PM’s India Visit After Achieving ‘Mutual Trust’: Humaiun

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir has said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to India could take place once an appropriate environment is created based on mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, diplomatic dialogue and a dignified invitation.

“There is no justification for rushing into a top-level visit by going beyond the national interest,” Kobir said in an interview on August 17.

He said Bangladesh would not rush into such a visit without clearly defined national interests, although Dhaka could take a positive stance on participation in the BRICS Summit in New Delhi if a conducive environment is created through consensus between the two countries.

Kobir described reports about an imminent visit by Tarique Rahman to India as speculative and said the future course of bilateral relations would depend on greater mutual understanding between Dhaka and New Delhi.

He stressed that Bangladesh wants relations with India based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and national interests.

The adviser also expressed concern over individuals using Indian territory for political activities against Bangladesh, saying Dhaka had already lodged diplomatic protests with New Delhi and would continue diplomatic efforts on the issue.

On Bangladesh’s broader foreign policy, Kobir said the government was pursuing a “Bangladesh First” approach while maintaining balanced relations with major partners, including India, China, the United States and the European Union.

He said Bangladesh was also strengthening economic diplomacy with Western countries and China, including efforts to increase trade, attract investment and expand cooperation in strategic sectors.

Regarding regional engagement, Kobir said Bangladesh was exploring closer economic and strategic cooperation with countries including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye while seeking to diversify trade and investment opportunities.

He also expressed optimism about reopening Malaysia’s labour market for Bangladeshi workers and said efforts were continuing to expand employment opportunities abroad.

On the Rohingya crisis, the adviser said the government would intensify diplomatic and financial pressure on Myanmar while mobilising international partners to seek a sustainable and dignified solution.

Kobir said Bangladesh’s recent international diplomatic achievements demonstrated growing global confidence in the country and that the government would use its international engagements to advance national interests.