Govt to entertain India's invitation if terms seem unconditional, string-free

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the Political Advisor to the Prime Minister and a member of the BNP's Standing Committee, has said that Bangladesh's relations with other countries must be built on the basis of equality and respect for each nation's independence and sovereignty.

He pointed out that if India invites Bangladesh in a friendly manner without any kind of (vested) interests or conditions, the government will welcome it.

He made these remarks today (Wednesday) after paying tribute by placing flowers at the graves of BNP founder and martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital.

Rizvi paid this tribute along with leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Swecchasebak Dal, the
volunteer wing , led by its President S. M. Jilani and General Secretary Rajib Ahsan, on the occasion of the 46th founding anniversary of the Swecchasebak Dal.

Referring to Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state, he said Bangladesh wants to build friendly relations with all countries on the basis of equality. However, friendly relations cannot be established in exchange for any kind of conditions.

He emphasized that Bangladesh's relations with other countries must be founded on mutual respect, equality, and respect for the independence and sovereignty of each nation. Rizvi also said that the country's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will maintain relations with various countries based on this principle.

Regarding relations with India, Rizvi said if India invites Bangladesh in a friendly manner without any vested interests, the government will welcome it. However, if there are any interests or conditions behind the relationship, Bangladesh will not entertain them.

Also present on the occasion were BNP Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel, Swecchasebak Affairs Secretary Mir Sharafat Ali Sopu, Assistant Secretary of Swecchasebak Affairs Abdul Kader Bhuiyan Jewel, Senior Vice President of the Swecchasebak Dal Yasin Ali, and Organizing Secretary Nazmul Hasan.