the apex Indian industry chambers on January 12. She will be visiting Ajmer on January 13 and leave for Dhaka on the same day.

According to Indian external affairs ministry India remains committed to provide substantial assistance to Bangladesh to become a major partner in its economic development. India is addressing an entire range of developmental issues of direct interest to Bangladesh including railway infrastructure, transportation, dredging, power grid interconnectivity, human resources development and investment and trade. Bangladesh has welcomed India's decision to provide it transit facilities to Nepal and Bhutan. #