Dhaka seeks to boost ties with India on mutual respect

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir on Saturday said Bangladesh seeks cooperation and a constructive working relationship with India based on mutual respect, despite the challenges currently affecting bilateral ties.

Speaking at a panel discussion during the “Roadmap for Trade, Growth and Economic Diplomacy 2026” conference in Dhaka, Kobir stressed the importance of maintaining strong engagement with neighbouring countries as a fundamental principle of diplomacy.

The conference was jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) under the theme “Navigating Risks: Leveraging Resilience”.

He stated that relationship must be based on mutual respect and noted that there had been a tremendous deficit in the relationship in the last 15 years. “We want cooperation with India, but it must be based on mutual respect. We should have a good working relationship with India,” he said.

He also characterised the previous relationship as ‘one way’ and argued that it was not conducted with the interests of the Bangladesh people in mind.

The session was also addressed by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education Mahdi Amin. It was moderated by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.
Replying to a question, Kobir said the government remains committed to strengthening engagement with India and regularising bilateral interactions.

Referring to recent diplomatic exchanges, he said Bangladesh expects high-level visits between the two countries to continue 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.

Acknowledging the difficulties in bilateral relations, Kobir described the relationship inherited by the current government as one 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, the adviser 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 had 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.
Kobir 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.

He asserted that there is now a “clean break from the past” and that any “reset” in relations must acknowledge that the “Sheikh Hasina does not exist in Bangladesh politics”.

He also said that Sheikh Hasina is trying to destablise the country from over there without remorse.
Kobir concluded by stating that Bangladesh is moving toward a position of visibility and soft power, intending to stand tall in world affairs without fear.

The conference brought together senior government leaders, diplomats, development partners and private-sector representatives to discuss Bangladesh’s future economic engagement strategy.

The event 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. It aimed to strengthen economic diplomacy, enhance policy coordination and deepen partnerships with the international community.