Bangladesh expects its tie with India on fairness, Wahiduddin

Planning and Education Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud has said Dhaka wants to maintain strong ties with its closest neighbour India but it need to be based on ‘fairness and equity’. 

“Bangladesh expects these relations to be based on fairness and equity,” he said. 

Dr Mahmud made these remarks on Saturday evening while speaking as the chief guest at a reception hosted by the High Commission of India in Dhaka, marking the 76th Republic Day of India.

The adviser highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Bangladesh and India in various fields and expressed Bangladesh’s dedication to further strengthening ties based on mutual respect and an understanding of each other’s perspectives, concerns, and priorities.

Dr Mahmud emphasized the importance of adopting a people-centric approach in bilateral relations to ensure the welfare of the people of both countries. “I am confident that our relationship will continue to strengthen based on goodwill, mutual trust and respect,” he said.

The adviser has reiterated the interim government’s commitment to fostering an “inclusive and pluralistic democracy” and creating an environment for “free, fair and participatory” elections that align with the aspirations of the country’s people.

According to the adviser, the relationship between Bangladesh and India is complex and stems from a common past, close proximity, cultural affinities, and interpersonal ties.

He stated that the people of Bangladesh have a positive memory of the part that the Indian government and its people played during that momentous time, recalling India’s crucial assistance during Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971.

Dr. Mahmud underlined the importance of developing close relations with India and other nearby nations.

Regarding people-centric relationships, he offered firsthand accounts of his partnerships with Indian scholars both domestically and outside.

“Some of my closest friends are Indian academics. I can say with confidence that these close ties, many of us have in academia in India and Bangladesh, will continue to contribute to the mutual goodwill and understanding between our two countries,” he said.

According to the adviser, the relationship between Bangladesh and India is complex and stems from a common past, close proximity, cultural affinities, and interpersonal ties.

He stated that the people of Bangladesh have a positive memory of the part that the Indian government and its people played during that momentous time, recalling India’s crucial assistance during Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971.

Dr. Mahmud underlined the importance of developing close relations with India and other nearby nations.

Regarding people-centric relationships, he offered firsthand accounts of his partnerships with Indian scholars both domestically and outside.