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Bangladesh will visit India at an “appropriate time” if discussions make progress based on the country’s national interests, newly appointed State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir has said.
He said the government wants to maintain a positive and effective relationship with India, but Bangladesh will not compromise its national interests in dealing with any country.
Kabir made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on Saturday, following his swearing-in as state minister.
Asked about a possible visit to India, Kabir said, “Let there be some progress first. Based on discussions and our national interests, we will certainly go when the time is appropriate.”
Regarding bilateral ties, he said Bangladesh wants a positive relationship with India because it is a neighbouring country and maintaining an effective relationship is in both sides’ interests.
However, he stressed that Bangladesh could not compromise its national interests with India or any other country.
On former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Kabir said Bangladesh has an extradition treaty with India and that the issue of bringing back people who are facing criminal proceedings in Bangladesh remains an ongoing matter.
He said returning Sheikh Hasina and other accused persons who are staying in India is a matter of public expectation in Bangladesh, adding that the government wants to prioritise the issue in its engagement with New Delhi.
“There is no hurry” regarding a visit to India, Kabir said, adding that Bangladesh could visit next week or the week after if the two sides reach an understanding based on national interests.
He also said preparations and discussions would be necessary before a visit by the prime minister, stressing that a high-level bilateral meeting could not be arranged without adequate groundwork.
According to Kabir, Bangladesh has received indications of a positive attitude and goodwill from India. He said India had also acknowledged the sentiments of the Bangladeshi people, particularly regarding Sheikh Hasina’s public remarks after August 5.
Describing this as “a good beginning,” Kabir said Bangladesh would assess further progress in discussions before deciding on a visit.
