Bangladesh, India seek understanding to overcome bilateral complexities

Bangladesh and India are keen to reach an understanding by overcoming the complexities in their bilateral relations, with both sides showing interest in improving ties.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi said relations between the two countries must remain good and that contact between their leaders is important in this regard.

He made the remarks after meeting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on August 10.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and senior officials from both sides were present at the meeting.

During the meeting, India invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit the country. Dhaka, however, has yet to make a decision on the invitation.

Describing his meeting with Tarique as positive and fruitful, Trivedi said there is potential to resolve the existing complex issues between the two countries.

The meeting took place at a time when India’s intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Parag Jain was also visiting Dhaka.

The government initially did not comment publicly on Jain’s visit. After reports of his visit appeared in the media, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said it was part of a regular visit.

Several high-level Indian delegations have also visited Bangladesh since the BNP formed the government in February as part of efforts to normalise relations between the two countries.

Former ambassador Humayun Kabir told Asia Post that Bangladesh would welcome cooperation with India if it is based on equality and does not harm either side.

Earlier, on July 29, Trivedi separately met Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid.

After those meetings, Trivedi told journalists that there were no disputes between Bangladesh and India that could not be resolved through discussions.

Humayun Kabir said differences and problems could exist between neighbouring countries, but initiatives should be taken while safeguarding the interests of both sides.

What the Bangladesh government says

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said on August 10 that Bangladesh wants to make progress in its relations with India, but a positive atmosphere is necessary for that.

He said unresolved issues, including the sharing of Ganges and Teesta waters, border killings and push-ins, should be settled through discussions.

He also expressed Dhaka’s dissatisfaction over fugitive former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s political statements from India.

“It is not only an issue of India’s apology. The significant issue is allowing a person convicted by a Bangladesh court to make political statements while taking shelter in India,” Khalilur Rahman said.

Former ambassador Humayun Kabir expressed hope that India would respond positively to Bangladesh’s requests concerning the killing of Osman Hadi and Sheikh Hasina.

Analysts said Delhi’s recent activities indicate that India wants to reduce the distance with Dhaka and increase mutual understanding.

They said, however, it remains to be seen whether India will take concrete steps to address Bangladesh’s concerns and resolve the long-standing disputes between the two countries.