Bangladesh army chief on mission to boost India ties

Moeen is a key figure in Bangladesh politics, where anarmy-backed interim authority has ruled under a state ofemergency since taking charge in January 2007 following monthsof political violence.

He was expected to meet the chiefs of the Indian army, navyand air force, as well as the president, prime minister andsenior government leaders, Bangladeshi officials said.

"To re-establish defence ties between the two neighbouringcountries will be a major focus during the visit," saidBrigadier-General Mohammad Anisuzzaman Bhuiyan, director oftraining at Bangladesh's army headquarters.

India helped the former East Pakistan in its 1971independence war against Pakistan.

But despite generally friendly relations, Indian andBangladeshi border guards often exchange fire along theirporous 4,000-km (2,500-mile) border that runs through ricefields, hills, jungles, marshes and rivers.

They accuse each other of targeting civilians on thefrontier, which is known for rampant smuggling and illegalmigration.

Moeen and his Indian counterpart would discuss steps tocombat corruption and terrorism, and the possibility of jointoperations against insurgent groups, other officials said.

Analysts say Bangladesh is also keen for India's politicalsupport as it pursues an anti-corruption drive and implementsreforms ahead of a return to elected government.

The interim authority has pledged to hold a free and fairelection before the end of this year.

Bangladesh's generals ruled the country for 15 years untilDecember 1990, when a people's revolt ousted the last militaryruler, Hossain Mohammad Ershad.

But Moeen has repeatedly said the army has no intention totake power again, only to assist the establishment ofdemocratic government.

(Reporting by Anis Ahmed and Serajul Islam Quadir; Editingby Alex Richardson)