Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reached out to India, seeking cooperation to facilitate the import of electricity from Bhutan through Indian territory.

The request was made during a meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, at the Prime Minister's official residence, Ganabhaban, earlier today.

Following the meeting, the PM's Speech Writer, Md Nazrul Islam, informed reporters that Prime Minister Hasina urged for India's assistance to ensure smooth importation of electricity from Bhutan.

Islam further disclosed that an agreement regarding the electricity import is anticipated to be finalized during the upcoming visit of Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyal to Dhaka on March 25.

According to officials familiar with the matter, discussions between Bangladesh and Bhutan regarding the electricity import are in the advanced stages.

In addition to the electricity import issue, Prime Minister Hasina urged the Indian government to lift anti-dumping measures for the importation of jute and jute goods from Bangladesh.

She also suggested that India could undertake the modernization of the Syedpur Railway Workshop.

Discussing the forthcoming Indian elections, Prime Minister Hasina underscored the importance of maintaining a continuous democratic system, citing its role in Bangladesh's remarkable development.

She reflected on Bangladesh's political history, noting the transition towards a more democratic electoral process after 1996.

Pranay Verma, the Indian High Commissioner, highlighted several collaborative initiatives between India and Bangladesh, including projects implemented under the Indian Line of Credit (LOC).

He mentioned ongoing discussions regarding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), emphasizing its potential benefits for Bangladesh post-2026 graduation.

During the meeting, the establishment of a high-power grid line among Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal was also deliberated.

Verma expressed India's interest in extending the diesel pipeline from Syedpur to Natore to facilitate diesel imports from India and proposed the relocation of defense industries to Bangladesh with Indian joint ventures.

He conveyed the Indian Prime Minister's greetings to Prime Minister Hasina and extended an invitation for her visit to India after the Indian National Election, which she accepted.

Furthermore, Verma expressed interest in establishing an Indian office in Rangpur, which Prime Minister Hasina promised to consider after a thorough examination of the proposal.

The meeting was attended by PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah.