Bangladesh wants to 'reset' ties with India: Humaiun Kobir
We have to get out of the India fascination. India is just another country, and Bangladesh wants good bilateral relations with it, Kobir says.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh wants to "reset" its bilateral relationship with India after what he described as an uncomfortable relationship over 15 years under an "authoritarian, corrupt and exploitative" regime.
"We want to move towards a new relationship, which should be done through bilateral discussions, not through a multilateral forum," Kobir said while responding to a question at the foreign affairs ministry.
"We have to get out of the India fascination. India is just another country, and Bangladesh wants good bilateral relations with it," Kobir said.
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Responding to the continued focus on India, he said, "Breakfast in India, lunch in India, dinner in India – then when will you eat your own food?"
Kobir added that his government wants to build a good working bilateral relationship with India.
Asked about recent incidents along the Bangladesh-India border, Kobir said, "We will resolve these issues through diplomatic discussions."
On the reported review of 101 MoUs and deals with India, Kobir said the agreements were being scrutinised and reviewed through the parliamentary process.
PM to leave for UNGA on 21 Sep
The state minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to leave for New York on 21 September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and will stay there until 26 September.
The prime minister is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly, where he will present Bangladesh's new vision and highlight the country's democratic transition and aspirations for the future.
"He will have a very busy schedule in New York," Kobir said, adding that Tarique would hold meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Asked whether the UN Refugee Convention would be discussed during the visit, Kobir said Bangladesh would organise a sideline event focusing on the Rohingya crisis.
"There will be a high-level discussion or meeting on the Rohingya crisis as part of the visit. It is a major priority for us," he said.
