President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday called for resolving outstanding issues between Bangladesh and India through dialogue and urged New Delhi to take effective steps for equitable sharing of waters from common rivers, including the Ganges and Teesta.
Mutual trust and confidence between the two countries would grow further if issues of shared interest are addressed 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 said.
Highlighting the importance of common river management, Fakhrul said water sharing directly affects the lives and livelihoods of people in both countries. He urged India to take effective measures to ensure fair distribution of water from shared rivers, report UNB.
Dinesh Trivedi informed the president that his government was taking positive steps in this regard.
Fakhrul said Bangladesh attaches special importance to its relations with India as a close neighbour and an important trade and development partner.
He said Bangladesh wants to build a respectful, forward-looking and mutually beneficial partnership with India while upholding sovereign equality, national interests, dignity and the welfare of the people.
During the meeting, Trivedi congratulated Fakhrul on assuming office as President and conveyed his greetings and best wishes.
The Indian high commissioner said India attaches great importance to its relations with Bangladesh and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to expanding cooperation in various areas, including people-to-people relations.
He said India wants to further strengthen bilateral ties based on mutual respect, trust and cooperation.
The president thanked the high commissioner for his greetings and asked him to convey his gratitude and regards to the president of India.
Fakhrul said there is significant scope for expanding cooperation in trade, water resource management, technology, connectivity, culture and people-to-people relations.
He said Bangladesh and India can work more closely to achieve shared peace, development and prosperity by utilising the capabilities and potential of their peoples.
The Indian high commissioner expressed hope that the two countries would continue working together and sought the President’s cooperation in carrying out his responsibilities.
Fakhrul wished Trivedi a successful tenure and expressed hope that his term would contribute to making bilateral relations more fruitful, positive and people-oriented.
Senior officials from the President’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indian High Commission were present at the meeting.
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka said the discussion highlighted the deep-rooted ties between Bangladesh and India, built on shared history, cultural connections and people-to-people relations.
The two sides also stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of the people of the two sovereign nations.
