<div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to embark on bilateral visits to New Delhi and Beijing within the next three months, marking her first such engagements after the January 7 national election. These visits are aimed at deepening Bangladesh's connections with India and China, Asia's two leading economic powers.</b></span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Following the formation of the new government, Prime Minister Hasina attended the Munich Security Conference in Germany in February, highlighting her active engagement on the global stage.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Diplomatic sources indicate that PM Hasina's visit to India is planned after the conclusion of the neighbouring country’s national election, which is the world's largest democratic exercise, spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the vote count set for June 4.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pre-election surveys suggest a strong showing for the coalition led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is widely anticipated to secure re-election.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Prime Minister's (Sheikh Hasina) India visit will definitely take place. However, it will take place after the election in India," Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He said it is not yet discussed at the official level when the visit will exactly take place.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In January, Prime Minister Modi extended warm congratulations to PM Hasina on her electoral victory, expressing hopes for the continued strengthening of the historically close ties between India and Bangladesh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The last bilateral engagement between PM Modi and PM Hasina occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023, where Bangladesh was the guest country.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">PM Modi is expected to extend invitations to South Asian and BIMSTEC country leaders for his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Additionally, PM Hasina's forthcoming visit to China in July was underscored during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, who reiterated China's commitment to boosting investment in Bangladesh and enhancing bilateral relations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ambassador Yao emphasised the significance of the visit in promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchange, aligning with Bangladesh's aspirations for "Vision 2041" and the realisation of a "Smart Bangladesh." - UNB</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/fas</div>