Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is visiting Bangladesh Military Academy in Chittagong this morning where he will have talks with senior Defence officials. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who also holds the defence portfolio later in the day.<br/><br/> Mr Parrikar, who is on a two-day visit to the neighbouring country is meeting top Bangladesh leadership to firm up an upgraded defence co-operation agreement likely to be signed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her visit to Delhi later this month. <br/><br/>The accompanying Vice Chiefs of Army and Air force and deputy Chief of Navy paid courtsey calls on the respective Service Chiefs of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.<br/><br/> Our correspondent reports that Mr Parrikar, leading a 11-member high-power delegation, is the first Defence Minister of India to visit Bangladesh since 1971. <br/><br/>As close neighbours sharing strong cultural and historic bonds, India and Bangladesh have a comprehensive and deep bilateral relationship including defence co-operation. <br/><br/>However contemporary problems like terrorism and complex geopolitics of the region demand both countries to deepen security ties and expand defence co-operation. Issues like upgraded military exercises, training and capability building of Bangladesh Armed forces personnel, counter terrorism and counter-piracy offer scope for expanded defence co-operation.