'We want cooperation with India but it must be based on mutual respect', says Adviser Humayun

Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said Bangladesh is working toward normalising a productive and constructive relationship with India, though several challenges remain.

"We want cooperation with India, but it must be based on mutual respect. There are challenges, and we have inherited a significant deficit in the relationship from the last 15 years. The engagement was largely one-sided and did not reflect the interests of the people of Bangladesh. Nevertheless, we remain positive," he said.

He made the remarks in reply to a question at a conference titled "Road for Trade, Growth and Economic Diplomacy 2026 – Navigating Risks: Leveraging Resilience" held at a hotel in Dhaka today (13 June).

Referring to his recent visit to New Delhi, Humayun said discussions there indicated scope for progress if both sides show political will.

"We believe that if the leadership of both countries is committed, progress can be achieved. That is the message we have consistently conveyed. Moving forward together is possible," he said.

Referring to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, he said, "When an individual whom we consider responsible for the deaths of around 1,500 people has fled to India and, to date, has shown no remorse while attempting to destabilise the country from abroad, challenges naturally arise. Such activities are being conducted from Indian soil, and this is an issue that both countries need to address. We must find ways to overcome these challenges and work together constructively." 

Humayun said any reset in relations must recognise that Sheikh Hasina no longer represents today's Bangladesh. 

"There has been a clean break from the past. It is a normal principle of diplomacy to establish and maintain working relationships with neighbouring countries, and our government intends to do exactly that," he added.

He said Dhaka is expecting visits from New Delhi in the coming period.

"Through these exchanges, we intend to enhance the visibility and substance of a working relationship with India. However, the environment must also be conducive to accommodating Bangladesh's approach. We remain optimistic; time will tell, but positive gestures have been seen from both sides," he said.

He added that despite challenges, there remains significant scope for expanding bilateral cooperation, and Bangladesh seeks to move toward a stable and constructive relationship with India.