Dhaka wants cooperation with Delhi despite existing challenges: Humaiun Kobir

Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir today (13 June) said Bangladesh wants cooperation and good working relations with India based on mutual respect despite the challenges that the relationship is facing.

"We want cooperation with India, but it must be based on mutual respect. We should have a good working relationship with India," he said while responding to a question during a panel discussion.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Prime Minister's Adviser on Education Mahdi Amin also spoke, with the discussion moderated by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.

The Adviser said it is the norm of diplomacy to regularise working relationships within the neighbourhood, and the government intends to do that.

"You know, we've made a visit. We expect visits to Dhaka, and either way, we will build the visibility of a working relationship with India. We intend to do that. But the environment must be conducive to accommodating this approach."

Adviser Humaiun Kobir said there are challenges in the relationship, and there has been a "tremendous deficit" in the relationship that they picked up over the last 15 years.

"It was one way, and it was not done with the interests of the people of Bangladesh in mind," he said.

He, however, said they remain positive, given the recent visit of Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman to New Delhi. Adviser Humaiun Kobir was part of the visit.

The Adviser highlighted the positive mindset of the leadership of both countries, who are committed to moving forward and making progress.

"We can do that. And it can be achievable. Of course, there are challenges. There are always challenges. When you have a terrorist who has fled from Bangladesh after killing one and a half thousand people, and who, to date, has shown no remorse and is trying to destabilise the country from over there, of course, there are challenges," Humaiun Kobir said.

He said they need to look at the challenges, how to overcome them, and how they can work together.

So, the reset must realise that Sheikh Hasina does not exist in today's Bangladesh politics, he said.

Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the conference brought together senior government leaders, heads of diplomatic missions, development partners, and representatives from the private sector to chart a forward-looking agenda for Bangladesh's economic engagement.

The conference is featuring three thematic sessions: The Policy Compass – Advancing Trade & Investment, focusing on policy predictability, market access, and investor confidence; Capital for Growth – Finance, Commerce and Trade, addressing financing reforms and investment mobilisation; ​The New Stage – Government Policy, AI, Creative Industries and Sport, exploring emerging growth sectors and diversification opportunities.

The "Roadmap for Trade, Growth & Economic Diplomacy 2026" is being held at a critical juncture of global transitions, risks and uncertainties, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The event aims to foster greater coordination between policy and implementation, enhance Bangladesh's economic diplomacy, and build stronger partnerships with the international community.