No final decision yet on PM's India visit: State Minister

No final decision has yet been made regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's possible visit to India, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid. She said the schedule for the Prime Minister's other foreign visits, including India, has not been finalised yet.

She made the remarks while responding to journalists' questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, August 13. When asked about the possible timing of the Prime Minister's visits to India and Japan, Shama Obaid said the dates would be determined based on discussions with both countries. The Prime Minister is currently busy with various state affairs.

On bilateral relations with India, the State Minister said direct talks between the heads of government of the two countries often pave the way for resolving many complex issues. She expressed hope that India would also positively utilise such an opportunity.

Shama Obaid said the wounds of the July movement have not yet fully healed. However, progress on various issues is possible if the Prime Ministers of the two countries sit face-to-face for discussions. She also commented that an opportunity has arisen to further improve Bangladesh's relations with India.

On the Japan visit, the State Minister said the dates for the Prime Minister's Tokyo visit have not yet been fixed. The visit dates will be finalised considering a mutually convenient time for both countries.

Meanwhile, on the export of manpower from Bangladesh to Singapore, Shama Obaid said positive discussions have taken place at the government level. She said the discussions to increase opportunities for sending Bangladeshi workers to Singapore have been successful. She also mentioned that she visited a waste-to-energy project in the country.