Bangladesh PM Adviser Humayun Kabir Emphasizes Cooperation with India
In a recent statement, Humayun Kabir, the Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, underscored the importance of constructive engagement with India. He noted that neighboring countries must work together to strengthen cooperation based on mutual respect, shared economic benefits, and robust people-to-people ties.
Geographic Realities and Regional Cooperation
Speaking to ANI about Bangladesh's relations with India, Kabir highlighted the inevitability of geography. "It's good to have normal diplomatic relations, a working relationship within your neighbourhood, within the region. So India is our neighbour - they didn't choose us, we didn't choose them, but we are neighbours. We have to live together, we have to work together in the region and cooperate," he stated.
Kabir emphasized that if the leadership of both countries shares the mindset of commitment, tangible achievements are possible. "We can work together. We can open up and expand trade and investment," he added.
Trade and Connectivity Partnerships
The adviser stressed the need for fair arrangements to benefit both economies. "For the benefit of the economy, a fair arrangement is needed, and a partnership should be achieved. In the field of connectivity as well, the same applies; access to the market is very important. I don't see any issue in taking this benefit," Kabir said.
He reiterated that the partnership must be built on mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and must be beneficial for both sides in every way. Enhancing connectivity with India, he noted, would bring tangible benefits to the people of Bangladesh. "If the connectivity provides benefits for the people of Bangladesh, and we gain market access within India, then I don't see any issue in that," he explained.
Historical Context and People-to-People Ties
Kabir reflected on the past 15 years, stating that during the period without a democratic government in Bangladesh, the connection between the peoples of Bangladesh and India was limited, existing primarily through Sheikh Hasina. "Now, we are receiving indications from India that the relationship between the people of India and Bangladesh is widening," he observed.
He emphasized the importance of exchange and interaction at various levels, including academic, cultural, political, and business circles. "In order to deepen the relationship between the two countries, we need to enhance interaction at the academic, cultural activist, politicians, business, and people-to-people levels," Kabir said. Building trust between the people of both nations, he asserted, is the most crucial aspect.
Security Cooperation and Trust Building
On security matters, Kabir noted that cooperation rests on trust. "We also need cooperation on security, but security cooperation rests on a bit of doubt and trust. So, we are calling for widening the trust between the people of both countries, so that security cooperation can naturally grow," he explained. He expressed confidence in addressing challenges and moving forward together.
Upcoming Visit by Bangladesh PM
Kabir indicated that Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit India in the near future. "India is our important regional partner. At some point in the Prime Minister's diary, there will be a visit," he said, adding that interactions at various levels are ongoing.
