India, Bangladesh finalize draft statements on 3 agreements

India and Bangladesh have finalized and signed draft statements on three agreements, including one to jointly combat extremism.

The agreements are expected to be signed during Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India later this month.

The drafts were finalized during three-days of talks in New Delhi.

The agreements include one on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, an agreement on combating international extremism, organized crime and illicit drug trafficking, and a third on the transfer of convicted criminals.

Abdus Subhan Sikder, Bangladesh Home Secretary, said, "Both sides agreed to strengthen the bilateral arrangements to address the menace of terrorism and extremism in all its manifestations. Both sides condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirm their commitment not to allow the use of territory of either country for any activity inimical to each other's interests."

During their talks, the Indian delegation also expressed concern over the smuggling of fake Indian currency notes into India and sought the cooperation of Bangladesh to take preventative measures.

Questioned about the arrest of two suspects in a series of bombings in Bangalore last year in which two people were killed, Indian Home Secretary G K. Pillai confirmed arrests had been made but did not elaborate.