Bangladesh-India relations to be rebuilt on equality, says adviser

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has said that Bangladesh-India relations will be rebuilt on the basis of equality, moving away from the pattern that prevailed for the past 17 years. 

Speaking at a press briefing on the progress of various government activities at the Secretariat on Tuesday, he remarked that friends can be changed but neighbours cannot. 

He also noted that communication and dialogue between the intelligence agencies of the two countries remains possible.

Zahed Ur Rahman made clear that no Indian organisation or institution will be allowed to operate in Bangladesh in the manner that occurred during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. 

From now on, he said, everything will be conducted through discussions as an independent, sovereign and self-respecting nation.

On the subject of a possible visit to India by the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, he explained that India has invited the Prime Minister in his capacity as President of BIMSTEC. 

A separate invitation has also been extended by India, and the Prime Minister is free to travel there at any time.

Turning to cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, Dr Zahed Ur Rahman described him as a talented player but a spoiled and rotten individual. 

Should Shakib wish to return to the country, he would be afforded full security, face the courts and receive his legal rights. 

The same principle would apply to ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina: she too would be given full security, since even the most terrible person retains citizenship rights.