Bangladesh has expressed optimism that Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman’s goodwill visit to India will help restore stability and lay the groundwork for stronger, more sustainable bilateral relations.
Speaking on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson SM Mahbubul Alam said Dhaka hopes the visit will serve as a foundation for elevating cooperation between the two countries.
The Foreign Minister departed for New Delhi en route to Mauritius, where he will attend the Indian Ocean Conference from April 10-12.
During his stopover in Delhi, Dr. Rahman is scheduled to hold courtesy meetings with India’s External Affairs Minister, National Security Adviser and the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas.
According to officials, Bangladesh will emphasize the importance of maintaining stability and advancing relations based on mutual respect, trust and shared interests.
The visit marks the first high-level engagement with India since the BNP-led government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assumed office, following a period of strain in bilateral ties.
A senior official confirmed that the two foreign ministers will meet on April 8 in New Delhi.
Although described as a “goodwill visit,” officials indicated that substantive discussions are expected. Bangladesh aims to better understand current dynamics in the relationship while raising several key issues of national interest.
Among the priorities, Dhaka will seek enhanced cooperation in the energy sector and reiterate its request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
It will also push for the swift return of other accused individuals, including Faisal Karim Masud, in connection with a high-profile murder case.
Bangladesh is also expected to urge India to take a more positive stance on fully resuming visa services, noting the mutual benefits; particularly in medical tourism. Border management will feature prominently as well, with Dhaka stressing the need to prevent loss of life along the frontier.
Additional topics likely to be discussed include water-sharing of common rivers, easing trade barriers and strengthening people-to-people connections.
Officials on both sides see the renewed engagement as an opportunity to recalibrate relations and open a new phase of cooperation. Longstanding cultural, historical and linguistic ties continue to underpin the relationship, with both countries aiming to rebuild momentum across multiple sectors.
The possibility of a future visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India may also be discussed, as both sides look to deepen diplomatic engagement in the months ahead.
PT/ra
