In a one and a half hour meeting, the chiefs of the two major political parties of the subcontinent observed that there are considerable opportunities and potentials to explore for the benefits of the regional cooperation, but the window of opportunity will not be forever, meeting sources told the news agency.

Sonia Gandhi, dubbed as the most powerful person in India after she led her party to return to power, enquired about the progress in investigation into the August 21, 2004 gruesome grenade attack on Sheikh Hasina's rally in Dhaka, killing 23 AL leaders and workers.

The two leaders, in the meeting from 11:30am at Sonia's 10 Janapath Road residence, also discussed the overall socio-political and economic situation in the region.

Hasina appreciated India's economic growth, but said that peace and stability will be lasting and meaningful if all the countries in the region can come up equally.

The two leaders also had a discussion on the fight against poverty and successes in their respective countries.

Referring to the struggle of independence led by the two political parties in their respective countries, Hasina and Sonia said independence of both the countries should have to be made meaningful by alleviating poverty.

Both stressed interaction and exchange of views between the Awami League and the Congress Party as well as the parties of both the countries.

Minister for External Affairs K Natwar Singh joined the discussion before he held a separate meeting with Sheikh Hasina, which was followed by a lunch.

To a query from the Indian side, a source quoted Sheikh Hasina as saying that the present BNP-Jamaat alliance government in Bangladesh was making statements without any evidence and proper investigations into any incident.

Kazi Zafarullah MP, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Sohel Taj MP and Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya were present.

Indian External Affairs Secretary Shyam Saran, Chief of Protocol Pinack Chakraborty and senior officials, including those from Bangladesh desk, were also present.

Hasina also met two former Indian prime ministers Atal Behari Vajpayee and Inder Kumar Gujral, adds UNB.

The meetings held in Indian capital were cordial and focussed on issues of bilateral and regional importance, Indian 'webindia 123' site reported without further details.