Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has praised the strong ties between Bangladesh and India, calling India an “important neighbour” on which Dhaka relies in many ways.
In an interview with Prothom Alo, General Zaman highlighted the mutual dependence between the two nations, noting that many Bangladeshis visit India for medical treatment and that a significant amount of goods are imported from India.
He emphasized that the relationship is built on a “give and take” dynamic, where both countries benefit and must maintain fairness and equality in their dealings.
“India is an important neighbour, and we are dependent on India in many ways. But India also benefits from us. Many Indians work here in both formal and informal sectors, and Bangladesh’s stability is crucial to India’s interests. This relationship is one of give and take, and it must be based on fairness,” General Zaman said.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that the people of Bangladesh do not feel dominated by India, calling for relations that respect equality and shared interests.
When asked about ongoing talks between the two nations on unresolved issues, General Zaman affirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to not act against India’s strategic interests and expects the same in return.
He highlighted that stability in areas like the Chittagong Hill Tracts and along the Myanmar border is essential, as is addressing concerns such as border killings and water-sharing. “We must look after each other’s interests with equal importance,” he added.
General Zaman’s remarks came amidst broader diplomatic engagements between India and Bangladesh. Earlier in December, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka, marking the first high-level visit since Sheikh Hasina was deposed as Prime Minister in August 2024.
Misri expressed India’s desire to work closely with Bangladesh’s Interim Government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, particularly on issues related to the safety and welfare of minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh.
During a press conference with Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, Misri addressed recent attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties and called for a constructive approach to ensure the safety of all communities.
He reiterated the long-standing people-centric relationship between the two nations, underpinned by cooperation in trade, connectivity, power, and water, among other areas.
The ongoing dialogue between India and Bangladesh continues to focus on fostering stability, mutual respect, and shared growth, reflecting the deep ties that have developed over decades of collaboration.
(With an input from ANI)