Dhaka, Jan 26 (V7N) —Planning and Education Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud said on Saturday evening that Dhaka wants to maintain strong ties with its closest neighbor, India, but emphasized that these relations need to be based on "fairness and equity."
Dr Mahmud made these comments while speaking as the chief guest at a reception hosted by the High Commission of India in Dhaka to mark India's 76th Republic Day.
The adviser highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Bangladesh and India in various fields and expressed Bangladesh's dedication to further strengthening ties based on mutual respect and an understanding of each other's perspectives, concerns, and priorities.
Dr Mahmud emphasized the importance of adopting a people-centric approach in bilateral relations to ensure the welfare of the people of both countries.
He said: "I am confident that our relationship will continue to strengthen based on goodwill, mutual trust, and respect."
The adviser reiterated the interim government's commitment to fostering an "inclusive and pluralistic democracy" and creating an environment for "free, fair, and participatory" elections that align with the aspirations of the country's people.
He added that the Bangladesh-India relationship is multifaceted, rooted in shared history, geographical proximity, cultural affinity, and people-to-people connections.
Recalling India's critical support during Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971, he said that the people of Bangladesh fondly remember the role played by the Indian government and its citizens during that historic period.
Dr Mahmud emphasized the need for fostering strong ties with neighboring countries, including India.
He said: "Some of my closest friends are Indian academics. I can say with confidence that these close ties, which many of us have in academia in India and Bangladesh, will continue to contribute to the mutual goodwill and understanding between our two countries."
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma also addressed the event, which was attended by political leaders, envoys of different countries, diplomats, prominent personalities, business leaders, editors, and civil society members.
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