Both neighbours feel urgency to resolve unresolved issues

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasised the need for speedy resolution of long-standing unresolved issues through dialogue to further strengthen and sustain Bangladesh-India relations. According to him, a fair and acceptable solution to matters of mutual interest can deepen trust and confidence between the people of the two countries.

The President made these remarks during a courtesy meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, at Bangabhaban on Tuesday morning. The meeting discussed various aspects of bilateral relations, including water management of common rivers, trade, connectivity, technology, culture, and the potential for enhancing people-to-people contact.

The issue of water management of common rivers received special attention during the meeting. The President said that the water of common rivers is directly linked to the livelihoods and lives of the people of both countries. Therefore, effective measures are needed for the equitable distribution of water from common rivers, including the Ganges and the Teesta.

On this matter, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi assured the President that his government views the issue positively and that necessary measures are being taken.

The President said that Bangladesh attaches special importance to its relationship with India as its closest neighbour and an important trade and development partner. However, the foundation of this relationship must be sovereign equality, national interests and dignity, and the welfare of the people of both countries.

He noted that by upholding these principles, Bangladesh is keen to build a respectful, forward-looking, and beneficial partnership with India based on mutual respect and mutual interests.

On the other hand, the Indian High Commissioner congratulated and extended his best wishes to President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on assuming office. He said that India attaches great importance to its relationship with Bangladesh. India is committed to expanding cooperation in various fields, including further strengthening ties between the people of the two countries.

Dinesh Trivedi said that India is keen to further consolidate, enhance, and strengthen bilateral relations with Bangladesh on the basis of mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.

During the meeting, the President also highlighted various aspects of the potential of bilateral relations. He opined that there is ample opportunity to expand cooperation in various fields, including trade, water resource management, technology, connectivity, and culture. At the same time, there is scope for further enhancing people-to-people contact between the two countries.

According to the President, if the capabilities and potential of the people of both countries can be harnessed, Bangladesh and India can move forward more closely on the path to shared peace, development, and prosperity.

At the outset of the meeting, the President thanked the High Commissioner for his congratulations. He also requested him to convey his sincere gratitude and best wishes to the President of India.

Dinesh Trivedi expressed hope that the two countries will continue to work together in the future. He also sought the President's cooperation in discharging his duties in Bangladesh.

In response, the President wished the Indian High Commissioner a successful tenure. He expressed hope that his service would help make bilateral relations more fruitful, positive, and welfare-oriented.

The President's emphasis on resolving long-standing unresolved issues in bilateral relations and India's eagerness to further advance the relationship—both issues received special attention in the meeting. In addition, future cooperation prospects were highlighted, focusing on water, trade, connectivity, and strengthening people‑to‑people ties.

The President's Press Wing informed that senior officials from the President's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Indian High Commission were present at the meeting.