Most citizens happy with Modi’s visit: Foreign minister

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said most people in Bangladesh are happy with the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will arrive in Dhaka on Friday to mark Bangabandhu's Birth Centenary and the Golden Jubilee of Independent Bangladesh.

"A certain quarter has stood against Modi's visit, but the majority is waiting to welcome him in our country," Momen told the media after inaugurating an art exhibition titled "Friendship to All, Malice Towards None," organised in the capital's Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park on Thursday.

Adding that demonstrations held by a few organisations protesting Modi's visit to Bangladesh will have no impact on Indo-Bangla bilateral ties, the minister said, "Bangladesh is a democratic country, and people with different opinions have the freedom of speech.

"Despite some objections on the matter, most people from both neighbouring nations are happy about it. A few people protesting in front of the National Press Club is a pointless gesture. Bangladesh government will ensure security of the visiting state guests."

AK Abdul Momen revealed that Bangladesh will sign more than five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with India during Narendra Modi's visit.

He continued, "Modi is visiting mainly to participate in celebrations marking Bangabandhu's Birth Centenary and the Golden Jubilee of Independent Bangladesh, but we will also discuss some bilateral issues too.

"Signing of agreements are common when a country's prime minister or president visits another nation. This visit will be no different. We have already reached consensus on some issues, and discussions are ongoing on other matters."

Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam presided over the art exhibition, while Shariatpur-3 lawmaker Nahim Razzak and reserved seat-5 lawmaker Naheed Ezaher Khan attended as special guests.

Ambassadors from the United Kingdom, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Kosovo and Saudi Arabia were present at the event as guests of honour.