Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday said the present government has been working to advance relations with India based on sovereign equity, fairness, mutual respect, confidence, and national interest since assuming office.
“The government, after assuming office, has taken initiatives to move forward relations with India on the basis of sovereign equity, fairness, mutual respect, confidence, and national interest,” he said.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks in Parliament while responding to a starred tabled question placed by independent lawmaker from Kishoreganj-5 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal.
He informed the House that Bangladesh’s relations with India and other South Asian neighbours are reflected in goodwill, friendship, and solidarity, and are built on shared values, historical connections, and strong people-to-people ties.
Referring to his recent visit to India, Khalilur Rahman said, “During the visit, I had fruitful discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister, the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the National Security Adviser.”
He added that Bangladesh has urged India to normalise visa issuance for Bangladeshi citizens, expressing hope that a positive change in this regard will be visible soon.