President stresses resolving pending issues with India

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday stressed the need for swiftly resolving outstanding issues between Bangladesh and India through dialogue to further strengthen and sustain bilateral relations.

“Mutual trust and confidence between the peoples of the two countries would increase further if matters of mutual interest were resolved through fair and mutually acceptable solutions,” he said.

The president made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi at Bangabhaban on Tuesday morning.

President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters following the meeting.

Mirza Fakhrul called on India to take effective steps to ensure Bangladesh receives its fair share of water from common rivers, particularly the Ganges and the Teesta.

In response, High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi said the Indian government was taking positive measures in this regard.

The president said Bangladesh places great importance on its relationship with India, describing it as a close neighbour and an important partner in trade and development. He said Bangladesh wants to build a respectful, forward-looking and mutually beneficial partnership with India based on sovereign equality, national interests, dignity and the welfare of both countries’ peoples.

During the meeting, Trivedi congratulated Mirza Fakhrul on assuming the presidency.

The high commissioner said India attaches significant importance to its relations with Bangladesh and reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to expanding cooperation across various areas.

He expressed India’s interest in further consolidating and strengthening bilateral ties based on mutual respect, trust and cooperation.

The president thanked Trivedi for his congratulations and asked him to convey his sincere gratitude and greetings to the president of India.

“There is immense scope for further expanding cooperation in various fields, including trade, water resources management, technology, connectivity, culture and people-to-people relations between the two countries,” Mirza Fakhrul said.

He added that Bangladesh and India could work more closely to promote peace, development and prosperity by harnessing the capabilities and potential of their peoples.

Trivedi expressed hope that the two countries would continue working together and sought the president’s cooperation in carrying out his responsibilities.

Mirza Fakhrul wished the high commissioner a successful tenure and expressed hope that bilateral relations would become more fruitful, positive and people-oriented during his time in office.

Senior officials from the President’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indian High Commission attended the meeting.