Bangladesh India relations: Envoy Riaz Hamidullah urges amicable talks on trade, security, and water sharing

Bangladesh envoy Riaz Hamidullah said India and Bangladesh should address difficult and sensitive issues candidly and amicably, including trade, security, and sharing natural resources. Speaking at an Independence Day event attended by Kirti Vardhan Singh and Vikram Misri, he reaffirmed Dhaka’s commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership and support for open regionalism and multilateralism.

Bangladesh’s envoy to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said India and Bangladesh should handle sensitive matters in a friendly way. Hamidullah said Dhaka remained committed to a partnership that benefited both sides. Hamidullah added that both countries needed a clear route to deepen ties, even with existing differences.

Hamidullah spoke during an event marking Bangladesh’s Independence Day. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh attended the programme. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was also present. The remarks came as both sides were working to steady relations after a period of strain.

India Bangladesh ties and rebuilding the partnership

The relationship faced strong pressure during Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. After parliamentary elections, Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman became prime minister. Since then, New Delhi and Dhaka have been taking steps to repair ties. Officials on both sides have signalled interest in restoring regular engagement.

Hamidullah said differences should not block practical work between close neighbours. "In the closest proximity as ours, should there be difficult or sensitive issues, those can,“ and ought to be,“ addressed forthright in all sincerity and candour, be in trade, security or sharing natural resources,\" Hamidullah said. Hamidullah linked the approach to shared outcomes for citizens.

India Bangladesh ties amid trade, security and resources

Hamidullah said both countries were dealing with a changing global situation. \"As we speak, both our countries navigate complexities and uncertainties in the global order. While we foresee tumultuous times ahead, Bangladesh looks forward to walking and working together to preserve the values and principles of open regionalism and multilateralism, for both as responsive and responsible nations,\" Hamidullah said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had also stressed the value of the India relationship. \"Our two people share considerable commonality and enjoy deep-rooted ties. As our government embarks on a robust mandate, we look forward to advancing our ties and engagements with India, premised on dignity, equality, mutual trust and respect, and shared benefits,\" Rahman had said.

Rahman said both capitals should focus on solutions that help ordinary people. \"I do believe, if Dhaka and Delhi would address issues in ways that yield gains for the common people, there is so much that our two countries can accomplish in shared interests,\" he said. The recent statements signalled an effort to keep talks steady across key sectors.

With inputs from PTI