Bangladesh seeks mutual respect-based cooperation with India amid tensions
Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir today said Bangladesh wants cooperation and a constructive working relationship with India based on mutual respect despite the challenges currently affecting bilateral ties.
“We want cooperation with India, but it must be based on mutual respect. We should have a good working relationship with India,” he said while speaking at a panel discussion during the “Roadmap for Trade, Growth & Economic Diplomacy 2026” conference in Dhaka.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education Mahdi Amin also spoke at the session, moderated by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.
Humaiun Kobir said maintaining and regularising working relationships with neighbouring countries is a fundamental principle of diplomacy and the government remains committed to strengthening engagement with India.
Referring to recent diplomatic exchanges, he said Bangladesh expects high-level visits to continue between the two countries and remains interested in building a visible and effective working relationship.
“We intend to do that. But the environment must be conducive to accommodating this approach,” he said.
The adviser acknowledged that bilateral relations face challenges and described the relationship inherited by the current government as marked by a “tremendous deficit” accumulated over the past 15 years.
“It was one way, and it was not done with the interests of the people of Bangladesh in mind,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Kobir expressed optimism following Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman’s recent visit to New Delhi, which he also attended.
He said the leadership of both countries has demonstrated a positive mindset and a willingness to move relations forward.
“We can do that, and it can be achievable. Of course, there are challenges,” he said.
The adviser also referred to the presence in India of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging that she is attempting to destabilise Bangladesh from abroad after fleeing the country.
He said both sides need to address existing challenges and identify ways to work together constructively.
“So, the reset must realise that Sheikh Hasina does not exist in today’s Bangladesh politics,” he added.
Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the conference brought together senior government leaders, diplomats, development partners and private-sector representatives to discuss Bangladesh’s future economic engagement strategy.
The conference featured three thematic sessions focusing on trade and investment policy, financing and investment mobilisation, and emerging growth sectors including artificial intelligence, creative industries and sports.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the conference was held at a critical juncture marked by global transitions, risks and uncertainties and aimed at strengthening economic diplomacy, enhancing policy coordination and deepening partnerships with the international community.
