Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday proposed dredging of rivers jointly with India that are shared by the two neighbouring countries for mutual benefits.

The premier made the proposal when Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami called on her at her Jatiya Sangsad office.

Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the courtesy call.

During the talks, Sheikh Hasina said water conservation could be ensured through river dredging on a regular basis.

In this regard, she expressed concerns about the havoc caused by the recent floods in Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal states of India.

The prime minister informed the Indian ambassador that the floods have ravaged much of the country’s north-eastern part following heavy rainfalls across the mountains of northeast India.

She said Bangladesh is ready to work with India to overcome any such natural disasters.

In reply, Doraiswami said his country is also ready to assist the flood victims in Bangladesh.

The press secretary said Doraiswami handed over a letter of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which he invited Sheikh Hasina to visit India.

The Indian high commissioner said officials of the two countries are working through diplomatic channels on the proposed visit, expected to take place in September.

He mentioned that there will be a ministerial-level meeting between the two countries just a couple of days before the visit of the Bangladesh prime minister to make it fruitful.

The Indian high commissioner congratulated the Bangladesh prime minister on the 73rd founding anniversary of her party, the ruling Awami League.

Besides, he also greeted the premier for successfully completing the construction of the Padma Bridge over the mighty river.

In this regard, he mentioned that the newly constructed mega bridge will connect the two countries directly and will enhance connectivity in the region.

The Indian high commissioner told the prime minister that a trial run has already been done on transporting goods to India using Chittagong port, and that such trial runs will also take place on four different routes.

While talking about the issue of electricity, the Indian envoy said Delhi will form a company and make investment to build a transmission line to reach electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh.