Salahuddin calls for fresh start in Dhaka-Delhi ties

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday has called for a fresh start in Bangladesh-India relations, urging both countries to resolve their differences through sincere dialogue, mutual cooperation and equality.
 
He said Bangladesh and India are dependent on each other in many areas, including geographical, social, political and economic matters. Therefore, a new beginning is needed to strengthen friendly relations by leaving the past behind.

The minister made the remarks when Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met him at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday.

During the meeting, they held positive and fruitful discussions on bilateral relations and various issues of mutual interest.

Salahuddin Ahmed said there are differences between the two countries on some issues, but these can be resolved through mutual cooperation and dialogue.

“Friendly relations between the two countries should be promoted through dialogue on the basis of equality. However, India should come forward with sincerity in this regard,” he said.

Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi expressed his determination to take bilateral relations forward.

“We not only share geographical boundaries, we also share the dream of prosperity,” he said.

The High Commissioner said challenges on different issues are natural in a democratic culture. He said the main expectation of the people of both countries is to build a strong and excellent relationship that will create a win-win situation for both sides.

He also said there is no complex issue between the two countries that cannot be resolved through negotiations and diplomatic means. He expressed hope that relations between Bangladesh and India would become stronger and brighter in the coming days.

During the meeting, the Home Minister requested the Indian High Commissioner to return all identified fugitive criminals residing in India, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, under the existing prisoner exchange and extradition agreement so that they can face the justice system in Bangladesh.

He also requested the return of the accused in the Shaheed Osman Hadi murder case to Bangladesh as soon as possible under the extradition agreement.

The Indian High Commissioner said the Indian side would take a decision on the matter after completing the necessary legal examination.

Senior officials of the Home Ministry and relevant representatives of the Indian High Commission were present at the meeting.