Bangladesh desires a mutual relationship with India founded on trust, equity, and respect, according to Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Bangladesh Shafiqur Rahman. Speaking on Wednesday after an opinion exchange meeting at the Bangladesh Parliament building in Dhaka, Rahman emphasized that Dhaka's domestic initiatives, including the Teesta Master Plan, remain its own sovereign affairs.
Mutual Respect and Trust as Cornerstones
"India is our closest neighbour. We always respect our neighbours, not only India but all the neighbours. And we also deserve mutual respect from them," Rahman told ANI. He further stated, "And we want to maintain a mutual relation upon trust, equity, and respect." His remarks come amid heightened attention on Bangladesh's Teesta River management plan and recent diplomatic engagements with China.
Teesta Master Plan: A Domestic Priority
The Teesta Master Plan, aimed at managing the Teesta River shared by India and Bangladesh, has drawn attention following Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to Beijing, where possible cooperation with China was discussed. Rahman called the project an internal matter, asserting that Bangladesh would proceed in its national interest. "The Teesta project is our own matter, our own issue. And we have to do what we need to feel better for Bangladesh. Hopefully, all the friends will be happy with our progress," he said during the exchange.
Rahman stressed the urgent need for the project, noting that 25 million people in northern Bangladesh are suffering. "We all want the Teesta Master Plan to be implemented. Twenty-five million people are suffering here. Those who live in that area know better than me. I have visited two or three times out of duty, and tears came to my eyes seeing their condition," said Rahman, who is also a medical doctor. He reiterated his party's firm commitment: "Our stance on this matter is very positive and firm. And we will implement our plan for the sake of our nation; our friends will be happy, there's no reason to be sad. If anyone gets upset, we will try to make them happy by sending them mangoes from Rajshahi."
Internal Affairs and Non-Interference
Referring to recent reactions over the Bangladesh military naming four new avenues after the Caliphs, Rahman dismissed external concerns as entirely internal matters. "Recently, I noticed that our military has introduced four new avenues named after the Caliphs. I heard that people from another country have reacted to it. But what names we choose for our brigades or our wings is entirely our own matter. Why should they be upset about it?" he asked. He added, "What name we give or don't give them is our business. Why should they be upset? There is no reason for them to be upset."
Rahman called for non-interference in domestic affairs: "We hope that no one will interfere or poke their nose into anyone else's internal matters." He also advocated for independent foreign policies: "Every country should have an independent foreign policy, not just Bangladesh. We look at our neighbours with respect, and we will continue to do so; we also deserve to receive the respect we are due from them."
Background on Teesta River Dispute
The Teesta River, flowing through India and Bangladesh, has been a longstanding subject of discussions between the two countries, particularly over water sharing and river management. In April, Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified India's stance on Bangladesh speaking to China regarding the Teesta issue, noting that such matters are addressed under "structured bilateral mechanisms" at regular intervals with Dhaka. "Regarding Teesta, India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers. We have structured bilateral mechanisms to discuss all water-related issues, and these mechanisms continue to meet at regular intervals," he said during a press briefing.
This article is based on a syndicated feed from ANI. The Tribune assumes no responsibility for its accuracy, completeness, or content.
