Mutual respect key to PM’s India visit: Humaiun

“When the environment is favorable and mutual respect is maintained, bilateral visits will take place. 

There is no need to rush,” he told journalists at the Foreign Service Academy here.

Kobir was responding to questions from reporters after attending an international conference titled “Protracted Rohingya Crisis: The Search for a Comprehensive Approach” there.

Asked about the possibility of the Prime Minister travelling to India, the state minister said the government is placing greater emphasis on bilateral visits and discussions.

He drew a distinction between attending a multilateral event and undertaking a formal bilateral visit, saying the Prime Minister’s first visit to India should not be treated as a multilateral engagement.

Referring to a question about a BIMSTEC event, Kobir said an invitation extended to the BIMSTEC chair should not be construed as a bilateral invitation to the Bangladesh Prime Minister.

“First visit cannot be a multilateral one. We are placing greater emphasis on bilateral visits and discussions,” he said.

The state minister’s remarks came amid media interest over the timing of a possible bilateral visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India.

Kobir indicated that Dhaka sees no reason to hurry such high-level exchanges, stressing the importance of an appropriate atmosphere and reciprocal respect in bilateral relations.

Responding separately to a question on Bangladesh-India trade, he said bilateral discussions are continuing positively, although no final decision or fresh development is available for announcement at present.

“Positive talks are continuing. Decisions don't happen overnight; they take time,” he said.

Asked about the approaching expiry of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, the state minister said the government would deal seriously and efficiently with every matter involving Bangladesh’s national interest.

“Wherever our national interest is involved, we will act with full gravity and efficiency,” Kobir said.

He added that the government’s focus would remain firmly on safeguarding the country’s interests and the well-being of its people.

Meanwhile, asked about the upcoming United Nations General Assembly and the Prime Minister’s overseas itinerary, Kobir said preparations for the UNGA session and related engagements are underway.

He said the Prime Minister’s travel itinerary and other final decisions would be officially announced before the Bangladesh delegation departs, reports BSS.