Dhaka is hoping a positive outcome in the summit as the officials here said her three-day visit would focus attention on a relationship that has strengthened considerably in recent months despite numerous hurdles.

Talking to The Daily Star yesterday policymakers of BNP and high officials of the foreign ministry viewed Khaleda's visit to India as a confidence building measure (CBM) to improve bilateral ties between the next-door neighbours.

"The Prime Minister is going to New Delhi with a positive mindset and hold talks with her Indian counterpart on bilateral issues freely," said a high official of the foreign ministry.

He said Bangladesh hopes Khaleda-Manmohan meet would give positive directives in resolving long running issues of huge trade imbalance, quick accord on sharing of waters of common rivers and maintaining a peaceful border.

Policymakers and officials hoped the Indian leaders would give precise assurance that they would not implement any projects like river-linking or Tipaimukh barrage which would be detrimental to Bangladesh's interests.

They also hoped India would quickly ratify the Mujib-Indira Land Boundary Agreement and stressed the need for demarcating 6.5km of boarder.

Regarding Indian concern over anti-Indian insurgent camps within Bangladesh, a senior official of the home ministry said these repeated allegations were never proved as no such camp could be located.

Bangladesh is committed not to allow any insurgents whatsoever to use Bangladeshi soil against any country, he added.

The official said the concerns over security remains with Bangladesh too in the wake of anti-Bangladesh campaign by Banga Sena and Swadhin Bangabhumi Andolan. He said Bangladesh wants a peaceful border and situation has improved much following coordinated border patrolling.

On $1.5 billion trade gap, a high official of the foreign ministry said India, having a large economy, could take steps to remove non-tariff and para-tariff barriers allowing more Bangladeshi goods duty-free access to Indian markets.

About greater connectivity of roads and railway, the official said these are the maters that might come up during talks between the two prime ministers.

However, Dhaka might remain non-committal on extradition-treaty or tri-nation pipeline.

Official sources indicated Dhaka and New Delhi might sign three agreements during the PM's visit on trade, avoidance of double taxations and investment protections.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin is likely to fly to New Delhi on March 16 to meet his Indian counterpart Shyam Saran for final consultations over the agenda of Khaleda-Manmohan meet, sources said.