Desk Report:
Dhaka is placing emphasis on creating a positive and favorable environment surrounding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to India to further advance bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India. The Foreign Ministry said that there is a need to further strengthen the atmosphere of mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries before the visit can be successfully organized.
On Sunday (August 16), Foreign Ministry Spokesperson AKM Shahidul Karim said that communication and discussions have been going on between Bangladesh and Indian officials for several weeks regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to India.
He said that a ‘favorable environment’ needs to be created for the visit. Mutual understanding and a positive environment are important to advance cordial and constructive relations between the two neighboring countries.
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said that Bangladesh is keen to further strengthen friendly bilateral relations with neighboring countries, including India. In this regard, Dhaka is giving importance to the principles of sovereignty, equality, national dignity, mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
He said, “We will continue our efforts to develop friendly bilateral relations with neighboring countries and other countries by following the ‘Bangladesh First’ policy.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is expecting India’s cooperation on some issues under the existing bilateral extradition treaty between the two countries. Dhaka is waiting for India’s response on this issue.
According to diplomatic observers, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to India could create an important opportunity to take Bangladesh-India relations to a new level. There is an opportunity to achieve new progress in issues of mutual interest between the two countries in various fields including trade, investment, energy, communication, border management, water resources and regional cooperation.
If a positive environment is created based on Dhaka’s expectations, mutual respect and trust, the Prime Minister’s visit to India could play an important role in making the relations between the two countries more effective and future-oriented.
