Bangladesh-India tie cordial, but largely depends on govts: BGMEA president

The relationship between Bangladesh and India is cordial due to cultural similarities between Dhaka and West Bengal, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu said.

"The relationship between Indian and Bangladeshi people is cordial. Especially in West Bengal and Bangladesh, we have some common cultural things, so the relationship is good. But the problem is that when the government changes on both sides, the situation also changes," he said while talking to the Asian News International.

Weighing on the "huge" business between India and Bangladesh, Babu said the people of both countries will benefit if the relationship remains cordial.

"Sometimes the relationship is cordial, while sometimes it is one-sided love and sometimes it is a resentful situation. It depends on the government in India or the government in Bangladesh. If the relations between the governments are cordial, it would be the best because both countries will benefit. Business between India and Bangladesh is huge", Babu added.

During the interview, the BGMEA president also talked about the investment scenario in Bangladesh, stating that investors are waiting for a stable, elected government for making investments, the Statesman reported.

"In terms of investment, investors or businesses are waiting for the elected government. We, business people, would like to have a stable government," Babu said.

He added, "We would like to see who is coming in the future. Based on their policy and activities, investment will depend. Investors do not want to invest during an interim government."

"This government has taken some good initiatives in terms of banking reforms, especially, control of looting and mismanagement of the banking sector. But this government is interim by definition. Everybody knows that they have come for the time being after the July uprising last year," the BGMEA president further said.