Zakir Hossain, Dhaka
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has never ruled out visiting India, but Dhaka wants the trip to take place through a proper bilateral framework and in a conducive environment, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said on Monday (Oct 5).
Kobir made the remarks while speaking to reporters after addressing the concluding day of the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026 in Dhaka.
“To maintain relations with another country, bilateral engagement is required. We will do it directly. The visit will be bilateral, and we will talk,” Kobir said.
Acknowledging challenges in India-Bangladesh ties, he said Dhaka believed they could be resolved through dialogue. “There are challenges, but we believe those can be overcome through dialogue.”
Asked whether Tarique could visit India this year, Kobir gave no timeframe. “Nothing gets resolved just over a phone call. We are having discussions, and things are positive,” he said.
“The prime minister never said no to visiting,” Kobir said. “Certain things need to be addressed. We will reach a positive resolution through talks, and I am hopeful the visit will happen.”
He also praised Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi for trying to understand Bangladesh’s political context. “The Indian high commissioner here is doing a good job; he is trying,” Kobir said, adding: “Hopefully, Delhi will be receptive to him and the opinions and analysis he provides regarding the context in Bangladesh.”
On the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, which expires in December 2026, Kobir said discussions were under way and Dhaka was awaiting India’s response. “Our committee is ready. We are just waiting for the final response from our Indian counterparts. So yes, we are hopeful.”
Kobir also sought reciprocity from India over political activities by individuals based on each other’s territory and said Dhaka would not allow its soil to be used for activities against India.
Despite differences, he stressed New Delhi’s importance to Dhaka. “Regional cooperation is required, and India will be an important partner for Bangladesh,” he said. “As we said, we never close the door to dialogue in diplomacy. It is always open.”